May 14, 2022 will be our 5th Global Big Day Bird Count! We identify bird species and count their numbers within about 50 km of Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area. Because we cover a large area, we need as many birders as possible to count the species they see on May 14. Even if you have never gone birding before, it’s a fun and challenging day, whether you are counting from your backyard or you join us on the bird tour. If you join the bird tour, you’ll visit several unique habitats – from river shoreline and mixed woods forests, to farms, ponds, creeks and lake shore habitats. In previous years, we’ve seen many species including Peregrine Falcons, Cinnamon Teals, Turkey Vultures, Great Grey Owls, Yellow Rumped Warblers, Surf Scoters, Red Tailed Hawks, Tree Swallows and many more!

The data we collect is submitted to Cornell University and helps scientists understand bird migration, bird population declines and increases, birds at risk, etc.

A few things to take with you when you go birding:

Binoculars (ideal birding binoculars are 8×42)
a field guide for Alberta Birds or Canadian Birds
yummy snacks and water
camera with zoom lens (optional but helpful)
water resistant, warm clothing (layers) and water resistant shoes or boots.
air horn or bear spray if you are visiting back-country locations.

Ways to Count:

Count in your own backyard or neighbourhood OR
Join us on the Bird Tour for the full day or parts of the day. (See schedule below)

Three Ways to Submit your bird count:

Send us a copy of your bird count list via email at outreach@ebprparkscouncil.org OR
Submit your count on your e-bird account, then share your count to EAGLE POINT on e-bird OR
Text your bird count to Kathy at 780-542-1932.

Your Bird Count Submission should include:

Your first and last name.
How many birders were with you?
List of locations where you did your birding.
List of bird species and number of birds of each species at each location you visited.
Contact information

Download our Eagle Point Birding Checklist

Bird Tour Schedule – Self Drive

7:30 am – Hilltop Trails to Willey West Campground

Meet at Hilltop Trailhead on top of the hill above Willey West Campground – we walk through Hilltop Trails, go down into Hillside Trails and then over to Willey West Campground’s Nature Trail for a full loop. This section includes hills and the full loop is approximately 4 km – peregrine falcons, three toed woodpeckers, warblers, western tanagers, white throated sparrows, gulls, geese.

9:30 am – Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area Wetlands

We visit a wetlands area surrounded by mature forest – buffleheads & pileated woodpeckers. Short walk. This section of the tour is dependent on roads being passable.

11:30 am – Buck Creek Area

Roadside birding (farms and roadside wetlands) – red tail hawks, tree swallows, dabbling ducks.

1:00 pm – Alder Flats/Buck Lake Fish & Game Group Campground to Buck Lake Provincial Park –

We’ll do a survey of the shoreline at the group camp before walking to the Provincial Park – ruby crowned kinglets, scaups, mallards, geese, coots, herons, warblers and more!

Time

All Day (Saturday)

Organizer

Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Parks Council780-898-7275 2nd Floor, 5136-51 Avenue, Drayton Valley, Alberta

Calendar GoogleCal

14may(may 14)7:00 am23jul(jul 23)8:00 pmFeaturedThe Eagle Trail Triple 2022

Event Details

The Eagle Trail Triple is back! Sign up for our virtual race series in 2022 and give yourself something to train for!

The Eagle Trail Triple participants will receive:

Three Trail Races that will build upon one another throughout the year.
The Eagle – Trail Triple Technical T-shirt!
Custom medal for the Series!
Swag bags! (these may be picked up with the first race (May 6-15th, 2022) at the Ramada in Drayton Valley).
Much More!

Trail Triple Sponsorship Package

Location

All races will be run within trails that lie in Eagle Point Provincial Park near Drayton Valley. Drayton Valley is located on Highway 22, approximately 133 kilometres southwest of Edmonton. It is surrounded by Brazeau County.

Race Dates, Distances & Trails:

Race 1: May 14th -Rotary-Pembina Community Trails South – 6 km
This is a great starter trail for the season as it is double wide, offers views of the North Saskatchewan River, loop trails plus one out and back for a beautiful 6 km race.

Race 2: June 18th – Pembina Nordic Community Trails (North) – 10 km
Get ready for a longer run with this race with the bulk of the trails being double wide with a hint of some single track.

Race 3: July 16th – Hilltop Trails – 9km
Be ready for some sweet single track trails with this one! Although shorter than June’s race, this one involves more technical running and some steeper hills.

Important Info:

The Friday a week prior to the actual ‘race’ day, the course will be marked and posted online (using Strava) – you then have until midnight on the day following the official race day to send us your time. This will give you just over a week to get out to complete the course. Should you run the course multiple days, only your first time submitted will count.

Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female in each of the following categories at the end of the race series (times for all three races will be calculated):

up to 25 years old
25 – 49 years old
50 years old plus

In addition, there will be a prize for the participant whose time (over the three races) is closest to that of the race organizer!

