RE: Jasper and Banff
Zucker, Paul A. (ZUCKEPA1@central.SSD.JHUAPL.edu)
Tue, 9 Jun 1998 11:00:44 -0400
Ralph,
We were in the Banff area last summer from early to mid June. Some of the
particular areas that were good for birds were:
Inglewood Sanctuary in Calgary
Big Hill Springs Provincial Park, to the NW of Calgary (you could stop while
going or returning from Banff)
Bow Valley Provincial Park, particularly the Many Springs trail, which goes
by some natural springs and was teeming with birds
Cave and Basin marsh trail (on the outskirts of Banff)
Bow Summit, the trail to the treeline is sometimes good for northern
specialties such as Boreal Chickadee, and Peyto lake is one of the most
beautiful spots there is.
There is a book about birdfinding in the Calgary area (including all the way
to and around Banff) which is an excellent resource. If you have more time
around Calgary, the ponds and impoundments to the east of the city are also
good areas.
Elk are everywhere around Banff, you cannot miss them. Bighorn sheep are
plentiful near Lake Minnewonka and this group seems to be used to tourists.
Elsewhere they can be occasionally found late in the day. At this time of
year the sun sets about 10PM and it does not get dark until 11 or so. This
provides a lovely opportunity to go out after dinner and look for wildlife
as twilight approaches.
When I was there in mid June, some of the trails were closed due to Elk
calving. Also, the ski lifts to the high areas were not operating (except
Sulphur mountain was operating). At the Bow Summit (north of town, where
the road crosses out of the Bow river watershed) the snow was just melting.
By early July these restrictions may no longer apply.
Hope you have a great trip. Paul
Paul Zucker
Potomac MD
> -----Original Message-----
> From: OldHawk@aol.com [SMTP:OldHawk@aol.com]
> Sent: Monday, June 08, 1998 3:00 PM
> To: MDOsprey@ari.net
> Subject: Jasper and Banff
>
> Hi,
>
> I have the books but am looking for any specific suggestions anybody
> may
> have for good spots to see birds and mammals in Jasper and Banff at the
> end of
> June and beginning of July.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Ralph W. Geuder
> Ellicott City, MD
> Old Hawk@aol.com