You have an opportunity to get up, close and personal with the local bird population this weekend.
 
Ellis Bird Farm east of Lacombe opens up for the season on Monday, and as Biologist Myrna Pearman explains, their birds wintered well.

“Purple martins we were worried about them a little bit because the April weather was delaying them but they are back in full force. We’re not sure quite how many pairs are here yet, but they are here singing away. The tree swallows are back and the blue birds are back, in fact some of them have eggs already, so we’re looking forward to a really great season”.

A large focus of opening day according to Pearman will be celebrating their owls.

“Ellie and Albert returned in January and they have 3 owlets that are very visible now, so we’re going to have Cat Perry from Alix who has been on the webcam helping tell everybody about Ellis Bird Farm owls over the winter, she’s going to be on site with a telescope and we’re going to be able to watch the little ones up close”.

The owl sightings and talk are on 12- 2pm.

Pearman herself will also be delivering a presentation based on stories from her book "Beauty Everywhere" at 2 pm, and she'll be doing signings after.
 
Ellis Bird Farm will be open 11-5 Tuesday through Sunday and holiday Monday's starting Victoria Day.

Last year the farm welcomed a record 12,000 visitors.

http://www.ellisbirdfarm.ca/