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Leader Bird Watching Trail
The South Saskatchewan River near Leader
is one of the most outstanding natural attractions in the
province. The diligent and patient bird watcher will be treated
to rare species of birds that frequent the spectacular river
valley.
| The riparian woodlands of the Leader area are the largest
of their kind in Saskatchewan, and the largest tract
between the Cypress Hills and the northern forest. The cottonwood
stands are home to the Pileated Woodpecker and nesting Golden
Eagles. |
Pileated Woodpecker
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The area has the highest density of Lark Sparrow and Yellow-breasted
Chat in Saskatchewan, and probably in Canada, and has the
only regularly nesting Red-headed Woodpeckers in the province.
The river valley is a likely place to see Violet-green
Swallows during the summer. |
Yellow-breasted Chat
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| An active nesting colony of Great Blue Herons,
high in the aging cottonwood poplars on an island near Estuary,
is one of 130 colonies in the province. Prairie Falcons are
permanent residents, nesting on the cliffs of the South Saskatchewan
River. |
Great Blue Heron
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| The extensive grasslands in the valley attract
various species classified as Vulnerable,
such as the Ferruginous Hawk, Long-billed Curlew, and Short-eared
Owl, as well as the Threatened Loggerhead Shrike,
and the Endangered Burrowing Owl. |
Burrowing Owls
Photographer: Dean Francis
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This page has been made possible through a grant from Important
Bird Areas of Canada, Bird
Studies Canada, BirdLife
International, and the Canadian
Nature Federation. Contributions made by Brenda Flood
and Alan R. Smith. Photography by Bill Walker, Calgary, Alberta.*
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