Weaseled

Weaselhead Flats encompasses the valley and delta of the Elbow River before it enters at the west end of the Glenmore Reservoir in the southwest part of the city. The reservoir and delta were formed in 1933 with the completion of the Glenmore Dam across the Elbow River valley. The area is named after Chief Weaselhead who held authority over the Tsuu T'ina people of the river valley at the time of early European contact. During the First and Second World Wars, the Weaselhead area was used as training facility for soldiers from the nearby Currie Barracks. Evidence of this use, such as foxholes, are scattered throughout the park. Vegetation ranges from emergent aquatic plants through willows, Aspen and Balsam Poplar to mature White Spruce forest. These diverse habitats provide some of the finest birding in the Calgary area, with over 250 species having occurred in the park.

Friday started cold and frosty. Skies had cleared overnight, allowing the thermometre to fall to -15°C by morning. Environment Canada was forecasting a high of zero later in the day, so I decided to wait until mid-morning before making the 30 minute ride to the park. The temperature had already risen to -5°C by the time I arrived shortly before eleven, and I did not even need to wear my toque or heavy mitts. An extensive network of trails wind through Weaselhead Flats, and it is easy to get lost in the park, even if you are carrying a map like I did today! Four hours were spent exploring the park, enjoying the solitude and peacefulness. Birding was also quiet, with only the usual menagerie of resident and wintering species seen. A small flock of Pine Grosbeaks was the only new species added to my BIGBY.