Johnville, parc éco forestier: From 7:15 to 11:15, 49 species Bobolink, Eastern meadowlark, Savannah Sparrow, Blue Jays, White-throated Sparrow, Killdeer, Brown Thrasher, Northern Flicker, Wilson’s Snipe, Indigo bunting, Magnolia Warbler, Veery.
Clay-colored Sparrow, in a plantation of conifers at the intersection of Chemin Simard & chemin Johnston at the end of Johnville. Of course, it is private land but can clearly visible from the road. The houses are still quite far the from plantation to avoid disturbing the owners,
7h15 à 11h15, 49 espèces Goglus des prés, Sturnelles des prés, Bruants des prés, Canards colverts, Geais bleus, Bruant à gorge blanche, Pluvier kildir, Moqueur roux, Pic flamboyant, Bécassine des marais, Passerin indigo, Paruline à tête cendrée, Grive fauve.
Bruant des plaines, Il était dans une plantation de sapins à l'intersection du Chemin Simard et du chemin Johnston dans le bout de Johnville. Bien sûr, c'est un terrain privé mais on peut le voir facilement de la route. Les habitations sont quand même assez éloignées de la plantation pour ne pas déranger les propriétaires - Gisèle Gilbert
Cap Tourmente 5:30 to 11:30 - Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow (2): 2 male singing in the fields of Sector F-1 just south of the small lake used for water treatment along the track.
Willow Flycatcher (2): male singing with the female in F-2 along the track, 300 meters west of the interpretive center.
Northern Harrier (2): breeding pair in F-2. Female takes a prey to the nest. Calling a lot reacting to my presence on the territory ...
House Wren (2): couple observed near the nest box located at the trailhead La Cédrière. The male sings constantly.
Eastern Kingbird (2): discovery of a nest in the F-4. 3 downy young inside.
Also Indigo bunting, Scarlet tanager, the two Rails, Bald eagle, Peregrine, Common loon (3)!, Black-crowned Night-heron (3), Bittern and many Great blue herons (8). Grand total for the day 62 species
5:30 à 11:30 - Bruant de Nelson (2) : 2 mâles chanteurs dans les champs du secteur F-1
tout juste au sud du petit lac servant d’étang d’épuration le long de la voie ferrée.
Moucherolle des saules (2) : mâle chanteur avec sa femelle dans le F-2 le long de la voie ferrée, 300 mètres à l’ouest du centre d’interprétation.
Busard Saint-Martin (2: couple nicheur dans le F-2. Femelle apporte une proie au nid. Crie beaucoup et réagi fortement à ma présence sur le territoire…
Troglodyte familier (2): couple observé près du nichoir situé au début du sentier La Cédrière. Le mâle chante constamment.
Tyran tritri (2) : découverte d’un nid dans le F-4. Trois jeunes en duvet à l’intérieur.
Aussi passerin indigo, piranga écarlate, les deux râles, pygargue, pèlerin, plongeon huard (3), bihoreau (3), butor et nombreux grands hérons (8). Grand total de la journée 62 espèces. - Robin Gingras
Rare and interesting bird sightings from Quebec
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Bird Protection Quebec's Summer Series 2010 - Trip #1 Report
We kicked off the summer series on Saturday morning with a visit to Pointe de Yamachiche on the north shore of Lac St-Pierre, about 30 km. southwest of Trois-Rivieres.
The conditions were very good; mild, not a lot of humitidy, no rain and very few mosquitos! We discovered first-hand about the record low level in the waters around our region. The sandy point sticking out into the lake extended far beyond what we have seen in the past at this location. It appeared to be prime for spotting shorebirds however, in speaking with a local area birder who visits the site regularly, the shorebird migration from the south was very early this
year and he expects them to make an earlier than usual return to the south. Our timing in late June put us in a period of no shorebird activity, except for a few Spotted Sandpipers.
Still our group of 7 birders had a pleasant morning producing a total of 43 species. Here is our list for the trip, with a couple of surprises. Thanks to all who participated.
