Snow Goose Festival
Souvenir Edition IDE! N S ID IIN
Your LOCAL Media since 1918! Volume 105 Issue 32
www.tofieldmerc.com
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 s
Snow Goose Festival Full Steam Ahead Snow Goose Festival Full Steam Ahead Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter
With a little over a week to go, plans for resurrecting Tofield’s famous Snow Goose Festival, April 22 to 23, are well underway and Tofield’s recreation/facilities coordinator Vanita Eglauer, also a festival organizer, said technology has helped the process. “I was actually working here at the Town when the first festival was on in the ’90s, and in those days, internet was in its infancy so we did a lot of the registrations manually,” she said, adding that using Eventbrite has streamlined the process for attendees and the organizers. “It is a platform that more people are familiar with.” Tofield’s annual Snow Goose Festival, which began in 1992, was a hotbed of activity with organized bus tours and walking tours for birders and enthusiasts to observe the Snow Geese’s annual spring migration. The awe-inspiring vision of literally thousands of beautiful white Snow Geese with their black tipped wings ascend-
ing and descending from the lake drew people from as far away as Nevada. Other birds observed included various shorebirds, cranes and swans. As water levels at Beaverhill Lake began to decline in the late ’90s, the Snow Geese were forced out of the area, drawing the festival to a close in 2003. Over a decade later, as water levels began to replenish and more snow geese were observed in the area, plans to renew the festival were made with a date set for April in 2020, but the festival was cancelled after pandemic restrictions were instituted. A comprehensive history of the annual event was published in a 2019 newsletter by the Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO), which stated that in 10 years, the festival grew from 2,000 to 6,000 people attending over the two-day event, which ran ‘rain or shine’ with bus tours and walking hikes. Local organizations who partnered to put on the event included the Town of Tofield, Ducks Unlimited, Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment
Canada, Edmonton Natural History Club, Edmonton Bird Club, Alberta Environmental Protection/Fish & Wildlife, Beaverhill Bird Observatory, Beaver County and Strathcona County. Meanwhile, this year, Eglauer said Strathcona County has renewed their involvement by offering free shuttle buses from Sherwood Park to festival headquarters in Tofield. “You need to book on Eventbrite, but it’s free,” she said, adding that the festival will offer a host of other activities over the two days including a trade show, free children’s activities in addition to a Saturday night dinner banquet and silent auction. A speaker series, with four speakers taking place over the two-day festival, include Thea Carpenter who is presenting on the Boreal Songbird Population, BBO Assistant Biologist John Von Arragon who will focus on the facility’s 40 years of Bird Conservation, Dr. John K. Pattison-Williams who will be speaking on The Curious Case of Prairie Wetlands, and Glen
Ducks Unlimited Photo
Lawrence, Strathcona County Councilor who will be presenting on Cool Things to do and see in the Beaver Hills. In addition, banquet guest speaker Biologist Garnet Raven will discuss the Lesser Snow Geese: population trends and management. Other vendors who are taking part in the trade show include Beaverhill Bird Observatory, North American Waterfowl Management Plan (Ab NAWMP), Nature Alberta, Claystone Waste, Alberta Conservation Association, Beaver Hills Biosphere, Ministik Crafters and Goat & Gopher Cards ‘n Stuff. Information on this year’s Snow Goose Festival can be found on the Town of Tofield website, tofieldalberta.ca, where you can also find links to purchase tickets, or contact the Town of Tofield at 780-662-3269. Included in this week’s Mercury is a Snow Goose souvenir section with all the information about the event including the birds, businesses and organizations which promise to make the weekend another success.
Page 20 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Spilstead Hall bustling with Easter activity on Good Friday Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter
Several community organizations teamed up to bring a family Easter event to Spilstead Hall on Good Friday, April 7. Over 60 people, at least half children, came out to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt, do Easter crafts in addition to enjoying snacks and visiting with friends. Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) executive director Tracey Radley said it was the second year for the Spilstead Hall Easter Event and was happy with the turnout. “It's really well attended and it’s an opportunity for families to connect, and have some fun together. It's really good for children's social development and their motor skills, and just have a good Family Fun Day,” she said. Radley said last year’s event was the first and well received by the community. “We were all restricted by COVID before so we weren’t really doing anything Easter-wise until last year,” she said, adding last year’s attendance was approximately the same as this year’s. Radley said the event is in partnership with Tofield Beaver County FCSS, Beaver County Victim Services, Beaver County, Beaver County Community Adult Learning Program and Camrose Family Resource Centre. She said next year’s event
is on the horizon. “These five organizations that have worked together to put this on. We did it last year and it went really well so we said we’re going to do it again,”
she said, adding the event draws families from The Tofield and Camrose areas. “(This event will happen next year) again. We are all excited because it’s great.”
