On a calm spring morning, a group of bird lovers gathered outside the Alfred Savage Centre to experience the Magic of Birds—a guided walk through Edmonton’s river valley led by the passionate and knowledgeable team from Wildbird General Store.
Wayne, Steve, and Lucas joined us, each bringing their own deep knowledge and enthusiasm for birds, making this event a standout moment of the season.
🌿 Meet the Guides
Wayne, affectionately known as Whitemud Wayne, is a well-loved figure in the birding community. He spends countless hours in Whitemud Ravine photographing and documenting birds, generously sharing his knowledge with fellow bird enthusiasts.
Steve and Lucas added their expertise, pointing out calls, behaviours, and subtle movements along the trail that most of us would have missed. Together, the trio created a welcoming space for learning, observing, and appreciating the incredible birdlife of our river valley.
🕊️ A Store Rooted in Passion and Community
The Wildbird General Store™ has been a staple in Edmonton since it was founded in 1989 by retired ornithologist Jackand his daughter Ellen. It was the first store in Alberta to specialize in backyard bird feeding, originally located beside Royal Pizza™ in Strathcona before moving to its current south Edmonton location in 1995.
In 2001, the store was sold to biologist Lu and his wife Jaynne, who expanded the business in 2009. Steve and Kay, both former molecular biologists at the University of Alberta, became co-owners in 2014 and assumed full ownership in 2017. Steve is always happy to dive into science conversations, while Kay has a talent for sourcing unique gifts, earning the store recognition as Edmonton’s best gift shop.
The store underwent a full renovation during the pandemic and remains true to its roots. As Jack once said:
“It’s not a bird store. It’s a people store.”
🐤 Birds We Spotted
Thanks to the keen eyes of our guides, we had the chance to observe a wide variety of birds during the walk, including:
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A Bald Eagle soaring overhead
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A Raven’s nest complete with chicks
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Energetic Tree Swallows swooping through the air
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The iconic Red-winged Blackbird singing from the reeds
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Northern Flickers, Chickadees, and a vibrant soundscape of spring songbirds
Every stop on the trail was an opportunity to slow down, tune in, and experience the river valley with a fresh perspective.
📱 Tools to Take Your Birding Further
If you’re feeling inspired to continue birding, we highly recommend these free, beginner-friendly apps:
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Merlin Bird ID – Created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this app helps you identify birds by sound, photo, and location.
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eBird – A global birding database where you can log your sightings, explore hotspots, and contribute to citizen science.
Both apps are perfect companions for your next walk in the valley—or even in your own backyard.
💬 Thank You to Wildbird General Store
A heartfelt thank you to Wayne, Steve, and Lucas for leading such an engaging and educational walk. Their dedication to birds and community was evident at every step.
We encourage you to visit the Wildbird General Store for expert advice, birding supplies, and a connection to Edmonton’s vibrant birding community.
Stay tuned for more walks and events in the coming months—we’d love to see you out on the trails again soon.