Saturday, November 30, 2013

Sightings for Saturday November 30

Mirabel: Rang St-Dominique from 11:00 to 2:00. About 150-200 Snow Buntings, 30 horned larks, 15 American tree sparrows. 1 Song Sparrow near 13900. 6 Grey Partridge behind 13900 St-Dominique and 1 Snowy Owl on Rang St-Dominique, that I caused unintentionally lift up because it was on the ground, close to the road. He flew away in the field and I did not manage to find it again.

sur lle Rang St-Dominique entre 11h00 et 2h00. Environ 150 à 200 Plectrophanes des neiges Trentaine d'Alouettes hausse-col, Quinzaine de Bruants hudsoniens, 1 Bruant chanteur près du no.civique 13900. 6 Perdrix grises derrière no. civique 13900 St-Dominique. 1 Harfang des neiges sur le Rang St-Dominique; je l'ai fait lever involontairement car il était au sol, tout près de la route.  Il s'est envolé plus loin dans le champ et je n'ai pas réussi à le retrouver par la suite. - Micheline Ouellet
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Ste-Anne-de-Sorel: 1 Short-eared Owl on ’Ile du Moine 2:0 hrs to 2:40 pm, in front of 2076 Chenal du Moine


De 14.10 hres à 14.40 hres, sur ’Ile du Moine en face du 2076 Chemin du
Chenal du Moine, a Ste-Anne de Sorel, 1 hibou des marais - Jean Bellerose
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Montréal: 2 juvenile Snowy owls (male and female) located in the area between chemin Côte-Vertu and chemin St Francis, also the presence of Red-tailed hawks and American kestrels to keep them company.

2 harfangs des neiges juvéniles (mâle et femelle) dans le secteur localisé entre Chemin Côte-Vertu et Chemin St-François,aussi présence de buses à queue rousse et crécerelles d'Amérique leur tiennent compagnie - Richard Dupuis

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday November 30

6 participants made their way to the South Shore for this morning's drive through the farm roads of Boucherville, Varennes and St-Bruno, ending up at the St-Hubert Airport on Clairevue Blvd. Although we faced double-digit minus temperatures throughout most of the morning, we were rewarded not only with birds, but with incredible scenery including a rainbow halo appearing around the rising sun and icy, frosted landscapes throughout the trip.

Bird-life was somewhat limited but we did our best to complete the morning with a total of 19 species. We do have some unfortunate news for 11 of our 16 participants who left the trip early, just after our scan of the airport grounds where we were unable to locate the Snowy Owl that has been appearing there throughout the last week. Our remaining 5 continued on north-west past the airport where we ran into two birders who told us that they were heading over towards the St-Bruno/Ste-Jule border, on ch. de Lorraine, where a Snowy owl (
Harfang des neiges) had also been observed earlier in the week. We were quickly rewarded with an excellent view of what appears to be a young male bird perched atop a Hydro pole. It's unfortunate that our whole group was not there to see it, but had we not run into the other birders and followed their lead, we would not have seen it either.

The St-Hubert Airport, and the roads around the area, are showing signs being a very productive birding spot again this winter. We were able to find 2 Red-tailed Hawks and 4 Rough-legged Hawks in the area today.

Here is our list of 19 species for the day: Canada Goose 200+, Mallard 10, Common Merganser 2, Red-tailed Hawk 2, Rough-legged Hawk 4, Rock Pigeon 30, Mourning Dove 20, Snowy Owl 1, Downy Woodpecker 3, Hairy Woodpecker 1, Northern Shrike 1, Blue Jay 2, American Crow 6, Black-capped Chickadee 1, European Starling 60, Dark-eyed Junco 8, Northern Cardinal 1, American Goldfinch 1, House Sparrow 40
Bernache du Canada 200 +, Canard colvert 10, Grand Harle 2, Buse à queue rousse 2, Buse pattue 4, Pigeon biset 30, Tourterelle triste 20, Harfang des neiges 1, Pic mineur 3, Pic chevelu 1, Pie-grièche grise 1, Geai bleu 2, Corneille d'Amérique 6, Mésange à tête noire 1, Étourneau sansonnet 60, Junco ardoisé 8, Cardinal rouge 1, Chardonneret jaune 1
Moineau domestique 40

Thanks to everyone for the great turnout and for braving the traffic issues to get to the South Shore. - Sheldon

Friday, November 29, 2013

Christmas Bird Counts

Join our Christmas Bird Counts – BPQs Most Popular Events

For complete information on taking part in our Christmas Bird Counts visit our website

CBCs complement the various breeding bird surveys that take place in spring and early summer, completing the picture with information about the birds that spend the winter in our circles.
However, you don’t need to be an expert birder. You will be part of a team and every pair of eyes and ears is helpful.


If you live within one of our circles, you can participate as a FeederWatcher, even if you can’t join one of teams of volunteers in the field. And, if you are not able to do that, you can help us by making sure that your feeders are full.
 
78th Montreal Christmas Bird Count
Saturday, December 21, 2013

 
This event will be followed by an informal social get together at the Montreal West Curling Club, 17 Ainslie Road in Montreal West, at approximately 4:00 p.m. All participants are invited to attend for a bite to eat and to submit their findings of the day. The rough results are tabulated and everyone is encouraged to share their birding experiences of the day.
 