Snow Goose - 3, Canada Goose - 12, Gadwall - 6, Mallard - 15, Northern Shoveler - 8, Green-winged Teal - 9, Pied-billed Grebe - 6, Double-crested Cormorant - 20, Great Blue Heron - 30, Great Egret - 5, Falcon Species - 1, Killdeer - 4, Spotted Sandpiper - 3, Ring-billed Gull - 300, Great Black-backed Gull - 10, Common Tern - 3, Mourning Dove - 1, Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1, Downy Woodpecker - 1, Pileated Woodpecker - 2, Eastern Wood-Pewee - 1, Great Crested Flycatcher- 4, Blue-headed Vireo - 2, Warbling Vireo - 4, Red-eyed Vireo - 4, American Crow - 12,
Tree Swallow - 6, Barn Swallow - 1, Black-capped Chickadee - 8, White-breasted Nuthatch - 3, Veery - 6, American Robin - 10, Gray Catbird - 3, Yellow Warbler - 20, American Redstart - 4, Common Yellowthroat - 8, Song Sparrow - 4, Swamp Sparrow - 2, White-throated Sparrow - 1, Red-winged Blackbird - 12, Common Grackle - 30, Brown-headed Cowbird - 1, Baltimore Oriole - 2 - Sheldon
The conditions were very good; mild, not a lot of humitidy, no rain and very few mosquitos! We discovered first-hand about the record low level in the waters around our region. The sandy point sticking out into the lake extended far beyond what we have seen in the past at this location. It appeared to be prime for spotting shorebirds however, in speaking with a local area birder who visits the site regularly, the shorebird migration from the south was very early this
year and he expects them to make an earlier than usual return to the south. Our timing in late June put us in a period of no shorebird activity, except for a few Spotted Sandpipers.
Still our group of 7 birders had a pleasant morning producing a total of 43 species. Here is our list for the trip, with a couple of surprises. Thanks to all who participated.
Snow Goose - 3, Canada Goose - 12, Gadwall - 6, Mallard - 15, Northern Shoveler - 8, Green-winged Teal - 9, Pied-billed Grebe - 6, Double-crested Cormorant - 20, Great Blue Heron - 30, Great Egret - 5, Falcon Species - 1, Killdeer - 4, Spotted Sandpiper - 3, Ring-billed Gull - 300, Great Black-backed Gull - 10, Common Tern - 3, Mourning Dove - 1, Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1, Downy Woodpecker - 1, Pileated Woodpecker - 2, Eastern Wood-Pewee - 1, Great Crested Flycatcher- 4, Blue-headed Vireo - 2, Warbling Vireo - 4, Red-eyed Vireo - 4, American Crow - 12,
Tree Swallow - 6, Barn Swallow - 1, Black-capped Chickadee - 8, White-breasted Nuthatch - 3, Veery - 6, American Robin - 10, Gray Catbird - 3, Yellow Warbler - 20, American Redstart - 4, Common Yellowthroat - 8, Song Sparrow - 4, Swamp Sparrow - 2, White-throated Sparrow - 1, Red-winged Blackbird - 12, Common Grackle - 30, Brown-headed Cowbird - 1, Baltimore Oriole - 2 - Sheldon
Sightings for Sunday June 27th
Val-d'Or, secteur Val-Senneville - We observed Bobolinks if a field at the intersection of chemins Beaudet & Paré. We heard the song of the Le Conte's sparrow through the singing of Savannah sparrows.
Nous observions les Goglus des prés dans un champ à l'intersection des chemins Beaudet et Paré, nous avons entendu le chant d'un Bruant de Le Conte au travers le chant des Bruants des prés. - Claudia Siano et Raymond Ladurantaye
Nous observions les Goglus des prés dans un champ à l'intersection des chemins Beaudet et Paré, nous avons entendu le chant d'un Bruant de Le Conte au travers le chant des Bruants des prés. - Claudia Siano et Raymond Ladurantaye
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Sightings for Saturday June 26th
St-Nicolas: Clay-coloured sparrow found and reported by Gérard Cyr yesterday. Was heard and seen today from the parking area at the corner of l'Entente and Pioneers, just opposite the church.
