The Ellis Bird Farm is both a fun place to visit and a great biking destination from Red Deer. John and I spent part of a day here one September. We first enjoyed a stellar lunch at the Ellis Café – and then came under the spell of Myrna Pearman. She’s the passionate, energetic, charismatic woman who managed the farm up until 2021 when she retired.
In our opinion the Ellis Bird Farm is one of the best day trips you can do from the Calgary – Edmonton corridor, especially with kids.
Over a two hour visit we came away excited about the cutting edge research with geolocators, impressed with the relationship with MEGlobal Canada, and blown away by the beauty of the gardens.
Watching baby tree swallows get fed by mom was the proverbial icing on the cake. Since we were there on the closing weekend, we vowed we’d make a trip sometime in summer to see the garden in its full glory at a time when the birds would be around.
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History of the Ellis Bird Farm
The Ellis Bird Farm is the legacy of brother and sister, Charlie and Winnie Ellis. When their parents died, not only did they take over running of the farm, but Charlie put out the first of what would ultimately be 300 nesting boxes for mountain bluebirds.
Eventually tree swallows, black-capped chickadees, flickers, and purple martins were also provided with homes. It seems Charlie would make a habit of a daily walk to tend to his nest boxes. With age he became concerned for their fate.
Then an unlikely relationship between big industry – Union Carbide at the time – and Ellis Bird Farm emerged. Across the street – quite literally, Union Carbide wanted to build a plant to manufacture ethylene glycol in the early 80’s, around the time Charlie was slowing down.
Fortunately the company agreed to continue funding of the Ellis Bird Farm. What is now in place is a long term relationship and funding with MEGlobal Canada (formed as a joint venture between Dow Chemical and Petrochemical Industries Company of Kuwait).
Why you should visit Ellis Bird Farm
I think a trip to the Ellis Bird Farm is one of the best day trips you can do from the Calgary to Edmonton corridor. It’s a phenomenal spot for families, couples, birders, gardeners – really anyone who enjoys nature.
Come to walk the flower-lined trails. Learn about birds and nature. Maybe even build a bird house. And you definitely want to come for lunch.
But most of all come for the stories – gathered from cutting edge research now that geolocators can be safely used to track the flights of purple martins and mountain bluebirds.
What is a geolocator?
You can see in the picture below the size of a geolocator. This tiny unit is attached by a special thread to the back of the bird.
Then with the use of microprocessor algorithms developed by some genius, ambient light level and the time of day is converted into latitude and longitude to track the bird’s position. The geolocator is removed from the back of the bird when they return to the Ellis Bird Farm.
The story of Marco Polo, a purple martin.
Marco Polo left Ellis Bird Farm on August 8, 2012 and crossed the Gulf of Mexico where he spent 49 days on the Yucatan Peninsula. Then it was off to Brazil’s Amazon Basin for the winter.
On April 20th, 2013 he left Guyana, crossed to Texas for a layover and made it back to Ellis Bird Farm on May 13, 2013. The next year he made it as far south as Bolivia and returned to the farm a week earlier than the previous year.
Here’s a taste of what you can see on a visit to Ellis Bird Farm
The stories coming from the use of the geolocators are compelling. You can’t help but be amazed and in awe of what a mere two ounce bird can accomplish. Don’t take my word for it. Come see for yourself.
When is the Ellis Bird Farm open?
The Ellis Bird Farm opens for the season in the third week of May. It’s open Tuesday – Sunday from 11 AM – 5 PM and its closed on Mondays unless it’s a holiday.
There are kid-centric programs, bird identification classes and a Bluebird Society Conference in July. For the whole list of what is offered check their website for events and programs.
There is no entrance fee but donations are gratefully accepted.
Further reading about birds
Somehow Myrna Pearman has found the time to write books on subjects close to her heart. You might likeWinter Bird Feeding – An Alberta Guide.
If you’re in need of a bird guide check outPocket Birds of Canada, 2nd edition.
And if you’ve got a birding friend anew bird housefor their wrens and chickadees would make a great gift.
Interested in reading more on nature
- 200 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta
- The Search for Snowy Owls in Alberta
- Nature Up Close on a Campbell River Wildlife Tour
- The Unforgettable Parc Mahikan Wolf Experience
- The Most Unforgettable Walk You’ll Do in Golden, BC
- A Spectacular Long Weekend at Great Bear Lodge
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