Wildlife

The Predator Ridge/ Commonage area is a well-known wildlife habitat. On a journey to Sparkling Hill, it’s common to see birds of prey riding effortlessly on thermal currents, and Red Painted turtles sunning themselves on large rocks at Birdie Lake. Spotting wildlife is one of the great pleasures of a stay at Sparkling Hill Resort.

In excess of 120 species of birds are recorded here each year, making this an important bird watching location in the region. Raptors such as the Bald eagle, Red-tailed hawk, American Kestrel and Osprey can be spotted throughout the summer at the resort while Rough-legged hawks are winter visitors to the area. Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks are often seen hunting in the nearby forest while the Great Horned and Northern Saw-whet owls are heard at night stalking their prey.

During the spring migration, many duck species move throughout the nearby Predator Ridge golf course and various ponds in the area. Regular visitors include the American Wigeon; Mallard, Blue-winged, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal; Northern Shoveler; Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Ruddy duck as well as Hooded and Common Mergansers.

Summer visitors of interest include Western and Mountain bluebirds, Evening Grosbeak, Western meadowlarks and Bullock’s orioles.

Common nighthawks are seen and distinctively heard nightly from Sparkling Hill Resort deck areas while during the day, permanent residents like the Pileated woodpecker, Pygmy nuthatch, Pine Siskin and Mountain and Black-capped chickadees are seen around the feeding stations.

Other wildlife for your watchful eye...

Mule deer and White Tail deer are very common in the area and can often be seen on the Sparkling Hill hiking trails and Predator Ridge golf course. The Red Painted turtles are commonly found in the local ponds and can easily be observed on logs and rocks.

Coyotes are often heard at night and seen at a distance year- round. Bobtail, Black bear and cougars are present in the area but are very elusive, and only occasionally lucky visitors will report a sighting.

Yellow-bellied marmots (we love these little guys!), chipmunks and the odd Long-tailed weasel live in the rock walls surrounding Sparkling Hill – they promise sightings for all visitors!