Bruant des plaines trouvé et rapporté par Gérard Cyr hier, était toujours au même endroit. Ce matin entendu puis vu à partir du stationnement situé à l’angle des rues de l’Entente et des Pionniers, juste en face de l’église. - Anne Déry
Bruant des plaines trouvé et rapporté par Gérard Cyr hier, était toujours au même endroit. Ce matin entendu puis vu à partir du stationnement situé à l’angle des rues de l’Entente et des Pionniers, juste en face de l’église. - Anne Déry
Friday, June 25, 2010
Sightings for Thursday June 24th
Ste. Anne de Bellevue: For the third time in two weeks a Northern Mockingbird ( Moqueur polygotte) was seen singing atop a tree near the corner of Ste-Elizabeth and Lamarche - Ryan Young
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Summer Series of Birding - Trip #1 - Saturday, June 26
We begin the 7th annual Summer Series of Birding field trips this Saturday with a visit to a location we visited last summer. We will be heading to Pointe de Yamachiche, located near the town of Yamachiche, on the north shore of Lac St. Pierre, north-east of Montreal, approximately 120 km. from central Montreal.
DATE: Saturday, June 26, 2010
TIME: 8:00 AM – Half-day outing
MEETING PLACE: The parking lot at Exit 180 off Autoroute 40, at Yamachiche
Driving directions: From Montreal, take highway 40 east, off the island of Montreal at the far eastern tip, on to the north shore. Continue on Autoroute 40 (direction Trois-Rivieres) to Exit 180. Just off the exit there is a parking lot for Pointe de Yamachiche. This will be our meeting point. Calculate approximately a 90-minute drive to the meeting point, particularly if you are coming from the western part of Montreal.
ITINERARY: We will walk from the parking lot exploring the new boardwalk which was installed just last year. We will also walk through a wooded path leading to the waterfront of Lac St-Pierre. We will be looking for waterfowl and shorebirds at the waterfront. A scope will be useful on this trip, particularly at the waterfront. Insect repellent may be needed through the wooded area. This will be a half-day trip wrapping up by approximately Noon.
SPECIAL NOTE: Due to the very low water level in the rivers and lakes in our region this year, trips to this location by other groups in the past month or so have found large numbers of shorebirds along the waterfront.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by e-mail, or by telephone at 450-462-1459. You can reach me on Saturday morning on the BPQ cellphone at 514-637-2141.
DATE: Saturday, June 26, 2010
TIME: 8:00 AM – Half-day outing
MEETING PLACE: The parking lot at Exit 180 off Autoroute 40, at Yamachiche
Driving directions: From Montreal, take highway 40 east, off the island of Montreal at the far eastern tip, on to the north shore. Continue on Autoroute 40 (direction Trois-Rivieres) to Exit 180. Just off the exit there is a parking lot for Pointe de Yamachiche. This will be our meeting point. Calculate approximately a 90-minute drive to the meeting point, particularly if you are coming from the western part of Montreal.
ITINERARY: We will walk from the parking lot exploring the new boardwalk which was installed just last year. We will also walk through a wooded path leading to the waterfront of Lac St-Pierre. We will be looking for waterfowl and shorebirds at the waterfront. A scope will be useful on this trip, particularly at the waterfront. Insect repellent may be needed through the wooded area. This will be a half-day trip wrapping up by approximately Noon.
SPECIAL NOTE: Due to the very low water level in the rivers and lakes in our region this year, trips to this location by other groups in the past month or so have found large numbers of shorebirds along the waterfront.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by e-mail, or by telephone at 450-462-1459. You can reach me on Saturday morning on the BPQ cellphone at 514-637-2141.
Sightings for Wednesday June 23rd
From 11:00 to 2:00 p.m., I was in St. Catherine on the south shore and three Willets (race semipalmata) rested on a rock in the bay facing the locks. They were clearly visible, although remote, from the road to the Recre-O-Parc. Along this road, trees obstruct the view continuously, but there is a gap near a sign saying "$5.00 per vehicle. That's from where I could observe, and they were still there when I left.
