Six birders braved the cold yesterday to take part in our field trip to the Bois de Liesse Nature Park. Early morning temperatures bottomed out at -22C and the breeze in open areas made it feel much colder. But the sun was shining and it definitely had a little warmth in it when a sheltered area could be found.
It was disappointing to discover that not only were many of the bird feeders in the park no longer being filled but they did not even exist! There were feeders near the two chalets but all the ones on the walking trail in between have been removed.
Despite the cold many of the birds seemed to be getting ready for spring, at least early in the morning. Male cardinals were singing and chasing each other, white-breasted nuthatches were calling their territorial song(?) and a few woodpeckers were drumming. Overwintering robins were present adding to the impression of an early spring day.
The highlight of the day came at the very end of the morning when three of the group tracked down some raucous crows along a little used trail and had sensational views of a quite tame, quite small and quite pale gray Great Horned Owl. He would not have been found without the help of the crows and even then blended in incredibly well with the bark of the large oak tree he was perched in.
The other highlights were a very friendly American Black Duck in the open stream near one of the bridges and very colourful views of male cardinals and house finches sharing the same feeder.
Our complete list of 15 species included: American Black Duck (Canard noir)- 1, Rock Pigeons (Pigeon biset)- 12, Mourning Dove (Touterelle triste)- 1, Great Horned Owl (Grand duc d'Amérique)- 1, Downy Woodpecker (Pic mineur)- 2 , Hairy Woodpecker (Pic chevelu)- 6, Blue Jay (Geai bleu)- 1, American Crow (Corneille d'Amérique)- 36, Black-capped Chickadee (Mésange à tête noir)- 25, White-breasted Nuthatch (Sittelle à Poitrine blanche)- 8, American Robin (Merle d'Amérique)- 30, European Starlings (Étourneau sansonnet)- 25, Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco ardoisé)- 5, Northern Cardinal (Cardinal rouge)- 8, House Finch (Roselin familier)- 15
As always, many thanks to those who came out. Hope all the fingers, toes and noses have thawed! - Wayne
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sightings for Saturday January 30th
Pincourt: Northern Hawk Owl was seen a little to the east perched on an electric wire near the Pontiac Buick dealer near Boulevard de l'Ile. Which is not to from from the Maxi in Pincourt
Chouette épervière est toujours présente avec ce froid glacial. Trouvée un peu plus vers l'est, perchée sur un fil électrique tout près du concessionnaire Pontiac Buick, près du Boulevard de l'Ile. Ce n'est pas très loin du Maxi de Pincourt - Sylvain Mathieu
Chouette épervière est toujours présente avec ce froid glacial. Trouvée un peu plus vers l'est, perchée sur un fil électrique tout près du concessionnaire Pontiac Buick, près du Boulevard de l'Ile. Ce n'est pas très loin du Maxi de Pincourt - Sylvain Mathieu
Friday, January 29, 2010
Bird Protection Quebec's Monthly Meeting
Monday, February 1, 2010, 7:30 pm at Knox Crescent Kensington & First Presbyterian Church - 6225 Godfrey Avenue, NDG
Feeding Behaviour: A Window on Avian Intelligence with Louis Lefebvre
Birders, both academic and amateur, have been recording novel and unusual feeding behaviours for decades. The accumulated database is a useful tool to look for species differences in innovativeness. Invention of new behaviours is one of the definitions of intelligence, so we can examine the relationship
between the brain and the rate of innovation in particular birds Louis Lefebvre, our speaker for the evening, is Professor of Biology at McGill University and Program Director for the Minor Concentration in Science for Arts Students Program.
Though he has a Ph.D. in Psychology from Université de Montréal, Louis decided to focus on animals, more specifically the non-genetic means by which new behaviours originate and are maintained and transmitted in animal populations. He studies innovations, learning and cultural transmission in the field, in captivity and with data from the literature. Most of his research centres on birds, with field work conducted on nine avian species out of the Bellairs Research Institute of McGill University, Barbados, and on feral pigeons in Montreal.
Louis is the perfect blend of science and art. He has published scores of scientific articles, several works of fiction and articles for non-specialists. He is also a photographer and a sculptor. A man of many talents and not to be missed!
Feeding Behaviour: A Window on Avian Intelligence with Louis Lefebvre
Birders, both academic and amateur, have been recording novel and unusual feeding behaviours for decades. The accumulated database is a useful tool to look for species differences in innovativeness. Invention of new behaviours is one of the definitions of intelligence, so we can examine the relationship
between the brain and the rate of innovation in particular birds Louis Lefebvre, our speaker for the evening, is Professor of Biology at McGill University and Program Director for the Minor Concentration in Science for Arts Students Program.
Though he has a Ph.D. in Psychology from Université de Montréal, Louis decided to focus on animals, more specifically the non-genetic means by which new behaviours originate and are maintained and transmitted in animal populations. He studies innovations, learning and cultural transmission in the field, in captivity and with data from the literature. Most of his research centres on birds, with field work conducted on nine avian species out of the Bellairs Research Institute of McGill University, Barbados, and on feral pigeons in Montreal.
Louis is the perfect blend of science and art. He has published scores of scientific articles, several works of fiction and articles for non-specialists. He is also a photographer and a sculptor. A man of many talents and not to be missed!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Preparation for Quebec Breeding Bird Atlas course
As some of you know, I will be giving a course in March on Breeding Bird Atlas Techniques and their Application to Day-to-Day Birding. This is part of the BPQ's Winter Bird Courses. For those of you who are planning on taking the course, I have a small, class asignment for you so that the class can get a 'flying' start on the subject matter.
A number of species in the boreal forest do the unexpected. That is, they begin their breeding period in mid-winter. In fact, the breeding season has already started for the two crossbill species. The ability of these two species to raise a family in the dead of a Canadian winter is truly amazing. If you find yourself in the conifer forests north of Montreal, keep an eye open and an ear cocked for displaying Red and White-winged Crossbills (Bec-croisé des sapins; Bec-croisé
bifascié).
In a month or so, another Boreal Forest resident, the Gray Jay (Mésangeai du Canada), will begin nest building and egg laying. Calls and other indications that the nesting season has started such as seeing a Gray Jay carrying nesting material should be noted.
Lastly, a more widely distributed species, the Great Horned Owl (Grand-duc d'Amérique) is also entering its nesting season. If you're out-and-about in the evening over the next month, listen for their calls.
Displays, territorial calls/songs, and carrying nesting material are all indications of breeding and will be the sort of things participants in the upcoming Quebec Breeding Bird Atlas will be asked to look for.
So, for those of you taking the course, your task is simple. Make it a point of looking and listening for these four species when you are in suitable areas over the next six weeks. At the start of the course we will pool and discuss our observations. - Lance
A number of species in the boreal forest do the unexpected. That is, they begin their breeding period in mid-winter. In fact, the breeding season has already started for the two crossbill species. The ability of these two species to raise a family in the dead of a Canadian winter is truly amazing. If you find yourself in the conifer forests north of Montreal, keep an eye open and an ear cocked for displaying Red and White-winged Crossbills (Bec-croisé des sapins; Bec-croisé
bifascié).
In a month or so, another Boreal Forest resident, the Gray Jay (Mésangeai du Canada), will begin nest building and egg laying. Calls and other indications that the nesting season has started such as seeing a Gray Jay carrying nesting material should be noted.
Lastly, a more widely distributed species, the Great Horned Owl (Grand-duc d'Amérique) is also entering its nesting season. If you're out-and-about in the evening over the next month, listen for their calls.
Displays, territorial calls/songs, and carrying nesting material are all indications of breeding and will be the sort of things participants in the upcoming Quebec Breeding Bird Atlas will be asked to look for.
