Charlie and Winnie's Backyard: Stories from Ellis Bird Farm
New! We are pleased to launch a new series entitled Charlie and Winnie's Backyard: Stories from Ellis Bird Farm. Through video clips, photos, songs and more, we will share the wonders of nature and give updates about what is happening at the farm.
MYRNA PEARMAN IS NOW RETIRED AS SITE MANaGER OF ELLIS BIRD FARM
Video Clips from Gazebo and Motus Tower Opening!
Video Clips from Gazebo and Motus Tower Opening!
Our thanks to Leo de Groot for capturing these video segments from our last two big celebrations of the season - the ribbon cutting of the new Dow gazebo and the official plugging in of our new Motus tower - the first such tower in Alberta!
Our thanks to Leo de Groot for capturing these video segments from our last two big celebrations of the season - the ribbon cutting of the new Dow gazebo and the official plugging in of our new Motus tower - the first such tower in Alberta!
Motus Tower at EBF IS UP AND RUNNING
Motus Tower
We are pleased to announce that our new Motus tower – the first in Alberta – is up and running. On hand to cut the ribbon was Lisa Priestley of Strix Consulting, who partnered with some of the project logistics. Former board member and Motus project coordinator, Leo de Groot, had the honour of officially plugging in the system!
We are pleased to announce that our new Motus tower – the first in Alberta – is up and running. On hand to cut the ribbon was Lisa Priestley of Strix Consulting, who partnered with some of the project logistics. Former board member and Motus project coordinator, Leo de Groot, had the honour of officially plugging in the system!
Beavers exhumed at ebf
Shaye Hill explains about our beaver bones.
The Motus Tower Climb!
The Motus Tower Climb!
Myrna finally gets to climb Charlie's old windmill, which now holds the new Motus tower. Here are a few pictures from the top. See her video in stories.
Myrna finally gets to climb Charlie's old windmill, which now holds the new Motus tower. Here are a few pictures from the top. See her video in stories.
Myrna Pearman's Surprise Retirement Party! - August 16, 2020
Myrna's Surprise Retirement Party!
Our thanks to Leo de Groot for capturing some of the highlights of Myrna's surprise party, held August 16th at the site. Staff members, Claudia Lipski and Kirstin Bouwsema, managed to gather about 100 people together to celebrate without Myrna knowing!
-video by Leo de Groot
Our thanks to Leo de Groot for capturing some of the highlights of Myrna's surprise party, held August 16th at the site. Staff members, Claudia Lipski and Kirstin Bouwsema, managed to gather about 100 people together to celebrate without Myrna knowing!
-video by Leo de Groot
Faith Gabert reminisces about EBF - August 2020
Faith Gabert, whose parents were good friends with Charlie and Winnie, reminisces on a recent visit to Ellis Bird Farm about the rocks near the Wetland Centre and about Charlie and his new tractor.
Purple Martin Update at EBF - Aug 20 2020
Purple Martin Update
Shaye Hill gives us an update about our Purple Martins.
Shaye Hill gives us an update about our Purple Martins.
Howard Woodrow Shares a Story - AUGUST 2020
Howard Woodrow Shares a Story
Howard Woodrow, a neighbour and friend of Charlie and Winnie's, shared this story about Charlie and his love of birds.
Howard Woodrow, a neighbour and friend of Charlie and Winnie's, shared this story about Charlie and his love of birds.
EBF MOTUS TOWER GOES UP! - AUGUST 2020
MOTUS TOWER GOES UP!
Thanks to the skill of Scott and his team, the Motus antennae are now up and in place! We will soon have the system all up and running. Stay tuned.
Thanks to the skill of Scott and his team, the Motus antennae are now up and in place! We will soon have the system all up and running. Stay tuned.
A Visitor Compares EBF to the Monet Gardens in France! - AUGUST 2020
We are grateful for those visitors who take the time to compliment us on how beautiful EBF is
The Ellis Bird Farm Nature Play Area is officially open! - AUGUST 8, 2020
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The Ellis Bird Farm Nature Play Area is officially open!
We gathered with excited families on Saturday, August 8th to officially open the Nature Play Area onsite. Kids each got their own pair of scissors so that everyone could participate in the ribbon cutting. Linette Miller, Branch Manager of Lacombe's TD Bank was on hand to present the cheque to Site Biologist Myrna Pearman and Project Manager Kirstin Bouwsema. The Nature Play Area is a cozy area where kids can build and play with sticks and pinecones, rocks and stumps. There is a playhouse and a treehouse to explore and all kinds of loose parts for the imagination to run wild.
We are so grateful for how this project came together with project development by Kirstin Bouwsema, the support, encouragement and hard work of site biologist Myrna Pearman, the grant funding of TD Bank Friends of the Environment Fund and the artistry, creative eye and labour of Wayne Froese of Top Peg Timber Frame Construction.