De 11h00 à 14h00, j'étais à Sainte-Catherine sur la rive sud et trois Chevaliers semipalmés (race semipalmata) se reposaient sur une roche dans la baie face aux écluses. Ils étaient bien visibles, bien que distants, à partir de la route menant au Récré-O-Parc. Le long de cette route, les arbres obstruent continuellement la vue, mais il y a une brèche près d'une pancarte indiquant "5.00$/véhicule". C'est de là que j'ai pu les observer. Ils étaient toujours là quand j'ai quitté. - Pierre Bannon
De 11h00 à 14h00, j'étais à Sainte-Catherine sur la rive sud et trois Chevaliers semipalmés (race semipalmata) se reposaient sur une roche dans la baie face aux écluses. Ils étaient bien visibles, bien que distants, à partir de la route menant au Récré-O-Parc. Le long de cette route, les arbres obstruent continuellement la vue, mais il y a une brèche près d'une pancarte indiquant "5.00$/véhicule". C'est de là que j'ai pu les observer. Ils étaient toujours là quand j'ai quitté. - Pierre Bannon
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Sightings for Tuesday June 22nd
Verdun, Île des Soeurs: Ruddy turnstone on the rocks at the southern point
Tournepierre à collier sur les rochers à la pointe sud de l'île - Marc Boisvert
Tournepierre à collier sur les rochers à la pointe sud de l'île - Marc Boisvert
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sightings for Monday June 21st
Verdun, Île des Soeurs: At the southern tip, we could see few small balls of fluff on the rocks where the Common terns nest. The settlement goes far beyond a hundred pairs This is the first time this year that one could see the baby just out of their shell. Also a Great black-backed Gull couple has produced 2 young on one of these rocks. A Brant was a beautiful Summer Surprise.
In the woods, I was a little surprised to hear a Winter wren, this making it a likely breeding bird since he also sang to the end of May. Since June 16, the Cooper's hawk nest contains at least one young. The Screech Owl is still present. I also tried to make a count of Purple Martins using the many condos located on the island. A rough estimate gives at least 33 couples.
À la pointe sud, on pouvait voir quelques petites boules de duvet sur les rochers au large où nichent les Sternes pierregarins. La colonie dépasse largement une centaine de couples et c'est la première fois cette année qu'on pouvait voir des jeunes à peine sortis de leur coquille. Également un couple de Goéland marin a produit 2 jeunes sur l'un de ces rochers. Une Bernache cravant constituait une belle surprise estivale.
Dans le boisé, j'ai été un peu étonné d'entendre un Troglodyte mignon, ce qui en fait un nicheur probable puisqu'un oiseau chantait également vers la fin de mai. Depuis le 16 juin, le nid d'Épervier de Cooper contient au moins un jeune. Le Petit-duc maculé est aussi toujours présent. J'ai également tenté de faire un décompte des Hirondelles noires utilisant les nombreux condos installés sur l'île. Une évaluation grossière donne au moins 33 couples. - Pierre Bannon
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Johnville, parc éco forestier 6h30 - 11h30: I saw and heard 52 species with 14 species of Warbler - Nashville (with young), Northern parula, Magnolia, Black-throated blue, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated green, Blackburnian, Palm, Black & white, Ovenbird, Northern waterthrush, Common yellowthroat, Canada (nesting), Pine. A small family of Hooded merganser (1 adult 4 Juveniles), Brown thrasher, Eastern wood pewee, Lincoln's sparrow, Hairy woodpecker feeding a juvenile. 5 Broad-winged hawks at the same time. 1 Black-backed woodpecker
J'ai observé et entendu 52 espèces dont 14 sortes de Parulines - à joues grises (avec juvénile), à collier, à tête cendrée, bleue, à croupion jaune, à gorge noire, à gorge orangée, à couronne rousse, noir et blanc, couronnée, des ruisseaux, masquée, du Canada (nicheuse), Paruline des pins. Une petite famille de Harle couronné (1 adulte et 4 juvéniles), Moqueur roux, Piouis de l'Est, Bruants de Lincoln, Pic chevelu nourrissant un juvénile. 5 Petites Buses en même temps. un Pic à dos noir - Gisèle Gilbert
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Sightings for Sunday June 22th
Dorval: Pair of Great Egrets (Grande Aigrette) in Valois Bay. They were wading and feeding in the shallow waters of Lake St. Louis - Shirley Taylor
In the woods, I was a little surprised to hear a Winter wren, this making it a likely breeding bird since he also sang to the end of May. Since June 16, the Cooper's hawk nest contains at least one young. The Screech Owl is still present. I also tried to make a count of Purple Martins using the many condos located on the island. A rough estimate gives at least 33 couples.