Three year old Haley Van Sickle proudly displays her Easter craft she made during the Spilstead Hall Easter event on April 7. At least 60 people came out for the free event which included an Easter Egg Hunt, egg colouring, and Easter crafts and snacks. JANA SEMENIUK PHOTO
Geoff Holroyd photo
Saturday and Sunday April 22 - 23, 2023 A celebration of spring bird migration
2 - 2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023
Committee excited to resurrect festival for 2023 and beyond Organizers a gathering of a dozen local organizations Welcome to the 2023 Snow Goose Festival on 22-23 April, 2023 in Tofield Alberta. A committee representing over a dozen o rg a n i z a t i o n s has been meetGeoff Holroyd ing regularly to recreate this festival which attracted 4,000 to 7,000 people in the 1990s to view spring wildlife focused on the thousands of Snow Geese, other waterfowl, and songbirds, which migrate through Alberta. The Festival was established as a celebration of spring bird migration, an opportunity for everyone to view the many species of birds that pass through central Alberta on their migration northward. The Festival will include guided bus tours, hiking tours, a trade show, a banquet and other associated activities based out of the Tofield Arena.
Vanita Englauer
Organizations that are represented in the organizing committee include: •Town of Tofield • Beaverhill Bird Observatory
• Beaver County • County of Strathcona • Alberta Environment • North American Waterfowl Management Plan • Canadian Wildlife Service • Nature Alberta • Edmonton Nature Club • Alberta Parks • Nature Conservancy • Beaverhills Biosphere • Alberta Conservation Association • Claystone Waste Ltd • WILDNorth On behalf of the committee we thank you for participating in the Festival
and supporting the trade fair in the Tofield Arena. Thank you again for your interest.
Welcome back to the Snow Goose Festival! www.claystonewaste.com
Experience the biosphere in your backyard.
780-663-2038
beaverhills.ca
Photo: Dylan Reade, Hastings Creek, Kallal Property, Nature Conservancy of Canada
A remarkable place.
Yours truly Geoff Holroyd, and Vanita Eglauer On behalf of the 2023 Snow Goose Festival Organizing Committee
Distinctive geography, exceptional biodiversity and a storied history make the Beaver Hills Biosphere a go-to destination for year-round outdoor recreation and tourism activities and nature-based experiences.
2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta -3
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023
Avian influenza: A new chapter in an old book Margo Pybus, Fish and Wildlife Stewardship, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas Our view of Avian Influenza dramatically shifted in spring 2022 as Mother Nature provided something never seen before in North America. There was a change in the ancient relationship between avian influenza virus (AIV) and the birds in which it lives, and the final outcome is yet to be revealed. Avian influenza virus coevolved naturally in wild waterfowl over many 1,000s of years. But as we saw with COVID19, viruses change a lot! Influenza genes in wild birds constantly re-assort in a genetic melting pot around the world. Given their ancient existence, variation in AIV genetics is extensive, and can differ at continental, flyway, regional, and local levels. Data collected by Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) across the prairies in the 1970s & 80s also revealed differences from month to month, species to species, week to week, and pond to pond. What changed in 2022? Normally AIV occurs in wild waterfowl and shorebirds without mortality.
However, in spring 2022 the virus killed migrating geese and ducks on all four North American flyways! It killed lots of waterfowl and quite a few other birds, and some mammals that ate live or dead infected waterfowl. The AIV wave arrived in Alberta in early April. Within a few days, phone lines lit up with sick and dead bird reports – largely snow geese in southern AB. But very quickly most of central and east-central Alberta was awash with sick and dead snow geese and a few Canada geese, then secondarily raptors and corvids. Dead geese were a bonanza for avian scavengers but the free food came with a high price. We received many many reports of sick or dead hawks, owls, crows, magpies, and a few falcons. At the same time, strange neurologic behaviour occurred in striped
skunks and a few young foxes. More than 80 sick or dead skunks were reported from the same area where dead snow geese littered the landscape. Affected birds and mammals displayed severe neurologic signs, including head tremors, weak neck, incoordination, and clouded eyes. Many raptors and corvids just fell out of a tree and died. Many of the skunks had severe seizures and convulsions before they died. Overall, we detected AIV (specifically North American HPAI H5N1) in multiple wild bird species, skunks, and a few foxes. Mortality was greatest in snow geese, great horned owls (adults and youngsters), red-tailed hawks, and crows. Many many owl and hawk nests were empty in 2022. The same virus was detected in commercial and backyard poultry flocks
involving over a million birds across Alberta. It was a widespread and very hot form of AIV. Mortality continued through the winter in pockets of Canada geese that stayed in parts of southern Alberta. It is very likely the virus will return as migrating ducks and geese flood back into Alberta in April 2023. We anticipate some mortality in wild birds but hopefully the virus has changed again and the mortality will be less than in 2022. Stay tuned and we will all see what Mother Nature has in store. For more info see: Alberta info & data lists: https://www.alberta.ca/avianinfluenza-in-wild-birds.aspx Canadian data: http://www.cwhcrcsf.ca/avian_influenza.php
5024 51 AVE PH: 780-662-0104
ALL SES S A L G N N I U E S AL S !! ON L I APR
OFFICE HOURS MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
11-4 10-5 10-6 10-5 9-3 9-1
WE ARE HERE FOR ALL YOUR EYE CARE NEEDS!
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival!
