Police Point Park remains open to walkers.--NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
There is no need to get cabin fever during social distancing and after all, it is spring.
Police Point Park is open with trails to explore and open spaces to enjoy, says Marty Drut, park interpreter for Medicine Hat Interpretive Program.
Nature is waking up from a long winter making it a wonderful time to explore. Drut says resident birds are already in the courtship, nesting process and woodpeckers, especially northern flickers, will be very prominent.
“The males will drum on almost anything to attract a mate – we have one here at the Nature Centre that drums on a metal exhaust pipe on the roof,” said Drut.
Chickadees are singing regularly – the male’s song has a similar sound to the pronunciation of the word cheeseburger. Drut says to say it in a lyrical way and it will make sense, then listen for them in your neighbourhood.
“Also keep eyes peeled for our resident bald eagles. Local bird watchers have reported species returning from wintering areas like gulls, great blue herons, and even western meadowlarks,” said Drut.
Meadowlarks are prairie birds so look and listen for them near open, grassy areas. Ducks are one of the early groups to migrate through our area. The males will be in spectacular breeding plumage, said Drut. Look for them on ponds, creeks and the river. Of course, Canada geese are already here and pairing up. Migrant geese (Canada, snow, and white-fronted) and swans might also be around. At night, listen for male great horned owls hooting.
While out during walks on trails and at Police Point Park keep please practice good social distancing. Note that the washrooms are closed at the Nature Centre so plan accordingly.
Drut says there are other wildlife to watch for at this time of year, too: Deer (both mule and white-tailed), porcupines in the trees – they sleep up high during the day and look like a funny, round nest.
Beavers are mostly nocturnal but can sometimes be seen in and along the river in the morning and evening.
“If you’re near the river, keep a look out for the river otters; they haven’t been seen for about a month but you never know,” said Drut. “Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to see a coyote or a red fox or a moose.”
Spring is also a time to explore for bugs, said Drut. Mourning cloak butterflies overwinter as adults and will be active on warm days. You might see ants or bees or midges or grasshoppers. All are a sign that warmer days are coming.
“When out in nature, it is important to experience it with all our senses,” said Drut. “Watch for deer, listen for birds, feel the roughness of tree bark, pick a blade of grass- rub in your hands – and smell it.”
