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VOLUME 40 | NUMBER 1 | SPRING 2010 SUGGESTED RETAIL: $7.50 CDN
Nature Alberta C E L E B R A T I N G O U R N A T U R A L H E R I T A G E
JIM UFFELMANN
feature article The Ten Last Years of Birding
at Beaverhills Lake
N A T U R E A L B E R T A
TWO TURKEY VULTURE NESTLINGS, ABOUT 62
AND 64 DAYS OLD, ABOUT TO MAKE THEIR
FIRST FLIGHTS. SEE STORY, PG 32. LEN PETTITT
SEE “WILDLIFE STARRING…THE
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN” STORY,
PG 30. SANDRA HAWKINS
MANY WILD HORSES ARE EXTREMELY
SHY AND ELUSIVE, EVEN MORE SO THAN
DEER, ELK OR MOOSE. WHOAS (WILD
HORSES OF ALBERTA SOCIETY) NAMED THIS
MAGNIFICENT STALLION “THE GHOST”,
BECAUSE HE RARELY SHOWS HIMSELF. SEE
THE STORY ON PAGE 18. BOB HENDERSON
Nature Alberta: SPRING 2010 1
Celebrating our natural heritage Nature Alberta is composed of natural history clubs from across the
province. The aims of the Federation are:
(a) To encourage among all Albertans, by all means possible, an increase
in their knowledge of natural history and understanding of ecological
Contents
processes;
(b) To promote an increase in the exchange of information and views
among natural history clubs and societies in Alberta;
(c) To foster and assist in the formation of additional natural history clubs
and societies in Alberta;
(d) To promote the establishment of natural areas and nature reserves, to
N AT U R E A L B E R TA V O L U M E 4 0 , N U M B E R 1 , S P R I N G 2 0 1 0
conserve and protect species, communities or other features of interest;
(e) To organize, or coordinate symposia, conferences, field meetings,
nature camps, research and other activities whether of a similar or
Editor’s Page BY DENNIS BARESCO .................................................................... 2 dissimilar nature;
Letters to the Editor ............................................................................... 3 (f) To provide the naturalists of Alberta with a forum in which questions
relating to the conservation of the natural environment may be
Alberta Issues in Brief............................................................................. 5 discussed, so that united positions can be developed on them, and to
provide the means of translating these positions into appropriate actions.
Nature Alberta News .............................................................................. 9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In Memoriam: Ernie Kuyt ..................................................................... 11 PRESIDENT: Chuck Priestley
VICE PRESIDENT: Ted Hindmarch
Up Close Naturally: First Insects and Spiders! BY MARGOT HERVIEUX ............ 12 SECRETARY: Vacant
TREASURER: Peichen Gu
Nature Diary: “Sharp-shinned Hawk & April Snowstorm” PAST PRESIDENT: Sandra Foss
BY DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN ............................................................................. 13 APPOINTED DIRECTORS: Dennis Baresco, Dawn Dickinson, Jim Gendron,
Peichen Gu, Ted Hindmarch, Chuck Priestley, Don Stiles
Close to Home: Nature Photography in Alberta BY JOHN WARDEN ............... 14 ELECTED DIRECTORS: Chrissie Smith (ANPC); Claudia Cameron, (BLN); Scott
Jubinville (CFNS); Lu Carbyn, (ENC); Grant Henry (FMFNS); Marty Drut,
Book Review:The Meteorites of Alberta ............................................... 17 (GN); Ted Johnson (LLBBS); Lloyd Bennett (LNS); Margot Hervieux (PPN);
Tony Blake (RDRN); Iris Davies (VRNS);
Western Canada’s Wild Horses: STAFF: Philip Penner (Exec. Dir.); Christine Brown; Vid Bijelic
The Struggle for Legitimacy BY CLAUDIA NOTZKE .......................................... 18
CORPORATE MEMBER CLUBS
The Ten Last Years of Birding at Beaverhills Lake BY DICK DEKKER .............. 22 Alberta Native Plant Council, Box 52099, Garneau P.O. Edmonton, AB
T6G 2T5
Profile: Lu Carbyn ................................................................................. 29 Buffalo Lake Naturalists, Box 1802, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0
Nature Calgary (CFNS), Box 981, Calgary, AB T2P 2K4
Wildlife! Starring…the American White Pelican BY SANDRA HAWKINS .......... 30 Edmonton Nature Club, Box 1111, Edmonton, AB T5J 2M1
Process and (Maybe) Promise: Wing Tagging Alberta Fort McMurray Field Naturalists Society, 152 Cote Bay, Fort McMurray, AB
T9H 4R9
Turkey Vultures BY R. WAYNE NELSON, RICK MORSE, FLOYD KUNNAS, AND DAVID MOORE ...... 32 Grasslands Naturalists, Box 2491, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8G8
Lac La Biche Birding Society, Box 1270, Lac La Biche, AB T0A 2C0
Profile: Greg Pohl .................................................................................. 37 Lethbridge Naturalists Society, Box 1691, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4K4
Opinion: Rights of “Mother Earth” BY TED HINDMARCH.................................. 38 Peace Parkland Naturalists, Box 1451, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4Z2
Red Deer River Naturalists, Box 785, Red Deer, AB T4N 5H2
First Hand: Red-necked Grebe Rescued at Lake Bonavista BY DON STILES .. 40 Vermilion River Naturalists, 5707 - 47 Avenue, Vermilion, AB T9X 1K5
It’s Spring! BY DENNIS BARESCO ..................................................................... 42 AFFILIATES:
Alberta Lake Management Society Friends of Jasper National Park
Celestial Happenings BY JOHN MCFAUL ........................................................ 43 Alberta Lepidopterists’ Guild Grant MacEwan Mountain Club
Alberta Naturalization Network Society Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada
Nature Alberta Book Store .................................................................... 44 Alberta Stewardship Network J.J. Collett Natural Area Foundation
Beaverhill Bird Observatory Lee Nature Sanctuary Society
Beaver River Naturalist Club Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory
Big Lake Environmental Support Society Purple Martin Conservancy
P U B L I S H E D Q U A R T E R LY B Y N AT U R E A L B E R TA , BowKan Birders Riverlot 56 Natural Area Society
1 1 7 5 9 G R O AT R O A D , E D M O N T O N , A B T 5 M 3 K 6 Calgary Bird Banding Society Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas
PHONE.780.427.8124 FAX.780.422.2663 Cochrane Environmental Action Association
E M A I L . N A @ N AT U R E A L B E R TA . C A Committee The Wagner Natural Area Society
Crooked Creek Conservancy Society Weaselhead/Glenmore Park
SUBSCRIPTION $30.00 PER YEAR; $55 FOR TWO YEARS Crowsnest Conservation Society Preservation Society
Edmonton Naturalization Group Wizard Lake Watershed and Lake
Ellis Bird Farm Stewardship Assoc.