We gathered with excited families on Saturday, August 8th to officially open the Nature Play Area onsite. Kids each got their own pair of scissors so that everyone could participate in the ribbon cutting. Linette Miller, Branch Manager of Lacombe's TD Bank was on hand to present the cheque to Site Biologist Myrna Pearman and Project Manager Kirstin Bouwsema. The Nature Play Area is a cozy area where kids can build and play with sticks and pinecones, rocks and stumps. There is a playhouse and a treehouse to explore and all kinds of loose parts for the imagination to run wild.
We are so grateful for how this project came together with project development by Kirstin Bouwsema, the support, encouragement and hard work of site biologist Myrna Pearman, the grant funding of TD Bank Friends of the Environment Fund and the artistry, creative eye and labour of Wayne Froese of Top Peg Timber Frame Construction.
Co-existing with Beavers at EBF - August 6, 2020
Co-existing with Beavers
Since we deliver fresh poplars to our beavers every couple of days, they have not caused any issues on the site. However, their industriousness, combined with recent rains, meant that the water level in the pond was getting dangerously high. So, we carefully lowered the dam earlier this week to return the water level to an acceptable height. A win win for all involved!
Since we deliver fresh poplars to our beavers every couple of days, they have not caused any issues on the site. However, their industriousness, combined with recent rains, meant that the water level in the pond was getting dangerously high. So, we carefully lowered the dam earlier this week to return the water level to an acceptable height. A win win for all involved!
Busy Beavers at Ellis Bird farm - August 2020
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Busy Beavers
The new beavers are busy keeping the dam repaired and hauling trees into their bank den. Fortunately, we have a ready supply of small poplars that are growing along one of our old power lines. Staff make sure to cut trees and replenish the beaver feeding station every couple of days!
In these clips, watch Shaye Hill replenishing the feeding station.
The new beavers are busy keeping the dam repaired and hauling trees into their bank den. Fortunately, we have a ready supply of small poplars that are growing along one of our old power lines. Staff make sure to cut trees and replenish the beaver feeding station every couple of days!
In these clips, watch Shaye Hill replenishing the feeding station.
Etta Chessor Remembers - August 2020
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Etta Chessor Remembers
We were very pleased to have Etta Chessor visit EBF the other day. Etta and her late husband, Dean, farmed near Charlie and Winnie and were friends with the Ellis family. Etta shared some interesting memories of the early days, and of Charlie and Winnie.
We were very pleased to have Etta Chessor visit EBF the other day. Etta and her late husband, Dean, farmed near Charlie and Winnie and were friends with the Ellis family. Etta shared some interesting memories of the early days, and of Charlie and Winnie.
July 2, 2020 - Mourning Cloak Butterfly Release
Mourning Cloak Butterfly Release
Our resident butterfly expert, Ben Acorn, found a Mourning Cloak Butterfly caterpillar on
July 2nd. He put it in a display case with willow to feed on. It pupated on July 5th and, in mid-afternoon on July 21 - while being watched by enthralled visitors - it emerged into an adult. Ben released the adult during his morning Knee High Nature program on July 22.
Our resident butterfly expert, Ben Acorn, found a Mourning Cloak Butterfly caterpillar on
July 2nd. He put it in a display case with willow to feed on. It pupated on July 5th and, in mid-afternoon on July 21 - while being watched by enthralled visitors - it emerged into an adult. Ben released the adult during his morning Knee High Nature program on July 22.
A Visitor Remembers - July 2020
Shirley Andreeff of Sylvan Lake visited EBF the other day. She recounted her memories of coming to visit Charlie and Winnie to pick up bird seed. She said that Charlie distributed, free of charge, sunflower seeds to neighbours who were interested in feeding the birds.
JULY 16, 2020 - Elan Hansen (video by Angela Sam)
Dow volunteers Angela Sam and Elan Hansen talk about painting the bridge.
July 16, 2020 - Chickens Run Free!
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Chickens Run Free!
We have finally let the bantam hens and their combined brood of 12 chicks out of the bunny hutch, which has been their day home for the past couple of weeks. They are now able to run free around the site, and visitors are delighted to be able to watch them. And the rooster is overjoyed
We have finally let the bantam hens and their combined brood of 12 chicks out of the bunny hutch, which has been their day home for the past couple of weeks. They are now able to run free around the site, and visitors are delighted to be able to watch them. And the rooster is overjoyed
July 5, 2020 - Wayne Froese at his mill
June 25, 2020 - Goats arrive at EBF
June 24, 2020 - Pollinator Study
Dr. Delano Lewis, Burman University, explains about the pollinator study being conducted at Ellis Bird Farm this summer.
June 24,2020 - Kayla and Sara Return to EBF with their Children
June 23, 2020 - "Butterflies with Ben"
JUNE 23, 2020 - Ground SQUIRRELS at EBF
June 16, 2020 - our first visitor of the season!