If you have any questions, or wish to register for the event, please contact Sheldon Harvey, e-mail or telephone: 450-462-1459.
 
73rd Hudson Christmas Bird Count
Saturday, December 28, 2013


After the count, we gather at the St-Hubert in Vaudreuil-Dorion and exchange stories about our day and more important give your tally sheet. If you can’t make it you can send your tally sheet via email. Every participant will receive all the instructions on how to proceed and a tally sheet you can complete either by hand or on your computer.

If you would like to participate in the Hudson Christmas Bird Count, please contact Jean Demers by e-mail or by phone at: 514-694-8240.

Bird Protection Quebec 'Monthly Lecture"

Monday, December 2, 2013
Knox Crescent Kensington & First Presbyterian Church
6225 Godfrey Ave, Montreal

Birding in the Limestone Region Discover the Birds and More of Southeastern Ontario with Joël Coutu

The area of Southeastern Ontario, between Prince Edward County and The Thousand Islands, is often considered one of the best for birdwatching in eastern North America. It attracts a variety of species, including Short-eared Owl and the rare Prairie Warbler. In this lecture, you will discover the various bird species, their habitats, a little history, and maybe even a few of the amusing adventures that the lecturer has experienced over the years.

Joël Coutu spent many of his early years in Kingston and it was there that his passion for birds and wildlife began. Back in Montreal, he was President of a local birding club from 2001 to 2007. In the early 2000s, he hosted a television show about birds, which aired on a local cable station, and later co - hosted a radio show about birdwatching. He continues to be an active birder, as well as a lecturer and consultant on bird - related topics. He works on a number of birdwatching projects with schools and other institutions and collaborates with Montreal and provincial parks on bird - related projects. He regularly participates in Christmas Bird Counts. In fact, he does everything from organizing birdwatching trips to conducting surveys in Northern Quebec and Labrador. He finds great pleasure in sharing his knowledge and renewing his interest with like - minded groups of birdwatchers.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip"

STARTING POINT: Parc de la Frayere, boul. Marie-Victorin, Boucherville, in the parking lot. 
DATE: Saturday, November 30, 2013
TIME: 8 AM - Half day trip

Snowy Owls and other winter birds have begun showing up in different area around the Montreal region.  For this Saturday's spontaneous destination, we are going to attempt to track down some of these birds around the South Shore areas of St-Hubert, St-Bruno, Varennes, etc.  Although cold weather is forecast, conditions should be good.  This will predominantly be a driving trip.  We will be looking for Snowy Owls (already seen at St-Hubert Airport & Varennes, Rough-legged Hawks, Snow Buntings, and whatever else we can stumble across.

To facilitate matters, we will meet at a spot familiar to most of you have participated in some of our previous South Shore outings. This is Parc de la Frayere, on boul. Marie Victorin in Boucherville, on the St-Lawrence River.  After quickly exploring that parc, particularly its waterfront, we will head out on the road trip taking us through parts of Boucherville, Varennes, St-Bruno and finally to the airport in St-Hubert.


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

NOTE: Because there are reduce lanes available on Champlain Bridge, HIGHWAY 132 East can also be accessed from any of the other bridges to the South Shore (Mercier,  Victoria, Jacques-Cartier, or the Lafontaine Tunnel, as well as the new Highway 30 bridge at Vaudreuil-Dorion.) Once on Highway 132 east, route instructions above apply.

Dress warmly!  We will be in some wide open areas so wind and cold will be a factor. We will work in a pit stop, or two, throughout the trip.  Carpooling is recommended on these types of trips, plus if you have two-way radios, bring them along, tuned to channel 11, for inter-vehicle communications. If you have any questions, please contact me at 450-462-1459, or on Saturday morning at 514-637-2141.

Sheldon

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Sightings for Wednesday November 27

Montréal, Mount Royal cemetery: 4 American Crow, 8 Black-capped Chickadee, 2 White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 Hermit Thrush, 25 American Robin, 1 Brown Thrasher, 100 European Starling, 2 White-throated Sparrow, 4 Northern Cardinal

Cimetière Mt-Royal: 4 Corneille d'Amérique, 8 Mésange à tête noire, 2 Sittelle à poitrine blanche, 2 Grive solitaire, 25 Merle d'Amérique, 1 Moqueur roux, 100 Étourneau sansonnet, 2 Bruant à gorge blanche, 4 Cardinal rougeJean-Sebastien Mayer

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday November 23

Montréal, Parc-nature du Bois-de-Liesse

Here’s the summary of this morning’s BPQ field trip, at Bois de Liesse Nature Park. A total of 11 brave birders (permit not necessary!) showed up on this cloudy, windy & cold November morning. It was very quiet in the park; this is not surprising at this time of year, for bird species. Also it would be a very good idea if the city & park officials started filling up their bird feeders at this time (they normally do, but they seem to be late) when local bird species are looking for their winter food source. Or maybe the city parks officials are too busy & overwhelmed with park permits that they don’t have time to fill up their feeders? I can at least confirm at Visitation Nature Park the feeders have been filled with seed the pass 12 days and are appreciated by the local birds.

