Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
Last Review/Updated: May 10, 2002
© K. Morck (AB Gov.) |
Spectacular sandstone outcrops, mature cottonwood trees, diverse coulee systems, and the scenic Milk River make this park one of Alberta's richest wildlife viewing locations.
The park contains 265 recorded species of plants. The 60 recorded nesting bird species include the rock wren, rufous-sided towhee, golden eagle, prairie falcon, and others whose ranges barely reach the province, such as the lazuli bunting. Sit on sandstone hoodoos west of the campground in the evening and listen for coyotes and great horned owls and watch for common nighthawk activity. Nighthawks can be seen resting by day along horizontal limbs of the cottonwoods.
© G. Hvenegaard
Many of the park's 22 mammal species are common and easily seen, including Nuttall's cottontails, white-tailed jack rabbits, mule deer, porcupines and yellow-bellied marmots. Western rattlesnakes and bull snakes are common in some locations. Many rare wildlife species occur, including the Delaware skipper and two-tailed swallowtail butterflies, the western small-footed bat, and the bobcat.
