Spring's Arrival on the Bow River: Pelicans, Herons, and Crocuses Herald the Season
It is a feeling that is hard to describe, looking down onto soaring pelicans as they glide effortlessly over the treetops along the Bow River near Carseland, Alberta. These huge birds, with barely any motion to their wings, skimmed their way to a shallow part of the river, set their wings to land, and with just a couple of flaps, slid across the water to settle in. This scene, observed on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, marks the much-anticipated return of these elegant birds, a sure sign that spring is muscling its way through the lingering winter punches.
A Bustling Riverside Ecosystem
At the top of the road leading down to the Carseland Weir, the waters are always interesting as spring unfolds. Below the falls, mergansers dart among the rocks, while green-eyed cormorants swim in the foam at the weir's base. Above the weir, goldeneyes perform their silly dance, and more cormorants gather in sweeps of sunshine as clouds drift by. The annual scramble for nest space on a nearby island is in full swing, with geese squabbling and mallards gabbling by the shore. An eagle perches in a cottonwood against a pale blue sky, adding to the serene yet lively atmosphere.
Parked by the boat launch, the observer listened to the cacophony of birdlife, with a birdsong app revealing hidden visitors: a yellow-rumped warbler, a willet, California gulls, and ring-billed gulls. Out on the river, crows picked at a large fish carcass, while a song sparrow sang its territorial tune nearby. Downstream, a pair of avocets nestled in shallow water next to the pelicans, one of which let out a yawn so wide it could have swallowed both smaller birds.
Transitioning Landscapes and Wildlife
Pausing on the way up from the river, the warm tones of the valley came into view—every shade of brown, blues, and greys in the sky matching those in the river, with fresh new green grass beside the road. It looked like the land and water had found the perfect combination of sun and warmth to start the transition to spring. Up on the rim on the south side, the change was even clearer: bare land to the north, a train rolling past Carseland, and robins and flickers in front. Gulls cried on the river below, and an eagle flew across the valley.
As the sun brightened, bees from nearby hives buzzed around, and ants frantically went about their business. The observer learned to admire them from afar after a past encounter with formic acid. Though crocuses were not found here, they had been spotted the day before, adding to the springtime joy. Fields glowed green in the pale sun, with flocks of starlings and possible Brewer's blackbirds fleeting by.
Wetlands and Heron Rookeries
Further along, at a wetland, the wind ruffled cattails and tall yellow grass, creating a pleasant buzz and rattle as squads of wigeons flew in against a stormy blue sky. Shovelers tucked among rushes, their green heads and broad bills distinguishing them from mallards. Geese made their usual noise, but a yellow-headed blackbird popped up, entertaining with its territorial antics.
Returning to the river through green and gold fields, past snow drifts on Gladys Ridge, the observer checked on a heron rookery downstream from Calgary. Happy to find the birds still tolerant of encroaching city development, they watched lanky herons fly in and out, gathering sticks for treetop nests and preening among tangled cottonwood branches. The action on the river was quiet, but the brightness of aspen blossoms on a hillside caught the eye, their fuzzy white edges glowing in the dim sun.
Final Spring Delights
Up close, the aspen catkins lost their overall effect, but they did not bother geese and horses sharing a pasture nearby. The day ended with a reminder of the crocuses found earlier on a south-facing slope near downtown Calgary. Lying on the grass among them, smelling the soil, and watching ladybugs crawl, it truly felt like spring is here—and it will be soon. Please, bring it on.
