Birch Lake and Burnstick Lake
Location: Burnstick Lake
Continue southwest from Birch Lake on Burnstick Lake Road for 1.6 km.
Burnstick Lake GPS: N51.9961 -W114.8477
Birch Lake GPS: N52.0158 -W114.8518
Location: Birch Lake
Go west of Caroline on Hwy 54, then south on Rge Rd 6-3 for 10.9 km. Turn north on gravelled oil well road at the “Watchable Wildlife” sign. (Not recommended for travel when wet.)
Habitat:
Large shallow lakes surrounded by mixed wood forest.
Access: Burnstick Lake
Hiking limited to campground and day use area.
Access: Birch Lake
Park at small upper parking lot and take trail down to lake. A small trail follows the shoreline to the west.
Notable Species:
Ruffed Grouse, Common Loon, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Townsend’s Solitaire. Road into Birch Lake is good for spring warblers.
Other Details
Birch Lake, a Conservation Site, offers better birding. High motorboat traffic at Burnstick Lake.
Nearby are two other Conservation Sites: Beaver Lake and Fiesta Lake. Check Alberta Discover Guide for details.
Disclaimer:
The Red Deer River Naturalists are not liable for any injury or damage whatsoever caused to yourself or others by using this guide.
- Use discretion when venturing into natural habitats.
- Do not trespass on private land.
- Some sites allow livestock grazing.
- Some sites allow hunting.
- Some sites in western regions are in bear/cougar habitat. Take all necessary precautions.
Note:
More birds will be seen in the spring and summer seasons, but all locations will have some winter birds. Typical and common species can be expected for each habitat described. Large deep lakes typically attract migrating waterfowl, (ducks, swans, and geese). Notable Species are species of special interest that have been recently recorded in or near the area.
Alberta Conservation Association’s (ACA) Alberta Discover Guide has 170 + Conservation Sites listed for the Central Alberta area. Check their website www.albertadiscoverguide.com for locations to pick up a printed version or get the pdf or app version at: www.albertadiscoverguide/getyourguide.cfm