4 - 2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023
Protecting Wetland Habitat in Alberta Wetlands are highly diverse, productive ecosystems that provide a host of ecological benefits across Alberta's landscapes. Covering around 20 per cent of the province’s surface area, wetlands play an important role in sustaining healthy watersheds and include a rich and varied array of ecosystems, including bogs, fens, marshes, swamps and shallow open water wetlands. Over time, wetlands have been subject to alteration, degradation and loss due to human development and climate variations, and it’s important for all of us to do our part to protect and restore this important natural resource. What is Alberta’s Wetland Replacement Program? Through the Wetland Replacement Program, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas works in collaboration with Albertans to replace lost wetland areas. From 2020 through 2022, Alberta’s government provided $11.4 million in funding resources for collaborative wetland replacement projects across the province. By working together with municipalities and non-profits, the pro-
gram has helped replace over 366 hectares of vital wetland habitat. Wetland replacement in action As a participant in the Wetland Replacement Program, Strathcona County restored a fully functioning marsh near Uncas Elementary School. From site selection and hydrology design to soil testing and vegetation planting, the county worked with professional environmental consultants and University of Alberta students to build a series of wetlands that will help reduce the impacts of extreme weather, improve local water quality, support biodiversity, provide habitat for wildlife and species at risk and create educational opportunities.
Another success story is in the City of Leduc. The city joined the Wetland Replacement Program to construct three basins providing marsh, swamp and shallow open water habitat for pollinators, amphibians and small birds. The restored wetlands are nestled between the shoreline of Telford Lake and farmlands in an area that was historically drained for agricultural use. In addition to all the ecological benefits of replaced wetlands, the project is near a multiway trail and is visible from the lake, providing notable opportunities to engage, inspire and educate visitors.
Wetland policy in Alberta The Wetland Replacement Program is one tool of the Alberta Wetland Policy. This policy outlines steps to avoid and minimize negative impacts on wetlands and to replace lost wetland value. It recognizes that wetland stewardship is an important component of wetland management in Alberta and supports the many efforts of landowners, municipalities, and the members of the public in protecting and enjoying their local wetlands. For more information on the Alberta Wetland Policy and the Wetland Replacement Program, visit Alberta.ca
2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta -5
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023
6 - 2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023
Topics and Guest Speakers in the Tofield Arena Saturday 12:30 PM Boreal Songbird Populations As a whole, forest birds in Canada are doing relatively well compared to some other groups such as grassland birds and aerial insectivores, showing an average change of ~7% increase, according to latest State of Canada’s Birds Report in 2019. When you look a little closer at the individual species though, we see that some populations are increasing and some are decreasing. Who are the ‘winners’ and what does some of the recent work tell us about why some of these species are doing better than others? Presented by: Thea Carpenter, Wildlife Biologist, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Climate Change Canada / Government of Canada. Over the last 10 years, Thea has worked on wildlife conservation issues in the boreal forest region, ranging from migratory songbird monitoring to boreal caribou recovery. Thea is an avid outdoor person, who enjoys exploring our diverse ecosystems and doing her best to contribute to their preservation. Saturday 2 PM 40 years of Bird Conservation at the Beaverhill Bird Observatory
This presentation will focus on the research, monitoring and education programs that the Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO) has conducted leading up to its 40th year of operation. The research of BBO has extended our knowledge of breeding and migratory birds at Beaverhill Lake and many far flung places. Our education programs have embraced thousands of people, and our intern and young ornithologist workshop has helped train numerous youth in their early careers. Presented by: Jon Von Arragon, Assistant Biologist, Beaverhill Bird Observatory. Jon is an avid lover of birds and nature, and he has been involved with the observatory since starting as a volunteer in 2016.
It’s an Alberta thing.
Sunday 12:30 PM The Curious Case of Prairie Wetlands: Love, Hate and Something in Between The loss of wetlands across the Prairie Pothole Region has become a priority for provincial governments and the Alberta Wetland Policy in 2013 lays out clear conservation guidelines for Alberta landowners. But wetlands continue to be drained and are viewed as wastelands by many people. This presentation will explore the economic benefits of wetlands for both the livestock and crop sector in the prairies, including: ecological benefits, productivity enhancement and conservation options for restoration. Using personal examples from his farm near Camrose, and scientific examples from his research, this presTofield Arena is at the Sports Grounds, 4748 53 Ave, Tofield
entation will explore options to manage wetlands as part of a farming operation. Presented by: Dr. John K. PattisonWilliams is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta and president of Pattison Resource Consulting Ltd., a company specializing in the interaction between environmental conservation and economic development. He lives in the Miquelon Lake area and is active on the family farm, raising blue roan quarter horses and the odd chicken Sunday 2 PM Cool things to do and see in the Beaver Hills. The Beaver Hills has a multitude of hiking trails, conservation and protected areas, and even roadsides, where visitors may find great opportunities to view wildlife and birds in their natural habitat. A guide to where to visit, what to do and how to get there, will be presented. Presented by: Glen Lawrence, Councillor Strathcona County. Glen has spent his entire life living in, farming, loving and protecting the natural areas of the Beaver Hills.
2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta -7
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023
Lift Off!
Gerry Beyersbergen photo
Welcome Back Snow Goose Festival!
Located 1 km West of Tofield on HWY 14
Boarding Services 780-243-3206
Grooming Appointments 587-594-5748
Nonnie’s Grill & Artisan Shop
DINE IN or TAKE OUT Call (780) 297-8856
22106 South Cooking Lake Rd Unit 2
Winter Hours of Operation currently are: Wednesday & Thursday - 4 pm to 8 pm Friday - 12 pm to 8 pm Saturday - 1 pm to 8 pm Wing Wednesday & Saturday! * Closed Sun., Mon., & Tues. * Open for a Breakfast Buffet the 2nd Sunday of each month.
