Western Tanager ©2004 Al MacKeigan

Bird Study Group - Birding Locations

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
by Dave Elphinstone

Field Trip Data

The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a city park that has been designated a Natural Area and a federal migratory bird sanctuary. It consists of approximately 36 hectares of riverine woodland formerly in an industrial setting. This area usually produces the city's finest concentrations of warblers during fall migration, plus it is one of the best location in Calgary for finding uncommon species of gull in spring and late fall.

The Sanctuary is located at 2425 - 9 Ave. SE (From the Deerfoot Trail, take the Blackfoot Trail westbound exit to 19 St. SE, then turn left from this onto 9 Ave.) The Bow River Pathway skirts the boundary of the Sanctuary, providing pedestrian and bicycle access to the area as well. Inglewood is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year.

The Sanctuary has approximately 2.5 km of pathways. A wheelchair accessible trail runs along the western shore of the lagoon between the south bridge and the river.

The chance to see birds at the Sanctuary changes dramatically from season to season. By far the most opportune time to watch for migrant songbirds is from the beginning of August until the end of September. On exceptionally good days up to twenty species of warblers may be found by the observant birder. In winter, thousands of Mallards and the tame Black-capped Chickadees are the most visible residents. In early spring and late fall many local birders watch the Bow River at Inglewood for regular migrants and unexpected rarities. The most productive area is the series of gravel bars towards the northern end.

The Nature Centre is the gateway to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. The Centre has washrooms and facilities for the disabled. The hours of operation are:

• May 1 to September 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
• October 1 to April 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Mondays and holidays

Sanctuary Information: Please call 3-1-1, outside city limits call 403-268-2489.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Website
Wildlife Viewing at Inglewood (Government of Alberta)