So, for those of you taking the course, your task is simple. Make it a point of looking and listening for these four species when you are in suitable areas over the next six weeks. At the start of the course we will pool and discuss our observations. - Lance
Sightings for Wednesday January 27th
Ste-Anne-De-Bellevue, Morgan Arboretum: Great Horned Owl (Grand duc d'Amérique) spotted on Black (Snowshoe trail) Trail. Being harassed by about 20 American Crows (Corneille d'Amérique). Easily seen for several minutes as it tried to figure a way out of it's current predicament. Also several Blue Jays (Geai bleu), 1 common raven (Grand corbeau), several downy and hairy woodpeckers (Pics mineur & Chevelu), nuthatches (both red and white-breasted) (Sittelles à poitrine rousse et blanche)many Chickadees (Mésanges) and several pairs of Northern cardinals (Cardinal rouge) - Chris Cloutier
Montréal, Parc Nature Cap St-Jacques & l'anse-a-l'orme: 26 species observed with nice surprises - Common goldeneye, Roughed-grouse, Cooper's hawk, Red-tailed hawk. Northern hawk owl, Northern shrike and Snow buntings south of the cemetery St-Genevieve & college Charlemagne. Bohemian waxwings
26 especes d'oiseaux observé, et des belles surprises!. Garrot a l'oeil d'or(2), Gélinotte huppée(1), Épervier de Cooper(Imm.), et Buse a queue rousse. Une Chouette éperviere, Pie-grieche-grise et Bruants des neiges(8) observé sud de la cimetiere St-Genevieve et college Charlemagne. Jaseur boréal(12) - Joël Coutu
Montréal, Parc Nature Cap St-Jacques & l'anse-a-l'orme: 26 species observed with nice surprises - Common goldeneye, Roughed-grouse, Cooper's hawk, Red-tailed hawk. Northern hawk owl, Northern shrike and Snow buntings south of the cemetery St-Genevieve & college Charlemagne. Bohemian waxwings
26 especes d'oiseaux observé, et des belles surprises!. Garrot a l'oeil d'or(2), Gélinotte huppée(1), Épervier de Cooper(Imm.), et Buse a queue rousse. Une Chouette éperviere, Pie-grieche-grise et Bruants des neiges(8) observé sud de la cimetiere St-Genevieve et college Charlemagne. Jaseur boréal(12) - Joël Coutu
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Sightings for Tuesday January 26th
St-Nicolas, chemin Aubin: around 1 pm - Northern goshawk in the large field just in fromt of #2102
vers 13:00 - Autour des Palombes C'est dans le grand champ situé tout juste en face numéro civique 2102 - Robin Gingras
vers 13:00 - Autour des Palombes C'est dans le grand champ situé tout juste en face numéro civique 2102 - Robin Gingras
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Field Trip Report - Saturday January 23rd
The weather gods were good to us yesterday for our annual trip to the open fields of St-Clet, Ste-Marthe and vicinity. Despite early morning temperatures of -19C, conditions were very pleasant due to an absolute lack of wind. Veterans of this trip know what a rarity that is for this area! A bonus was the beautiful frost covering on many of the trees early in the day. Temperatures eventually warmed to -10C and there really was some noticeable warmth in the sun.
Although reports of Snowy Owls have been spotty this season, the sunny conditions were perfect for sighting the birds at a distance and we were able to find 5 different individuals in the area. The nearest bird was our first of the day, a young owl who perched very obligingly in a tree over a farm house very close to the road on Ste Julie. Others were scattered out in the fields or
sitting in distant trees. Our trip participants really "got the hang" of this owl spotting as 4 different people were the first to sight the individual birds.
We found a few other target species but also missed some. Our species total 12 was low but any day seeing 5 snowy owls has to be considered a good one. Other notables included several large flocks of snow buntings (always spectacular against a clear blue sky) and horned larks. An accipiter at the Hudson Inn provided the usual ID challenge. On the flip of a coin we'll call HER a
sharp-shinned.
Many thanks to all who came out and a special thanks to Tom for chauffeuring your trip leader around after his gas tank tried to disengage from his car on the way to the rendezvous spot! - Wayne
Our complete list included: Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1, Rock pigeon - 250, Snowy Owl - 5, Downy Woodpecker - 2, Hairy Woodpecker - 2, Blue Jay - 15 , American Crow - 20, Horned Lark - 20,
Black-capped chickadee - 6, European Starling 75, Snow Bunting - 425, House Sparrow - 60
Although reports of Snowy Owls have been spotty this season, the sunny conditions were perfect for sighting the birds at a distance and we were able to find 5 different individuals in the area. The nearest bird was our first of the day, a young owl who perched very obligingly in a tree over a farm house very close to the road on Ste Julie. Others were scattered out in the fields or
sitting in distant trees. Our trip participants really "got the hang" of this owl spotting as 4 different people were the first to sight the individual birds.
We found a few other target species but also missed some. Our species total 12 was low but any day seeing 5 snowy owls has to be considered a good one. Other notables included several large flocks of snow buntings (always spectacular against a clear blue sky) and horned larks. An accipiter at the Hudson Inn provided the usual ID challenge. On the flip of a coin we'll call HER a
sharp-shinned.
Many thanks to all who came out and a special thanks to Tom for chauffeuring your trip leader around after his gas tank tried to disengage from his car on the way to the rendezvous spot! - Wayne
Our complete list included: Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1, Rock pigeon - 250, Snowy Owl - 5, Downy Woodpecker - 2, Hairy Woodpecker - 2, Blue Jay - 15 , American Crow - 20, Horned Lark - 20,
Black-capped chickadee - 6, European Starling 75, Snow Bunting - 425, House Sparrow - 60
Sightings for Sunday January 24th
Ste Anne de Bellevue, highway 40 and Veterans Road: Peregrine Falcon (Faucon pèlerin) chasing a smaller bird and Coopers Hawk (Épervier de Cooper) sitting on a lamp post - Mathias Mutzl
Ville Lasalle: 2 Bald eagles are always on Île aux Hérons (Heron island) easily seen across form 7575 boulevard Lasalle
2 Pygargue à tête blanche sont toujours sur place à l'Île aux Hérons et facilement observable de ville Lasalle (en face du 7575 boulevard Lasalle) - Alain Robert
Montréal Botanical Gardens: A Great horned owl at the First Nations Garden, Pine siskins seen at a feeder near the Tree House and a American robin seen in flight. Also House finch, 1 Red-breasted nuthatch, 1 Northern cardinal, Chickadees
Jardin botanique de Montréal. un Grand-duc d'Amérique au Jardin des Premières Nations, un Tarin des pins vu à une mangeoire près de la Maison de l'arbre et un Merle d'Amérique observé en vol. Aussi, quelques Roselins familiers, une Sittelle à poitrine rousse, un Cardinal rouge, mésanges - J.C. Charbonneau
2 Rusty blackbirds (Quiscales rouilleux) - Louise Dumont
L'Ange-Gardien, chemin Lucien-Lefrançois - between (entre) 9:00 & 9:15: Northern hawk owl (Chouette épervière)
Cap Tourmente, 10:00 - 14h00: Mourning dove, Barred owl, Downy woodpeckers, Hairy woodpeckers, Blue jay, Common raven, Black-capped chickadees, Whit-breasted nuthatch, Red-breasted nuthatch, American robin, American tree sparrow, Pine grosbeak, Pine siskins, American goldfinch
Tourterelle triste (2), Chouette rayée (1), Pic mineur (5), Pic chevelu (9), Grand Pic (1), Geai bleu (10), Grand Corbeau (1), Mésange à tête noire (50), Sittelle à poitrine rousse (7), Sittelle à poitrine blanche (5), Merle d'Amérique (1), Bruant hudsonien (2), Bruant des neiges (60), Durbec des sapins (12), Tarin des pins (30) Chardonneret jaune (15) - Laval Roy, Gaétan Lord
In the region of St-Armand et Bedford: 2 Sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper's hawk, a dozen hawks mostly Red-tails. 60 Wild turkeys with one group of 43 in the same field. Pileated woodpecker, Northern shrike, Common raven, Tufted titmouse, Northern cardinal, a small group of Snow buntings 20, American goldfinch, 50 to 70 Cowbirds, 40 American tree sparrows
dans la région de St-Armand et Bedford: 2 éperviers brun, un cooper, une quinzaine de buses, la queue rousse plus souvent observée. Une soixante de dindons, dont un groupe de 43 dans le même champs. un grand pic, une pie-grièche grise, grand corbeau, mésange bicolore, cardinal rouge. bruants des neiges en petit groupe 20, chardonneret jaune, entre 50 et 70 vacher à tête brune, 40 bruants hudsonien - M. Laporte, Y.Drouin, André Provost.
