The Ellis Bird Farm in Lacombe County, AB is a not-to-be-missed destination for birdwatchers, photographers, nature lovers, gardeners, and families looking to immerse themselves in nature. Stop by the Visitor's Center and Gift Shop to learn about the research, education programs, and conservation initiatives for Mountain Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, and Purple Martins taking place there. Afterwards, explore the network of walking trails that take visitors through butterfly and pollinator gardens filled with native wildflowers, past a reflecting pond, or through a stand of trees where a pair of Great Horned Owls is nesting. For the more adventurous, explore the working part of the ranch on a trail through rolling fields, where hundreds of nest boxes support one the highest densities of Mountain Bluebirds ever recorded. Historic barns and outbuildings, outdoor art exhibits, and one of the largest collections of birdhouses in the area help bring the property alive. When you're ready for a break, enjoy the view from one of the many benches, spread out in the shade with a picnic, or stop by the Ellis Cafe and Tea House for a bite to eat. This 62 ha property belonged to Charlie and Winnie Ellis, two pioneering conservationists who dedicated their lives to preserving wild birds, and it has become a hidden gem of Lacombe County!