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Dine in, Take-out, Delivery, & Catering 780-662-4441
TOFIELD GOLF COURSE & CAMPGROUND
CAMPGROUND OPENING MAY 18!
SPRING/SUMMER/FALL Hours Wednesday & Thursday - 11 am to 8 pm Friday & Saturday - 11 am to 9 pm Wing Wednesday & Saturday! * Closed Sun., Mon., & Tues. * Open for a Breakfast Buffet the 2nd Sunday of each month.
more info visit: www.golftofield.ca
780-662-3457
8 - 2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta
2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta -9
SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL: April 22 - 23, 2023 Schedule of Events
(Same for both day unless otherwise noted) Purchase tickets and see detailed information at www.tofieldalberta.ca 7:30 am- 6 pm
Tour Registration & information Centre – Tofield Arena Concession open - Tofield Arena Lobby
8 am - 4 pm
Tour Departures from Tofield Arena Tour cost: Adults: $25, Youth (12 & under): $10, Family (2a/2c): $60 Visit website to purchase advance tickets. Tickets may be limited on site. Bring your camera, bird ID book, and binoculars. As spring weather can be unpredictable, waterproof footwear and layered clothing recommended as spring weather can be unpredictable.
8 am – 6 pm (Sun., 8 am – 5 pm)
Trade Show Hours - Free admission Several vendors, nature interpretation, education with live birds and more!
8 am – 5 pm
FREE Kids Activities - Located in Trade Show area Hosted by Nature Alberta and Nature Kids • Community Art Project - pick your colour and add your paint mark to Nature Alberta's canvas with specialized bird footprint sponges. The art will be hung in Nature Alberta's office to inspire our community connected by a love of nature for the next 50 years of service! • Bird Protecting Window Decal - make a bird-shaped suncatcher window decal to take home and hang up in your window. The decal craft will break up the reflection of your window to help prevent birds from flying into it. • Adopt a Goose - grab a paper goose, give it a name and draw on a happy face! Take your newly adopted goose home to hang up beside your window decal craft to protect birds from hitting your window. • Mini Nature Quiz - test your nature knowledge with colourful Nature Kids flip cards to learn about Alberta's special species.
12:30 pm & 2:00 pm
FREE Speaker Series: Tofield Arena Meeting Room Saturday, April 22 at 12:30 PM Boreal Songbird Populations Presented by Thea Carpenter, Wildlife Biologist, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Climate Change Canada / Government of Canada. Saturday, April 22 at 2 PM 40 years of Bird Conservation at the Beaverhill Bird Observatory Presented by Jon Von Arragon, Assistant Biologist, Beaverhill Bird Observatory. Sunday, April 23 at 12:30 PM The Curious Case of Prairie Wetlands: Love, Hate and Something in Between Presented by Dr. John K. Pattison-Williams, Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta and president of Pattison Resource Consulting Ltd.
TRADE SHOW PARTICIPANTS: Beaverhill Bird Observatory – with live bird! Nature Alberta Nature Kids – Kids Activities Ministik Crafters Claystone Waste Alberta NAWMP Partnership Beaver Hills Biosphere Goat & Gopher Cards ‘n Stuff Alberta Conservation Association Strathcona County Wes Olson & Johane Janelle (Books & Wildlife Art) Nature Conservancy of Canada Ducks Unlimited Canada – Alberta Operations Dr. Margo Pybus – Fish and Wildlife Royal Alberta Museum ...and more!
CODE OF ETHICS FOR BIRDWATCHERS • Do not trespass on private land without the landowners’ permission. • Avoid repeated disturbance or flushing of birds. Keep your distance and ensure that your presence does not disrupt the normal resting, feeding, breeding and nesting behavior of birds. Repeated disturbance can reduce energy levels needed by migrating birds as well as those raising young. It can also increase their vulnerability to predation. • On public land, such as the natural area, use established access points and stay on developed trails to avoid unnecessary trampling of vegetation. • Ensure that you take back with you everything that you brought. Leave no litter. Most bird-watching access areas around Beaverhill Lake are user-maintained. • Show courtesy towards fellow bird-watchers, other recreationists and landowners. Don't interfere with their activities and show a friendly disposition in sharing observations and providing directions.
Sunday, April 23 at 2 PM Cool things to do and see in the Beaver Hills. Presented by Glen Lawrence, Councillor Strathcona County. 6:00 pm Saturday Only
Banquet & Silent Auction at Tofield Community Hall Doors open at 6 pm, supper at 7 pm. Tickets: $50/person (purchase in advance) Music provided by “Abby K and the Band”. Catered by: A-1 Catering • Guest Speaker: Garnet Raven (CWS biologist) “Lesser snow geese: population trends and management” • Silent Auction at banquet with proceeds to the Festival.
