BPQ - Summer Series of Birding 2008 - Trip #1 Report

Montreal Saturday June 28th

11 birders gathered at the north gates of Mount Royal Cemetery on Saturday morning for an enjoyable and eventful almost 4-hour longwalk through the grounds, exploring some sections that many of us had not visited previously. We were concerned that rain would arrive at some point during the walk, but we got through with nothing more than overcast skies and a much desired and appreciated fresh breeze that kept down the humidity.

We were greeted upon our arrival by a male singing Indigo Bunting, a good sign of things to come throughout the day. There were several highlights of the day, but nothing topped an real-life nature story that unfolded in front of us in the Mountainview sector of the cemetery. As we were scanning a section of the area for a look at a Brown Thrasher that appeared. The local resident fox appeared from the bushes to have a long and lingering look at this group of eleven people with binoculars. As it turned out, we were pretty much after the same thing he was, but for different reasons!

As the fox turned and roamed through the gravestones into an area of shrubs and smaller trees, it was obvious that birds in the area were well aware of his presence. He was constantly being buzzed by not just the Brown Thrasher, but by several Song Sparrows who obviously had nests in the area. Our foxy friend was obviously on the prowl for a morning snack...and we were cramping his style.

We observed as he slinked around the area, stalking his prey. He madea rush towards a Song Sparrow on the ground, just missing the tip of its tail as he lunged at it. He would not be denied though, as just moments later an unfortunate young robin fell victim and the fox strolled off, bird in mouth, perhaps off to feed his young. Nature takes its course and we were present with a ring-side seat. Most interesting and exciting.

A few other highlights included several additional looks at Indigo Buntings, Eastern Bluebirds and House Wrens. Thanks to Chuck Kling, a regular visitor to the cemetery, for leading us to some proven locations for these species.

We completed our morning with several fly-bys of a calling Merlin, a call by the way which Mary Ellen Graham has perfected in the form of imitation! Just ask her to demonstrate next time you see her.

Our species count was 27. Here is our complete list. Thanks to everyone who participated, particularly the fox!

Great Blue Heron, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, Chimney Swift, HairyWoodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Great crested Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, American Goldfinch.

Sheldon