Large Variety of Species

The town of Bonnyville provides a unique opportunity for birdwatchers to view hundreds of different types of birds; nearly 75 per cent of the 320 Alberta bird species can be seen in the area.

The reasons for this abundant bird life are twofold. Firstly, Bonnyville is located in a geographical transition zone where the land contains characteristics of both Boreal Forest and Northern Parkland, and as a result, it attracts a combination of birds native to both.

Secondly, the area lies along the migratory paths of many birds, which descend on its numerous lakes during the fall and spring migrations.

Jessie Lake

Jessie Lake, located along the southern border of Bonnyville, is an important staging area for shorebirds and waterfowl, while Moose Lake is home to pelicans and eagles.

Nearby Cold Lake offers warblers, verios and other forest birds and Wolf Lake is the place to spot owls, herons, western grebes and thrushes. Some of the winged visitors also include Alberta's rarest species such as whooping cranes, ospreys, bald eagles, golden eagles and yellow rails.