Feil - July 2021

Feil - July 2021

Feil - #143 in Alberta Discover Guide (https://www.albertadiscoverguide.com/site.cfm?grid=E3&number=143) and 59.2 KM from Red Deer. To reach this natural area head east on Highway 11 (past Highway 21) until Range Road 221 turn north for approx 2 KM. The area will be on the east side of the road with a green Ducks Unlimited Sign and a v-gate to walk through. Parking is along the ditch. A word of caution is this is a fair weather road so it can get dicey driving on it when wet. 

This natural area is rolling hills made up of grasslands, upland shrub habitat and large wetlands that a vast number of waterfowl use over the summer months. As I walked in the marsh wrens called from the cattails and juvenile soras scattered into the wetland vegetation out of sight. It's a lovely area to explore.

There is one large ephemeral wetland that has a number of shorebirds taking advantage of the shallow water and exposed bed to locate insects for a snack. Other wildlife that use this area include white-tailed and mule deer, red fox, muskrat, and grassland birds. 

There are no pathways through this area but it's relatively easy to walk through. The grass is quite long and there are some big patches of Canada thistle to watch out for (or wear some thick pants). 

The partner than manages this area is Ducks Unlimited Canada. 

Watch for wildlife in the area, be cautious around open water and changing weather conditions. 

Happy exploring!