À la pointe sud, on pouvait voir quelques petites boules de duvet sur les rochers au large où nichent les Sternes pierregarins. La colonie dépasse largement une centaine de couples et c'est la première fois cette année qu'on pouvait voir des jeunes à peine sortis de leur coquille. Également un couple de Goéland marin a produit 2 jeunes sur l'un de ces rochers. Une Bernache cravant constituait une belle surprise estivale.
Dans le boisé, j'ai été un peu étonné d'entendre un Troglodyte mignon, ce qui en fait un nicheur probable puisqu'un oiseau chantait également vers la fin de mai. Depuis le 16 juin, le nid d'Épervier de Cooper contient au moins un jeune. Le Petit-duc maculé est aussi toujours présent. J'ai également tenté de faire un décompte des Hirondelles noires utilisant les nombreux condos installés sur l'île. Une évaluation grossière donne au moins 33 couples. - Pierre Bannon
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Johnville, parc éco forestier 6h30 - 11h30: I saw and heard 52 species with 14 species of Warbler - Nashville (with young), Northern parula, Magnolia, Black-throated blue, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated green, Blackburnian, Palm, Black & white, Ovenbird, Northern waterthrush, Common yellowthroat, Canada (nesting), Pine. A small family of Hooded merganser (1 adult 4 Juveniles), Brown thrasher, Eastern wood pewee, Lincoln's sparrow, Hairy woodpecker feeding a juvenile. 5 Broad-winged hawks at the same time. 1 Black-backed woodpecker
J'ai observé et entendu 52 espèces dont 14 sortes de Parulines - à joues grises (avec juvénile), à collier, à tête cendrée, bleue, à croupion jaune, à gorge noire, à gorge orangée, à couronne rousse, noir et blanc, couronnée, des ruisseaux, masquée, du Canada (nicheuse), Paruline des pins. Une petite famille de Harle couronné (1 adulte et 4 juvéniles), Moqueur roux, Piouis de l'Est, Bruants de Lincoln, Pic chevelu nourrissant un juvénile. 5 Petites Buses en même temps. un Pic à dos noir - Gisèle Gilbert
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Sightings for Sunday June 22th
Dorval: Pair of Great Egrets (Grande Aigrette) in Valois Bay. They were wading and feeding in the shallow waters of Lake St. Louis - Shirley Taylor
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Bird Protection's Field Trip for June 19th
Field Trip Report, 5:30 am: southwestern Quebec
It was the grand finale to the regularly scheduled field trip season as 18 birders met at 5:30 a.m. for the third annual summer solstice field trip (the second to southwestern Quebec). The only "complaint" received was that, with the sun already up at 5:30, we could have started earlier!
At 5:40 we set out and in the next 8 hours and 30 minutes we covered about 80 kilometers with frequent stops to enjoy the widely varied habitat available in this wonderful birding area. Only a couple of the roads we took are well traveled, so for the most part parking was easy and the birding on foot undisturbed by passing vehicles.
The temperature was 15 degrees Celsius at 5:30 and reached 30 degrees C. by the end of the trip after 2:00 p.m.. The rain stayed off until everyone was on the way home.
The Bird of the Trip was Upland Sandpiper with the following species as runners-up: Scarlet Tanager, Bobolink, Northern Harrier, and Grasshopper Sparrow.
There were many highlights. The single most breathtaking moment (literally) was to watch a Merlin fly in to a nearby tree and take a Cedar Waxwing.
Happily, we were lucky with Upland Sandpipers. At the first site, we had a pair perched on fence posts and in flight, with one making that haunting call.
The Grasshopper Sparrow on Montée Jameson was eventually co-operative as it perched on a wire and threw its head back in song.
Field Sparrows remained elusive though we heard four.
Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks were plentiful and seen well on numerous occasions.
It was nice to hear a Willow Flycatcher, a bird many had hardly encountered this season.
The pair of Northern Harriers on Montée Biggar gave quite a show, interacting briefly in flight.
The Bank Swallow (aka Sand Martin) colony in the far southwest was a surprise . . with many nest holes in the walls of a sandpit.
The Eastern Bluebirds were seen at some distance through telescopes.
Among the breeding bird evidence in this first year of the atlas we had the following: a pair of American Kestrels; an Eastern Phoebe feeding young; a Red-eyed Vireo on the nest (about 2 feet off the ground in a conifer); and a Common Yellowthroat carrying food.
The list of observed birds ncludes 77 species.