Ville Lasalle: 2 Bald eagles are always on Île aux Hérons (Heron island) easily seen across form 7575 boulevard Lasalle
2 Pygargue à tête blanche sont toujours sur place à l'Île aux Hérons et facilement observable de ville Lasalle (en face du 7575 boulevard Lasalle) - Alain Robert
Montréal Botanical Gardens: A Great horned owl at the First Nations Garden, Pine siskins seen at a feeder near the Tree House and a American robin seen in flight. Also House finch, 1 Red-breasted nuthatch, 1 Northern cardinal, Chickadees
Jardin botanique de Montréal. un Grand-duc d'Amérique au Jardin des Premières Nations, un Tarin des pins vu à une mangeoire près de la Maison de l'arbre et un Merle d'Amérique observé en vol. Aussi, quelques Roselins familiers, une Sittelle à poitrine rousse, un Cardinal rouge, mésanges - J.C. Charbonneau
2 Rusty blackbirds (Quiscales rouilleux) - Louise Dumont
L'Ange-Gardien, chemin Lucien-Lefrançois - between (entre) 9:00 & 9:15: Northern hawk owl (Chouette épervière)
Cap Tourmente, 10:00 - 14h00: Mourning dove, Barred owl, Downy woodpeckers, Hairy woodpeckers, Blue jay, Common raven, Black-capped chickadees, Whit-breasted nuthatch, Red-breasted nuthatch, American robin, American tree sparrow, Pine grosbeak, Pine siskins, American goldfinch
Tourterelle triste (2), Chouette rayée (1), Pic mineur (5), Pic chevelu (9), Grand Pic (1), Geai bleu (10), Grand Corbeau (1), Mésange à tête noire (50), Sittelle à poitrine rousse (7), Sittelle à poitrine blanche (5), Merle d'Amérique (1), Bruant hudsonien (2), Bruant des neiges (60), Durbec des sapins (12), Tarin des pins (30) Chardonneret jaune (15) - Laval Roy, Gaétan Lord
In the region of St-Armand et Bedford: 2 Sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper's hawk, a dozen hawks mostly Red-tails. 60 Wild turkeys with one group of 43 in the same field. Pileated woodpecker, Northern shrike, Common raven, Tufted titmouse, Northern cardinal, a small group of Snow buntings 20, American goldfinch, 50 to 70 Cowbirds, 40 American tree sparrows
dans la région de St-Armand et Bedford: 2 éperviers brun, un cooper, une quinzaine de buses, la queue rousse plus souvent observée. Une soixante de dindons, dont un groupe de 43 dans le même champs. un grand pic, une pie-grièche grise, grand corbeau, mésange bicolore, cardinal rouge. bruants des neiges en petit groupe 20, chardonneret jaune, entre 50 et 70 vacher à tête brune, 40 bruants hudsonien - M. Laporte, Y.Drouin, André Provost.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Sightings for Saturday January 23rd
Pincourt: Northern Hawk Owl (Chouette épervière) was along the strip of land between Blvd. Traversier and Highway 20 (in front of the Maxi parking lot) - Tom Long + many others
A Peregrine falcon hunted below the Ile Perrot bridge scaring the Rock pigeons
Un Faucon pelerin était en chasse au-dessus du pont de l'île Perrot, effarouchant les Pigeons bisets. - Michel Bertrand
Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Morgan Arboretum: The Red-bellied Woodpecker (Pic à vêntre roux) is back in the Arboretum ... that's two winters running - Richard Gregson
Sainte-Catherine, Récréo-Parc: 2 Bald eagles, 1 Barrow's goldeneye (m), Common goldeneye, Common mergansers, Mallards, Black ducks, Gadwall, Canada geese, Great black-backed gulls, Herring gulls, Black-capped chickadees, 2 White-breasted nuthatch, 1 Northern cardinal, House sparrows
2 Pygargues à tête blanche (un adulte et un sub-adulte), un Garrot d'Islande mâle, beaucoup de Garrots à oeil d'or, plusieurs Grands Harles, plusieurs Canards colverts, quelques Canards noirs, un couple de Canards chipeaux (je les ai manqués), plusieurs Bernaches du Canada, beaucoup de Goélands marins, des Goélands argentés, des Mésanges à tête noire, deux Sittelles à poitrine blanche, un Cardinal rouge... et même des Moineaux domestiques. - Michel Bertrand
Between Islet & St-Jean-Port-Joli: Northern Hawk owl chemin Morin south of autoroute 20
Chouette épervière entre L'Islet et St-Jean-Port-Joli le long du chemin Morin qui suit l'autoroute 20 au sud - Jean-François Rousseau
Friday, January 22, 2010
Sightings for Friday January 22nd
Pincourt, between Blvd. Traversier and Highway 20: Northern Hawk Owl (Chouette épervière) - Several people had great views of the Northern hawk owl this morning between 11 and 11:30 am along the road between the Maxi parking lot and highway 20, perched on a lamp post, briefly on a Stop sign, and hovering once over the ground but without apparent hunting success. A beautiful bird, with piercing yellow eyes! - Nick Acheson
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Sightings for Thursday January 21st
Pincourt: Northern Hawk Owl (Chouette épervière) was hunting at 11:30 this morning along the strip of land between Blvd. Traversier and Highway 20 (in front of the Maxi parking lot) - Barbara MacDuff
Montreal, Botanical Gardens: Today and yesterday the Great horned owl was present at the same place in the Leslie Hancock garden.
Aujourd'hui et hier, le Grand-duc était présent au jardin botanique de Montréal. Dans la même repéré dans le jardin Leslie Hancock - Yves Gauthier
Montreal, Botanical Gardens: Today and yesterday the Great horned owl was present at the same place in the Leslie Hancock garden.
