Summer Series - Trip #5 report for July 21st

Parc National de Plaisance in Plaisance, Quebec, north west of Montreal on the Ottawa River. Blue sky and sunshine throughout the day today for 11 birders on todays outting.

Following up on recent sightings posted at the welcome centre in the park, we hoped that we might come across a few rare species such as the Black-billed Cuckoo and the Sedge Wren, but neither were found today.

We did come up with an impressive list of 53 species though. This is a very impressive birding site. From the park's brochure we discovered that 65% of this park's total area is made up of wetlands and open water. Various habitats are available including marshes, open water, grasslands and forested trails. There is an extensive network of hiking trails and bicycle paths throughout. There are 7 designated observations points. 240 bird species have been recorded in this park, as well as more than 500 species of plants, 33 fishspecies, 13 species of amphibians and reptiles and 50% of all animal species found in Quebec.

Here is our list of 53 species seen today. Wood Duck, Am. Black Duck, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Pied-billedGrebe, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Am. Kestrel, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, E. Wood-Pewee, Eastern Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Am. Crow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Am. Robin, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Am. Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Chipping Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird,Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, Am. Goldfinch

We had received reports of Wild Turkeys in the park in the last few weeks but we were unable to locate them today. It was a great day in a great place. A nice picnic lunch with thegroup added to the fun.

Thanks to all who participated.

Sheldon