EDITOR.DENNIS BARESCO
Foothills Land Trust Wood Buffalo Bird Club
E M A I L . N A @ N AT U R E A L B E R TA . C A Fort Saskatchewan Naturalist Society
C I R C U L AT I O N . T E D H I N D M A R C H Friends of Blackfoot Society
L AY O U T. B R O K E N A R R O W S O L U T I O N S I N C .
P R I N T I N G . P E R C Y PA G E C E N T R E . I S S N 0 3 1 8 - 5 4 4 0
THANKS TO THE PROOFREADERS WHO ASSISTED IN PRODUCING THIS ISSUE: CELEBRATE NATURE ALBERTA
E L A I N E C AT H C A R T, S A N D R A F O S S , M A R I LY N R O S S , VA L S C H O L E F I E L D , IT’S OUR 40TH BIRTHDAY IN 2010!!!
JUNE VERMEULEN.
MANY THANKS TO THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER
WANT TO SUBMIT ARTICLES N AT U R E A L B E R TA D E A D L I N E S A R E : The opinions expressed by the authors in this publication do not
OR PHOTOS? necessarily reflect those of the editor and the Federation of Alberta
S P R I N G I S S U E . F E B R U A RY 1 4
Naturalists. The editor reserves the right to edit, reject or withdraw
G U I D E L I N E S A R E AVA I L A B L E O N S U M M E R I S S U E . M AY 1 5 articles submitted. While due care will be taken of all manuscripts, photos
T H E N AT U R E A L B E R TA W E B S I T E : FA L L I S S U E . A U G U S T 1 5 or artwork submitted, FAN cannot be held responsible for any loss or
W W W. N AT U R E A L B E R TA . C A WINTER ISSUE.NOVEMBER 15 damage to such articles.
2 NatureAlberta
Editor’s Page
BY DENNIS BARESCO
FROM BIRDS TO BEES The listing fervour runs from “not for success. It would also, I might add,
Spring and Summer are upon us, the least interested” to zealousness. provide an increased quality of life for
and naturalists are heading out Either end of the scale and virtually everyone – well, except those
to immerse themselves in the everything in between is just fine; it’s whose only criteria for quality is how many
wonderfulness of nature – whether all part of being a naturalist. toys they have! Which brings to mind the
in local natural areas, wild places, old bumper sticker, “He who dies with the
lakes and rivers, or even their own TRICKLING UP most toys – wins!” An astute philosopher
backyard. Birders take along pencil Exactly one year ago, I wrote in this later reminded everyone: “But he’s still
and paper: to add to their life list, column: “Naturalists can be forgiven dead!”
start a new annual species list, or if they get a tad discouraged when
log observations at specific sites. reading, watching or listening to BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
Some flower watchers do the same. the news. Hard times for nature From Pelicans to Sasquatch, Beaverhills
I once kept a bird “lot list” for my abound.” Not much has changed in Lake to Wild Horses, Meteorites to Turkey
yard on Riverside in Medicine Hat. the past year; overall, the outlook Vultures, a rescue at Lake Bonavista to
Noticing that many of the species for nature has deteriorated, and profiles of two outstanding naturalists –
were landing in a large, tangled, not just in Alberta. No need to list there is a little bit of everything in this
Red-osier Dogwood outside the assailing or the assailants – quarter’s issue of Nature Alberta!
my kitchen window, I started a you already know the list. Almost
If you are thinking that this issue is a tad
“dogwood list”. I was quite amazed all of it can be lumped under
late, you’re right. Your Editor has been
– my list at that single bush reached three main categories: insatiable
too busy lazin’ about and enjoying Mother
forty-seven species! It also proved greed; unyielding ideology; and
Nature’s Spring blessings (blizzards and
to me that spraying pesticides for an egotistical disregard for nature
all!) and that other great Spring blessing:
aphids on bushes like dogwood (and the future). I suppose there’s
the start of another Major League Baseball
was, at best, a silly endeavour. a fourth category – weak will – that
season. Okay, I say that with tongue-in-
Between the birds and ladybugs, perhaps prevents the combating of
cheek (except the baseball part); goodness
my dogwood maintained excellent the other three. Not easy barriers to
knows there is no shortage of old and new
health and vitality. overcome.
issues with which to deal. Fortunately,
More and more naturalists are Perhaps that is why people are naturalists don’t discourage easily, and they
branching out with life lists for more and more turning to local keep their sanity by occasionally renewing
invertebrates such as Araneae (the improvements regarding the themselves with the spirit of nature.
Order of spiders) and insect Orders environment and nature: that is,
If it is any consolation, confronting those
like Lepidoptera (butterflies, moths), to build respect, awareness and
who would destroy the environment is not
Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants), a nature ethic at a local level, the
a new phenomenon; said Ansel Adams
Coleoptera (beetles), Diptera (flies), theory being that it will “trickle
(1902-1984): “It is horrifying that we have
Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies), up” until we are led by those
to fight our own government to save the
Orthoptera (grasshoppers) and with ethics and humane ideals. Of
environment.” Still, on the other end of
Hemiptera (bugs). In the May course, groups like Nature Alberta
the scale, environmental appreciation is as
Nature Alberta E-Newsletter, it (or Nature Canada) still must work
old as human society. Aristotle (384-322
is suggested that an interesting at the provincial (or national) level,
BC) said: “In all things of nature there is
activity might be to keep a list of but a strong and motivated local
something of the marvelous.” Those quotes
just one group of Hymenoptera: movement for conservation would
pretty well sum up the philosophy of the
Bumblebees. open new avenues and opportunities
active naturalist.
SPRING 2010 3
L E T T E R S T O T H E
E D I T O R On the Covers:
FRONT COVER
As Jim Uffelmann’s cover photo illustrates, the American
“RE CALLS” Avocet is quite possibly the most exquisite bird in Alberta:
No, not another Toyota model. striking colour, streamlined body, long legs, and very slender
Re: the four coyote calls described up-curved beak. It likes sparsely-vegetated lakes and sloughs,
in the winter 2010 Nature Alberta which made Beaverhills Lake a prime spot for the species. In
[“Songs of the West”, pg 32], this issue’s Feature Article, Dr Dick Dekker tells his story of
there’s one more - the ululating “The Ten Last Years of Birding at Beaverhills Lake” starting
on page 22.
cry that you can hear occasionally.