Aujourd'hui et hier, le Grand-duc était présent au jardin botanique de Montréal. Dans la même repéré dans le jardin Leslie Hancock - Yves Gauthier
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Sightings for Wednesday January 20th
Pincourt: Northern Hawk Owl (Chouette épervière) was actively hunting, successfully,this morning between 11:30 and 12:00 along the strip of land between Blvd. Traversier and Highway 20 (in front of the Maxi parking lot). It alternately perched on a wire, a lamppost and in trees (mid height). - Peter Tarassoff
Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Morgan Arboretum Encountered the "friendly" Barred Owl (Chouette Rayée) on a Lunch walk at the Arbo. Several red squirrel announced his presence in the area. - Panamon Creel - Photos
St-Justine de Newton: Northern Shrike (Pie grièche grise) This evening, one was perched by the side of the road just east of Ferme Beaulieu - Betsy McFarlane
Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Morgan Arboretum Encountered the "friendly" Barred Owl (Chouette Rayée) on a Lunch walk at the Arbo. Several red squirrel announced his presence in the area. - Panamon Creel - Photos
St-Justine de Newton: Northern Shrike (Pie grièche grise) This evening, one was perched by the side of the road just east of Ferme Beaulieu - Betsy McFarlane
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Sightings for Tuesday January 19th
Montréal: European Goldfinch (Chardonneret élégant) was hanging out today at 3PM by the feeders at the Pavillon des Marais (Gouin entrance) in Parc-nature de la
Point-aux-Prairies - Pierre-Paul Bitton
Verdun, Île des Soeurs: observation platform on Île des Soeurs southern point. 2 Bald eagles. On boul. de la Forêt there was an American Kestrel perched in a tree
visible à partir du belvédère de la pointe 2 Pygargue à tête blanche
rue des forêt, une Crécerelle d amérique perché au bout d'un arbre - Roger Rousselle, DaniellePaquette
Saint Clet: Snowy owl (Harfangs des neiges) perched in a tree on Ste. Julie, north of the 201 and just a bit west of the first bend in the road - Betsy McFarlane
Point-aux-Prairies - Pierre-Paul Bitton
Verdun, Île des Soeurs: observation platform on Île des Soeurs southern point. 2 Bald eagles. On boul. de la Forêt there was an American Kestrel perched in a tree
visible à partir du belvédère de la pointe 2 Pygargue à tête blanche
rue des forêt, une Crécerelle d amérique perché au bout d'un arbre - Roger Rousselle, DaniellePaquette
Saint Clet: Snowy owl (Harfangs des neiges) perched in a tree on Ste. Julie, north of the 201 and just a bit west of the first bend in the road - Betsy McFarlane
Sightings for Monday January 18th
Montreal: 2 Peregrine Falcons perched on the Hotel des Gouverneurs at Place Dupuis at the corner of St-Hubert and Ste-Catherine East
2 Faucons pèlerins qui se pourchassaient autour de l'édifice de l'Hôtel des Gouverneurs de Place Dupuis, angle St-Hubert et Ste-Catherine - Denis Hamel
Sherbrooke: Northern hawk owl near the parking lot of (CHUS)Centre Hospitalier Universitare de Sherbrooke à Fleurimont
Chouette épervière près du stationnement du CHUS à Fleurimont- Bruno Courtemanche
2 Faucons pèlerins qui se pourchassaient autour de l'édifice de l'Hôtel des Gouverneurs de Place Dupuis, angle St-Hubert et Ste-Catherine - Denis Hamel
Sherbrooke: Northern hawk owl near the parking lot of (CHUS)Centre Hospitalier Universitare de Sherbrooke à Fleurimont
Chouette épervière près du stationnement du CHUS à Fleurimont- Bruno Courtemanche
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Sightings for Saturday January 16th
Varennes, chemin Du Lac: Large flock - approx 200 Snow Buntings (Bruants des neiges) - nice to see one alone in a tree nearby.
Also small mixed flock of approx 15 Horned Larks (Alouette hausse-col) and Lapland longspurs (Bruant lapone).
Also - photos of a Carlolin Wren and Tufted Titmouse at our house today in St.Bruno.
- Mike and Ann Fleming - click photos to enlarge
St-Roch de l'Achigan: Snowy owl percherd in a tree west side of Montée Rémi-Henri about 500 M of the rue Claude E Hétu intersection
Harfang des neiges était perché sur un arbre du côté ouest de la Montée Rémi-Henri à environ 500 métres de l'intersection de la rue Claude E Hétu - Marcel Cousineau
Ile Perrot: Northern Hawk Owl (Chouette épervière) perched on a wire on the strip of land between Highway 20 and Le Traversier next to the Maxi grocery store. We see him often at this location. - Sharon Ann Cichosz
Ville de Mercier: Around 5 pm a beautiful Snowy owl perchered on top of a silo, near 1501 rte 138. I cuppose it could be the same Snowy seen December 30 on rang St-Marguerite in Mercier
vers 17 h un beau Harfang des neiges perché en haut de sturcture du silo, pres de l adresee 1501 route 138. Je soupsonne que c est peut etre le meme harfang vue le 30 decembre dans le rang st marguerite a mercier. - Danielle Paquette
St-Barthélémy, Rang Ste-Thérèse: Snowy owl (Harfang des neiges) - Denis Hamel
Cap Tourmente: Boreal owl (near feeder #4), Barred owl (near feeder #8), Winter wren (near feeder #12), Lapland longspur (near feeder #1), Snow buntings (near feeder #1)
I missed the Great gray owl and the Northern saw-whet owl seen earlier in the day
Nyctale de Tengmalm (près de la mangeoire #4), Chouette rayée (près de la mangeoire #8), Troglodyte mignon (près de la mangeoire #12), Bruant lapon (près de la mangeoire #1), Bruant des neiges (près de la mangeoire #1)
J'ai manqué la Chouette lapone et la Petite Nyctale, vu plus tôt dans la journée.
village de St-Joachim: Northern Mockingbird (Moqueur polyglotte) (near) près du 361 chemin Royal - Maurice Raymond
Also small mixed flock of approx 15 Horned Larks (Alouette hausse-col) and Lapland longspurs (Bruant lapone).
Also - photos of a Carlolin Wren and Tufted Titmouse at our house today in St.Bruno.
- Mike and Ann Fleming - click photos to enlarge
St-Roch de l'Achigan: Snowy owl percherd in a tree west side of Montée Rémi-Henri about 500 M of the rue Claude E Hétu intersection
Harfang des neiges était perché sur un arbre du côté ouest de la Montée Rémi-Henri à environ 500 métres de l'intersection de la rue Claude E Hétu - Marcel Cousineau
Ile Perrot: Northern Hawk Owl (Chouette épervière) perched on a wire on the strip of land between Highway 20 and Le Traversier next to the Maxi grocery store. We see him often at this location. - Sharon Ann Cichosz
Ville de Mercier: Around 5 pm a beautiful Snowy owl perchered on top of a silo, near 1501 rte 138. I cuppose it could be the same Snowy seen December 30 on rang St-Marguerite in Mercier
vers 17 h un beau Harfang des neiges perché en haut de sturcture du silo, pres de l adresee 1501 route 138. Je soupsonne que c est peut etre le meme harfang vue le 30 decembre dans le rang st marguerite a mercier. - Danielle Paquette
St-Barthélémy, Rang Ste-Thérèse: Snowy owl (Harfang des neiges) - Denis Hamel
Cap Tourmente: Boreal owl (near feeder #4), Barred owl (near feeder #8), Winter wren (near feeder #12), Lapland longspur (near feeder #1), Snow buntings (near feeder #1)
I missed the Great gray owl and the Northern saw-whet owl seen earlier in the day
Nyctale de Tengmalm (près de la mangeoire #4), Chouette rayée (près de la mangeoire #8), Troglodyte mignon (près de la mangeoire #12), Bruant lapon (près de la mangeoire #1), Bruant des neiges (près de la mangeoire #1)
J'ai manqué la Chouette lapone et la Petite Nyctale, vu plus tôt dans la journée.
village de St-Joachim: Northern Mockingbird (Moqueur polyglotte) (near) près du 361 chemin Royal - Maurice Raymond
Field Trip Report - Sat. January 16, 2010
Montréal, Parc Jean Drapeau
Compared to previous trips we have made to Parc Jean Drapeau at this time of the year, today was absolutely balmy! The temperature throughout the morning's very long walk hovered around the freezing mark. Only in open areas along the water did it get somewhat chilly, due mainly to the winds across the water. Overall, walking conditions were quite good, with the exception of one stretch of solid ice along the waterfront on Ile-Ste-Helene.
