What is a Coulee?

Good question!  The word coulee comes from the French word "couler" which means "to flow".  Coulees are the steep-sided dramatic ravines that lead into a river valley.  They were initially formed by the flow of water from melting glaciers about 10 - 12000 years ago.  Wind continues to erode these long, parallel formations today. 

When was the High Level Bridge built?

Excavation for this magnificent bridge began in September of 1907.  The last steel girder was laid into place on June 22, 1909.  The bridge cost $1 334 525 to build.  The High Level Bridge is the longest and highest of its kind in the world reaching 1.6 km long and 96 metres high.

Do you still have the bird?

Yes, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre is still home to Pegleg the crow.  Pegleg came to the centre in 1991.  

Pegleg had been injured as a baby bird (hence her name) and was cared for by humans.  Baby birds easily imprint on humans, which means that they identify with their first caregivers.  Because Pegleg is imprinted she has no ability to live in the wild.  She does not recognize predators,  nor can she find her own food.  Pegleg can never be released into the wild. 

Pegleg is a perfect example of why baby birds should be left in the wild where they belong.  Even though she was injured, her parents were likely close by and still feeding and caring for her.  What adventures she may have had living in the wild!