*ONLY CASH ACCEPTED ON SITE*
The Snow Goose Festival is presented by the following partners:
Canadian Wildlife Service, Alberta Parks, Alberta Environment
10 - 2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023
Lesser snow geese: population trends and management The North American population of lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) has experienced dramatic population growth over the last 50 years. In North America, lesser snow geese are managed as three separate populations: the mid-continent population (MCP), the western arctic population (WAP), and the Wrangle Island population (WIP). A proportion of all three populations come through Alberta during both
spring and fall migration. The manner in which these populations have been monitored and managed has changed in recent years. Designating the MCP and WAP as overabundant combined with liberalizing hunting limits has attempted to increase harvest rates and control increasing populations. Mid-winter surveys along with photo counts at nesting colonies historically tracked population trends. More recently, monitoring of most arctic goose populations has transitioned to the use of Lincoln-Petersen estimates. These population estimates are generated using banding data along with harvest estimates. Lesser snow goose banding is annually conducted at 5 locations across the Canadian arctic. Harvest rate estimates are generated using band returns, and total harvest is estimated using the harvest questionnaire survey and the Parts Composition Survey (PCS). The PCS survey uses
tail fan submissions of harvested geese by migratory bird hunters. Strategies used as well as the accuracy and efficiency in which we monitor and manage these populations will continue to evolve as technology and our knowl-
edge and understanding evolves. The conservation of lesser snow geese and their habitats is important to hunters, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts throughout North America.
Welcome Bird Enthusiasts as the Snow Goose Festival flies into town!
T o f i e l d Sp ir its B e e r & L i qu o r Sto r e O p e n 36 4 day s /y e ar
5028 – 53 Ave 780-662-4400
A Variety of Products & Services for Our Feathered Friends
Northern Alberta Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation
Everything You Need for Wild and Companion Birds. Feeders, Houses, Baths and Feed. 971a Ordze Road Sherwood Park, Ab T8A
CONTACT US 780-416-4435
Tofield • 780-662-3212
Congratulations on the Snow Goose Festival returning!
Interested in nature?
The Edmonton Nature Club offers city walks and out of town field trips, a speaker series, and study group presentations about bugs, plants and birds. Spring 2023 special offer for new members! Purchase a $40 annual family membership through our website and have it extended through 2024. edmontonnatureclub.org Join us for birding, botany and bugs!
2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta -11
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023
Have you seen this bird?!? The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest and most colourful falcon. Unfortunately, Kestrel population declines have been detected across the continent. Additional monitoring and research are required to better understand this. Conservation efforts made for Kestrels would benefit a range of wildlife including ungulates, songbirds, upland game birds and many others.
What we are doing: • Placing Kestrel nestboxes in good habitat such as near pasture and open areas. • Using motion-triggered cameras at nests to learn about prey-use. • Banding adult and young birds. • Using trackers to follow Kestrels during migration and winter. • Presentations made in school and at community events. We would like to say a special thank you to Local Landowners! These folks host nestboxes on their properties and provide good habitat for Kestrels. We could not do our work without them.
How you could get involved: • Share Kestrel sightings with us. • Host a Kestrel family with a nestbox. • Follow us on Instagram to learn about upcoming events and field outings.
Contact Us: Email: info@STRIXeco.ca;
@alberta_kestrel_project
Alberta Kestrel Project partners: Landowners
12 - 2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023
Living with wildlife by WILDNorth Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation The Snow Goose Festival is a wonderful opportunity to view and connect with one of the most amazing wonders of the wildlife world – the annual spring migration! After a long winter, the return of many waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds fills us with a sense of hope and renewal. While birdwatching has been long recognized as a rejuvenating activity, living with wildlife can brings it’s share of frustration mixed with that appreciation. WILDNorth is a not-for-profit Edmonton-based organization that provides compassionate care to injured and orphaned wildlife (WILDCare), rescue of injured wildlife that may be in difficult situations (WILDRescue) and educational opportunities (WILDEd). Our Wildlife Helpline handles thousands of calls each year and some of those calls are related to “how do I remove/deal with a particular animal that is causing aggravation”. WILDNorth supports the principal
that humans can live harmoniously with wildlife if we follow a few simple - though perhaps not easy - practices. Canada Geese are loved by many, despised by few and create angst for some. Canada Geese, once almost on the brink of extinction, have greatly increased their numbers over the past couple of decades and are now common across North America. They have adapted to urban environments where there are plenty of open green spaces (golf courses, parks) and will often select a nest site on apartment balconies, rooftops, parking lots or construction sites. Canada Geese are protected by law under the Migratory Birds Convention Act and once a nest is established with eggs, it is illegal to move or remove it. Canada Geese are also highly protective of their nests, eggs and young and will defend them vigorously against threats. In the spring, flocks of Canada Geese return as ice and snow recedes. Pairs are already established and break away from the flock to select a nest site – either a new one or one where they
have successfully nested in previous years. Male Canada Geese known as the gander, will stand guard nearby while the female may be somewhere else on a nest in a more secluded spot. To see a single goose alone in a parking lot or on a sidewalk in town in the spring is a sure sign that there is an active nest nearby. The male usually will not fly away but will surely walk away or turn and hiss if approached. The female will lay a “clutch” of eggs – one a day up to 12 eggs. Once all the eggs are laid, she begins the incubation process which begins the development of the chicks inside the egg. She will incubate (keep the eggs warm) for 25-30 days rarely leaving the nest except briefly for food and water. She can lose up to one-third of her body weight during this time. When the eggs hatch, she will continue to “brood” (keep them warm under her wings and belly) and within one to two days, she and the male will lead the goslings away from the nest site to find food and water.