A total of 20 species and the last two species added was a beautiful Peregrine Falcon (not surprising seeing I was field leader) that flew just over us at the parking area, after most of the group had left. The second was an immature Cooper’s Hawk in the same area. Here are the species of the day, and no doubt the American Robin was our bird of the day, the only bright color seen on this greyish day.

American Black Duck (1, male), Mallard Duck (15), Peregrine falcon (1, adult), Cooper’s Hawk (1, immature), Ringed-billed Gull (12), Herring Gull (3),  Rock Pigeon (40), Downy Wooderpecker (1), Blue Jay (3), American Crow (2), Black-capped Chickadee (6+), White-breasted Nuthatch (2), Brown Creeper (2), American Robin (42), European Starling (46), Dark-eyed Junco (1), Northern Cardinal (3), House finch (2), American Goldfinch (4), House Sparrow (30)

Canard noir (1 mâle), Canard colvert (15), Faucon pèlerin (1, adulte), Épervier de Cooper (1, immature), Goéland à bec cerclé (12), Goéland argenté (3), Pigeon biset (40) , Pic mineur (1), Geai bleu (3), Corneille d'Amérique (2), Mésange à tête noire (6 +), Sittelle à poitrine blanche (2), Grimpereau brun (2), Merle d'Amérique (42), Étourneau sansonnet (46), Junco ardoisé (1), Cardinal rouge (3), Roselin familier (2), Chardonneret jaune (4), Moineau domestique (30),

*And the species seen between 7am& 8am at Bois-de-Saraguay Nature Park: American Tree Sparrow (2), Northern Cardinal (4), American Crow (80+), Hairy Woodpecker (1),  Downy Woodpecker (1), Black-capped Chickadee (2)

Bruant hudsonien (2), Cardinal rouge (4), Corneille d'Amérique (80 +), Pic chevelu (1), Pic mineur (1), Mésange à tête noire (2)

Merci & Cheers - Joël Coutu

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip"

Saturday, November 28 – samedi novembre 28
Montréal, Parc-nature du Bois-de-Liesse
Guide: Joël Coutu   e-mail  

8:00 a.m. Meet at the south entrance. Take Henri Bourassa exit 60 off Highway 40 west. Stay on the north service road west to Henri Bourassa Boulevard (approx. 2 km). Exit east on Henri Bourassa Blvd. Almost immediately turn left onto rue Douglas-B-Floreani. Drive to the end of the street at 3555. Parking: $9.00 Looking for late migrating species as well as the possibility of observing local species. Half Day

8 h 00 Rassemblement à l’entrée sud. Prendre la sortie # 60 Henri-Bourassa de l’autoroute 40 ouest. Demeurer sur la voie de service nord vers l’ouest jusqu’au boulevard Henri-Bourassa (environ 2 km). Prendre la sortie est du boulevard Henri Bourassa. Presqu’immédiatement, tourner à gauche sur la rue Douglas-B-Floreani et se rendre au bout de la rue, 3555. Stationnement : 9,00$. A la recherche des espèces migratrices tardives ainsi que la possibilité d’observer des espèces locales. Demi-journée.

Sightings for Wednesday November 20

Chambly: The Ross's gull spent three hours this morning (9:30 to 12:35), observed by Robert Thibault and some Americans, on the rocks in the rapids of the Richelieu river, just at the beginning of Parc des Rapides de Chambly. It is reached by the Rue Richelieu, near the rue Lafontaine.

La Mouette rosée a passé 3 heures ce matin (09h30-12h35), observée par Robert Thibault et des Américains, sur des rochers dans les rapides du Richelieu, juste face au début du Parc des Rapides de Chambly. On y accède par la rue Richelieu, près de la rue Lafontaine. - Alain Théault
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Baie-du-Febvre, route Lacerte: Snowy Owl east side in the plowed fields, Horned Lark 15, Bald Eagle. 1 immature, 1 Red-tailed Hawk

Harfang des neiges 1, côté est dans les champs labourés, Alouette hausse-col 15, Pygargue à tête blanche 
immature, Buse à queue rousse 1 - Pierre Casavant

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Sightings for Monday November 19

Chambly: Helen Duval and I went to the Chambly sewage treatment ponds around 2 p.m. and at 2:15 p.m. the Ross's gull was in the first pond

Hélène Duval et moi nous nous sommes rendus aux étangs d'épuration de Chambly vers 14h00 et à 14h15 la Mouette rosée y était dans le premier étang - Denise Thibault

Monday, November 18, 2013

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday November 16

Saturday's spectacular weather brought out 20 birders for our regular November walk around Cap St Jacques Nature Park. Temperatures reaching 10-12°C, full sun and calm winds were unheard of conditions for this trip which usually involves strong winds, cloudy skies, cold temperatures and occasionally snow. 
 
Although the bird life was a little "thin" we did have some nice sightings. In particular passerine species were hard to find. Our birds of the day were Brown Creepers simply for their numbers and the fact that everyone was able to get good views of this sometimes elusive little beauty. We saw seven or eight and heard many more.
 
