Prince Albert National Park is an ideal birders’ getaway. With over two hundred different species all year round, wildlife preservation is a foundation of the park, and Kapasiwin Bungalows on Waskesiu Lake are the perfect accommodations for your birding trip. We offer quaint, rustic contemporary cottages with a lakeside view and a surrounding forest rich with wildlife. Especially when you visit in the fall, there are fewer people and more animals to observe.
If you’re looking for Prince Albert National Park accommodations for your next bird watching trip, you’ve come to the right place. Kapasiwin has short and long-term rentals, where you’re supplied with all the amenities of home. So you can make the most of your time with the wildlife. Keep reading to learn more about the beauty of Prince Albert National Park and the best times of year for bird watching expeditions.
Why Birders Love This Region
Saskatchewan is a birder’s paradise. As a transitional zone between aspen parkland and boreal forest, Prince Albert National Park is the perfect region to observe a unique mix of avian inhabitants.
Often, when you’re bird watching, you can escape some of the noises of daily life and get away from it all. Then, after the day’s bird excursion, you have a quiet, peaceful and relaxing space to recharge at Kapasiwin Bungalows.
Ready To Observe The Birds
Of course, you can see and hear birds anywhere and anytime all year round, but there are some steps you can take to have a better chance at witnessing these beautiful creatures.
When to Observe Birds:
The best times to see birds are early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Early in the spring, it’s easiest to spot birds. You can request a kayak or canoe from Kapasiwin to watch for loons and eagles at the Narrows.
In summer, plan for a day on the forest trails, where you can try identifying birds by their distinct calls. In the fall, you may see staging areas on certain parts of the lakes in preparation for migration.
Winter reduces the number of species in Prince Albert National Park to about 25. Visiting in the winter is the best time to learn about all the different birds. Just down the road from Kapasiwin, the Waskesiu townsite is a good place to hear and observe birds in winter.
How to Observe Birds:
It’s ideal to have Prince Albert National Park accommodations to organize and set up all your gear when you’re preparing for a bird excursion. If you’re in a group, the cottages at Kapasiwin sleep up to six people, so there is space for the whole family. Here is a list of what to bring as a bird observer:
- Binoculars
- A camera and a telescope lens
- Bug spray
- A field guide and notebook
- Extra clothes for the time of year and changes in weather
- Hiking boots for the trails
The checklist below lists common birds in our region and will help you identify many different species. Tourism Saskatchewan has a more extensive checklist and guides to help travellers identify the over two hundred birds in the area.
In the fall and winter, Prince Albert Park is quieter, which is ideal for quietly approaching areas where birds might be, and will offer you a greater chance of witnessing their behaviour. Keeping your distance shows respect for wildlife and allows them to continue feeding.
The Kapasiwin Bulgalows Bird Watchers Checklist
If you’re new to birdwatching or new to the area, it might be helpful to book a tour. Saskatoon Custom Bird Tours offers different tours for each season and several bird types. We recommend planning your stay at Kapasiwin around some of their tours to get the most out of your trip.
Below is a minimalist list of common birds in the area that you can look for during your visit.
| Types of Birds | About |
| LOONS, GREBES, & PELICANS | |
| Common Loon * | Recognized by its haunting calls, it relies on clear lakes for fishing and nesting. |
| Red-necked Grebe | Striking red neck during breeding season, often nesting on floating vegetation in freshwater lakes. |
| American White Pelican | One of North America’s largest birds, pelicans are notable for their cooperative feeding strategies. |
| WATERFOWL | |
| Mallard | Males have glossy green heads, commonly found in the park’s ponds and lakes. |
| Common Goldeneye | Striking golden eyes, often seen diving in the park’s boreal forest lakes |
| GALLINACEOUS BIRDS | |
| Ruffed Grouse | Chicken-like, known for its drumming display during mating season |
| RAILS, SHOREBIRDS & GULLS | |
| Sora | Marsh bird with a distinctive whinny call, often heard more than seen |
| Killdeer | Loud, piercing call and broken-wing display to distract predators |
| California Gull | Distinctive red spot on its lower bill, often seen around the park’s larger lakes |
| OWLS | |
| Barred Owl | Nocturnal predator with a distinctive “who cooks for you” call |
| WARBLERS & SPARROWS | |
| Yellow Warbler | Known for its sweet, whistled song during spring and summer |
| American Tree Sparrow | Winter visitor: a central breast spot and bicolored bill |
| UNCOMMON SPECIES | |
| Sandhill Crane | Tall, elegant birds with a distinctive trumpeting call |
| Great Gray Owl | One of the largest owl species, with a distinctive facial disc and silent flight |
| White-breasted Nuthatch | A small bird known for its headfirst descent down trees |
* Loons are an indicator of healthy, clean lakes; their long history of nesting here supports the park’s ecological integrity.
Make Kapasiwin Bungalows your next Prince Albert National Park Accommodation.
You get the best of both worlds: comfort and cozy accommodations, secluded and immersed in nature. Book now for your fall and winter birding trips and plan a stay during the next peak bird season.
For more activities to do at Waskesiu Lake, take a look at these related posts:
Winter Wonderland: Discover Fun Winter Activities Around Lake Waskesiu and Prince Albert National Park
What Makes Prince Albert National Park a Popular Canadian Getaway?