June 11, 2020 - horned grebe nesting on Sandpiper Pond
Board member, Maureen Carey, captured this footage of a female horned grebe that is nesting on Sandpiper Pond at Ellis Bird Farm.
June 3, 2020 - New Bunny Hutch!
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New Bunny Hutch!
We are very pleased to accept a new beautiful bunny hutch. The hutch, which was created to resemble Charlie's grain elevator, was designed and built by Dale Nagel and his daughters, Rheann and Ronlyn. They made it to honour the memory of Ron Nagel, Dale's late father. Ron was a good friend of the Ellis's and often sought Charlie's advice on bird-related matters. The family, including Ron's wife, Lorraine, were delighted to deliver it to us earlier this week.
We are not sure if we will have animals on the site this season, but this hutch will be a beautiful addition to the gardens and will be ready when the bunnies eventually arrive.
We are very pleased to accept a new beautiful bunny hutch. The hutch, which was created to resemble Charlie's grain elevator, was designed and built by Dale Nagel and his daughters, Rheann and Ronlyn. They made it to honour the memory of Ron Nagel, Dale's late father. Ron was a good friend of the Ellis's and often sought Charlie's advice on bird-related matters. The family, including Ron's wife, Lorraine, were delighted to deliver it to us earlier this week.
We are not sure if we will have animals on the site this season, but this hutch will be a beautiful addition to the gardens and will be ready when the bunnies eventually arrive.
June 3, 2020 - Dr Delano heads up invertebrate research project at Ellis Bird Farm
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Dr Delano heads up invertebrate research project at Ellis Bird Farm
Thanks to funding from the Red Deer and District Community Foundation, Ellis Bird Farm is partnering with Dr. Delano Lewis of Burman University to study invertebrates and pollinators on the farm. This important three-year project will study the population and diversity of insects in various habitat areas around the farm, giving us a better picture of our insect fauna.
Several different collection methods will be used, including bee bowls, pitfall traps, Hester-Dandy samplers, fecal samples taken from Mountain Bluebird and Purple Martin droppings (which will be studied for insect DNA) and opportunistic captures. Dr. Lewis will be assisted in his efforts by summer student, Ben Acorn. The traps will be checked multiple times over the summer and the types and numbers of invertebrates will be recorded. This research should reveal to us a cross-section of the insects living in the air, on the soil and in the water at Ellis Bird Farm. Interviews about this project can be found here.
Thanks to funding from the Red Deer and District Community Foundation, Ellis Bird Farm is partnering with Dr. Delano Lewis of Burman University to study invertebrates and pollinators on the farm. This important three-year project will study the population and diversity of insects in various habitat areas around the farm, giving us a better picture of our insect fauna.
Several different collection methods will be used, including bee bowls, pitfall traps, Hester-Dandy samplers, fecal samples taken from Mountain Bluebird and Purple Martin droppings (which will be studied for insect DNA) and opportunistic captures. Dr. Lewis will be assisted in his efforts by summer student, Ben Acorn. The traps will be checked multiple times over the summer and the types and numbers of invertebrates will be recorded. This research should reveal to us a cross-section of the insects living in the air, on the soil and in the water at Ellis Bird Farm. Interviews about this project can be found here.
May 28, 2020 - Owlet REACTS to us PASSING BY the woodpile.
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Shaye, Linda, and Mateya had the unique and memorable experience of encountering one of the owlets up close. - Mateya
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Fostering Walter - April 16, 2020
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April 16, 2020 -Ellie and Albert will have another baby added to their family tomorrow! The Medicine River Wildlife Centre has an abandoned owlet that will be fostered to the EBF nest tomorrow morning at 10 AM. The Medicine River Wildlife Centre as well as an owl expert and bander, Rick Morse, will be on hand to orchestrate the big event. Rick will band the foster owlet, then climb the tree, place the foster owlet in the nest, then band the other three owlets.
Success! All went well. Ellie and Albert were concerned, but they didn't attack. The entire process took only about 20 minutes. Ellie was back on the nest shortly after the procedure. The bander left 3 extra squirrels in the nest as a token of our appreciation. A big thanks to bander Rick Morse and Judy Boyd of Medicine River Wildlife Centre for handling all the logistics. We hope to have some video clips and images up soon. In the meantime, here is a pic of the 4 new siblings (taken by the bander at the nest) |
Feeder and box kits have finally arrived - May 22, 2020
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May 22, 2020 - Kits Have Arrived!
We are pleased to announce that our feeder and box kits have finally arrived! We can now start selling bluebird and chickadee boxes again. Please contact us if you are looking to buy some. Contact |
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new picnic tables - May 17, 2020
May 17: Mateya Bluett and Shaye Hill get new picnic tables ready for when EBF eventually opens for the season.
setting up a Trail Cam - May 17, 2020
May 17: Kelsey Bourgeois (EBF Research Committee Chair) and Shaye Hill (EBF Research Coordinator) set up an ARU (Autonomous Recording Unit) and Trail Cam in the West Woods!