Life Sciences Gallery: A Tour of the Province: Cypress Upland
Islands in a Sea of Ice
Our last stop in Saskatchewan is the Cypress Upland, an ecoregion that offers a striking combination of deep forested valleys and grassy plateaus that reach elevations of 1350 metres. The high points provided a refuge for plants and animals during the last Ice Age, when most of Saskatchewan was covered with glaciers almost 600 metres thick.
Cypress Hills
|
Fall is a season of change and activity. Some animals seek shelter for the winter. Others devote their time to reproduction. This exhibit shows a fall scene in the West Block of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. |
American Elk are generally quiet animals that move almost silently through the forest, except during their fall rut. From late August into November, the bulls call out with a low roar that rises to a high, clear note followed by a series of coughing grunts. Under good conditions, the sound of a bugling male can carry almost two kilometres. |
|
|
In southwest Saskatchewan, Mountain Bluebirds nest in crevices or holes in cliffs, as well as in tree cavities. They also breed in forested areas from the Aspen Parkland to the far north, where their nests are almost always in trees. During fall migration, Mountain Bluebirds join together in small flocks. Most birds leave the province in September, though some may stay into October. |
For further information contact the Curator of Life Sciences.
Previous Frenchman Valley | Next Global View