The smaller totals for individual birds are reliable; the higher the number of individuals seen, the more the figure is a guesstimate at best.
Thanks to everyone who came out and made this special trip even more special.
Thanks so much to Wayne for co-leading.
A special thanks goes to Mark for his magnificent effort in bringing birders without transport.
To those who had to leave before the end of the trip, if I've missed any species, please let me know.
Martin
Species List (77):
Canada Goose 6; Mallard 2; Great Blue Heron 4; Great Egret 1; Green Heron 1; Turkey Vulture 12; Northern Harrier 2; Red-shouldered Hawk 1; Red-tailed Hawk 2; American Kestrel 5; Merlin 1; Killdeer 12; Upland Sandpiper 4; Ring-billed Gull 50; Rock Pigeon 24; Mourning Dove 28; Chimney Swift 7; Belted Kingfisher 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 6; Downy Woodpecker 6; Northern Flicker 4; Pileated Woodpecker 1; Eastern Wood-Pewee 4; Alder Flycatcher 12; Willow Flycatcher 1; Least Flycatcher 30; Eastern Phoebe 6; Great Crested Flycatcher 5; Eastern Kingbird 8; Warbling Vireo 6; Red-eyed Vireo 10; Blue Jay 6; American Crow 24; Horned Lark 3; Tree Swallow 10; Bank Swallow 75; Cliff Swallow 1; Barn Swallow 25; Black-capped Chickadee 6; White-breasted Nuthatch 2; House Wren 7; Eastern Bluebird 3; Veery 12; Wood Thrush 6; American Robin 15; Gray Catbird 2; Brown Thrasher 1; European Starling 60; Cedar Waxwing 30; Yellow Warbler 10; Chestnut-sided Warbler 4; Black-throated Green Warbler 2; Bay-breasted Warbler 1; Black-and-White Warbler 5; American Redstart 2; Ovenbird 15; Northern Waterthrush 3; Common Yellowthroat 12; Scarlet Tanager 6; Eastern Towhee 3; Chipping Sparrow 10; Field Sparrow 4; Savannah Sparrow 10; Grasshopper Sparrow 1; Song Sparrow 15; Swamp Sparrow 3; White-throated Sparrow 5; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2; Indigo Bunting 2; Bobolink 40; Red-winged Blackbird 50; Eastern Meadowlark 12; Common Grackle 20; Brown-headed Cowbird 12; Baltimore Oriole 6; American Goldfinch 20; House Sparrow 20
It was the grand finale to the regularly scheduled field trip season as 18 birders met at 5:30 a.m. for the third annual summer solstice field trip (the second to southwestern Quebec). The only "complaint" received was that, with the sun already up at 5:30, we could have started earlier!
At 5:40 we set out and in the next 8 hours and 30 minutes we covered about 80 kilometers with frequent stops to enjoy the widely varied habitat available in this wonderful birding area. Only a couple of the roads we took are well traveled, so for the most part parking was easy and the birding on foot undisturbed by passing vehicles.
The temperature was 15 degrees Celsius at 5:30 and reached 30 degrees C. by the end of the trip after 2:00 p.m.. The rain stayed off until everyone was on the way home.
The Bird of the Trip was Upland Sandpiper with the following species as runners-up: Scarlet Tanager, Bobolink, Northern Harrier, and Grasshopper Sparrow.
There were many highlights. The single most breathtaking moment (literally) was to watch a Merlin fly in to a nearby tree and take a Cedar Waxwing.
Happily, we were lucky with Upland Sandpipers. At the first site, we had a pair perched on fence posts and in flight, with one making that haunting call.
The Grasshopper Sparrow on Montée Jameson was eventually co-operative as it perched on a wire and threw its head back in song.
Field Sparrows remained elusive though we heard four.
Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks were plentiful and seen well on numerous occasions.
It was nice to hear a Willow Flycatcher, a bird many had hardly encountered this season.
The pair of Northern Harriers on Montée Biggar gave quite a show, interacting briefly in flight.
The Bank Swallow (aka Sand Martin) colony in the far southwest was a surprise . . with many nest holes in the walls of a sandpit.
The Eastern Bluebirds were seen at some distance through telescopes.