It’s easily distinguished from
INSIDE FRONT COVER
the yip yip yip which is sharper,
Turkey Vulture is not exactly the province’s
more abrupt. I recorded it once
most lovable bird; nevertheless, it is a
at Spruce Coulee in Cypress Hills
fascinating species – and a truly great
as part of a long coyote repertoire and beautiful soarer! These two nestlings
one night, and I’ve heard the (about 62 and 64 days old) are about
Peigan women from south west to make their first flight. The authors of
Alberta make exactly the same the story “Process and (Maybe) Promise,” on page 32, have
call in their dances just before studied Turkey Vultures for years and have developed a real
ending a song. I don’t know what affection for them.
it signifies. American White Pelican, another bird with a huge wingspan
DAWN DICKINSON and superb soaring capabilities, is viewed differently and
much more positively than vultures. Indeed, if there is any
Alberta bird that could be called awesome, our pelican is it. See the story,
NEW BOOK “Wildlife Starring…” on page 30.
Just a quick note to let you know Wild Horses are, in human terms, somewhat of a contradiction: beautiful,
that my NEW book, Growing Pains undoubtedly – but equally controversial. One of the main reasons for
- A Planet in Distress, is finally controversy is scientific investigation butting against old perceptions or vested
available at usual outlets (Chapters, interests. Claudia Notzke addresses the issue in the story “Western Canada’s
Coles, Amazon, etc.) You can also Wild Horses: The Struggle for Legitimacy,” on page 18. (For an earlier Nature
find out more about it on my new Alberta story, see “REAL Wild Mustangs”, by Robert Alison, Summer 2008,
Vol 38, No. 2, pgs 10-13.)
POPULATION IN SYNC website,
www.populationinsync.net, where INSIDE BACK COVER
you can read the book reviews and Spring is a visual
endorsements. feast! Out come
the Plains Garter
I am so excited that I just had to Snakes from their
share this great news with you. Also, winter hibernaculae.
I have book signings scheduled for Bumblebees busily
the Crowsnest Pass, Lethbridge, and forage the multitude of flowers. And new life abounds – in this case, a
Fort Macleod, so please watch your Mountain Goat youngster. Photographer Bonnie Mullin, whose photos you
local paper for dates and places. have seen many times in Nature Alberta, was right there to catch the moment.
Please sign my guest book on my
BACK COVER
website, and I would welcome any
There is a serene loveliness about the Milk River that is a
comments or suggestions you may
natural subject for photographers; Ian Gardiner has captured
have.
that essence in this issue’s “Nature gallery” photo. The Milk
VALORIE M. ALLEN (403-553-4400) River flows along the southern edge of the province, draining
into the Missouri River.
4 NatureAlberta
L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R … C O N T I N U E D
COYOTE DENSITY
Your Winter 2010 feature canids over many years and in Long-tailed Weasel can be blamed
artic
article Considering different habitats, I have seen on the ubiquitous Coyote. And,
Coyotes was fortuitously
Coy them attain high local densities, in recent times, after the coyote
com
complemented by my particularly in regions where their expanded its vast range to the
pi
piece on the fearless winter food is augmented with B.C. west coast, the Red Fox
C
Coyote, while your road kills or dead cattle dumped has all but disappeared. In my
n
note on the species by livestock owners. Under these books and papers, I have written
aadded interest. conditions, it is folly to believe extensively about the running
Ho
However, your that Coyotes do not have a battle between these two. And
statement [in “Citizen Coyote”, lethal impact on other animals. frankly speaking, at anyplace –
pg 30] that “Biologists also agree Apart from preying on rodents on farmlands, in the mountains,
that Coyote populations have no and deer, they compete directly or the city – I would rather see
lasting effects on other wildlife and indirectly with the smaller Reynard than his common cousin.
populations” invites comment. predators. In my opinion, the DICK DEKKER, PHD.
Having watched these adaptable threatened status of the prairie
RESPONSE:
The question, as always, is: how good is the evidence?
Here’s the old scapegoat, citizen Coyote again! In his letter to the Editor
(above), Dick Dekker gives his opinion that the threatened status of the
prairie Long-tailed Weasel can be blamed on the ubiquitous Coyote. Evidence
please! Are the results of research studies of the Long-tailed Weasel’s decline
in numbers available? Have there even been any studies? Considering the
Any intelligent massive changes that have occurred in the prairies over the last couple of
centuries it would be difficult to ascribe reduction of the weasel population
fool can make to a single species, moreover one which has lived alongside the Long-tailed
things bigger, more Weasel for many more centuries.
complex, and more Road kills and ranchers’ dead cattle provide scavenging opportunities for
violent. many carnivores including Coyote. This is not abnormal since to some extent
they take the place of dead bison on which Coyotes scavenged in the 19th
It takes a touch
and preceding centuries. If Coyotes are spending more time scavenging
of genius - and a these days then they must have less time available to go mousing, so small
lot of courage - to rodent populations should benefit. Populations of Coyotes have increased
move in the opposite and decreased over time and the author of the article “Citizen Coyote” wrote
that “Coyote populations have no lasting effects on other wildlife populations”
direction.
[emphasis added]. But the letter by Dr. Dekker to the editor concludes that “it
ALBERT EINSTEIN is folly to believe that Coyotes do not have a lethal effect on other animals.”
It does not appear that anyone was making that argument. Any mouse that is
pounced on can expect a lethal effect!
DAWN DICKINSON
Your letters commenting on any aspect of Nature Alberta or its articles are welcome! Email
them to na@naturealberta.ca.or mail/fax to addresses on pg 1, under “Contents”.
SPRING 2010 5
A L B E R T A I S S U E S I N B R I E F
Grizzlies’ Future Still Up in the Air
The official population count of in the Calgary Sun, Mar 9 2010). As
Grizzly Bears in Alberta is 691, to the small numbers but scattered
with only 359 breeding adults. The distribution: “What it’s pointing to
question now is: what does that is a situation where, at some point
mean? in time, we may very well need to
look at a harvest,” said Knight.
One sector says we should open up
hunting – not everywhere, but at What next? Nature Alberta will
least in areas where there may be continue to press for intelligent,
too many Grizzlies. Another sector science-based management
says that the population is too small decisions, not just over the hunting
to be sustainable and extinction will controversy, but for habitat
be the end result from the many protection and the reduction of
causes of Grizzly mortality. mortality from the many other
causes – many of which require
The government is hedging, though
no more than political will. At
leaning towards a hunt. “We have
this point, it is up to the Alberta
a suspension in hunting and that
Government Cabinet, through
suspension will remain for this
Minister Knight, to decide what
particular point in time,” said
future, if any, is in store for
Sustainable Resource Development
Grizzlies in the province.