Before getting to the day's birds, there were a couple other sightings of note. First off, a very healthy looking fox was waiting for us as we arrived at the parking lot. Later on, as we were preparing to leave the parking lot, we saw him again, this time with what looked to be a furry little meal in his mouth...probably an unfortunate squirrel.
The other much more bizarre sighting, and kudos to Bruno's excellent eyesight for spotting this one, was a spider walking across one of the icy paths! We knew it was mild today, but that mild?
Now on to the birds. 13 birders participated in today's "Birders for Haitian Earthquake Relief" field trip. Our species count for the day totalled 19. Here is the rundown:
Mallard - 20, Common Merganser - 8, Cooper's Hawk - 1, Merlin - 1, Ring-billed Gull - 8, Herring Gull - 10, Great Black-backed Gull - 30, Rock Pigeon - 20, Downy Woodpecker - 5, Hairy Woodpecker - 2 , American Crow - 24, Common Raven - 1,
Black-capped Chickadee - 36, White-breasted Nuthatch - 4, Brown Creeper - 4,
European Starling - 4, Northern Cardinal - 5, American Goldfinch - 6, House Sparrow - 2
Thank you to those who made pledges in advance of the field trip. We had one $1 per species pledge; one $5 per species pledge; and one $10 per species pledge, plus one flat amount pledge of $50. Also, some of our group today had already sent in pledges to the Red Cross earlier this week. Those people have agreed to have us add their donations to our total for the day. Once I have all of those details, I'll post up our grand total.
If you would like to make a donation to the Canadian Red Cross Haitian Earthquake Relief cause as a part of our initiative today, please contact me either by e-mail or by telephone (BPQ #514-637-2141) and will add your donation to our total. Remember that every dollar collected will be matched by the Canadian government.
Thanks to everyone who supported this initiative and a special thanks to those who came out today to track down the birds. - Sheldon
Compared to previous trips we have made to Parc Jean Drapeau at this time of the year, today was absolutely balmy! The temperature throughout the morning's very long walk hovered around the freezing mark. Only in open areas along the water did it get somewhat chilly, due mainly to the winds across the water. Overall, walking conditions were quite good, with the exception of one stretch of solid ice along the waterfront on Ile-Ste-Helene.
Before getting to the day's birds, there were a couple other sightings of note. First off, a very healthy looking fox was waiting for us as we arrived at the parking lot. Later on, as we were preparing to leave the parking lot, we saw him again, this time with what looked to be a furry little meal in his mouth...probably an unfortunate squirrel.
The other much more bizarre sighting, and kudos to Bruno's excellent eyesight for spotting this one, was a spider walking across one of the icy paths! We knew it was mild today, but that mild?
Now on to the birds. 13 birders participated in today's "Birders for Haitian Earthquake Relief" field trip. Our species count for the day totalled 19. Here is the rundown:
Mallard - 20, Common Merganser - 8, Cooper's Hawk - 1, Merlin - 1, Ring-billed Gull - 8, Herring Gull - 10, Great Black-backed Gull - 30, Rock Pigeon - 20, Downy Woodpecker - 5, Hairy Woodpecker - 2 , American Crow - 24, Common Raven - 1,
Black-capped Chickadee - 36, White-breasted Nuthatch - 4, Brown Creeper - 4,
European Starling - 4, Northern Cardinal - 5, American Goldfinch - 6, House Sparrow - 2
Thank you to those who made pledges in advance of the field trip. We had one $1 per species pledge; one $5 per species pledge; and one $10 per species pledge, plus one flat amount pledge of $50. Also, some of our group today had already sent in pledges to the Red Cross earlier this week. Those people have agreed to have us add their donations to our total for the day. Once I have all of those details, I'll post up our grand total.
If you would like to make a donation to the Canadian Red Cross Haitian Earthquake Relief cause as a part of our initiative today, please contact me either by e-mail or by telephone (BPQ #514-637-2141) and will add your donation to our total. Remember that every dollar collected will be matched by the Canadian government.
Thanks to everyone who supported this initiative and a special thanks to those who came out today to track down the birds. - Sheldon
Friday, January 15, 2010
Special Notice RE: Tomorrow's Field Trip
Some of you may remember in January 2005, following the tsunami that killed thousands of people in south-east Asia, we held a special field trip to Parc Jean Drapeau on January 8, 2005, calling it Birders for Asian Tsunami Relief. 25 people showed up for the field trip and we collected $2,270 from those who attended the field trip and from others birders in Quebec who chose this vehicle to support the cause. The funds were donated to the Canadian Red Cross, with tax receipts issued to each supporter by the Canadian Red Cross.
I thought that given the horrific situation in Haiti resulting from the recent earthquake that it might be a good idea to do the same thing again this year with our outing to Parc Jean Drapeau tomorrow. This will be a simple way for BPQ birders and others to join together and bird for a special cause tomorrow.
I have put together the following information release announcing the event "Birders for Haitian Earthquake Relief" and giving details on how you can participate and contribute. I will also be posting this notice in French on the Ornitho-QC notice board.
I understand that some of you may have already made donations to the cause of your choice. If you are attending the field trip tomorrow, please understand that it is in no way compulsory for you to make a donation. It is simply a unique and simple way to help out, should you see fit to do so.
Therefore here is the special notice. Thank you in advance for your support.
-------------------
BIRDERS FOR HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
Bird Protection Quebec will be hosting a very special birdwatching field trip, "Birders for Haitian Earthquake Relief", Saturday, January 16, 2010, at 8 am at Parc Jean Drapeau, on Ile-Ste-Helene. Members of Bird Protection Quebec, together with birders from Montreal and
surrounding regions, are invited and encouraged to join us, not only to observe a variety of exciting winter birds but to raise money for the Canadian Red Cross Haitian Earthquake Relief campaign.
Participants will be invited to donate either in the form of a flat amount or on a per-species basis. For example, if you pledge $1.00 per species and 25 species are spotted during the day, your donation will be $25. Donations are payable either by cheque to The Canadian Red Cross, or in cash. Official receipts for income tax purposes will be sent directly to you by the Canadian
Red Cross. Plus the federal government says it will match any donations made to registered charitable groups for the Haitian disaster from Jan. 12 to Feb. 12, up to a maximum of $50
million. So consider each dollar we collect doubled
Anyone unable to attend the event may still wish to contribute by contacting Bird Protection Quebec by telephone or by e-mail to make a donation. You will be provided with the address to send in your cheque.
All birders wishing to participate in the field trip on Saturday, January 16 are requested to meet at the Helene-de-Champlain parking lot on the south side of Ile-Ste-Helene, off chemin Tour de l'Isle at 8 am.
For further information, please contact:
Sheldon Harvey
Bird Protection Quebec
TELEPHONE: 514-637-2141
E-mail
Web: http://www.birdprotectionquebec.org/
I thought that given the horrific situation in Haiti resulting from the recent earthquake that it might be a good idea to do the same thing again this year with our outing to Parc Jean Drapeau tomorrow. This will be a simple way for BPQ birders and others to join together and bird for a special cause tomorrow.
I have put together the following information release announcing the event "Birders for Haitian Earthquake Relief" and giving details on how you can participate and contribute. I will also be posting this notice in French on the Ornitho-QC notice board.
I understand that some of you may have already made donations to the cause of your choice. If you are attending the field trip tomorrow, please understand that it is in no way compulsory for you to make a donation. It is simply a unique and simple way to help out, should you see fit to do so.
Therefore here is the special notice. Thank you in advance for your support.
