Birds Canada named the Evening Grosbeak its 2026 avian ambassador amid a 93% population drop since 1970, though conservation efforts may be helping stabilize numbers.

In 2026, Birds Canada named the Evening Grosbeak its avian ambassador, highlighting a 93% population decline since 1970 due to habitat loss, though recent conservation efforts may be stabilizing numbers. The bird, known for its bright plumage, has seen rare sightings in Leduc, with irruptions linked to food sources like spruce budworms and Manitoba maples. Meanwhile, Alberta’s official bird, the Great Horned Owl, nests from December to April, using winter darkness to its advantage for hunting and giving young time to develop flight skills before the next winter, making it more visible to observers during long nights.