(SRD) Minister Mel Knight (quoted
UPDATE On June 3, the Alberta Government designated Grizzlies a threatened species. What that will
mean for the species depends on the actions actually taken. CHUCK PRIESTLEY
Wetlands
The Sierra Club Prairie has obtained “Apparently the oil & gas and and economic services that would
a leaked copy of the most recent mining industries hold the trump cost billions if we had to achieve
Alberta Wetlands Policy that shows card in this province when it them through other means. Over
the extent of industry influence comes to environmental policy,” 60% of Alberta wetlands in settled
over environmental decisions for commented Sheila Muxlow, Interim areas have already been lost. For
the province. The confidential Director of the Sierra Club Prairie. more information, contact:
document reveals an undermining “Public stakeholders are expected
Sheila Muxlow
of the work of the Alberta Water to engage honestly through official
Interim Prairie Director
Council, a multi stakeholder group government lines, while the oil and
Sierra Club
that has been developing the tenets gas industry can waltz in the back
(780 660 0312)
of the wetlands policy. The policy, door and change all the decisions,”
already a compromised position to asserted Muxlow. [From a Sierra Club Prairie news release]
get the buy-in of 25 multi-sectoral
Wetlands provide water security for
groups, was radically changed after
the province as well as substantial
backdoor industry pressure.
ecological, social, environmental
6 NatureAlberta
Bighorn Protection Calls Bolstered by Grizzly Report
Calls to protect one of Alberta’s The March 2010 report
last great unprotected watersheds states clearly: “A large
received a recent boost with area of grizzly habitat,
the publishing of the province’s particularly south of
new report, Status of the Grizzly Highway 16, currently
Bear in Alberta. The 4,000 square appears to be a
kilometre Bighorn area, which population sink, but could
sits east of Jasper and Banff support a self-sustaining
National Parks, has suffered from population if human-
motorized abuse, and it is now caused mortality was
clear that Grizzly Bears are one reduced. …To reduce
more victim of that abuse. mortality, motorized BIGHORN RIVER VALLEY ERIK LIZEE
access to bear habitat
“The new grizzly report underlines
must be minimized and human to the Land-Use Framework
what we [and Nature Alberta]
activities that lead to conflicts with process, also recognize the
have been saying for a long, long
bears must be mitigated.” majority of the Bighorn area as
time,” says Nigel Douglas, Alberta
Wilderness Association (AWA) As well as being important Nationally Significant.
conservation specialist. “Grizzlies wildlife habitat, the Bighorn is the For more information:
in the Bighorn region are in source of drinking water for many
trouble, and motorized access Albertans. Nigel Douglas,
must be reduced if they are going AWA Conservation Specialist
The Alberta Government’s own (403) 283-2025
to survive.”
studies, produced to give direction
Tarsands Good News
A provincial court judge has The Alberta government has and Western Grebes. The park
rejected Syncrude Canada’s expanded the size of Sir Winston is home to more than 200 bird
attempt to dismiss the case Churchill Provincial Park by species. Cindy Ady, Minister of
against it regarding the deaths adding about 423 hectares. The Tourism, Parks and Recreation,
of 1,600 ducks in one of its addition of all islands in the east said: “Expanding the park
toxic tailings lakes. The federal basin of Lac La Biche increases further recognizes the province’s
government has argued that the size of the park to 662 commitment to preserving this
the lakes violate Canada’s hectares. The expanded park internationally significant bird
environmental laws and the includes Currant, Birch, Red Fox sanctuary.”
Migratory Bird Act. and Pelican Islands, as well as two
Recreational activities that
While most tarsands companies un-named islands. High Island
currently occur on the lake
would love to find a solution and Black Fox Island Natural
in the east basin of Lac La
to the mess they created, they Areas have also been consolidated
Biche like boating, fishing and
might be more motivated to do into the provincial park.
snowmobiling will not be affected.
so if serious prosecutions hang Lac La Biche has the international Other activities such as hiking,
over their heads. designation of Important Bird Area picnicking and rustic camping will
for having a globally significant continue to be allowed on the
number of nesting California Gulls islands in designated areas.
SPRING 2010 7
Carbon Capture & Storage Useless?
A study from Houston University “nonsense” and stated that storage?”) Economides suggests
claims what most people already CCS defies the laws of physics. that the carbon could eventually
suspected: carbon capture and The British Geological Survey produce “so much pressure that
storage (CCS) “is not a practical is hoping to produce a peer- it fractured the rock and allowed
means to provide any substantive reviewed analysis of the study the carbon to migrate to other
reduction in CO2 emissions, soon. zones and possibly escape to the
although it has been repeatedly surface.”
There is little argument that CCS
presented as such by others.”
is tremendously expensive per Still, if governments and taxpayers
The study claims that proponents
ton of carbon and that no one can be persuaded of CCS –
of CCS, including governments,
really knows both what will regardless of its value or validity
have vastly overestimated the
happen to the carbon and what – it would allow industry to build
technology’s value. Industry
the long term effects are. (For a new coal fired power plants and
has refuted the claims in the
good article on this, see www. call them climate-change friendly.
report, citing some small-scale
naturealberta.ca, under “Issues:
successes, but co-author of the
Are we digging ourselves into
document, Michael Economides,
a hole with carbon capture and
has dismissed the criticism as Learning about the
Energy Industry
Turbines and Transmission Lines The Alberta government has
announced that it will be taking
The number of applications it has been tantamount to heresy its promotional message to
and plans for industrial in some circles. However, the schools to ensure that students
wind facilities in Alberta is potential problems it creates get the truth about the oil,
substantially increasing, along for the environment are now tarsand and gas industries and
with the accompanying electrical being examined more closely climate change initiatives. Energy
transmission lines. Nature by a variety of sectors, and the Minister Ron Liepert denied that
Alberta’s concern is centered concerns that we may be in the government will be imposing
on the varying degrees of the throes of “way too much of propaganda. Instead, he said,
ecological and wildlife damage a good thing” are deepening. “We should always be looking
being done, though the many Nature Alberta is working with for opportunities, and I would
other problems (inefficiency, those sectors on approaches to say especially [among] young
taxpayer subsidies, health and be taken to move forward with people. They tend to be easily
social issues, industrialization of greater caution and concern for influenced, and from a social
the landscape, misinformation) the whole environment. media standpoint, they’re the most
cannot be ignored, active and that’s the easiest way to
especially considering spread information, whether it is
what may be grossly right or wrong.”
exaggerated benefits
Part of the message will be to
to wind energy’s
inform young people on the
touted solution to
value of carbon capture and
climate change.
storage technology, to which
Wind energy is a the government has directly
controversial subject; committed at least $2 billion.
simply questioning
8 NatureAlberta
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
THE GOOD: assault the social, spiritual and Supreme Court ruling, subvert
Federal Environment Minister economic well-being of some the Parliamentary process, silence
Jim Prentice announced, on May First Nations communities and Canadians who would otherwise
20th in Lethbridge AB, that the permanently remove fresh water participate in environmental
government will be putting seven from the system. The Council of assessments, and strip away
million dollars towards conservation Canadians is working on a legal the federal role in responsible
and restoration in Waterton Lakes challenge in hopes of ending this environmental decision-making.”
