Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report"

February 18th field trip to St Clet/Ste Marthe/Ste Justine was attended by 20 individuals (including several newcomers) hoping to find snowy owls and other open country winter birds. Unfortunately although we covered a large area in our convoy we struck out with regard to the snowies and the other sought after birds proved to be almost as elusive. Temperatures were relatively warm but the omnipresent breeze on these flatlands kept birders heading for their cars for warmth. Skies were overcast but gradually cleared as the morning progressed.

Our bird of the day was the Northern Shrike with a total of 3 individuals being spotted. Our complete list of 21 species included: Red-tailed Hawk - 1, Rough-legged Hawk - 1, Wild Turkey - 11, Rock Pigeons - 30, Mourning Dove - 24, Hairy Woodpecker - 1. Northern Shrike - 3, Blue Jay - 20, American Crow - 200, Common Raven - 4, Horned Lark - 50, Black-capped Chickadee - 2, American Robin - 1, European Starling - 300,  Dark-eyed Junco - 36, Lapland Longspur - 1, Snow Buntings - 2, Northern Cardinal - 1, House Finch - 1, American Goldfinch - 2, House Sparrows - 20

Buse à queue rousse - 1, Buse pattue - 1, Dindon sauvage - 11, Pigeon biset - 30, Tourterelle triste - 24, Pic chevelu - 1. Pie-grièche grise - 3, Geai bleu - 20, Corneille d'Amérique - 200, Grand corbeau - 4, Alouette hausse-col - 50, Mésange à tête noire - 2, Merle d'Amérique - 1, Étourneau sansonnet - 300, Dark-eyed Junco - 36, Plectophane lapon- 1, Plectophane des neiges- 2, Cardinal rouge- 1, Roselin familier - 1, Chardonneret jaune - 2, Moineaux domestiques - 20


Thanks to all who came out. Hopefully we will have better luck next time. - Wayne