They know exactly where they want to take the family and this can be quite a distance from the original nesting site to an area with plentiful food and water. Grass is the main source of food for the growing family. If a Canada Goose has started to investigate your balcony in April/May as a potential nesting site, you must act quickly (within days) before the nest gets established. Remove any planters or other small, flat surfaces that may be attracting her and try to prevent access to the balcony during this time. For more information about this or other wildlife-related concerns, please contact WILDNorth Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation at 780-914-4118 or visit our website at www.wildnorth.ca.
5118 - 50th St. Tofield
780-662-0165
WELCOME BACK BIRDERS TO THE TOFIELD SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL!
We work with our partners to conserve threatened ecosystems and maintain biodiversity. We do this through habitat protection and restoration.
Solutions to reverse alarming trends of species loss are available, and we’re hard at work delivering them.
1-866-479-DUCK
|
ag.ducks.ca
Welcome back to the Tofield Snow Goose Festival! DAM MIEN KUR REK MP
Battle River—Crowfoot
1.800.665.4358 • @DCKUREK DAMIEN.KUREK@PARL.GC.CA
2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta -13
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023
Take a trip to Miquelon Lake Provincial Park By Brian Orr, Visitor Engagement Supervisor, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Alberta Parks. Located just 65 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park is part of a network of protected areas that preserves the beauty and diversity of the Beaver Hills. A rich mosaic of poplar, aspen, white spruce forests and flowering shrubs d o m i n a t e Miquelon, and there are also numerous kettle ponds and wetlands in the park. These diverse landscapes provide habitat for a broad range of wildlife, especially of the winged variety. It is recognized internationally as an Important Bird Area, attracting more than 200 species annually and nesting ring-billed and California gulls. It is also part of the Beaver Hills Biosphere, which received a designation from UNESCO in 2016. Miquelon is a hub for year-round activities for everyone to enjoy. For
birders who want rare and unforgettable experiences, plan a trip in early May to witness thousands of ducks, geese and sandhill cranes circling above on migration. Then in the summer, come back to see a healthy breeding colony of American white pelicans. Or, if you’re savvy with your bird calls, take a hike through one of the backcountry trail systems to identify many different migratory songbirds including the Canada warbler, eastern phoebe and rubycrowned kinglet. Camping is available and sites can be booked online from mid-May through to the September-long weekend. Be sure to make time for a free interpretive education program like a guided walk, family program or even one of our amphitheatre programs. At the visitor centre, you can get extra information; outfit yourself with ice cream, ice, or keepsakes at the giftshop; or go check out our live educational animal displays in the discovery
room. Looking for more to do? Explore the park’s hiking trails, take a walk along the lake or engage in activities at the nearby Cooking Lake Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area. Miquelon Lake Provincial Park proudly hosts a number of exciting
Phone: 780-662-2499 miquelonhillsgolf.com 18 Hole Golf Course! Located 15 minutes southwest from Tofield 20340 Twp Rd 494A, Camrose County
Celebrating the spring migration and wetlands.
The spring migration is a marvel of nature as thousands of migrating snow geese, Canada geese, various shorebirds, cranes and swans return. But this annual wonder wouldn’t be possible without wetlands - the productive waterfowl habitat that is such an important part of the Alberta landscape. Since 1986, the Alberta North American Waterfowl Management Plan Partnership (Alberta NAWMP) and its supporters have been conserving and protecting the province’s wetlands. Because of these efforts, some bird populations - especially waterfowl - are making a comeback and, in some cases, thriving again. ALBERTA NAWMP PARTNERS
events. Take a look at our website and mark down the dates so that you don’t miss out. For any information or questions, please visit our website at https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/c entral/miquelon-lake-pp or give us a call at 780-672-7274. See you soon!
We celebrate wetlands every year. But this year especially, we welcome the return of the Snow Goose Festival to Tofield and Beaverhill Lake! To learn more about the Partnership, visit
ABNAWMP.CA
Schedule your tournament or event with us! RV SITES AVAILABLE!
14 - 2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023
Wetland restoration brings benefits to farm family by Beaver Hills Biosphere For Leroy and Mary Feldberg, their wetland restoration project provides better control of spring flooding on their land, continued use of the land for grazing, increased wildlife habitat, and financial compensation. This great project is one of many wetland restorations enabled through the Alberta Wetland Policy. “If Ryan Pocza hadn’t dropped by, my parents would have never known that this project was a possibility,” says Lisa Ayres, the Feldbergs’ daughter. Pocza, a Conservation Program Specialist with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), has been actively targeting drained wetlands in Wetaskiwin County that could be restored. Restoring such wetlands enhances the habitat base that DUC has already protected in the area through conservation easements, purchases and restoration projects. In 2019, using satellite imagery and other tools, Pocza determined that a wetland basin on the Feldbergs’ land had been partially drained years ago. So, he approached Leroy to see if he might be interested in a project to restore that wetland to its pre-drainage level. “We have two quarter sections – a south pasture and a north pasture. Both pastures have natural slough wet-
land areas, which are connected by a creek. In the spring, a lot of water comes into the south pasture in that slough area. And when ice breakup happens, we typically see flooding through the creek, over our driveway, and into the north pasture’s slough area,” explains Ayres.