National Park. The focus will be unconscionable aggression. So once again, the government is
on fescue grass, Whitebark Pine threatening an election if they are
and Limber Pine. Mr. Prentice THE UGLY: not allowed the changes, which
acknowledged that the Park has Last year’s Federal Government Devon Page says, “would deliver
not seen any major investment for budget contained items unrelated a body blow, if not a death strike,
decades. That should change since to the budget that were designed to the idea of environmentally
the federal government has initiated to eliminate 100 years of protection sustainable development in
actions towards ecological integrity for Canada’s navigable waters. Canada.” Ugly indeed!
in Canada’s national parks. The government’s message to the
opposition was simple: Let us Less Environment,
THE BAD: remove environmental protection
The Federal Government is or we’ll call an election. It worked. More Energy
deliberately reclassifying some Now the government is back for a As budgets tend to do, the
lakes and rivers across Canada, second time. 2010 Alberta budget, essentially
turning natural, living bodies of outlining government priorities,
Included in the latest budget bill
freshwater into lifeless, toxic waste angered some and cheered others.
are amendments to the federal
dumps. The government will allow Alberta Environment’s budget was
environmental assessment rules.
mining companies to use the cut $17.5 million and Sustainable
According to a report by Devon
water bodies as dumping grounds Resource Development will lose
Page (Executive Director of
for mine tailings and rock waste, 112 positions. As well, some
Ecojustice Canada) in The Hill
hence increasing the companies’ energy sector environmental
Times (www.thehilltimes.ca),
profits. The new rules will wipe out monitoring will be cut back. The
Canada’s Politics and Government
fishing, wildlife and pristine lakes, Department of Energy, however,
Newsweekly, the proposed changes
poison streams and groundwater, was blessed with an increase of
“purport to sidestep a recent
$50 million.
Advertising in Nature Alberta
Nature Alberta is now accepting a limited Full details, including rates and sizes,
are available at:
number of advertisements for future issues.
online: www.naturealberta.ca
Ad rates vary from $35 (business card size) to email: na@naturealberta.ca
$249 (full page), X2 for colour. phone: (780) 427 – 8124SPRING 2010 9
Nature Alberta NEWS
HONOURING EXCELLENCE
Dedicated naturalists – that
is what drives conservation
efforts in Alberta. Each year,
Nature Alberta recognizes
dedication at its Annual
General Meeting Awards
Celebration. This year, on
April 10th in Edmonton, six A FINE DINNER, RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENT AND JASON DOMBROSKIE’S EXCELLENT
PROGRAM ON LEPIDOPTERA HIGHLIGHTED NATURE ALBERTA’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
naturalists were honoured
VID BIJELIC
The magazine Nature Alberta
doesn’t happen overnight. One member of the Executive, she For a profile on Greg, see page
of the more important aspects is is not eligible for an award; she 37. The award was presented by
proofreading: the job of ensuring is, however, eligible for a big Dr Felix Sperling, President of the
that errors in punctuation, “Thanks!” Guild.
structure, spelling and other
aspects are caught before the
magazine is printed. For over four
years, four faithful volunteers have
consistently proofed every issue.
In recognition of their valuable
contribution, Nature Alberta
has honoured Elaine Cathcart,
NATURE ALBERTA EDITOR DENNIS BARESCO FELIX SPERLING PRESENTS THE 2009 FRANK
Marilyn Ross, Val Scholefield
PRESENTS THE 2009 VOLUNTEER AWARD AND ALICE HARPER MEMORIAL AWARD TO
and June Vermeulen with the
TO ELAINE CATHCART (LEFT) AND VAL GREG POHL. VID BIJELIC
2009 VOLUNTEER AWARD. In
SCHOLEFIELD (CENTER). VID BIJELIC
presenting the award, Editor
Dennis Baresco remarked how Named for a respected Alberta
each of the four always finds The Frank & Alice Harper naturalist, the Loran Goulden
several items that have escaped Memorial Award is presented to Memorial Award is given
the notice of the others. Sharp an individual who has contributed annually by Nature Alberta
eyes are a blessing that everyone significantly to the continued for outstanding contributions
greatly appreciates! It must be success of their local naturalist to natural history in Alberta
noted that Nature Alberta has a organization. Greg Pohl, of the through: fostering amateur natural
fifth proofreader, Sandra Foss, Alberta Lepidopterists Guild, was history study; contributing to our
who has been equally dedicated this year’s very worthy recipient. knowledge of Alberta natural
to the job. Since Sandra is a history; supporting conservation of10 NatureAlberta
Alberta’s natural heritage; showing PAST PRESIDENT SANDRA FOSS PRESENTS THE 2009
leadership; and a willingness to LORAN GOULDEN MEMORIAL AWARD TO LU CARBYN.
share knowledge. It was with JAYNNE CARRE
great pleasure that Past President
Sandra Foss presented the Award
NOTE: NEW! A new criteria for the Honourary Life
to Lu Carbyn, present Director Membership Award have now been developed and
for Edmonton Nature Club. A approved by the Board at the AGM.
profile of Lu is on page 29.
EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTORS Edmonton Nature Club. He is Co- Ted Hindmarch is now in charge. At the
NAMED owner and Moderator of the Yahoo April Nature Alberta meetings, it was
The Nature Alberta 2010-11 Albertabird List_serv and last year suggested that the Issues Committee
Executive and slate of Appointed became Nature Alberta Magazine’s be proactive on issues of a provincial
Directors were approved at the circulation manager. Ted’s birding nature. With the huge number of
AGM on April 10. interests have been expanded to environmental problems in Alberta,
include local plants and butterflies, Nature Alberta must prioritize its
APPOINTED DIRECTORS 2010-11: and he has continued his self- involvement. More local issues should
Dennis Baresco, Dawn Dickinson, education into the natural history of be handled by the local clubs. Nature
Jim Gendron, Peichen Gu, Ted Cold Lake and Alberta. In 2007, Ted Canada handles many national issues.
Hindmarch, Chuck Priestley and received the FAN Volunteer award Philip Penner, NA Executive Director,
Don Stiles. for his work on collecting and has attended the Northern Gateway
coordinating information in the Cold Project (sending tarsands oil to Kitimat)
EXECUTIVE for 2010-11:
Lake area for the Alberta Breeding and the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline
President: Chuck Priestley Bird Atlas project in the Cold Lake process.
