Thursday, July 31, 2008

Summer Series of Birding 2008 - Trip #6 - SUNDAY, August 3

The sixth field trip in the "Summer Series of Birding 2008" will takeplace on Sunday, August 3 at Parc des Rapides in Ville Lasalle, and will cover the park as well as the waterfront along Lasalle Blvd. in Lasalle and Verdun.

DATE: Sunday, August 3, 2008 TIME: 8:00 AM -
A Half-day outing MEETING PLACE: Parking lot of Parc des Rapides, corner of Lasalle Blvd. and 6th Avenue in Ville Lasalle (just east of Bishop PowerBlvd.)

DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS: There are several routes, depending on where you arriving from. The most direct route off a major highway is to take Highway 20 and get off at the de Laverendrye exit. Continue west on de Laverendrye, past Angrignon Park, until you reach Bishop Power Blvd.Turn left on Bishop Power and travel south to Lasalle Blvd. Turn left on Lasalle Blvd. The entrance to the parking lot of Parc des Rapides is at the corner of 6th Avenue and Lasalle Blvd. in Ville Lasalle. Parking is free.

ALTERNATE ROUTE: The Angrignon exit off Highway 20 is also a possibility. Follow Angrignon Blvd. south to de Laverendrye. Turnright and follow de Laverendrye to Bishop Power Blvd. Left on Bishop Power; left on Lasalle Blvd. to 6th Avenue.If you need directions on Sunday morning, please call us by cellphone at 514-377-6724.

Sightings for Thursday July 31st

Maskinonge: American Pelican (Pélican d'Amérique) hanging around with 7 Great egrets (Grande aigrette) at the Ducks' Unlimited site at exit 160 (to Maskinonge) along the autoroute to Trois Rivieres. There were also Blue-winged teals (Sarcelles à ailes bleues), common moorhens (Gaillinule poule d'eau), American coots (foulques d'amérique), mallards (Canards colvert), and pied-billed grebes (grèbes à bec bigarré). I remember seeing someone post about the American Pelican at this site much earlier in the year – C. Schoofs

Sightings for Sunday July 27th

Châteauguay, Île Saint-Bernard - refuge faunique Marguerite-d'Youville: Red-bellied woodpecker (Pic à ventre roux) - Claude Lalande

Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, 140 rue St-Mathieu: Carolina wren (Troglodyte de Caroline) - Jean-Sébastien Guénette

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Summer Series of Birding 2008 - Trip #5 Report

Sunday, July 27

We could not have wished for a better day, weather-wise, today for the 5th trip in this year's Summer Series of Birding. 7 birders participated in the trip which took us along the eastern shore of the Richelieu River, exploring various birding spots in Sabrevois, Henryville, Clarenceville and Lacolle. The temperature was in themid-20s with mostly sunny skies and a cooling breeze.

It didn't take long to find the "Bird of the Day". At our first stop on 11th Avenue in Sabrevois, we expected to find a Belted Kingfisher. There has been one at this location each of the past few years we have visited the area. However, this year, one pair of Kingfishers obviously had a very productive birding season as we saw a total of no less than 7 Kingfishers at the same location; five at one time in the very same tree!

The same location also provided us with three species of shorebirds, including a surprisingly large number of Solitary Sandpipers, certainly not living up to their name. Our species count for the day was a very rewarding 55.
Here is the complete list. Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Osprey, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Common Moorhen, Killdeer, Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Least Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird,Warbling Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Marsh Wren, American Robin, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, YellowWarbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, CommonGrackle, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow. - S. Harvey

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Sightings for Sunday July 20th

Montreal, Mount-Royal Cemetery: I spent about 2 1/2 hours in the cemetery this a.m....Mount Murray was full of birds.... but the adult bluebirds I saw never led me to the babies of box 14....adults were all around... but I never saw them picking up insects in their bills... 2 hrs. on top, balance a bit in other spots A pair of bluebirds still at box 31... female was in the box....

