On lovely summer evenings the dedicated naturalist may be pleasantly surprised by the variety of wildlife to be seen or heard in Weaselhead Park in Calgary. This area occupies land on both sides of the Elbow River as it empties into Glenmore Reservoir, and lies adjacent to suburban neighbourhoods. A self-guided tour of the Park evidences a large range of habitats, and takes about 1 hour to complete, at a running pace. We took such a tour on Monday, August 25th.
Frequent meetings of various winged species found world-wide, in varying habitats, give us numerous spottings in the Park on that warm, sunny Monday evening. An early evening stroll results in our viewing of the von Krapp [latex fetishus] resplendent in its winter finery of rain-slicker yellow, Peekaboo [giganticus hairieus] and Lost It [scribus chiefus] in the parking area itself. The grasslands at the top of the reservoir presents the opportunity to view a large flock of common Hashers obviously thronging together either for feeding or mating purposes, including Stupid Question [redheadus curvaceous] and Bag Lady [speedus femininicus]. As we wander on the paved trail down the hill, calls between mating pairs of the species Moonshine [mountainbikus feminus] TPL [mountainbikus masculinus] are often heard; it should be noted that these species are often heard but rarely seen due to their speed of movement and desire to remain hidden in deep brush. More visible specis such are Dreary [huggus continuous] may be spotted in isolation on exposed bridges over the water - this species is known for its flaming red crest , its raucous call (sounding similar to a horn), and its flamboyant exposure of private parts.
The trail continues to wind on the gravel path through the forested flatlands beside a stagnant pond, providing the opportunity to view the returning Wet Butt [shortus tightus] and Bulletproof [coitus interruptus] which species have not been spotted for several months and were assumed to be away on migratory flights. The trail then wanders onwards through little-used pathways within that forest. Novice birders will want to branch off on many of the false trails leading from the main path, but the experienced spotter knows where to obtain the best sightings using the most direct route. Mammals usually seen in the area include the Pyro [veteranicus leaderus] and the Bobbin' Robin [runnus foreverus]. These species are very commonly seen in this environment, the latter species is likely named for its habit of bobbing as it runs at the head of the pack. Once again, we find ourselves briefly back on the gravel trail, before commencing a lengthy but serene walk beside the banks of the Elbow River. Water crossings are not necessary, although a subspecies of the nocturnal mammal Thong Queue [wettus T-shirtus] may occasionally be spotted splashing in the shallows alongside the river. That species apparently plays in the water for pure enjoyment.
After turning southward the trail meanders through thick brush, and requires numerous crossings of pole fences. The newly-arrived migratory species Herbert [grayus africensus] can often be seen accompanied by hares of various types. The dedicated naturalist is aware of the numerous species of hare to be seen - the Mydol hare [willy nelsonus], the Mudflap hare [whitefishus goferrus] , and the two subspecies of co-hare being No Hare [brittanicus wellendowdicus] and Goldilocks [whitefishus skiierus] are spotted in the area. These species are usually very visible if one checks frequently and sticks to trails in the area.
The trail now winds its way, after crossing substantial obstacles in the form of pole fences and thick underbrush, onto a scrub-willow flatland and flood plain. This area is inhabited by a mammal almost as large as the Canadian moose, but viewers should be aware that this mammal is an imported species. Even the beginning naturalist will have no trouble recognizing the Scottish On In [brogus giganticus]. An early evening visit will turn up the $16 a Night U.S. [pricus inflatus], the Shack Shock [underbruhus avoidus] and the Wannabe [swissus knitterus].
Finally, the trail winds back to the Elbow River and footbridge. Even whilst walking along the paved pathway, the observant naturalist will be lucky to sight various of the less mobile domestic species, at times accompanied by their young. The Bouncing Beauty[dansus campfireus], the Twisted Sister [volunteerus indefatigus], and the Clutch Bag [femininus voluptuous] with offspring Supersoaker [rossus strollerus].
Back in the parking lot, the naturalist concerned with a schedule will note that the entire route took approximately 1 hour, and results in the viewing of a large number of species all of which practice unusual rituals and deviant behaviour. This trail, for obvious reasons, is a favourite for Calgary naturalists and will be throughout the remaining months of fine weather.
In pursuit of additional information on the various species observed, the motley collection of mammal was followed to their local watering hole, Tom & Jerry's. The majority of the species were in full mating plumage. This particular evening turned up evidence of additional behavioural patterns and rituals, including the following:
nb Early registration for this tour type is not required. However naturalists, budding and otherwise, are forewarned to carry with them a full change of dry clothing if fine weather continues, as such tours inevitably criss-cross a variety of terrain in the pursuit of flora and fauna observations.
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