You are on the viewing platform of Big Lake.
Big Lake, about 8 km long and 3 km wide, is known as one of the 20 most important habitat areas of Alberta, More than 235 bird species have been recorded here. At-risk species that use the lake include Trumpeter Swans, Sprague's Pipits, Peregrine Falcons, Short-eared Owls and Bald Eagles. In the fall, the lake is a staging area for Tundra Swans and Pelicans. Fall populations of swans have been as high as 20,000! Cormorants, Loons, Great Blue Herons and Ospreys fish the lake. Lesser Yellowlegs, Dowitchers, American Avocets and Sandpipers reside during low water years. Fish species found in the lake include Northern Pike, Goldeye, White Sucker, Walleye and Sticklebacks. Lands surrounding Big Lake provide important habitat for Moose, White-tailed Deer, Beaver, Muskrat, Mink, Skunk, Coyote, Red Fox, Porcupine, Snowshoe Hare, and Red Squirrel. We have seen moose walking across the frozen lake in the winter. On the way to Big Lake you will likely walk on the John E Poole wetlands boardwalk, which during the spring and summer months is teaming with wildlife activity.
Enjoy the views.
[FTF] Congrats Michemno! [FTF]
In order to make this virtual a smiley, please:
1. Take a look at the information signs on the viewing platform. What is the total number of bird species represented in the images on the signs? Message me the answer.
2. Take a photo of the lake from the platform and post it with your log.
Photo by signal42
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.