LIST: bluebirds, song and chipping sparrows , one red sh. hawk , indigo buntings , cedar waxwings, crows , flickers, great crested flycatchers, brown thrashers, house wrens, a female rose breasted grosbeak, robins, red eyed vireos, black-capped chickadees, gray catbirds, goldfinch.

All this atop Mount Murray... a busy place - Chuck Kling - www.pbase.com/hootpix

Summer Series of Birding 2008 - Trip #4 Report

Boucherville, Parc de la Frayere: Saturday July 19th

Most of the nine participants in Saturday's Summer Series trip travelled through some gray skies and light showers on their way to the destination site, Parc de la Frayere in Boucherville but, by the time we started our walk, the rain held off for the rest of the morning with the sun occasionally breaking through.

The water level on the St. Lawrence, and in the marsh, is still quite high into mid July, but we did manage to track down a very respectable 42 species.The highlight of the morning was actually one of the first birds seen.

We had a Common Loon swimming and diving a good distance offshore, but the scope gave all of the participants a good look at him. Humid conditions and lots of mosquitos prevented us from spending alot of time in the woods across boul. Marie-Victorin from the parking area but we did do a quick tour along the path managing to spot a number of Northern Cardinals.

Our list of species for the morning was as follows: Canada Goose, Wood Duck, American Black Duck, Mallard, Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Common Moorhen, Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Least Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, BlueJay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Marsh Wren, American Robin, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch.

Thanks to those who participated - Sheldon

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Summer Series of Birding 2008 - Trip #4 - Saturday, July 19

LOCATION: Parc de la Frayere, boul. Marie-Victorin, Boucherville, Quebec (FREE PARKING) DATE: Saturday, July 19, 2004 TIME: 8 AM - Half day trip

This Saturday, July 19 at 8 AM we will be returning to the spot where the very first Summer Series of Birding trip was held back in June of 2004. We'll head to the South Shore to visit Parc de la Frayere in Boucherville. This is a Ducks Unlimited site, with an excellent variety of birds and habitats.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: The site is a little less than 30 minutes from the South Shore side of the Champlain Bridge.From Montreal, take the Champlain Bridge, to the first exit (Exit 6) off the bridge. Follow Highway 20/Highway 132 EAST, heading towardsVarennes/Longueuil). Continue east on Highway 20/132. Note that Highway 20 and 132 split at Exit 15 for Quebec City/Hippolyte-Lafontaine Tunnel. Stay to the left at this exit, continuing east onHighway 132. Continue past the exits for de Montarville, de Montbrunand chemin du General Vanier. The next traffic lights will be atBoul. de la Marine/Boul. Lionel Boulet (Highway 229). Turn left at the traffic lights on to Boul. de la Marine, heading north towards the waterfront. Continue north, cross the railway tracks and turnl eft at the traffic lights at the corner of boul. Marie Victorin. Continue on boul. Marie Victorin, past the massive hydro pylons. You will see an entrance road into the parking lot for the Parc de la Frayere on your right. There is a large Ducks Unlimited sign at the entrance to the parking, but a little difficult to see from the road.

SITE DESCRIPTION: There are five distinct habitats at this one location, all within very easy walking distance: open water, shoreline, a marsh, open fields, and wooded trails with small streams and ponds. All paths and trails are easily accessible and barring any rain, should be firm and dry.

There are no washroom facilities on the site. There are picnic tables available. Insect repellent is recommended. Spotting scopes will be very helpful, particularly on the waterfront.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 450-462-1459. On Saturday morning you may reach on the cell at 514-377-6724. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.

Sheldon Harvey

Sunday, July 13, 2008

BPQ - Summer Series of Birding 2008 - Trip #3 Report

ÎleBizard, Saturday July 12th

Clémence and I, had the pleasure to lead the trip to Île Bizard. Eleven nice birders came, some of them we haven't seen in awhile. We went to the passerelle first because we wanted to be there before the crowd of bikers. On the way we saw our faithful Hummingbird on the dead tree in front of the 4 benches as usual forthe last few years.