-------------------
BIRDERS FOR HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
Bird Protection Quebec will be hosting a very special birdwatching field trip, "Birders for Haitian Earthquake Relief", Saturday, January 16, 2010, at 8 am at Parc Jean Drapeau, on Ile-Ste-Helene. Members of Bird Protection Quebec, together with birders from Montreal and
surrounding regions, are invited and encouraged to join us, not only to observe a variety of exciting winter birds but to raise money for the Canadian Red Cross Haitian Earthquake Relief campaign.
Participants will be invited to donate either in the form of a flat amount or on a per-species basis. For example, if you pledge $1.00 per species and 25 species are spotted during the day, your donation will be $25. Donations are payable either by cheque to The Canadian Red Cross, or in cash. Official receipts for income tax purposes will be sent directly to you by the Canadian
Red Cross. Plus the federal government says it will match any donations made to registered charitable groups for the Haitian disaster from Jan. 12 to Feb. 12, up to a maximum of $50
million. So consider each dollar we collect doubled
Anyone unable to attend the event may still wish to contribute by contacting Bird Protection Quebec by telephone or by e-mail to make a donation. You will be provided with the address to send in your cheque.
All birders wishing to participate in the field trip on Saturday, January 16 are requested to meet at the Helene-de-Champlain parking lot on the south side of Ile-Ste-Helene, off chemin Tour de l'Isle at 8 am.
For further information, please contact:
Sheldon Harvey
Bird Protection Quebec
TELEPHONE: 514-637-2141
Web: http://www.birdprotectionquebec.org/
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Sightings for Thursday January 15th
Boucherville: 11 Gray partridge in the field across from my new condo. The field leads directly to the woods across from parc de la Frayère.
11 perdrix grises dans le champ face à mon nouveau condo. Ce champ mène directement au boisé face au parc de la Frayère - Claudette Archambault
Varennes, chemin du Lac: 2 Lapland longspurs, the first was with a small group of Horned larks and the second was with a group of Snow buntings eating cracked corn at the side of the road.
2 Bruants lapon, le premier était avec un petit groupe d'Alouettes hausse-col et le second était avec un groupe de Bruants des neiges qui mangeaient du maïs concassé en bordure de la route - Luc Laberge
Verdun, Île des Soeurs: Harlequin duck (M) is visable from the observation platform on Île des Soeurs southern point. There is also a Barrow's goldeneye (M), 35 Canada geese and the usual ducks. A couple of adult Bald eagles were perched in a tree on Île aux Hérons. On boul. de la Forêt there was an American Kestrel
Le mâle Arlequin plongeur est toujours visible à partir du belvédère de la pointe sud de l'île des Sœurs. Il y avait aussi un Garrot d'Islande mâle, 35 Bernaches du Canada ainsi que les canards usuels. Un couple de Pygargue à tête blanche adulte était perché dans un arbre de l'île aux Hérons. Sur le boul. de la Forêt, il avait une Crécerelle d'Amérique - Pierre Bannon
11 perdrix grises dans le champ face à mon nouveau condo. Ce champ mène directement au boisé face au parc de la Frayère - Claudette Archambault
Varennes, chemin du Lac: 2 Lapland longspurs, the first was with a small group of Horned larks and the second was with a group of Snow buntings eating cracked corn at the side of the road.
2 Bruants lapon, le premier était avec un petit groupe d'Alouettes hausse-col et le second était avec un groupe de Bruants des neiges qui mangeaient du maïs concassé en bordure de la route - Luc Laberge
Verdun, Île des Soeurs: Harlequin duck (M) is visable from the observation platform on Île des Soeurs southern point. There is also a Barrow's goldeneye (M), 35 Canada geese and the usual ducks. A couple of adult Bald eagles were perched in a tree on Île aux Hérons. On boul. de la Forêt there was an American Kestrel
Le mâle Arlequin plongeur est toujours visible à partir du belvédère de la pointe sud de l'île des Sœurs. Il y avait aussi un Garrot d'Islande mâle, 35 Bernaches du Canada ainsi que les canards usuels. Un couple de Pygargue à tête blanche adulte était perché dans un arbre de l'île aux Hérons. Sur le boul. de la Forêt, il avait une Crécerelle d'Amérique - Pierre Bannon
Field Trip
Saturday January 16 - samedi 16 janvier
MONTRÉAL - PARC JEAN DRAPEAU, ÎLE STE-HÉLÈNE & ÎLE NOTRE-DAME
Leader: Sheldon Harvey 450-462-1459 ve2shw@yahoo.com
8:00 AM From the island of Montreal, take the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. At the midway point of the bridge, take the exit for Parc Jean-Drapeau (Île-Ste-Hélène), which leads down a ramp. Stay right at the bottom of the ramp, following the one-way road that circles the island. Continue around the island to the Hélène de-Champlain Restaurant. Meet in the parking lot adjacent to the restaurant, in front of the Biosphere.
There is a mixture of habitats, including open waterfront on the St. Lawrence and the channel between the two islands, numerous wooded areas, as well as open fields and shrubbery around several artificial lakes. This will be a lengthy walking trip as we plan to explore both Île-Ste-Hélène and Île-Notre-Dame. Half day.
8 h 00 De Montréal, prendre le pont Jacques-Cartier. Vers le milieu du pont, prendre la sortie Parc Jean Drapeau (île Ste-Hélène), qui mène à une rampe. Suivre la route à sens unique qui fait le tour de l'île. Rassemblement dans le stationnement situé à côté du restaurant Hélène-de-Champlain, en face de la Biosphère. On y trouve plusieurs habitats dont le fleuve St-Laurent, le canal séparant les deux îles, plusieurs boisés, champs, arbrisseaux et lacs artificiels. Ce sera une longue randonnée puisque nous planifions d’explorer l'île Ste-Hélène et l'île Notre-Dame. Demi-journée
MONTRÉAL - PARC JEAN DRAPEAU, ÎLE STE-HÉLÈNE & ÎLE NOTRE-DAME
Leader: Sheldon Harvey 450-462-1459 ve2shw@yahoo.com
8:00 AM From the island of Montreal, take the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. At the midway point of the bridge, take the exit for Parc Jean-Drapeau (Île-Ste-Hélène), which leads down a ramp. Stay right at the bottom of the ramp, following the one-way road that circles the island. Continue around the island to the Hélène de-Champlain Restaurant. Meet in the parking lot adjacent to the restaurant, in front of the Biosphere.
There is a mixture of habitats, including open waterfront on the St. Lawrence and the channel between the two islands, numerous wooded areas, as well as open fields and shrubbery around several artificial lakes. This will be a lengthy walking trip as we plan to explore both Île-Ste-Hélène and Île-Notre-Dame. Half day.