Our complete list of 26 species included: Canada Geese - 75, American Black Duck - 1, Mallard - 60, Greater Scaup - 4, Lesser Scaup - 40, Great Blue Heron - 2, Bufflehead - 2, Common Goldeneye - 100, Common Merganser - 3, Cooper's hawk - 2, Ring-billed Gull - 13, Great Black-backed Gull - 2, Mourning Dove - 1, Downy Woodpecker - 1, Hairy Woodpecker - 1, Blue Jay - 5, American Crow - 10, Black-capped Chickadee - 20, Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1, White-breasted Nuthatch - 6, Brown Creeper - 12, European Starling - 2, American Tree Sparrow - 6, Dark-eyed Junco - 6, Northern Cardinal - 7, American Goldfinch - 10
 

Bernaches du Canada - 75, Canard noir - 1, Canard colvert - 60, Fuligule milouinan - 4, Petit Fuligule - 40, Grand héron - 2, Petit Garrot - 2, Garrot à oeil d'or - 100, Grand Harle - 3, Épervier de Cooper - 2, Goéland à bec cerclé - 13, Goéland marin - 2, Tourterelle triste - 1, Pic mineur - 1, Pic chevelu - 1, Geai bleu - 5, Corneille d'Amérique - 10, Mésange à tête noire - 20, Sittelle à poitrine rousse - 1, Sittelle à poitrine blanche - 6, Grimpereau brun - 12, Étourneau sansonnet - 2, Bruant hudsonien - 6, Junco ardoisé - 6, Cardinal rouge - 7. Chardonneret jaune - 10

Thanks to everyone who came out for a nice walk and it was especially nice to meet quite a few new (at least for me ) participants.


Thanks also to those of you present who convinced me to make the trek to Chambly Sunday morning for the Ross' Gull. Had great views of it within 3 minutes of arriving! Easiest lifer ever!
 
Wayne

Sightings for Monday November 18

Chambly: We had the pleasure of seeing the Ross's gull at the sewage treatment plant (MAP) in Chambly. We watched it from 7.00 to 730 from the mound, and it fed in first basin.

Nous avons eu le plaisir de voir la Mouette rosée à la station d'épuration (CARTE), à Chambly. Nous l'avons observé de 7h00 à 730 à partir de la butte; elle se nourrissait dans le 1er bassin. -Luc Laberge, Marie D'Auteuil, Denise Fournier, Raynald
D'Aoust
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Longue-Rive: Salt marsh on Upper North Shore a beautiful Snowy Owl

Marais salés de Longue-Rive sur la Haute Côte-Nord un magnifique Harfang des neiges - fabe yves

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Sightings for Sunday November 17

Chambly: Ross's gull was at the Chambly sewage ponds between 7:30 and 8:10 this morning

Mouette rosée était aux étangs d'épuration de Chambly entre 7h30 et 8h10
ce matin - Pierre Bannon
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Rivière-Ouelle  2 hours of observation (6:00 a.m. to 8:00) in stationary at the end of the dock - MAP: 2 American Black Duck, 530 Common Eider, 2 Surf Scoter, 25 White-winged Scoter, 40 , scoter sp. 4 Common Goldeneye, 7 Common Merganser, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 175 Red-throated Loon, 1 Double-crested Cormorant, 3 Black Guillemot, 1 Atlantic Puffin, 50 Ring-billed Gull, 12 Herring Gull, 3 Iceland Gull, 17 Great Black-backed Gull

Bilan de 2 heures d'observation (6h00-8h00) en stationnaire au bout du quai - CARTE: 2 Canard noir, 530 Eider à duvet, 2 Macreuse à front blanc, 25 Macreuse brune, 4 Garrot à oeil d'or, 7 Grand Harle, Harle huppé, 5175 Plongeon catmarin, 1 Cormoran à aigrettes, 3 Guillemot à miroir, 1 Macareux moine, 50 Goéland à bec cerclé, 12 Goéland argenté, 3 Goéland arctique, 17 Goéland marin - Jean-François Rousseau

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Sightings for Saturday November 16

Chambly:  The Ross's Gull seen at the first water treatment pond for Chambly (MAP) . Situated opposite 2417 boulevard Industriel. Also seen at the Chambly marina today.

La Mouette rosée  vu au premier étang d'épuration de Chambly (CARTE). Situé en face du 2417, boulevard Industriel, également vu au marin aujourd'hui. Francois Grenon, Dominic lavoie

Friday, November 15, 2013

Sightings for Friday November 15

Chambly:  The Ross's Gull arrived around 11:00 am in the first water treatment pond for Chambly (MAP) . Situated opposite 2417 boulevard Industriel.

La Mouette rosée arrivés vers 11 h au premier étang d'épuration de Chambly (CARTE). Situé en face du 2417, boulevard Industriel. - Tom Long

At 8:10, the gate was still closed and a photographer who was inside indicated to us that we could go through Gentilly Park (located on the street of the same name), and that along the path to the left, we would come the depot site. From a hill there, you can see birds on the water the first pond.

À 8h10, la barrière était toujours fermée et une photographe qui était à l'intérieur nous a indiqués que nous pouvions passer par le parc Gentilly (situé sur la rue du même nom) et qu'en empruntant le sentier vers la gauche, nous arriverions au site du dépôt. De là, une butte permet de voir les oiseaux sur l'eau du premier bassin. - Monique Berlinguette
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Tadoussac: Guillaume Pelletier called to tell me, that the young male Black-headed Grosbeak  is still present at 264 rue des Montagnais.

