THE OTTAWA NATURALIST 



Vol. XXXI. FEBRUARY, 1918. No. 11. 



THE BIRDS OF EDMONTON. 

 By J. Dewey Soper, Preston, Ont. 



Considering the geographical situation of Edmonton, the locality 

 possesses a surprising wealth of bird life; not less than one hundred 

 and forty-three species have been recorded from the vicinity. 



The superficial survey of a map discloses the fact that Edmon- 

 ton, Alta., lies in the same latitude as southern Labrador and Un- 

 gava, and yet compares very favorably, as regards climate, with parts 

 of southern Ontario, about six hundred miles in latitude to the 

 south. One is forced to reflect that latitude alone is a poor and 

 deceptive medium by which to judge the climatical conditions of a 

 region. On climate, of course, depends largely the existence or 

 non-existence of many of our birds, especially the less hardy species, 

 and of these a generous number are represented in the faunal life of 

 the Edmonton territory. 



Two distinct floral conditions exist at Edmonton, one compris- 

 ing the usual poplar forest of the north-west, and the other the 

 coniferous tracts of the river basins and adjacent ravines. The de- 

 ciduous growth of the uplands with their deforested areas, inter- 

 spersed with lakes and marshes, together with the gloomy forests 

 of the river valleys, offer it seems, quite a diversification or latitude 

 in the accommodation of avian life. 



My observations were conducted during three summers and two 

 winters, from 1912 to 1914. I have been favored, in making my 

 list as complete as possible, with the numerous references in Ma- 

 couns' Catalogue of Canadian Birds, embracing in part the observa- 

 tions of Mr. William Spreadborough and Mr. Geo. Atkinson on many 

 species occurring in the Edmonton district. To these gentlemen I 

 feel indebted. My thanks are due to Mr. P. A. Taverner, who kind- 

 ly assisted in matters of nomenclature and identification. 



Western Grebe {Aichmophorus occidentalis) . Observed occa- 

 sionally during the fall. 



Horned Grebe (Colymbus auritus). Common summer resi- 

 dent. Breeds; nests from June 5 to 25. 



Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps). This species was 

 reported at Edmonton, in 1906, by Geo. Atkinson. 



