by Francesca Retuta Duckweed, also called water lentil and water lenses,14 is a subgroup of small aquatic flowering plants commonly found in nutrient-rich stagnant waterbodies, like ponds and wetlands.2,14 Most species of duckweed are free-floating and form visible green colonies over the water surface.11 They are typically confused with algae or pond scum.13 However, close inspection of duckweed would reveal that they have small leaf structures and roots.11,13 Depending on the species of duckweed, each plant consists of a few specialized leaves called fronds (typically between 1-5), and a num ..read more

by H. S. Friesen “Don’t be overheard complaining… not even to  yourself”  Marcus Aurelius One fine June day in 2020, I was at my favourite slough just  North of Blackfalds, Alberta. I had been perusing my  surroundings to see what type of activity was afoot. I spied some  American Coots, farther out on the water. One was in the  shallows amongst the reeds and grasses, and the other was on  the open water. The distance was considerable but the two birds  were a little removed from each other, so their voices were raised  in conversation. The ac ..read more

by Chelsea Blyth Cohabitating with Alberta Wildlife As communities continue to grow in Alberta, there is constant concern about how to manage wildlife in urban areas1. Wildlife encounters are becoming more common, with issues such as conflicts with bobcats, coyotes, and other animals on the rise. While it can be exciting to see wildlife in our backyards, it’s important to remember that these animals are wild and can be dangerous. Concerns about Urban Wildlife One of the primary concerns is the safety of humans and pets. Wild animals are unpredictable and can pose a risk if they feel threatened ..read more

by Carley Goodreau Did you know Alberta is home to nineteen species of herptiles? While we might initially envision bears, cougars, hawks, and big horn sheep when we think of Alberta wildlife, if you look much lower to the ground, the province is also rich with a diverse population of herptiles. What are Herptiles? The term herptile is used to describe both reptiles and amphibians at once. The study of herptiles, herpetology, comes from the Greek word herpo meaning “to creep or crawl”1. Reptiles evolved from amphibian ancestors, so the two groups, while distinct, are closely related enough to ..read more

by Courtney Collins Did you know that each different bird species has a specific territory and range of where they can live due to their biological requirements? Birds that migrate to and from Canada often go south for a more temperate climate during the colder months. This happens because birds, like many other animals, use environmental patterns to determine migration1, 2. As the global climate changes, many bird species are shifting their migration timeframes, not migrating at all, or moving their territories altogether3, 4, 5. When bird ranges change, it can result in an increased or decre ..read more

By Willow Pawlak Although some animals are considered a nuisance in gardens and crop fields, their presence, and that of other wildlife, can be useful. The natural behaviours of many species benefit the plants and environments they forage in and travel through – an example of ecosystem services. Ecosystem Services As animals, plants, water and weather interact, the planet is kept healthy. Marshes filter and store water, global temperatures are regulated by heat absorption in the oceans and sediments weathered down by rain and wind add minerals to the soil1. Ecosystem services are any natural p ..read more

The Alberta Institute for Wildlife (AIWC) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. AIWC was founded and began accepting patients as of 1993. For the past three decades, AIWC has been working tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and release injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife in Alberta, Canada. The organization has come a long way since its inception, and has helped many animals in need. When AIWC first opened its doors it was named Rockview Wildlife Recovery (hence the name of AIWC’s newsletter, the Recovery Review). In 2004 the organizations’ name was changed to the Alberta Institu ..read more

By Shalene Hughes Alberta is home to a wide range of wildlife, including two different kinds of bears: grizzly bears and black bears. These bears have their own distinct characteristics, but both are known to sleep throughout the harsh winters in Alberta. Grizzly Bears Grizzly bears are known for the hump between their shoulders, dish-shaped snout, and small, rounded ears. Adult grizzly bears can weigh between 200 and 880 pounds!1 The grizzly bear diet consists of plants, berries, insects, and large mammals.1The home of a grizzly ranges as they travel long distances.1Usually, grizzly bears can ..read more

Fish Creek Provincial Park is named after the creek running east through the park, eventually meeting up with the Bow River.1 Fish Creek Provincial Park is considered an urban park, situated within Calgary city limits, and is the second largest urban park in Canada.2   Why is Fish Creek there, was it created, and who maintains it? Fish Creek Provincial Park began as a valley – Fish Creek Valley – many years ago in 13,000 B.C. Once the glacier that filled the valley retreated, what remained was the creek bed that exists today.3 Fish Creek Valley has a fascinating history from the t ..read more

By Holly Hastings What is Migration? Simply, migration is the seasonal movement of animals (and some human communities) between alternate sites.1One site is usually a breeding site, and the other is for feeding. Many wildlife species travel thousands of kilometres each year around the world between these sites. Below, I will point out some fascinating Canadian wildlife that travel great distances.  But how is migration different from other types of movement? There are two key identifiers.2 Migration happens seasonally. Migration involves a return journey. Birds are probably the first an ..read more