On the boardwalk we saw the spring production of chicks, Virginia Rail, Moorhen, Black Tern and Pied-Billed Grebe. One of the highlights of the day was Least Bittern, I think most of us if not all saw it hidden in the reeds.

Another surprise was the Snapping Turtle with all this moss on his back and head. A big surprise (ha,ha) Felix was there and he stayed with the group till the end. The total for the day is 50 birds, the last one was added on the way to the picnic area, a Brown Creeper.

The list: Wood duck, Mallard, Least Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron,Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin,Virginia Rail, Common Moorhen, Ring-billed Gull, Black Tern, Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern-wood Pewee, Great-Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Whited-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, House Wren, Winter Wren, Marsh Wren, American Robin, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch.

Many thanks to everybody who came - Clémence Soulard and Jean Demers

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Sightings for Saturday July 12th

Pointe de Yamachiche: House wren, Eastern kingbird, Virginia rail, Greater yellowlegs, Lesser yellowlegs, Spotted sandpiper, Least sandpiper, Caspian tern, Common tern, Black tern - Troglodytes familiers, Tyrans tritri, 2 Râles de Virginie, Grand Chevalier 2 Petit Chevalier, 20 Chevalier grivelé 10, Bécasseau minuscule 10, Sterne caspienne 1, Sterne pierregarin 25, Guifette noire 6 - Micheline Bisson

Posted on Garden Web's "Bird Watching Forum"

Sightings for Friday July 11th

Montreal east, Corner of rues Durocher & Sherbrooke: Northern mockingbird (Moqueur polyglotte) à Montréal-Est à l’angle des rues Durocher et Sherbrooke - R. Guillet

Sightings for Thursday July 10th

Bic (Bas-Saint-Laurent): near the church Northern mockingbird (Moqueur polyglotte) près de l'église - Jean Bouva

Sightings for Wednesday July 9th

Forillon: American white pelican (Pélican d'Amérique) au Parc national de Forillon (secteur Cap-des-Rosiers). L'oiseau a continué sa montée le long de la côte vers l'est - Daniel Gagné

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Sightings for Tuesday July 8th

Les Escoumins: American white pelican (Pélican d'Amérique) partir du Centre de découverte du milieu marin sur la rue des Pilotes - Samuel Denault

Monday, July 07, 2008

Sightings for Monday July 7th

Chateauguay, Île Saint-Bernard: Black-billed cuckoo (Coulicous à bec noir), Caspian tern (Stern caspienne) - T. Long

Oka, Parc d'Oka: Ovenbird, American redstart, Common yellowthroat, Yellow warbler, Veery, Warbling vireo, Red-eyed vireo, Phoebe, Least flycatcher, Pileated woodpecker, Sparrows – Savannah, Song, Chipping. Canada geese, Mallard, gadwall
Paruline couronné, flamboyante, masqué et jaune plusieurs grives fauve qui chantaient, viréo mélodieux, aux yeux rouge, moucherolle phébi, thébec, grand pic, bruant des prés, chanteur, familier, une belle famille de bernaches dont les jeunes sont rendu presqu'adulte, plusieurs famille de colvert et une de chipeau - Sylvie Vanier

Montréal, corner Ray-Lawson & Henri-Bourassa: Northern mockingbird (Moqueur polyglotte) était présent sur le lampadaire à l'arrière du Tim-Horton, au coin de Ray-Lawson et Henri-Bourassa - André Provost

Sightings for Sunday July 6th

Gatineau Park: chemin Cowden near P16 Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coulicous à bec jaune) sur le chemin Cowden près du P16 - Marie-Sophie Bourque

Sunday, July 06, 2008

BPQ - Summer Series of Birding 2008 - Trip #2 Report

Pointe des Cascades Saturday July 5th

The Galipeau Bridge provided no problems for the 9 birders who attended Trip #2 of the Summer Series on Saturday. From our meeting spot in Dorion we headed south to Pointe des Cascades where we explored the Parc Regional. There are several great trails in the park leading through wooded areas, waterfront terrain and numerous marshy areas. It is quite a scenic park as well, with several lookout points and a very interesting pathway leading along side the very high stone walls of the old Soulanges Canal.

