Clark’s Nutcracker – Beaupre, Alberta

10,000 Birds Tours and Meadowlark Birding Tours had a tour out of Calgary in the fall last year. We saw several Clark’s nutcrackers in Beaupre, Alberta. This is in the lower foothills—an area where these birds aren’t usually found. Clark’s Nutcrackers are part of the Corvid family, which includes crows, ravens, and jays. They are seen in the high mountain areas but have been seen in the foothills over the last few years. It now looks like some of these birds are living here year-round, which is unusual for this species.

Clark’s Nutcrackers usually live in alpine forests and rely on pine seeds from trees like whitebark and limber pines. Seeing them regularly at lower elevations suggests they are adapting to new food sources or changing habitats. These local birdwatching tours gave everyone a great chance to spot these unique birds up close. This included their loud calls and social behavior. We loved how Gavin explained more about how Corvid species like the nutcracker can adjust to different environments.