8 h 00 De Montréal, prendre le pont Jacques-Cartier. Vers le milieu du pont, prendre la sortie Parc Jean Drapeau (île Ste-Hélène), qui mène à une rampe. Suivre la route à sens unique qui fait le tour de l'île. Rassemblement dans le stationnement situé à côté du restaurant Hélène-de-Champlain, en face de la Biosphère. On y trouve plusieurs habitats dont le fleuve St-Laurent, le canal séparant les deux îles, plusieurs boisés, champs, arbrisseaux et lacs artificiels. Ce sera une longue randonnée puisque nous planifions d’explorer l'île Ste-Hélène et l'île Notre-Dame. Demi-journée
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Sightings for Wednesday January 13th
Sept-Iles: around 4 pm I saw a Willow Ptarmigan beside the road for the water treatment plant for ville de Sept-Iles. I will check in the next few days to see if he is not alone
Vers 16h00, il a vu un Lagopède des saules en bordure de route dans le chemin de
l'usine de traitement d'eau de la ville de Sept-Iles. J'irai faire un tour dans
les prochains jours pour voir si il n'est pas seule - Francis Gallant
St-Méthode, 160 Notre-Dame sud: European goldfinch is again present this morning at the feeders behind the house
Chardonneret élégant était encore présent ce matin aux mangeoires derrière la maison - Benoît Lemay
Châteauguay, rue Higgins: Red-bellied woodpecker (pic à ventre roux) - Marc Christophe
Vers 16h00, il a vu un Lagopède des saules en bordure de route dans le chemin de
l'usine de traitement d'eau de la ville de Sept-Iles. J'irai faire un tour dans
les prochains jours pour voir si il n'est pas seule - Francis Gallant
St-Méthode, 160 Notre-Dame sud: European goldfinch is again present this morning at the feeders behind the house
Chardonneret élégant était encore présent ce matin aux mangeoires derrière la maison - Benoît Lemay
Châteauguay, rue Higgins: Red-bellied woodpecker (pic à ventre roux) - Marc Christophe
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
sightings for Tuesday January 12th
Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Morgan Arboretum
On my lunch time walk this afternoon I was able to watch a Bald Eagle (Pygargue à tête blanche) soaring over blossom corner for several minutes. He/she didn't seem to be intent on landing any time soon, but what a spectacular bird to add to this year's bird list - Christopher Cloutier
Today, Mabel and I saw 3 Snowy owls (Harfang des neiges) west of St. Clet. All were immatures. The first was on the south side of Chemin Ste. Julie perched on the top of the largest tree available (probably the same bird that Peter and Anne saw a couple of days ago). The other two were close (from 50 to 150m) to the sharp right right hand bend (i.e. turning west) on 4e Rang just south of the junction of Chemin Ste. Marie and Bertrand. There is a small barn at the bend where you can park off the road. Most of the time the two birds sat on the ground amid corn stubble but they frequently interacted, almost locking talons at times. Although each was looking and listening actively for voles, they were also obviously keeping a beady eye on each other, because whenever one headed off after a vole the other took off too, challenging for the prize. We have seen hawks do this often but rarely Snowy Owls. We watched them for well over an hour.
There must be a good number of voles there because both birds were very active and appeared well nourished. Let's hope they make it through the winter and return safely to the Arctic. At the same location there was a group of about 15 Snow Buntings (bruant des neiges) and 5 Lapland Longspurs (Bruant lapon) flying around and landing on the road, giving us great looks at them (between passing cars, of course). We tried for other owls in the woods further west but without success. - B. Barnhurst
Varennes, chemin de Picardie: Snowy owl (Harfang des neiges) - André Provost
On my lunch time walk this afternoon I was able to watch a Bald Eagle (Pygargue à tête blanche) soaring over blossom corner for several minutes. He/she didn't seem to be intent on landing any time soon, but what a spectacular bird to add to this year's bird list - Christopher Cloutier
Today, Mabel and I saw 3 Snowy owls (Harfang des neiges) west of St. Clet. All were immatures. The first was on the south side of Chemin Ste. Julie perched on the top of the largest tree available (probably the same bird that Peter and Anne saw a couple of days ago). The other two were close (from 50 to 150m) to the sharp right right hand bend (i.e. turning west) on 4e Rang just south of the junction of Chemin Ste. Marie and Bertrand. There is a small barn at the bend where you can park off the road. Most of the time the two birds sat on the ground amid corn stubble but they frequently interacted, almost locking talons at times. Although each was looking and listening actively for voles, they were also obviously keeping a beady eye on each other, because whenever one headed off after a vole the other took off too, challenging for the prize. We have seen hawks do this often but rarely Snowy Owls. We watched them for well over an hour.
There must be a good number of voles there because both birds were very active and appeared well nourished. Let's hope they make it through the winter and return safely to the Arctic. At the same location there was a group of about 15 Snow Buntings (bruant des neiges) and 5 Lapland Longspurs (Bruant lapon) flying around and landing on the road, giving us great looks at them (between passing cars, of course). We tried for other owls in the woods further west but without success. - B. Barnhurst
Varennes, chemin de Picardie: Snowy owl (Harfang des neiges) - André Provost
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sighting for Monday January 11th
Chateauguay, rue Flanagan: Merlin (Faucon émerillon) - Tom Long
Montreal
A little after 1:00pm,today, there were two Red-Tailed Hawks (Buse à queue rousse) circling over the grain elevators in the Port of Montreal between McGill street and the Peel Basin of the Lachine canal - Mark Tomalty
Montreal
A little after 1:00pm,today, there were two Red-Tailed Hawks (Buse à queue rousse) circling over the grain elevators in the Port of Montreal between McGill street and the Peel Basin of the Lachine canal - Mark Tomalty
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Sightings for Sunday January 10th
Chateauguay, rue Flanagan: Merlin (Faucon émerillon) - T. Long
Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Morgan Arboretum: The Barred owl (Chouette rayée) that Betsy reported a few days ago is showing very well today close to the sugar shack ... we have posted some photographs at http://sparroworks.ca/journal/
As Betsy said, it is not at all fazed by people looking at it but because it is so close to a trail (snowshoe trail) please be careful in the area ... it looks like it is sticking around. The photos I posted were taken with a Canon G9, no need for the big lenses and mice. - R. Gregson
Quebec, Domaine Maizerets: 1 Great horned owl, 1 White-throated sparrow, 2 White-breasted nuthatch, 1 Hairy wood pecker, 30 House finch, 12 Black-capped chickadees
1 Grand-duc d'Amérique, 1 Bruant à gorge blanche, 2 Sittelles à poitrine blanche, 1 Pic chevelu, 30 Roselins familiers, 12 Mésanges à tête noire - Laval Roy & Anne Déry
Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Morgan Arboretum: The Barred owl (Chouette rayée) that Betsy reported a few days ago is showing very well today close to the sugar shack ... we have posted some photographs at http://sparroworks.ca/journal/
As Betsy said, it is not at all fazed by people looking at it but because it is so close to a trail (snowshoe trail) please be careful in the area ... it looks like it is sticking around. The photos I posted were taken with a Canon G9, no need for the big lenses and mice. - R. Gregson
Quebec, Domaine Maizerets: 1 Great horned owl, 1 White-throated sparrow, 2 White-breasted nuthatch, 1 Hairy wood pecker, 30 House finch, 12 Black-capped chickadees
1 Grand-duc d'Amérique, 1 Bruant à gorge blanche, 2 Sittelles à poitrine blanche, 1 Pic chevelu, 30 Roselins familiers, 12 Mésanges à tête noire - Laval Roy & Anne Déry
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Sightings for Saturday January 9th
Quebec, Foret Montmorency: 20 Common redpolls, 30 White-winged crossbills, 20 Pine grosbeaks, 1 Pine siskin, 1 Gray jay, 5 Boreal chickadees, 3 Black-capped chickadees, 8 Red-breasted nuthatch, 1 Raven
20 Sizerins flammés, 30 Bec-croisés bifasciés, 20 Durbecs des sapins, 1 Tarin des pins, 1 Mésangeai du Canada, 5 Mésanges à tête brune, 3 Mésanges à tête noire, 8 Sittelles à poitrine rousse, 1 Grand Corbeau - Anne & Laval Roy
Mirabel, rang Ste-Marie: 200 Snow buntings (Bruants des Neiges)
rang St-Dominique: 11 Gray partridge (Perdrix grises) - Lucette d'Amours
St-Barthélemy: Six or Seven Snowy owls (Harfang des neiges) in the immediate area of the village - Chuck Kling
St-Clet area yesterday afternoon there were two Snowy Owls (Harfang des neiges). One was on the west side of Mteé Ste-Julie and one on the south side of Ch. Ste-Julie, both perched on distant high trees - P. Tarassoff
20 Sizerins flammés, 30 Bec-croisés bifasciés, 20 Durbecs des sapins, 1 Tarin des pins, 1 Mésangeai du Canada, 5 Mésanges à tête brune, 3 Mésanges à tête noire, 8 Sittelles à poitrine rousse, 1 Grand Corbeau - Anne & Laval Roy
Mirabel, rang Ste-Marie: 200 Snow buntings (Bruants des Neiges)
rang St-Dominique: 11 Gray partridge (Perdrix grises) - Lucette d'Amours
St-Barthélemy: Six or Seven Snowy owls (Harfang des neiges) in the immediate area of the village - Chuck Kling
St-Clet area yesterday afternoon there were two Snowy Owls (Harfang des neiges). One was on the west side of Mteé Ste-Julie and one on the south side of Ch. Ste-Julie, both perched on distant high trees - P. Tarassoff
Friday, January 08, 2010
Sightings for Friday January 8th
Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Morgan Arboretum
In the Arbo this morning, as our group was moving into the woods on the Main Trail, escorted by our usual complement of crows, a Barred Owl (Chouette rayée) suddenly swooped in and peered down at us for several minutes.
