About 50 km southeast of Calgary, near High River, Alberta, there’s a wetland that’s rumoured to be a bird paradise.
Amongst birders, Frank Lake is even known as one of the very best places to watch these feathered beauties in all of North America.
A semi-marsh in the Foothills fescue prairie region, Frank Lake is a mecca for nature photographers and bird watchers alike, who make the pilgrimage there every spring and summer to watch migratory birds in their natural habitat.
You can visit Frank Lake too, but it’s best to bring along a camera with a long lens or a pair of binoculars to get up close and personal with this important wildlife habitat.
What to expect
Frank Lake and its surrounding area are perfectly situated to allow migratory birds a safe resting place on their long journey across North America.
Here you can spot thousands of species of birds not often seen in Calgary and other Alberta city centres, including waterfowl and shorebirds, swans, geese and songbirds.
To get to Frank Lake, head 45 minutes south of Calgary along Highway 2, before reaching the eastbound exit to Highway 23.
Turn down Highway 23 and head east for another 5 km. You’ll see the turn-off for the lake with a large Ducks Unlimited Canada sign, an organization that controls and manages the lake’s wildlife.
This is a true wetland, with marshy areas and plenty of dips in the grass where you can find birds flitting in and out of the still waters. Waterproof shoes, ideally rubber boots, are necessary. Be sure to tread lightly, as there are plenty of nests in and around the water’s edge.
Since Frank Lake’s birds haven’t been exposed to humans as urban birds are, they can be quite skittish. Getting close to them is nearly impossible, so it’s recommended you bring a pair of binoculars to see these spectacular creatures in full-feathered detail.
Frank Lake is a humbling and scenic opportunity to experience the prairies in the height of summer, and wonder at a new bird species or two.
Will you be making the trek out to see the birds at Frank Lake? We’ll see you out there!
Where: 530 Ave. E., Blackie, Alta
How to get there: Take Highway 2 south of Calgary for 50 km, then turn off on the eastbound Highway 23 for another 5 km.
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