Guillaume Pelletier m'appeler pour me dire que le Cardinal à tête noire 
est toujours présent au 264 rue des Montagnais.- Samuel Denault

Sightings for Thursday November 14

Chambly: This morning , I found the Ross's Gull between 9 am and 10 am and between 1 pm and 2 pm in the first water treatment pond for Chambly (MAP). Situated opposite 2417 Industrial Blvd . Along with Lucien Lemay, I got permission from Michel Potvin , director of public works in the city Chambly . The permission for access is valid for the whole of the birding community. The barrier of the depot will be unlocked during the normal business hours of the city. What was decisive for permission, is that I have argued that the deposit is open in winter as a public park for cross country skiing. From the head of the depot, we see the water from the first pond, and the view is not obstructed by the fence. Note that we still cannot access the land of lagoons. ( André Messier and Lucien Lemay )  - The Ross's Gull went flew in front of Fort Chambly a 2:30 pm and headed east . It does not arise and was not subsequently reviewed ( Gaetan Lord and other observers). - When I left the depot shortly after 2:30 pm , the Ross's Gull was still present on the first pond. She seems fond of the area to the right of the mechanical agitator floating at the rear, located in the right-most row. Sometimes she goes to the three other ponds, which takes it out of sight. Patience, it will come back , your chances seem better than Fort Chambly.


Ce matin, j'ai retrouvé la Mouette rosée entre 9 h et 10 h et entre 13 h et 14 h au premier étang d'épuration de Chambly (CARTE). Situé en face du 2417, boulevard Industriel. En compagnie de Lucien Lemay, j'ai obtenu la permission de M. Michel Potvin, directeur du service des travaux publics de la ville de Chambly. La permission d'accès est valide pour l'ensemble de la communauté ornithologique. La barrière du dépôt sera déverrouillée durant les heures normales d'affaires de la ville. Ce qui fut décisif pour obtenir la permission, c'est que j'ai fait valoir que le dépôt est ouvert en saison hivernale en tant que stationnement public pour le réseau de ski de fond. Depuis le promontoire du dépôt, on voit l'eau du premier étang, et la vue n'est pas obstruée par la clôture. Notez qu'il nous est toujours interdit d'accéder au terrain des étangs d'épuration (André Messier et Lucien Lemay). - La Mouette rosée est passée en vol en face du Fort de Chambly vers 14 h 30 et se dirigeait vers l'est. Elle ne s'est pas posée et n'a pas été revue par la suite (Gaétan Lord et autres observateurs). - Lorsque j'ai quitté le dépôt, peu après 16 h 30, la Mouette rosée était toujours présente sur le premier étang. Elle semble affectionner la région à la droite de l'agitateur mécanique flottant arrière, situé dans la rangée la plus à droite. Parfois elle se rend au trois autres étangs, ce qui la rend hors de vue. Patience, elle reviendra, vos chances semblent meilleurs qu'au Fort Chambly.  - André Messier

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip"

Saturday, November 16 – samedi novembre 16
Montréal,  Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques
Guide: Wayne Grubert
450-458-5498   514-774-0811 (Cell – Morning of trip only)   e-mail

8:00 a.m. Take Highway 40 West. Exit Chemin Ste-Marie. Turn left to Anse-à-l’Orme Road. Turn right and continue to the end. Turn right on Senneville Road (Gouin Blvd.). Continue for 2 km to the chalet d’accueil of the park.Parking: $9.00. Half day.
8 h 00 Prendre l’autoroute 40 ouest. Prendre la sortie pour le chemin Ste-Marie et tourner à gauche sur celui-ci. Continuer jusqu’au chemin de l’Anse-à-l’Orme. Tourner à droite sur celui-ci et continuer jusqu’au bout. Tourner à droite sur le chemin Senneville (boul. Gouin) et continuer sur une distance de 2 km jusqu’au chalet d’accueil du parc. Frais de stationnement : 9,00 $. Demi-journée.

Sightings for Wednesday November 13

Chambly: Around 7:00 this morning, the Ross's gull was behind Fort Chambly.  MAP

arrivée vers 7h ce matin, la Mouette rosée derrière le Fort de Chambly.  CARTE - Jean-Sébastien Guénette


The Ross's gull was present today at around 4 pm. Observers stationed near the fort were able to see the bird in flight and resting on the water.