We discovered a nice mix of bird life in the park with several highlights. Most entertaining was a group of recently fledged Yellow Warblers. They were as curious about us as we were about them. On one occasion, one almost landed on an out-stretched finger that was pointing at him! We had a number of very vocal Gray Catbirds demonstrating their full repetoire of songs. There were several spottings of Baltimore Orioles, Brown-headed Cowbirds and one Rose-breasted Grosbeak, plus a gathering of Cliff Tree and Barn Swallows around an old lighthouse at the entrance to the canal.

After completing the tour of the park, we decided to drive west along chemin du Fleuve, through Les Cedres and into Coteau du Lac. At the foot of rue Gauthier in Les Cedres, we had a Sharp-shinned Hawk and an Osprey, as well as numerous Double-crested Cormorants participating in what seemed to be their own private fishing derby!

We concluded our day with a lunch stop at Coteau du Lac. Our totals pecies count for the day was 43.

Here is the list. Wood Duck, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, GreenHeron, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Killdeer, SpottedSandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern,Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker,Eastern Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, AmericanCrow, Tree Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-cappedChickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, Gray Catbird,European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sidedWarbler, American Redstart, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headedCowbird, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow - S. Harvey

Sightings for Saturday July 5th

Gatineau Park: Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coulicous à bec jaune) sur le chemin Cowden près du P16, Ils se tenaient à gauche du chemin Cowden quand celui-ci fait un coude vers la droite pour descendre vers le pont - Christian Detellier

Sightings for Friday July 4th

Between Tadoussac & Bergeronnes: Northern fulmar (Fulmar boréal), Northern gannets Razorbills, Murres, Black guillemots, Black-legged kittiwake, Bonaparte’s gull, Little gull, Common loons, Cormorants, Eiders, Scoters (Fous de Bassan, centaines de Petits Pingouins, plusieurs dizaines de marmettes et de Guillemots à miroir, plusieurs centaines de Mouettes tridactyles et de Mouettes de Bonaparte + 1 Mouette pygmée, Huards, Cormorans, Eiders, Macreuses) - Renaud Pintiaux

Sightings for Wednesday July 2nd

Montréal, corner Ray-Lawson & Henri-Bourassa: behind Harvey’s restaurant - Northern mockingbird (Moqueur polyglotte) à l'arrière du restaurant Harvey's - André Provost

Tadoussac: Franklin’s gull (Mouette de Franklin) de premier été a survolé les falaises de glaise à Tadoussac vers le sud-ouest - Samuel Denault & Marilou Lacroix-Lepage

Sightings for Sunday June 29th

Val-Senneville (Abitibi), across from 438 chemin Paré: Clay-coloured sparrow (Bruant des plaines) - Claudia Siano & Raymond Ladurantaye

Gatineau Park: Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coulicous à bec jaune) Nous avons emprunté à pied le chemin Cowden, vers l'est jusqu'au pont qui permet de traverser le ruisseau Meech à l'extrémité est de la vallée du ruisseau Meech, dans le parc de la Gatineau. Rendu au petit pont, Marie-Sophie a attiré notre attention et nous avons observé du côté ouest du pont, vers l'ouest, deux Coulicous à bec jaune - Gérard Desjardins et des membres du COO

Sightings for Saturday June 28th

Pointe-au-Père, 1054, rue du Phare: Northern mockingbird (Moqueur polyglotte) - G. Fortin
 
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