Address: 2425 9 Ave SE
Parking: Free lot parking
Park Features: Natural environment pathways, nature centre, river view
Other activities: The park also offers nature programs and birthday parties.
Overall: The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary has been a nature preserve since 1929 and is now run by the City of Calgary. It was heavily damaged by the recent floods but much of the pathways have now been reopened to the public.
Wildlife at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Over 270 different bird species have been seen at the park and it is also home to butterflies, fish and other animals including deer.
We ended up seeing a fair number of different birds on our visit and heard even more.
We even saw a deer.
A river tributary runs through the park where you can commonly find ducks.
Colonel Walker House
The land was settled in 1883 by Colonel James Walker. You can still see the 1910 Colonel Walker house (then called Inglewood) as you walk through the park. The house is currently used by park staff as a classroom and office.
Colonel Walker’s son applied for the creation of what was then called the Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary in 1929.
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary East Pathway
We crossed the bridge and took the pathway East towards the river.
Where we were able to walk along the river, spotting more birds.
And even a few flowers.
There are benches available for sitting and watching as well.
And if you look up in the trees, you might see some nests too.
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Nature Centre
If the Nature Centre is open (10-4pm Tuesday-Friday, 12-4pm Saturday), I would recommend starting there so you can find out some information about some of the birds you might see on your walk. It’s a small centre, so it doesn’t take much time to go through.
They have a small kids play area with games, books and pictures to color.
You can find a list of the birds that frequent the area each month.
And see some artist depictions of some of the things you might see.
They also have a small flood exhibit depicting just how high and how quickly the river rose during the flood. Though simple, it was really impressive to see.