Chuck is a biologist with eleven area.
years of academic and professional NEW MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
work experience for a variety Treasurer: Peichen Gu
A new membership structure for Nature
of industry clients, government Peichen is currently a student,
Alberta was approved by the Board of
agencies, non-governmental seeking her Chartered accountants
Directors at the AGM. There are two
organizations and environmental designation. She has a wide variety
main changes, both of which resulted
consulting companies. Chuck of experience in the banking
from many requests and inquiries.
and his wife Lisa co-own STRIX business in northern Alberta, and
Ecological Consulting. He has has used Quickbooks (our “system”) First, a category for groups, businesses,
been Chair of the Beaverhill Bird in a previous job as a Manager of and like organizations has been
Observatory’s Board of Directors for a Medical clinic. She comes with established. This will allow those who
the past eight years and became a excellent references, and is looking would like to join Nature Alberta to do
member of Nature Canada’s Board forward to learning more about so without joining one of the two major
of Directors in 2009. He has been Nature Alberta, and what we are all and official Club categories.
involved with Nature Alberta in about! She is keen to expand her
Second, four categories of individual
many different ways over the last accounting knowledge into the non
membership will be introduced:
few years. profit world!
Adult, Student, Family and Life; all of
Secretary: The position is presently the individual members will receive
Vice President: Ted Hindmarch
vacant. Nature Alberta magazine as part of
Ever since he was a lad, Ted has
the membership. This is being done to
been interested in birds and nature.
NEW CHAIRMAN FOR ISSUES clear up some confusion over just who
This has led to him taking on a COMMITTEE is a member versus a subscriber.
very active naturalist role with the The position of Chairman for the
Beaver River Naturalist Society, the Issues Committee is one of the Further details and initiation of the
Board of Nature Alberta, and the functions of the Vice President, so “perqs” of being a member of NatureSPRING 2010 11
In
Alberta will be forthcoming soon. IT’S COMING! SEPT 24
One thing is certain: it is an TO 26!
exciting time for Nature Alberta as Nature Alberta is planning
it celebrates its 40th Anniversary
and develops numerous programs
and benefits for naturalists of all
a 40th Anniversary Gala
Celebration – and you are all
invited! A wonderful setting
Memoriam
stripes. along the Red Deer River,
at the Deer Valley Meadows
RUN ‘N FUN! facility at Alix AB, will be the
Nature Alberta again partnered venue. Mark your calendar
with the Running Room for the weekend of Sept 24
in Edmonton for a pair of to 26!
“Hypothermic Half Marathons” The 40th Anniversary
on Feb 14th and 28th. Executive team is planning activities,
Director Philip Penner sends an speakers and field trips; full
enormous thank you to all the details will be released later.
volunteers who helped out. “All
your enthusiasm and cheering,”
said Philip, “was contagious and
Committee members are
Claudia Cameron (Chair), Ernie Kuyt
Lu Carbyn, Ted Hindmarch,
much appreciated by the runners.” Christine Brown, Dawn The natural world lost a great friend
Partnering with the Running Room Dickinson and Dennis
makes the Hypothermic Half a Baresco.
recently when well-known biologist
worthwhile and fun initiative to and conservationist Ernie Kuyt passed
be involved in. “We will continue ONE MORE REMINDER away suddenly, on Friday, May 21, at
to look for ways to grow the race Nature Alberta has been age eighty-one.
through our partnership with the adopted as the new brand
Running Room as well as through name of the Federation Mr. Kuyt was born in the Netherlands in
potential sponsor organizations,” of Alberta Naturalists. So 1929 and emigrated to Canada with his
said Philip. whenever and wherever family shortly after the Second World War.
you see “Nature Alberta” or Ernie’s pursuit in the fields of biology and
“NA”, remember – it’s still conservation led him to Saskatchewan
FAN! Federation of Alberta where he met and married Elsie Kulyk, the
Naturalists will remain our lady with whom he would go on to spend
official, legal name. an adventurous 50 years.
Ernie joined the Canadian Wildlife Service
in 1960, and enjoyed a successful career
in wildlife conservation, of which 25 years
were dedicated to working with Whooping
Cranes, culminating in his being awarded
the Order of Canada. Nature Alberta
readers may remember his most recent
article for our magazine in the Winter
2010 issue, “A Back Yard Bird Bander’s
Banter.”
Ernie is survived by his loving wife Elsie,
NATURE ALBERTA TREASURER
daughter Pamela (Mike) Stroh, and son
(PAST) DON GORDON STILL HAS
Jonathan. Nature Alberta sends its sincere
LOTS OF ENERGY AS HE “RUNS
condolences to Ernie’s family.
FOR FUN”!GROUND BEETLE PREDATING
12 NatureAlberta AN EARTHWORM. SOEBE
Up Close Naturally:
First Insects and Spiders!
BY MARGOT HERVIEUX
Even when the snow is lingering in the woods, there are already insects and spiders out
and about.
The first of these creatures survive in the leaf litter. They are busy the ground is exposed. These active
the winter as adults, rather than searching for early sources of predators dine on a wide variety of
eggs or pupae, so they have a nectar and pollen and exploring caterpillars and other insect prey.
head start on spring. the forest floor in search of new
Those big, slow mosquitoes that
nest sites. After the queen hatches
appear early in the spring have also
her first batch of young, the
just emerged from hibernation in
workers will take over the job of
the leaf litter. Once the ponds warm
looking for food so she can focus
up, other species of mosquito will
on egg production.
complete the aquatic stages of their
A few of our butterflies also life cycle and fly forth in search of a
over-winter as adults. As soon blood meal.
as the days warm you can see
Mosquitoes are one of many aquatic
the orange and brown Milbert’s
insects that become active as the
Tortoiseshell. The large, brown
snow melts. Even temporary ponds
and yellow Mourning Cloak and
WOLF SPIDER. FIR0002 in flooded fields and ditches are
the commas, with leaf-like under-
alive with creatures that provide
wings, will be on the wing shortly
Look around on a sunny porch important food for migrating ducks
after. A great spot to see these
or fallen log and you might and shorebirds.
butterflies is on a tree trunk where
find a wolf spider. These large,
sap is leaking from a wound. Surviving the winter is a major
brown spiders don’t spin webs
challenge for soft-bodied creatures
but catch their prey by running Ladybugs also survive the
like insects and spiders. For most
and pouncing. Wolf spiders stay winter in the leaf litter or in our
it is easiest to get through the cold
active under the snow all winter buildings. Some hibernate on their
months as an egg or pupa but for
long. They are excellent mothers own while others, like the little
those that can make it as an adult
and later in the year you will see two-spotted, cluster in groups.
there is little competition for spring
the females carrying egg sacs and Many over-wintering ladybugs are
resources.
even baby spiders. pregnant females so, come spring,
their focus is on egg laying. They
The large bees
feed on insect eggs and pollen
and wasps that we
until the first aphids hatch.
see early in the
season are queens Some ground beetles stay active
that spent the under the snow and can be found
winter dormant in gardens and woods as soon as
Margot also writes a column for the Peace Country Sun, archived MOSQUITO.
copies of which are available at www.peacecountrysun.com. ALVESGASPARSPRING 2010 13
DEBBIE GODKIN
Nature Diary:
“Sharp-shinned Hawk & April Snowstorm”
BY DEBBIE AND ALAN GODKIN
Well over a hundred Dark-eyed in our yard for three days during attempt to catch a Junco. On the
Juncos – the highest concentration a spring snowstorm. I took the fourth day the snow quit and the
of Juncos we’d ever seen during picture from my living room sun broke though the clouds, and
spring migration – and one female window of the Hawk perched as if on cue, all the Juncos, as well
Sharp-shinned Hawk took refuge on a poplar branch after a failed as the hawk, left.