It was sharing the tree with one crow, who eyed the owl carefully but didn't say a word until the owl flew off towards Chalet Pruche. As soon as the owl was gone, needless to say, it started to caw to its friends. - B. McFarlane
In the Arbo this morning, as our group was moving into the woods on the Main Trail, escorted by our usual complement of crows, a Barred Owl (Chouette rayée) suddenly swooped in and peered down at us for several minutes.
It was sharing the tree with one crow, who eyed the owl carefully but didn't say a word until the owl flew off towards Chalet Pruche. As soon as the owl was gone, needless to say, it started to caw to its friends. - B. McFarlane
Sightings for Thursday January 7th
Boucherville: Great horned owl in the parc de la Frayère woods
grand duc d'Amérique dans le boisé du parc de la Frayère (Saulaie)
adult Bald eagle on "ile aux hérons" seen from the Sainte-Catherine, Recreo-parc
un pygargue à tête blanche adult sur l'ile aux hérons observé du Récréoparc de Sainte-Catherine - Pierre Lamontagne
Sightings for Tuesday January 5th
Mirabel: Gray partridge on rangs St-Dominique & Ste-Marie on one of the rangs the Partridge were in the yard of a house
Perdrix grises sur les 2 rangs (St-Dominique et Ste-Marie), sur un des 2 rangs les perdrix étaient dans la cour d'une maison - Alain Robert
grand duc d'Amérique dans le boisé du parc de la Frayère (Saulaie)
adult Bald eagle on "ile aux hérons" seen from the Sainte-Catherine, Recreo-parc
un pygargue à tête blanche adult sur l'ile aux hérons observé du Récréoparc de Sainte-Catherine - Pierre Lamontagne
Sightings for Tuesday January 5th
Mirabel: Gray partridge on rangs St-Dominique & Ste-Marie on one of the rangs the Partridge were in the yard of a house
Perdrix grises sur les 2 rangs (St-Dominique et Ste-Marie), sur un des 2 rangs les perdrix étaient dans la cour d'une maison - Alain Robert
Monday, January 04, 2010
Sightings for Sunday January 3rd
Boucherville, Boisé de la saulais: Great horned owl across from 1149 Marie-Victorin about 500' form the road. Also Robins, Chickadees, Creepers, 12 Waxwings (sp) to far to ID
Grand Duc en face du 1149 Marie-Victorin à environ 500' du chemin. Aussi: quelques Merles, Mésanges, Grimpereau, 12 Jaseurs SP= Trop loin. - Yvon Roy
Grand Duc en face du 1149 Marie-Victorin à environ 500' du chemin. Aussi: quelques Merles, Mésanges, Grimpereau, 12 Jaseurs SP= Trop loin. - Yvon Roy
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Sightings for Saturday January 2nd
Verdun, Île des Soeurs: Harlequin duck and a Barrow's goldeneye in from of the observation platform on Île des Soeurs southern point
Arlequin plongeur ainsi qu'un Garrot d'islande en face de la passerelle d'observation de la pointe sud de l'Île des Soeurs - Charles Ménard
Arlequin plongeur ainsi qu'un Garrot d'islande en face de la passerelle d'observation de la pointe sud de l'Île des Soeurs - Charles Ménard
Friday, January 01, 2010
Sightings for Friday January 1st
Our first yard birds for the New Year here on Flanagan in Chateauguay were: Cooper's hawk, American goldfinch, House finch, Dark-eyed junco, American crow, Blue jay, European starling, Black-capped chickadee, White-breasted nuthatch, Northern cardinal, House sparrow
Épervier de Cooper, Chardonneret jaune, Roselin familier, Junco ardoisé, Corneille d'Amérique, Geai bleu, Étourneau sansonnet, Mésange à tête noire, Sittelle à poitrine blanche, Cardinal rouge, Moineau domestique - Thomas Long
Montreal: A lovely start to a Bigby year: I was just out of the house (NDG) when a Peregrine falcon (Faucon pèlerin), probably female, skimmed like a stealth bomber over the treetops, going south over Somerled up Hingston and out of sight. - Sylvia Wees
Saint-Clet, rang Saint-Emmanuel: a small flock of Wild turkeys fed close to the road because a resident has several feeders on his property adjacent to a small wooded area. also Blue Jays, Tree Sparrows, and Chickadees, Juncos
un petit troupeau de Dindons sauvages s'alimentaient près de la route et pour cause: un résidant a plusieurs mangeoires sur sa propriété jouxtant un petit boisé. Ça valsait de Geais bleus, de Bruants hudsoniens, de mésanges, de juncos...
Saint-Lazare: at the pinery - Red-breasted nuthatch, Brown Creepers, Black-capped chickadees
À la pinède, Sittelles à poitrine rousse, Grimpereaux bruns et de Mésanges à tête noire.
rang Saint-Guillaume: Wild turkeys (Dindons sauvage)
Sainte-Marthe, 3rd rang: Snowy owl on the roof of a barn between montée Bertrand & montée Sainte-Julie
Harfang des neiges bien posté sur le toit d'un grange sur le 3e Rang entre les montées Bertrand et Sainte-Julie - Sylvain Mathieu
Épervier de Cooper, Chardonneret jaune, Roselin familier, Junco ardoisé, Corneille d'Amérique, Geai bleu, Étourneau sansonnet, Mésange à tête noire, Sittelle à poitrine blanche, Cardinal rouge, Moineau domestique - Thomas Long
Montreal: A lovely start to a Bigby year: I was just out of the house (NDG) when a Peregrine falcon (Faucon pèlerin), probably female, skimmed like a stealth bomber over the treetops, going south over Somerled up Hingston and out of sight. - Sylvia Wees
Saint-Clet, rang Saint-Emmanuel: a small flock of Wild turkeys fed close to the road because a resident has several feeders on his property adjacent to a small wooded area. also Blue Jays, Tree Sparrows, and Chickadees, Juncos
un petit troupeau de Dindons sauvages s'alimentaient près de la route et pour cause: un résidant a plusieurs mangeoires sur sa propriété jouxtant un petit boisé. Ça valsait de Geais bleus, de Bruants hudsoniens, de mésanges, de juncos...
Saint-Lazare: at the pinery - Red-breasted nuthatch, Brown Creepers, Black-capped chickadees
À la pinède, Sittelles à poitrine rousse, Grimpereaux bruns et de Mésanges à tête noire.
rang Saint-Guillaume: Wild turkeys (Dindons sauvage)
Sainte-Marthe, 3rd rang: Snowy owl on the roof of a barn between montée Bertrand & montée Sainte-Julie
Harfang des neiges bien posté sur le toit d'un grange sur le 3e Rang entre les montées Bertrand et Sainte-Julie - Sylvain Mathieu
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