To see a mountain bluebird is to see one of Canada’s prettiest birds. The male’s vibrant blue plumage made me look twice; seeing this flying blue ball against the browns and white of the spring landscape is a true sign spring is underway.

Unfortunately, the mountain bluebird, like other songbirds is suffering from a lack of habitat and the effects of climate change. A particularly nasty storm in 2008 wiped out more than half of Alberta’s bluebird population but one organization, The Ellis Bird Farm, is fighting for the species’ survival.

The farm got involved in conservation in the 1950s when Charlie Ellis started building bird houses. He was heartened to see tree swallows and then a large number of bluebirds moving into the area. Over several decades the number of bluebirds increased thanks to the careful stewardship of Charlie and Winnie.

Fortunately, when Charlie and his sister, Winnie, were getting too old to keep up the bluebird trail, Union Carbide (now MEGlobal) was looking for land for their plant. They bought the land with the condition they would ‘look after the birds’. The homestead is now a tourism hot-spot and the base for conservation activities. Open to tourists for over 20 years, the Ellis Bird Farm has become a popular Alberta destination for nature lovers.

There is something for everyone at the Farm; old and young can play on Grandparents and Grandchildren’s days, music and food fills the evening hours for fundraisers, and for the truly adventurous there is the Bug Jamboree! As expected, this event is full of eclectic and informative displays. Farm staff collect road-kill for the forensic entomologist a few days in advance. While I need convincing that it’s fun to look at dead things off the road, Myrna Pearman, the Farm’s Executive Director, thinks it’s critical, “We’re losing our children to screens”.

Other activities to get the kids involved in nature include the chance to examine pond life off the pier (a fence makes sure that only nets, not the handlers go into the water). Birdwatchers will enjoy the aerial displays of purple martins and warblers, while frustrated gardeners can learn more about sustainable gardening practices. Various demonstration gardens show how to attract butterflies, birds and people. And everyone will enjoy a visit to the teahouse for a taste of mouth-watering local pies and ice cream.

The Ellis Bird Farm is open 11 am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday and holiday Mondays until August 31^st. To learn more go to www.ellisbirdfarm.ab.ca