Race Fee: $150/person

Please sign up by: April 1st, 2022 (so that proper shirt sizes can be ordered)

Register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-eagle-trail-triple-race-series-tickets-212638596767

Time

May 14 (Saturday) 7:00 am - July 23 (Saturday) 8:00 pm

Organizer

Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Parks Council780-898-7275 2nd Floor, 5136-51 Avenue, Drayton Valley, Alberta

Calendar GoogleCal

16julAll DayFeaturedParks Day Choose your Adventure Poker Rally 2022

19jul(jul 19)9:00 am28(jul 28)3:00 pmFeaturedGuardians of the Parks Summer Day Camps 2022!

View All

Event Bookings

DISCOVER THE ROTARY-PEMBINA NORDIC OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE TODAY!

Located just minutes from Drayton Valley, the Rotary-Pembina Nordic Outdoor Education Centre is a unique setting for hosting unforgettable events. Set on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, this venue offers access to outstanding recreational facilities, well equipped meeting or conference spaces, and access to the rustic ski chalet. With guest capacities of up to 100, The Outdoor Education Centre is a great option for Corporate, Government, Private Family Functions, Non-Profits and more. Don’t wait, secure your date today!

Book Now

PARTNER ACCOMMODATIONS

Getting Here &
Trail Maps

Getting Here

Trail Maps

About Eagle Point
Blue Rapids

The Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area in west-central Alberta conserves an important wildlife corridor between the foothills and mountains, the boreal forest and the prairies. Imagine birding, summer hiking or winter skiing in a bounty of lush forests, wetlands, winding ravines, rolling hills, alongside streams and the North Saskatchewan River. You are about to discover a world of nature, scenery, quiet solitude, and healthy outdoor exercise.

NEW: Rotary Pembina Nordic Education Centre Launched

NATURE AWARENESS & PROTECTION

Environmental Education

Environmental Protection

Trails

Species

Activities

epbrp2020-05-21T20:51:48+00:00

Archery

Activities

Archery

epbrp2020-05-21T20:56:29+00:00

Camping

Activities

Camping

epbrp2020-05-21T21:04:18+00:00

Cross Country Skiing

Activities

Cross Country Skiing

epbrp2018-03-14T13:28:32+00:00

Cycling

Activities

Cycling

epbrp2018-03-14T13:04:13+00:00

Fishing

Activities

Fishing

epbrp2021-01-11T22:53:09+00:00

Hiking

Activities

Hiking

epbrp2018-03-14T13:12:08+00:00

Horseback Riding

Activities

Horseback Riding

epbrp2021-10-27T16:52:20+00:00

Off-Highway Vehicle Riding

Activities

Off-Highway Vehicle Riding

epbrp2021-04-15T16:39:47+00:00

Paddling

Activities

Paddling

epbrp2018-03-14T13:26:57+00:00

Snowshoeing

Activities

Snowshoeing

epbrp2020-05-21T21:13:30+00:00

Wildlife Viewing

Activities

Wildlife Viewing

epbrp2021-07-12T14:19:33+00:00

Winter Hiking

Activities

Winter Hiking

Partner Clubs

Bowbenders Archery Clubepbrp2018-03-08T23:00:14+00:00

https://www.epbrparkscouncil.org/about/partner-clubs/bowbenders-archery-club/

Bowbenders Archery Club

Clubs

Brazeau ATV Clubepbrp2018-03-08T23:00:46+00:00

https://www.epbrparkscouncil.org/about/partner-clubs/brazeau-atv-club/

Brazeau ATV Club

Clubs

Drayton Valley Horse Clubepbrp2018-03-08T23:01:29+00:00

https://www.epbrparkscouncil.org/about/partner-clubs/drayton-valley-horse-club/

Drayton Valley Horse Club

Clubs

Evergreen Shooting Clubepbrp2018-03-08T23:01:58+00:00

https://www.epbrparkscouncil.org/about/partner-clubs/evergreen-shooting-club/

Evergreen Shooting Club

Clubs

Paddling Clubepbrp2018-03-08T23:02:28+00:00

https://www.epbrparkscouncil.org/about/partner-clubs/paddling-club/

Paddling Club

Clubs

Pembina Nordic Ski Clubepbrp2018-03-08T23:02:54+00:00

https://www.epbrparkscouncil.org/about/partner-clubs/pembina-nordic-ski-club/

Pembina Nordic Ski Club

Clubs

West Central River Boat Associationepbrp2018-03-08T23:03:26+00:00

https://www.epbrparkscouncil.org/about/partner-clubs/west-central-riverboat-association/

West Central River Boat Association

Clubs

Willey West Campgroundepbrp2018-03-08T23:03:53+00:00

https://www.epbrparkscouncil.org/about/partner-clubs/willey-west-campground/

Willey West Campground

Clubs

PROUD SPONSORS

We are thankful for the continued support of our local and provincial sponsors. Each year, their contributions play a critical role in management and conservation efforts of the Eagle Point Blue Rapids Parks, and Parks Council.