La Mouette rosée s'est présentée aujourd'hui aux environs de 16h. Les observateurs postés aux abords du fort ont pu voir l'oiseau en vol et posé sur l'eau. - Monique Berlinguette 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Sightings for Tuesday November 12

 Chambly: Around 7:15 this morning, the Ross's gull was behind Fort Chambly. It stood on a small island but few minutes later, she was gone. MAP

arrivée vers 7h15 ce matin, la Mouette rosée derrière le Fort de Chambly. Elle était posée sur un petit îlot mais quelques minutes plus tard, elle s’est envolée. CARTE - Régent & Huguette Jacques

400 Canada Goose, 10 American Black Duck, X Mallard, 8 Northern Pintail, 2 Green-winged Teal, 80 Common Goldeneye, 2 Hooded Merganser, 70 Common Merganser, 4 Red-necked Grebe, 4 Double-crested Cormorant, 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Rough-legged Hawk, 90 Bonaparte's Gull, 1 Ross's Gull - Showed up around 4:20pm on the Marina side of the Fort. Left around 4:38pm when it flew off towards the bank to the right of the Marina. Seen by everyone present. X Ring-billed Gull, X Herring Gull, X Great Black-backed Gull, X Rock Pigeon, 1 Peregrine Falcon, X American Crow, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 European Starling 

400 Bernache du Canada, 10 Canard noir, X Canard colvert, 8 Canard pilet, 2 Sarcelle d'hiver, 80 Garrots oeil d'or, 2 Harle couronné, 70 Grand Harle, 4 Grèbe jougris, 4 Cormoran à aigrettes, 1 Grand héron , 1 Buse à queue rousse, 1 Buse pattue, Mouette de Bonaparte 90, 1 Mouette rosée - 16h20 sur le côté de la Marina Fort. A parir de 16h38. X Ring-billed Gull, X Goéland argenté, X Grande Goéland marin, X Pigeon biset, 1 Faucon pèlerin, X corneille d'Amérique, 1 Sittelle à poitrine blanche, 2 Étourneau sansonnet- Mark Dennis

Monday, November 11, 2013

Sightings for Monday November 11

Chambly: Ross's gull,visible from the Chambly marina. two observers saw this morning between 7:15 and 8:15 am today. So probably the Gulls rest in this place at night. She seems to love being in the area behind the fort or visible from the marina, for at least one hour in the afternoon. MAP

Mouette rosée, Visible à partir de la marina de Chambly. Deux observateurs l'ont vu ce matin entre 7 h 15 et 8 h 15 aujourd'hui. Donc probablement la Mouette rosée reste dans cet endroit la nuit. Elle semble aimer être dans le secteur en arrière le fort ou bien visible à partir du marina, pendant au moins une heure en après-midi. CARTELeah den Besten

Saturday, November 09, 2013

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday November 9

Montréal, Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies

On a partly cloudy morning, 11 birders came on this rather cool if not cold day. The maximum we reached mid-morning was only 3C. But the lack of a big numbers was compensated by good spirited people and with one of birders had a lifer, so very good field trip.

The list: 20 Canada Goose, 6 American Black Ducks, 10 Mallard, 1 WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (the lifer), 6 BLACK SCOTER, 3 Bufflehead, 1 Common Goldeneye, 1 Common Merganser, 2 Great Blue Heron, 1 Northern Harrier, 40 Ring-billed Gull, 4 Herring Gull, 25 Rock Pigeon, 5 Downy Woodpecker, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 1 Pileated Woodpecker, 6 American Crow, 25 Black-capped Chickadee, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 3 American Robin, 6 European Starling, 3 American Tree Sparrow, 10 Dard-eyed Junco, 3 Northern Cardinal, 4 House Finch, 20 American Goldfinch
20 Bernache du Canada, 6 Canards noirs, 10 Canard colvert, 1 Macreuse brune, 6 Macreuse noire, 3 Petit Garrot, 1 Garrot à oeil d'or, 1 Grand Harle, 2  Grand héron, 1 Busard Saint-Martin, 40 Goéland à bec cerclé, 4 Goéland argenté, 25 Pigeon biset, 5 Pic mineur, 1 Pic chevelu, 1 Grand Pic, 6 Corneille d'Amérique, 25 25 Mésange à tête noire, 1 Sittelle à poitrine blanche, 3 Merle d'Amérique, 6 Étourneau sansonnet, 3 Bruant hudsonien, 10 Junco ardoisé, 3 Cardinal rouge, 4 Roselin familier, 20 Chardonneret jaune

Thanks to everybody, a great bunch of people. - Clémence and Jean

Sightings for Saturday November 9

Tadoussac: Guillaume Pelletier just called to tell me, that the young male Black-headed Grosbeak PHOTO was back now at 264 rue des Montagnais at the feeders of Monelle Boulianne.

Guillaume Pelletier vient de m'appeler pour me dire que le jeune mâle Cardinal à tête noire (PHOTO) était de retour à l'instant au 264 rue des Montagnais aux mangeoires de Monelle Boulianne. - Samuel Denault

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Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, rue Cayer & Champlain: Trumpeter swan (Cygne trompette) - Julie Tremblay
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Chambly: Ross's gull, visible from the Chambly marina, with a group of Bonaparte's gulls at the mouth of the rapids. An adult in winter plumage.

Mouette rosée, visible à partir de la marina de Chambly, avec un groupe de Mouette de Bonaparte à l'embouchure des rapides. Un adulte en plumage d'hiver. Francois Grenon

Friday, November 08, 2013

Sightings for Friday November 8

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, rue Cayer & Champlain: Trumpeter swan (Cygne trompette) -  Sébastien Rioux
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Tadoussac: I have observed a Black-headed Grosbeak (possibly a young male) at 264 rue des Montagnais. The owner of the house is open to observers watching the feeders from the street. She did not identify the bird but it seems that it has been present for some time.