Like many naturalists, Debbie and Alan Godkin, from Westlock AB, have numerous stories of their experiences with nature – stories they love to share
with other naturalists in this “NATURE DIARY” series!14 NatureAlberta
Close to Home: Nature Photography in Alberta
Sasquatch Country –
Walking With the Ancients
BY JOHN WARDEN
I don’t think that my Dad thought of himself as a bush-pilot. But at least
for part of his flying career, that’s what he was.
JOHN WARDEN
He flew little twin-engine airplanes, which runs alongside Abraham has anyone else noticed the similarity
in and out of small makeshift Lake for nearly twenty kilometers. between these two words? The river
airstrips at construction sites in I’ve never been to the dam, but originates at the Saskatchewan Glacier
the bush across Alberta and in I’ve spent quite a bit of time at in the nearby Columbia Icefield.
the North. He did go on to fly Windy Point and up on Windy Sasquatch aside, this is amazing
corporate business jets, but I Point Ridge above Abraham country, and it’s close to home.
remember him telling us stories of Lake. The name is appropriate;
flying into the bush. this can be a really windy place
and when the water is low in the
The Bighorn Dam, west of
lake, it can appear to be quite
Nordegg, was being built in the
desolate, almost spooky. The sort
late 1960’s and my Dad flew into
of place you might expect to find
the Dam construction site a few
a ‘Bigfoot’.
times. Sitting around the supper
table one night he told us stories It turns out that Windy Point is
that he had heard from the workers famous for Bigfoot sightings.
at the dam site, stories about a Who’d have thought? There are
‘Bigfoot’ or ‘Sasquatch’. They told at least two reported sightings of
stories about a big hairy creature Sasquatch right at Windy Point
that had been seen regularly and more reported sightings in
around the camp. They were sure the area.1 Personally, I’ve never
that it was a Bigfoot and not a seen a Bigfoot and I don’t really
Grizzly Bear that had raided one want to, but if you were going
of the lunch shacks out on the to see one in Alberta, apparently
construction site one night. your chances are better at Windy
Point than in Sherwood Park!
Flooding behind the dam created
Abraham Lake, the largest man- Abraham Lake is fed by the North
made lake in the province. You can Saskatchewan River. Hmm…
see a bit of the Bighorn Dam from Saskatchewan and Sasquatch,
the David Thompson Highway,
1
http://www.bigfootencounters.com/creatures/tallest_bigfoot.htmSPRING 2010 15
JOHN WARDEN
I was introduced to Windy Point of the trees on Windy Point Ridge on the highway and ancient trees
by the Edmonton Bonsai Society are old…ancient even. There are everywhere you look. You can
back in the mid 1980’s. It’s just a trees at Windy Point that appear walk down to the river and the
few kilometers east of the David to be three or four hundred Point, or climb up onto the ridge.
Thompson Resort and we would years old or older. Walking It’s worthwhile to take the time to
go to the point and up onto the amongst the ancient trees there explore both areas.
ridge to study and marvel at the is a special experience. It is quiet Whirlpool Point is perhaps
naturally dwarfed and twisted and clean and seemingly full of an even more amazing place
spruce and pine trees that are a natural energy. It’s a spiritual than Windy Point. The North
found there. For thousands of place, perhaps even a sacred
years, the wind has come roaring place. Sunbeams filter through
down the valley and has stripped the branches and needles of the
the soil and nutrients away from old trees like sunshine through
Windy Point Ridge. The trees the stained glass windows of
have twisted with the force of churches. Warm, golden light that
the wind and they cling to life makes you feel special, just to be
in pockets of soil. These are there. The trees are like ancient
naturally dwarfed trees. Japanese sentinels perched high on Windy
Bonsai gardeners, growing and Point Ridge, watching time and
shaping trees in small pots, are perhaps the occasional Sasquatch
mimicking the natural effects that march through the valley.
nature has had on the trees at
Another thirty or forty kilometers
places like Windy Point.
west of Windy Point, past
There are stunted trees at Windy Siffleur Falls and the Kootenay
Point but, where there is enough Plains Ecological Reserve, is
soil, trees will also grow to Whirlpool Point. There is no
regular sizes. Big or small, many sign, just a good-sized pull-out
JOHN WARDENJOHN WARDEN
16 NatureAlberta
Saskatchewan River makes a A highlight of Whirlpool Point is
ninety degree turn at this location found right on the bank of the
and the bend in the river causes river – an ancient Limber Pine.
a whirlpool effect in the water. One of the oldest trees in Alberta,
The trees here are just amazing. it is estimated to be a thousand or
It’s like being dropped into a more years old2. This is one cool
parallel dimension where man tree. It’s not very tall and the entire
has not intruded for a thousand trunk has a twisting characteristic
years. It’s a place that you want that you’ll begin to recognize if you
to share with someone special, hang around really old trees. It’s the
but talking out loud would be kind of tree that you need to touch
improper, like talking in church. I to assure yourself that it’s real, that
could say that the trees are Limber it’s alive. You’ve heard about tree
Pines or Whitebark Pines; I don’t hugging: give it a try. And while
really know the difference. But you’re pondering this great old
you can see these kinds of old, tree, do the math in your head.
ancient, worn and weathered, This old tree has been here, on the
There’s rarely any traffic on the
twisted and beaten trees down in bank of the river since well before
highway down below, there are no
the Crowsnest Pass and up on the Columbus came to America. That’s
signs, no buildings and no people. It’s
Whaleback. There’s another little a lot of living and reproducing –
so quiet that it seems you can hear
pocket of trees like these along pinecones everywhere!
the trees breathing, naturally, with the
the Trans Canada Highway as
All around Whirlpool Point are rhythm of the mountains.
you’re driving towards Banff, and
these very old Limber Pines and it’s
more up on the Cardinal Divide The stories from my Dad and others of
an easy and fascinating opportunity
and here at Whirlpool Point. Sasquatch in the Abraham Lake area
to walk amongst these ancient trees.