Among the breeding bird evidence in this first year of the atlas we had the following: a pair of American Kestrels; an Eastern Phoebe feeding young; a Red-eyed Vireo on the nest (about 2 feet off the ground in a conifer); and a Common Yellowthroat carrying food.
The list of observed birds ncludes 77 species.
The smaller totals for individual birds are reliable; the higher the number of individuals seen, the more the figure is a guesstimate at best.
Thanks to everyone who came out and made this special trip even more special.
Thanks so much to Wayne for co-leading.
A special thanks goes to Mark for his magnificent effort in bringing birders without transport.
To those who had to leave before the end of the trip, if I've missed any species, please let me know.
Martin
Species List (77):
Canada Goose 6; Mallard 2; Great Blue Heron 4; Great Egret 1; Green Heron 1; Turkey Vulture 12; Northern Harrier 2; Red-shouldered Hawk 1; Red-tailed Hawk 2; American Kestrel 5; Merlin 1; Killdeer 12; Upland Sandpiper 4; Ring-billed Gull 50; Rock Pigeon 24; Mourning Dove 28; Chimney Swift 7; Belted Kingfisher 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 6; Downy Woodpecker 6; Northern Flicker 4; Pileated Woodpecker 1; Eastern Wood-Pewee 4; Alder Flycatcher 12; Willow Flycatcher 1; Least Flycatcher 30; Eastern Phoebe 6; Great Crested Flycatcher 5; Eastern Kingbird 8; Warbling Vireo 6; Red-eyed Vireo 10; Blue Jay 6; American Crow 24; Horned Lark 3; Tree Swallow 10; Bank Swallow 75; Cliff Swallow 1; Barn Swallow 25; Black-capped Chickadee 6; White-breasted Nuthatch 2; House Wren 7; Eastern Bluebird 3; Veery 12; Wood Thrush 6; American Robin 15; Gray Catbird 2; Brown Thrasher 1; European Starling 60; Cedar Waxwing 30; Yellow Warbler 10; Chestnut-sided Warbler 4; Black-throated Green Warbler 2; Bay-breasted Warbler 1; Black-and-White Warbler 5; American Redstart 2; Ovenbird 15; Northern Waterthrush 3; Common Yellowthroat 12; Scarlet Tanager 6; Eastern Towhee 3; Chipping Sparrow 10; Field Sparrow 4; Savannah Sparrow 10; Grasshopper Sparrow 1; Song Sparrow 15; Swamp Sparrow 3; White-throated Sparrow 5; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2; Indigo Bunting 2; Bobolink 40; Red-winged Blackbird 50; Eastern Meadowlark 12; Common Grackle 20; Brown-headed Cowbird 12; Baltimore Oriole 6; American Goldfinch 20; House Sparrow 20
Friday, June 18, 2010
Sightings for Thursday June 17th
Montréal - Pointe Saint-Charles: At the end of rue Charon, I found a hole in the fence where I could slip in. I saw 3 Northern mockingbirds, 2 males singing and a bird not singing, probably a female. One of the male was equally visable at the end of rue Sainte-Madeleine
Au bout de la rue Charon, j'ai trouvé un trou dans la clôture et je m'y suis faufilé. J'y ai repéré 3 Moqueurs polyglottes, 2 mâles chanteurs et un oiseau qui n'a pas chanté, probablement une femelle. L'un des mâles était également visible au bout de la rue Sainte-Madeleine - Pierre Bannon
Au bout de la rue Charon, j'ai trouvé un trou dans la clôture et je m'y suis faufilé. J'y ai repéré 3 Moqueurs polyglottes, 2 mâles chanteurs et un oiseau qui n'a pas chanté, probablement une femelle. L'un des mâles était également visible au bout de la rue Sainte-Madeleine - Pierre Bannon
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Sightings for Wednesday June 9th
A very productive day today at Ile Sainte-Ignace-de-Loyola and Pointe Yamachiche, with 62 species in total being seen.
At Ile Sainte-Ignace we had 3 Upland Sandpiper (Maubèche des champs), Great Egret (Grande Aigrette), Blue-winged Teal (Sarcelle à ailes bleues), numerous Bobolink (Goglu des prés) in one field, and Wilson's Snipe (Bécassine de Wilson) .
