Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 27/05) - For 20 years now, Mike Fournier has sought out the wild side of Yellowknife.

He pulls on his rubber boots, wraps up in a warm jacket and with binoculars, field guide and spotting scope in hand, Fournier heads for the trails and marshes surrounding the city.

"Those are some of the most productive areas to see birds," the seasoned ornithologist said recently.

The end of May and early part of June is the best time of year to see the myriad of winged fowl which travel northward each year, according to Fournier.

A walk along the Niven Lake trail will not disappoint birdwatchers, he said.

"It probably has the highest diversity of species and they are fairly easy to see, as well.

"But I'm not sure if that will continue into the future once the full effects of the housing developments around Niven Lake take place," he added.

Early morning is usually the classic time to venture out for sightings, he said.

"To get out into the spring and see all these fabulous migrant birds arriving is a way to celebrate spring - the returning of the warmth, the returning of the birds."

Ravens, gray jays, woodpeckers, grouse and ptarmigan are common year-round, and terns, gulls or grebes are frequently sighted, Fournier said.

Loons nesting

Fournier said a highlight for him last year during his nature walks was to observe three pairs of loons nesting on Frame Lake.

"It's incredible. There's probably no other city in North America that can say that."

Wildlife, as well, abounds around Yellowknife, Fournier said.

After a partial winter hibernation, muskrats are now active feeding and swimming about, he said.

"Around Niven or Range Lake are good places to go.

"We're lucky enough in the Yellowknife area to have a real diverse wildlife habitat within city limits."

Foxes, too, abound this time of year, he said, with several dens in prominent locations about town.

Dean Cluff, a biologist with Environment and Natural Resources, said the city's lakes are a source of many birds and wildlife.

"There used to be a beaver at Niven Lake."

And when walking his dog down the Dettah road, Cluff said the various trails which lead to ponds are also good locales in which to see beavers, muskrat or other small mammals.

Coyotes are seen on occasion in the autumn near the airport or Findlayson Road area.

"People might hear them yelping at night, but we haven't heard of any reports of any coyotes being aggressive towards people."

Further out the Ingraham Trail, Cluff said Cameron Falls is a good place to watch for otters near the rapids.