BACKGROUND - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 513

up to 25 years. Named for a bright red dash of color that runs from below the mouth almost
to the gills, the cutthroat trout is native to southern Alberta's mountain streams, but it has
been introduced to high-elevation lakes and streams on both sides of the Canadian Rock-
ies. The brown trout, introduced from Europe in 1924, is found in the Bow and Red Deer
Rivers and some slower streams in the eastern zones of Kananaskis Country. Its body is a
golden brown color, and it is the only trout with both black and red spots. The brook trout
is a colorful fish identified by a dark-green back with pale-colored splotches and purple-
sheened sides. It is native to eastern Canada but was introduced to the mountains as early
as 1903 and is now widespread throughout lakes and streams on the Alberta side of the
Continental Divide. Golden trout were introduced to a few mountain lakes around 1960
as a sport fish. They are a smallish fish, similar in color to rainbow trout.
The mountain whitefish (commonly but incorrectly called arctic grayling by Albertan
anglers) is a light-gray fish native to most lower-elevation lakes and rivers of the Canadian
Rockies. Also inhabiting the region's waters are arctic grayling and Dolly Varden (named
for a colorful character in a Charles Dickens story).
BIRDS
Bird-watching is popular in the mountains, thanks to the approximately 300 resident bird
species and the millions of migratory birds that pass through each year. All it takes is a
pair of binoculars, a good book detailing species, and patience. Dense forests hide many
species, making them seem less common than they actually are. The Columbia River wet-
land, between Radium Hot Springs and Golden, lies on the Pacific Flyway and is a major
bird-watching area.
Raptors
A wide variety of raptors are present in the Canadian Rockies—some call the mountains
home year-round, while others pass through during annual spring and fall migrations.
Golden eagles migrate across the Canadian Rockies, heading north in spring to Alaska and
crossing back over in fall en route to Midwest wintering grounds. Golden eagles—more
than 10,000 of them annually—soar high above the mountains on thermal drafts. Bald
eagles also soar over the Canadian Rockies during annual migrations; mature birds can be
distinguished from below by their white head and tail (immature birds resemble the dark-
brown-colored golden eagle). Ospreys spend summers in the region, nesting high up in
large dead trees, on telephone poles, or on rocky outcrops, but always overlooking water.
They feed on fish, hovering up to 50 meters (160 feet) above water, watching for move-