At Pointe Yamachiche we had a very fat and healthy looking Red Knot (Bécasseau maubèche) in breeding plumage, Osprey (Balbuzard pêcheur), Snow Goose (Oie des neiges), Common Tern (Sterne pierregarin), Ruddy Turnstone (Tournepierre à collier), Semipalmated Plover (Pluvier semipalmé), Semipalmated Sandpiper (Bécasseau semipalmé), possible White-rumped Sandpiper (Bécasseau à croupion blanc)? (but flew before we could positively ID,) Black-bellied Plover (Pluvier argenté), Lesser Yellowlegs (Petit Chevalier), Bank Swallow (Hirondelle de rivage) and Ring-necked Duck (Fuligule à collier) - Alain Goulet, Andrew Plimer
At Ile Sainte-Ignace we had 3 Upland Sandpiper (Maubèche des champs), Great Egret (Grande Aigrette), Blue-winged Teal (Sarcelle à ailes bleues), numerous Bobolink (Goglu des prés) in one field, and Wilson's Snipe (Bécassine de Wilson) .
At Pointe Yamachiche we had a very fat and healthy looking Red Knot (Bécasseau maubèche) in breeding plumage, Osprey (Balbuzard pêcheur), Snow Goose (Oie des neiges), Common Tern (Sterne pierregarin), Ruddy Turnstone (Tournepierre à collier), Semipalmated Plover (Pluvier semipalmé), Semipalmated Sandpiper (Bécasseau semipalmé), possible White-rumped Sandpiper (Bécasseau à croupion blanc)? (but flew before we could positively ID,) Black-bellied Plover (Pluvier argenté), Lesser Yellowlegs (Petit Chevalier), Bank Swallow (Hirondelle de rivage) and Ring-necked Duck (Fuligule à collier) - Alain Goulet, Andrew Plimer
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Sightings for Friday June 4th
Ste-Foy: Snowy egret at the Base de pleinair. Go to the end of the lake, east-side where there is a boardwalk with two benches.
Aigrette neigeuse à la Base de pleinair. Il faut aller au bout du lac, du coté est, là oû il y a une passerelle avec deux bancs. - Maurice Raymond
Aigrette neigeuse à la Base de pleinair. Il faut aller au bout du lac, du coté est, là oû il y a une passerelle avec deux bancs. - Maurice Raymond
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Sightings for Wednesday June 3rd
Ile Perrot: Great egret (Grand aigrette) east side in what is called "La Grand Anse" a part of Lake St. Louis. As the water is very low, it was feeding among the weeds - Gordon Racey
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Valleyfield: Snow goose west of pont Larocque (bridge) north sidenear the parking lot.
Oie des neiges près de Valleyfield a l'ouest du pont Larocque côté nord près du stationnement - Marc Boisvert
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Valleyfield: Snow goose west of pont Larocque (bridge) north sidenear the parking lot.
Oie des neiges près de Valleyfield a l'ouest du pont Larocque côté nord près du stationnement - Marc Boisvert
Possible Golden Eagle at Ile-Bizard
Very surprising sighting at Ile-Bizard today, Wednesday, June 2nd. Can anyone confirm this? Out with students after school today, we saw many of the expected species (including Pied-billed Grebe and Common Moorhen chicks, and very young Wood Duck ducklings); I alerted the students to what I at first thought was a turkey vulture, but soon began to realize as it approached, soaring steadily, that this was no "T.V." It was very large, (had great blue heron for comparison), and all dark, with an absolutely steady flight. The only thing that added up was a mature Golden Eagle. I would love any possible confirmation of this, as the late date, as well as relatively low altitude of flight (I'd guess at less than 100 feet) seem very unusual for this location. - Ian Turner
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Sightings for Tuesday June 1st
Saint-Timothée marsh: Eurasian wigeon - About 2 km by bike. It was on the other side in front of the cranes. Just behind the aspens a Yellow-billed cuckoo was heard
marais de Saint-Timothée: Canard sifleur - Environ 2 km en vélo pour le voir, il était de l'autre côté devant les grues. Juste en arrière dans les trembles un coulicou à bec jaune entendu. - Marc Boisvert
marais de Saint-Timothée: Canard sifleur - Environ 2 km en vélo pour le voir, il était de l'autre côté devant les grues. Juste en arrière dans les trembles un coulicou à bec jaune entendu. - Marc Boisvert