Have you ever dreamed of standing just feet away from a magnificent bird of prey, or having a cute burrowing owl perch on your arm? While many people flock to traditional summer activities like camping or hiking, hawk walks provide something truly unique: the chance to interact or view hawks and other birds of prey while learning about their role in our ecosystem.
A hawk walk is an interactive wildlife experience where participants get to see birds of prey in their natural habitat or in a conservation area. The primary purpose of hawk walks extends beyond entertainment. Most facilities are rescue centres for injured wildlife or conservation efforts. The walks are educational and help raise funds to support the good work being done for the birds. Participants receive basic safety instruction and learn about each bird's personality, history, and species characteristics.
Local Hawks and Birds of Prey
Alberta's diverse landscapes provide ideal habitats for numerous raptor species, making it one of Canada's premier destinations for bird of prey watchers.
- The Ferruginous Hawk prefers open grasslands and agricultural areas, where they hunt primarily ground squirrels and prairie dogs. Alberta Conservation Association's wildlife camera studies reveal that these birds require vast territories—often exceeding 25 square kilometers—to find adequate food sources during breeding season.
- Unlike their tree-dwelling relatives, burrowing owls make their homes underground throughout Alberta's grasslands. These unique raptors stand only 8-10 inches tall but possess remarkable hunting abilities, catching everything from insects to small mammals. Conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration and artificial nest box programs to support their remaining populations.
- Great horned owls thrive throughout Alberta, adapting to environments ranging from dense forests to urban parks. These hunters possess some of the strongest grips among North American birds, exerting pressure up to 300 pounds per square inch with their talons. Their distinctive "hoot" calls can carry over miles on calm nights, allowing pairs to maintain contact across vast territories.
- Red-tailed hawks are one of Alberta's most commonly observed raptor species. Their distinctive rust-coloured tail feathers make them easily identifiable when soaring over highways and open fields. These adaptable birds hunt everything from rodents to reptiles, adjusting their diet based on seasonal availability.
- Peregrine falcons hold the title of one of the world's fastest birds. Alberta's urban centres now host growing Peregrine populations, with pairs nesting on downtown skyscrapers and bridges. Careful reintroduction programs and habitat protection have restored healthy breeding populations throughout the province.
Where to See Birds of Prey
Educational facilities like the Ellis Nature Centre provide opportunities to observe birds, among other activities, and even participate in banding them. While they focus primarily on small songbirds, you may just spot a hawk on the 480 acre property.
Birds of prey can be observed at Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary, where boardwalks and platforms make viewing accessible and easy.
The Alberta Birds of Prey Centre, located on a 70-acre wetland site, showcases Alberta's hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Try Something New: A Hawk Walk
A hawk walk is a transformative experience that connects you directly with Alberta's remarkable birds of prey. The educational value and opportunity to support conservation efforts are part of the fun. Whether you're seeking a unique family adventure or simply wanting to connect more deeply with nature, these walks deliver experiences that exceed expectations. Don't let another summer pass without learning about our local birds of prey.
Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for Great West Media's Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