Je viens d'observer un Cardinal à tête noire (possiblement un jeune mâle) au 264 rue des Montagnais à Tadoussac. La propriétaire de la maison est ouverte à ce que des observateurs observent les mangeoires de la rue. Elle n'avait pas identifié l'oiseau mais semble dire qu'il est présent depuis quelques temps. Des photos suivront. - Samuel Denault

Thursday, November 07, 2013

Sightings for Thursday November 7

Saint-Blaise: Around 9:00 this morning, Jean Cadieux and I observed the Hudsonian Godwit at the end of 53rd Avenue. The bird was accompanied by 6 Dunlin, 1 Pectoral Sandpiper, also 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, Great Blue Heron

Vers 9h00, ce matin, Jean Cadieux et moi avons observé la Barge hudsonienne au bout de la 53e Avenue. L’oiseau était accompagné de 6 Bécasseaux variables et 1 Bécasseau à poitrine cendrée, aussi 1 Épervier brun, 1 Grand Héron 

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, rue Cayer & Champlain: Trumpeter swan was seen this morning around 8:00
Le Cygne trompette a été revu ce matin vers 8h00 - Guy

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Bird Protection Quebec 'Field Trip"

Saturday, November 9 – samedi 9 novembre
Montréal, Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies

Guides: Jean Demers and Clémence Soulard 514-694-8240 e-mail

8:00 a.m. Take Highway 40 East to the exit for Boul. Gouin (Exit 92). Turn left (west) on Gouin Blvd. and follow it for 1.9 km, looking for the blue signs indicating “Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies.” The parking lot is located at the Pavillon des Marais section of the park, at 12,300 Gouin Blvd. East. Parking: $9.00.Half day.

08 h 00 À partir de l’autoroute 40 est, prendre la sortie pour le boulevard Gouin (sortie 92). Tourner à gauche, direction ouest, sur le boulevard Gouin. Continuer sur Gouin sur une distance de 1,9 km jusqu’au panneau bleu indiquant l’entrée du Parc-Nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies. Le stationnement est situé au Pavillon des marais, 12 300 boulevard Gouin Est. Frais de stationnement : 9,00 $. Demi-journée.

Sightings for Wednesday November 6

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu: The Trumpeter Swan was still present on the Richelieu river, opposite the la Halte Cayer rest stop on rue Champlain this morning around 10:45 MAP

Le Cygne Trompette était toujours présent sur le Richelieu, face à la Halte Cayer sur la rue Champlain ce matin vers 10h45. Il est cependant plus près de la rive est, sur le coté d'Iberville. CARTE - Alain Sylvain

Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Sightings for Tuesday November 5

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu: Trumpeter Swan is still present, rue Champlain Street between the rues and Cayer & Louis Franquet at 3 pm

Cygne trompette est toujours présent à partir de la rue Champlain entre les rues Cayer et Louis-Franquet, 15 h. - Anne Déry & Laval Roy

Monday, November 04, 2013

Sightings for Monday November 4

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, rue Cayer & Champlain: Trumpeter swan was seen this morning
Le Cygne trompette a été revu ce matin - Fernand Grondin
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 Saint-Blaise, 1ère rue: Hudsonian godwit (barge hudsonienne) - Pierre Casavant

Sunday, November 03, 2013

Sightings for Sunday November 2

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu: this morning at 8:30 Trumpeter Swan at the corner of Champlain and Cayer

ce matin à 8h30 le Cygne trompette au coin de rue Cayer et Champlain. - Raymond Belhumeur

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday November 2

Eight survivors of Friday's wind storm made their way to the Beauharnois area for Saturday's BPQ outing. A misty drizzle persisted on and off for most of the morning but luckily the breezes were very light. Temperatures in the 6 - 8°C made for quite comfortable conditions by Beauharnois standards and viewing conditions were fair except for the constant need to wipe off lenses.

We did not stay long at the rendezvous point near the dam but did have a nice sighting of five Common Loons together right at the shoreline with two or three more farther out. Our first major stop was at the St-Timothée Marsh where a large number of ducks and geese greeted us along with a late American Bittern. Interestingly American Wigeon were the most prevalent ducks seeming to far outnumber other species. Also present were Gadwall, Mallards, Northern Pintails and hundreds of Canada Geese. A single Wood Duck and a lone White-winged Scoter were present on the canal. Just as we were about to leave the area a Peregrine Falcon buzzed the ducks and then perched on a distant snag.

We moved on to the ponds at the St-Louis-de-Gonzague bridge where a flock of 1000+ Snow Geese were resting. Very few of these were young birds which led us to speculate on this year's breeding success. Also present was a very large group of possibly 1000 diving ducks the majority of which were Ring-necked with scaup mixed in. Four American Coots were also present on the periphery of the group. On the small bay on the other side of the road from the ponds may have been one of most interesting sightings. One of the largest groups of Hooded Mergansers most of us had ever seen was present and putting on a great show of displaying and interacting. A quick count showed that at least 70 were in the group.

At this point only two of us made the final leg of our trip over to Hungry Bay which proved to be fairly quiet although we did add several more loons, some more Lesser Scaup and three Black Scoters.

As you will see from our list an almost complete absence of passerines in the area we visited kept our total species list very low.