and half is paid in 10 payments over the 10 years. We put a caveat on the title for those 10 years, which allows us to access the wetland to check that everything is functioning properly.” The landowner retains ownership and management of the restored area. The only restrictions are that the
“What really sparked Leroy’s interest in the project was having more control of the water flow.” Under its Wetland Restoration Lease Program, DUC works with the landowner to develop a project plan. If the landowner and DUC decide to proceed with a proposed project, they sign a 10-year agreement. “Under these agreements, DUC takes care of all the work and costs related to restoring the wetland,” explains Pocza. “We also pay the landowner 100% of the fair market value for the area covered by the restored wetland. Half is paid upfront,
landowner must not remove the wetland control structure or till the land within the wetland’s boundary. “This project doesn’t change how we manage the land; we can still pasture cows there,” notes Ayres. “The only change is that we now have controlled water flow and a new area for wildlife and waterfowl. My parents are both avid bird watchers, and Leroy is a photographer.” This land has been in the Feldberg family for generations. Leroy, who has lived on this farm all his life, told Pocza that as kids they used to canoe in the slough and watch the cranes, ducks
and geese. Controlling the water level in the south slough required a rock chute and dam, which DUC built to withstand a 1-in-100-year flood. Pocza adds, “The Feldbergs were awesome to work with, and everyone was happy to see this project come to fruition.” “All in all, this project was a very positive experience,” says Ayres. Funding for these restoration projects is available to landowners as a result of the Wetland Policy mitigation process. Fees paid by proponents for approved wetland impacts are held in a provincial fund dedicated to wetland replacement. Those funds are used by DUC to compensate landowners like the Feldbergs for voluntary wetland restoration. “The Alberta Wetland Policy has created a mechanism for paying landowners for the ecosystem services [such as wildlife habitat, flood and drought management, water quality improvement and biodiversity] provided by their restored wetlands,” explains DUC’s Tracy Scott. “As a rough estimate, this policy is putting almost $4 million a year into landowners’ pockets through the compensation payments in DUC’s restoration projects. It’s really a win-win-win for the environment, society and landowners.”
Thank You! Everyone at The Tofield Mercury extends a big thank you to the organizers for reviving the Snow Goose Festival, in particular its promotion committee of Geoff Holroyd and Vanita Eglauer for the cooperation and organization they showed gathering copy for our publication. As usual the Town of Tofield was essential in another successful event. Thank you Mayor Dueck, Council, Admin and staff. Thank you to the community-minded businesses which always seem to support The Mercury. Please support the businesses who advertised and paid for this won-
derful souvenir. Congratulations to the Snow Goose Festival committee and many organizations involved in bringing this great event back to Tofield. Visitors please enjoy this year’s Snow Goose Festival and the incredible welcome and hospitality our town is known for! Thanks to Lisa, Jordyn, Jana, John and Crystal for being such a great staff and for all the extra work everyone did before, during, and after - making this event more enjoyable for all! - Kerry Anderson, Publisher
PRINTER AND PUBLISHER OF THE 2023 SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL SOUVENIR NEWSPAPER Celebrating our 105th year as Tofield’s oldest continually operating business. 1918-2023
780-662-4046 https://tofieldmerc.com adsmercury@gmail.com
2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta -15
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023
Observe, investigate, and share Waterfowl in spring nature with iNaturalist! BY STEPH WEIZENBACH, NATURE ALBERTA PROGRAM DIRECTOR Investigating nature can be a fun treasure hunt when you use iNaturalist to record and share your observations. Experts will help identify all your treasured finds! Follow these easy steps to get started: Step 1: Install the iNaturalist app on your device or visit inaturalist.org on your computer. Step 2: Create an account. Step 3: Head outside to explore nature and find species of interest: plant, fungi, insect, bird, mammal, or any living thing! Step 4: Tap “OBSERVE” to take a photo of your neat nature find. Review your photo and hit “NEXT” if it looks good. Step 5: Identify it by clicking on “WHAT DID YOU SEE?” Options will populate based on species that look like your photo. You can select one of these or look up a species name if you know what it is. Step 6: Optional: You can add more photos, or a note, and review other set
options. Step 7: Hit “SHARE.” It's that easy! Challenge yourself to see how many species you can record within an 8-km radius of your house! And head over to naturealberta.ca/citizen-science to learn about projects and events you can participate in with your new tool and skill! Project Spotlight: Franklin’s Ground Squirrel Franklin’s ground squirrel was once common in central Alberta but is now rarely seen. Nature Alberta believes this animal needs to be listed as a threatened species. The first step is to gather more information about its current population size and distribution, and to do this we need your help. If you spot this squirrel on your travels, please submit a photo to iNaturalist. We are also interested in historical observations. Further information, including tips on identifying the squirrel, can be found at naturealberta.ca/ground-squirrel.