These are special trees that create are fun and interesting. Because of the
But you’re not done yet. Hiking up
special places. trees though, I’ve come to appreciate
from the highway and scrambling
Windy Point and Whirlpool Point as
up onto Whirlpool Ridge offers its
spiritual places. They are places that
own rewards. The view is fabulous,
can provide perspective for our own
and there’s another great old Limber
lives and our own small place in the
Pine about half way up, clinging
Cosmos. But they are also places of
to a rock face on a ledge. This is
connection. If Sasquatch have come to
a spirit tree. It’s big and brave and
visit this area, I’m sure it’s because of
bold, tenaciously clinging to life
the trees. Perhaps they too have felt a
with its roots wrapped around a
need to connect with the very essence
massive rock. The tree is old…and
of nature by walking amongst the
beautiful.
ancients.
I’m told there was a ‘controlled burn’
that got away from the forestry workers
The ancient pine-tree, and burned a part of Whirlpool Point
Ridge since I was last there. I worry
Watching for a thousand years - about what I’ll find when I go back. I
Men with fire. almost don’t want to go back, but – the
HAIKU BY JOHN WARDEN magic pulls at me.
2
Heritage Trees of Alberta, Heritage Tree Foundation of Canada, 2008.SPRING 2010 17
B O O K R E V I E W
The Meteorites of
Alberta
REVIEW BY: CHRISTINE BROWN
When I was asked to do this review I was a little wary,
as I am no astronomy or meteorite expert. However, as
the book’s cover boasted the human side of the history of
Alberta’s meteorites, I was at the very least intrigued.
The book contains some The author has aimed this book Anthony J. Whyte. University of Alberta
very interesting history of the at both amateur and professional Press. ISBN: 978-0-88864-475-6. $34.95 Cnd
meteorites that have fallen on astronomers. Luckily for the
Alberta’s soils. These consist of amateur, he included both
five iron meteorites and ten stony the periodic table and a short
what the research may mean. It
meteorites. Although many of the glossary. In his introduction
also feels that every paragraph
meteorites’ histories between their he describes the differences
describes new research on the
find and their research are short, a between the iron and stony
meteorite. With such an excess
few, like the Iron Creek Meteorite, meteorite, and how these
of data the importance of the
are several hundred years long. are further classified. He also
research is lost to the average
One, the Bruderheim Meteorite, describes the methods by which
reader and a quiet Saturday read
is considered to be the most the chemistry of the meteorites is
turns into an afternoon of painful
researched in the world, and its measured.
study.
chemical measurements are now
Each chapter on each meteorite
used as a standard by which to This book is not a complete loss.
is separated into History and
measure new technology. For those interested in learning
Science. Unfortunately, these
more about meteorites, I feel that
The book also goes into the science sections fall apart for
it can be an important resource.
history of astronomy in Alberta those reading this book as
It not only gives an Albertan
with the development of the amateurs. The vast majority of
perspective but also conveys the
Meanook and Newbrook the research on meteorites is
importance of the Alberta finds
Observatories, as well as the on their chemical composition.
and research to the science of
Meteorite Observation and This will tell us the history of
astronomy, although a little extra
Recovery Project. A chapter the meteorite and our solar
study and second read may be
describes the active search for system. The author tells us what
required.
several meteorites and another information the researchers
on how average people can find have tried to find through
evidence of a cosmic death to the their chemical analysis of the
dinosaurs in Alberta. A description meteorites, but with little to no
of where Alberta’s own impact summary of the researchers’
craters can be found is also given. conclusions or his own on18 NatureAlberta
Western Canada's Wild Horses:
The Struggle for Legitimacy
BY CLAUDIA NOTZKE
“The Horse War” (Cowley 2010) and “A Herd for the Killing” (Powter 2010): these were
the headings of articles in the recent popular press in Alberta.
Such headlines bear eloquent to wonder about a "conspiracy of and was carried out by R.E. Salter (Salter
testimony to the beleaguered state silence" and a disconcerting lack of 1979; Salter and Hudson 1979&1980); it
of western Canada's wild horses. determination and political will on did not document forage or behavioural
the part of those investigating such competition with either wildlife or
Only numbering in the hundreds incidents. As far as the government domestic cattle. Independent and peer-
(in contrast to their equally was concerned, there appeared reviewed research into the ecology
besieged cousins in the United to be overwhelming evidence to and ethology of these animals is badly
States whose numbers amount to the effect that the death of wild needed and provides great opportunities
approximately 60,000 – less than horses was totally inconsequential for up and coming biologists.
half of whom still roam free), their for the authorities. Much of this
major population concentrations indifference (and ambiguity) can …OR WILDLIFE
are found on British Columbia's be associated with the ongoing In contrast to this seemingly entrenched
Chilcotin Plateau, in Alberta's debate of just what these horses government attitude many scientists
Rocky Mountain Foothills and are. (paleoecologists, mammologists, range
Saskatchewan's Bronson Forest.
scientists) view the wild horse in North
These animals have been ALIEN… America as returned wildlife (Martin
subjected to mindless cruelty, with
Many government agencies 2005:194; Flannery 2001:295; Morin
the body count of shot horses in
consider wild horses as 2006:303; see also Burckhardt 1996).
central Alberta alone amounting
domesticated escapees and The horse coevolved with American
to more than thirty over the past
invasive species with no dollar ecosystems over 4 million years before
decade. In Alberta, it was only
value attached to them as either becoming extinct 11,000 years ago, due
in January 2010 that the RCMP
livestock or huntable wildlife. to a combination of human overhunting
laid the first charges in any of
As "alien" species they must be and climate change. It was reintroduced
the killings, and at this point,
doing what all alien species do: by the Spanish ca 500 years ago and
the outcome of impending court
compete with "native wildlife" spread throughout the Americas, in
proceedings is entirely open.
and damage "native ecosystems." many cases reoccupying its ancient
Up to the point where these first This is powerful mythology and ecological niche. Despite “domestication”
charges were laid, one was left makes them a challenging cause to the modern horse Equus caballus is
champion. The only scientific work genetically equivalent to Equus lambei,
ever conducted on wild horses in a horse, according to fossil records,
Alberta dates back to the 1970s that represented the most recent Equus
DR. NOTZKE WITH A SPANISH MUSTANG COLT ON THE BLACKFEET RESERVATION IN MONTANA
Claudia Notzke is a geographer and Associate Professor in the International Program of the Faculty of Management at the
University of Lethbridge, where she teaches courses and conducts research in the fields of environmental management and
sustainable tourism. She is an avid equestrienne and outdoors enthusiast, and horses, wild and tame, have always been part of
her life. Her current research program focuses on management challenges related to wild horses. She has enjoyed the company of
wild horses throughout western Canada and the western United States, Sable Island/Nova Scotia, Germany and Mongolia.You can also read