Our complete list of 33 species included (with very approximate numbers for most duck and goose species):

Snow Goose - 1000+, Canada Goose - 1900+, Wood Duck - 1, Gadwall - 50+, American Wigeon - 200+, American Black Duck - 6, Mallard - 100+, Northern Pintail - 20+, Ring-necked Duck - 800+, Lesser Scaup - 80+, White-winged Scoter - 1, Black Scoter - 3, Bufflehead - 3, Common Goldeneye - 8, Hooded Merganser - 75, Common Loon - 10, Pied-billed grebe - 3, Double-crested Cormorant - 50, American Bittern - 1, Peregrine Falcon - 1, American Coot - 4, Ring-billed Gull - 30, Herring Gull - 5, Greater Black-backed Gull - 6, Rock Dove - 30, Downy Woodpecker - 1, American Crow - 10, Black-capped Chickadee - 6, American Robin - 30, European Starling - 40, Cedar Waxwing - 1, American Tree Sparrow - 1, Red-winged Blackbird - 50
Oie des neiges - 1000, Bernache du  Canada - 1900 +, Canard branchu - 1, Canard chipeau - 50 +, Canard d'Amérique - 200 +, Canard noir - 6, Canard colvert - 100 +, Canard pilet - 20 +, Fuligule à collier - 800 +, Fuligule à tête noire - 80 +, Macreuse brune - 1, Macreuse à bec jaune - 3, Petit Garrot - 3, Garrot à oeil d'or - 8, Harle couronné - 75, Plongeon huard - 10, Grèbe à bec bigarré - 3, Cormoran à aigrettes - 50, Butor d'Amérique - 1, Faucon pèlerin - 1, Foulque d'Amérique - 4, Goéland-à bec cerclé - 30, Goéland argenté - 5, Goéland marin - 6, Pigeon biset - 30, Pic mineur - 1, Corneille d'Amérique - 10, Mésange à tête noire - 6, Merle d'Amérique - 30, Étourneau sansonnet - 40, Jaseur d'Amérique - 1, Bruant hudsonien - 1, Carouge à épaulettes - 50

Thanks to everyone who came out for an enjoyable morning. - Wayne Grubert

Friday, November 01, 2013

"Field Trip" UP-DATE

The weather for tomorrow's Beauharnois Trip seems a little "iffy" at best but for those of you who do venture out we may have to change our initial rendezvous point slightly.
 
Like everywhere else within a 100km radius of Montreal it seems that road construction is playing havoc with travel plans. The Beauharnois area is no different. Work on the tunnel just west of the bridge below the dam on Highway 132 is making access to the parking lot there extremely difficult if not impossible. So be prepared to meet me at the small pull-off which is just before the dam east end. If that is not available I will be there and give you further instructions.
 
My plan is first to try to check the area below the dam. Then we hope to move on to the marsh at St-Timothée, followed by the ponds at the St-Louis-de-Gonzague bridge and then to Hungry Bay. But weather conditions will dictate a lot of the morning's itinerary.
 
Have a good day. Hope your patio furniture is put away or it may end up in the next county this afternoon. - Wayne

Bird Potection Quebec "Field Trip"

Saturday, November 2 - samedi 2 novembre
Beauharnois and Area
Guide: Wayne Grubert - 450-458-5498
Cell 514-774-0811 (Morning of Trip only/ 

Le matin de la sortie seulement) - e-mail 
 
8:00 a.m. From Montreal, take Mercier, Champlain or Jacques-Cartier Bridge to Hwy 132. Travel west through Châteauguay to Beauharnois. Meet just west of Beauharnois in the parking area at the east end of the bridge below the Beauharnois Dam. Alternatively, take Highway 30 west to Exit 22 and take Highway 236 north to where it meets Highway 132. Turn west and cross the bridge to the parking lot. From the West Island take Highway 20 or 40 west to Highway 30 (Toll). Take Highway 30 east to Exit 22 and continue as above. Depending on the weather we will visit a number of spots in the area. Looking for gulls, waterfowl, hawks and late migrants. Mostly a driving trip interspersed with short walks at points of interest. Half day.


08 h 00 De Montréal, prendre le pont Mercier, Champlain
ou Jacques-Cartier jusqu’à l'autoroute 132. Prenez la direction ouest sur la 132 et continuez passé Châteauguay vers Beauharnois. Nous nous rencontrons dans l'aire de stationnement à l'est du pontau barrage Beauharnois. Vous pouvez aussi prendre l'autoroute 30 ouest jusqu'à .la sortie 22 et emprunter l'autoroute 236 nord à son intersection avec la route 132. Tournez vers l'ouest et traverser le pont pour vous rendre au stationnement. De l'Ouest de l'île, prenez l'autoroute 20 ou 40 ouest jusqu’à l'autoroute 30 (péage). Empruntez l'autoroute 30 est jusqu'à la sortie 22 et continuez comme décris ci-dessus. Selon les conditions météorologiques, nous allons visiter un certain nombre d'endroits dans la région à la recherche de goélands, oiseaux aquatiques, oiseaux de proie et migrateurs tardifs. Ce sera un voyage avec beaucoup de déplacement en auto et quelques excursions à pied. Demi-journée.