We w e l c o m e b a c k t h e S n o w G o o s e Fe s t i v a l !
by Ducks Unlimited Each spring, Canadians herald the sights and sounds of waterfowl as they flock to their nesting grounds. But after their long trips, life for our feathered friends isn’t easy. Waterfowl – especially females – undergo arduous physical and biological processes before, during, and after their journeys. And once here, most hens have one shot to raise a brood. Waterfowl hens will construct a nest with nearby vegetation and line it with down plucked from her breast. She’ll feed on invertebrates to build her energy for an important role: producing a brood. It’s no easy gig. She’ll need all the energy she has to give. When male and female waterfowl prepare for their journey from their southern wintering grounds northwards to Canada, they do so in similar ways. The process differs between the sexes once they arrive. David Howerter, PhD, director of national conservation operations at DUC explains how, and why, ducks do
what they do – before and when they get here. A SHARED EXPERIENCE: PREPARING FOR MIGRATION Feeling restless – Ever wonder what pushes migratory waterfowl to bid adieu to their warm winter homes? It’s a physiological process called zugunruhe (pronounced: zoo-gunroo). This German term refers to the restlessness birds experience as migration nears. Zugunruhe is triggered by the endocrine system (a collection of glands that release hormones into their blood stream) in response to longer daylight hours. “As it gets closer to the time for these birds to migrate they become increasingly active,” says Howerter. “They’ll spend more time flying and their movements will begin to orient in the direction they intend to migrate.” No exceptions – Zugunruhe impacts migratory waterfowl wintering close to the equator, where daylight hours remain consistent, year-round. Continued on Page 16
TOFIELD CAR, RV, &RVTRUCK W ASH Storage available 780-913-5318
JOHN DAOUST SHINGLE CO. For all of your roofing needs.
780-662-4901
BUSY B BARGAINS
WELCOME BACK SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL! Bring Joy to Your Backyard!
Busy B is extremely excited to welcome back the Snow Goose Festival!
North store 780-662-4116
South store 780-662-4325
Volunteers welcome to join anytime!
12204 - 107 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 4A8 (587) 521-2473 www.wbu.com/edmonton
16 - 2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta
Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023
Waterfowl Continued from Page 15 This may be a result of evolutionary hangover from when the species had a different distribution, or because of the changing angle of the sun. Packing on the pounds – “Before ducks begin their journey north, they’ll go through a phase biologists refer to as hyperphagia, where they’ll spend a lot of their days consuming calories,” explains Howerter. “This is done to prepare for their long trip.” Like zugunruhe, hyperphagia’s also triggered by hormonal changes, influenced by changing daylight hours. Growing closer – Migratory waterfowl can only procreate from spring until late summer. This is because in the “off-season” their reproductive organs shrink, making it easier to fly over long distances. As birds close in on their breeding grounds, their endocrine system releases hormones that stimulate their reproductive organs to grow larger again in anticipation of breeding. IT’S ALL ABOUT HER: PRODUCING A CLUTCH Once waterfowl arrive at nesting sites, the male-female experience begins to diverge. “Once they have fer-
tilized the eggs and the hen is incubating, the drakes will take off. Often they’ll go further north, to the boreal forest,” says Howerter. Meanwhile, the hens prepare for one of the most difficult processes they’ll go through in their lifetime: producing a clutch of eggs. Size matters – How waterfowl behave once they arrive at the nesting site depends on w h e t h e r they’re capital or income breeders. “Capital” breeders are l a rg e - b o d i e d ducks that can store enough energy (calories) to migrate thousands of kilometres and arrive ready to lay a clutch of eggs and incubate them for about 30 days. One example of a capital breeder is the common eider, which averages between two and six pounds. “Income” breeders like the far smaller blue-winged teal (weighing in at 400 grams) are unable to sustain the same kind of fuel reserves. When they
arrive at the nesting grounds, they’re looking for protein- and calcium-rich foods, like invertebrates, that provide the nutrients they need to produce a clutch of eggs. Nesting is natural – Birds, like people, experience the urge to nest before they welcome offspring into the world. Expectant bird and human parents alike can trace this feeling to the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is released into the blood stream by the pituitary gland, found at the base of the brain. Laying a clutch of eggs – A hen’s pituitary gland will also release two hormones that stimulate egg production: follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. They trigger ovulation. Once a duck begins to ovulate, a drake can fertilize her egg – then things begin to take shape. “Once the ovum is fertilized the egg starts to develop. The yolk provides nutrients to the develop-
ing embryo and albumen (egg white) is deposited around it, followed by the shell. About seven days later, the hen will lay an egg,” says Howerter. A blue-winged teal hen will lay between six to 14 eggs, provided she has the energy required to develop them. Sitting still – Once a duck has laid her eggs, she will spend nearly one month incubating them. Crack! – The eggs have hatched. Finally, mom can focus on relaxing and refueling, right? “Not exactly,” says Howerter. Instead, she’ll help her ducklings find food high in protein and calcium, required for muscle and skeletal development. While ducklings are precocial (mobile after hatching), they still need help to find suitable habitat and food. Bidding farewell – After 30 to 40 days, many hens will leave their broods to prepare for moulting (the process in which ducks lose their flight feathers). “The ducklings are on their own after that,” says Howerter, noting at this point young waterfowl are able to source their own food. In future years, these ducklings will return to the prairie landscape to produce their own offspring and repeat this fascinating but strenuous process of duck-rearing.
THE BEAVERHILL BIRD OBSERVATORY WELCOMES YOU TO THE 2023 SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL As a proud member of the Beaver County and Tofield community, we thank our many supporters and funders that are shown below plus personal donations including in memory of Mary Hughes Weir. Visit www.beaverhillbirds.com for more information.