Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Sightings for Wednesday December 21

Repentigny, Ile Bourdon: Harfang de neige - Oiseau se repose sur la glace de Riviere des Prairies

Snowy owl {probably a female} on the river at the ice edge this afternoon. - Nathan Gricks

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec field trip report, Saturday November 26

6 birders were brave enough to come to Hungry bay this morning despite the weather forecast. The weather was indeed not so great this morning, and we experienced fog, rain, chilly weather and spent our morning in a very wet atmosphere. But the warmth of the group largely compensated the poor weather and the birding was good in particularly for waterfowl, with 16 species observed.

Of particular interest were 4 Red-throated Loons (1 at Hungry bay, 2 at St-Louis de Gonzague, and 1 at St Thimotée), Common Loons, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Red-necked Grebe as a an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull at Ste-Thimotée and a very late Juvenile Common Gallinule. At some point, getting a Red-throated Loon and a Long-tailed Duck together in the scope was pretty nice.

Overall, 41 species were observed (after recalculation, it was not 39... which will please the group).

Thanks to all who joined for this nice morning. - Frederic Hareau

Canada Goose 1000+, Gadwall 30, American Wigeon 10, American Black Duck 12, Mallard 60, Ring-necked Duck 100+, Greater Scaup 1, Lesser Scaup 18, Greater/Lesser Scaup 160, Black Scoter 6, Long-tailed Duck 1, Common Goldeneye 4, Hooded Merganser 7, Common Merganser 1, Red-throated Loon 2, Common Loon 11, Red-necked Grebe 12, Double-crested Cormorant 2, Great Blue Heron 1, Common Gallinule 1, Ring-billed Gull 12, Herring Gull 2, Lesser Black-backed Gull 1, Rock Pigeon 5, Mourning Dove 2, Downy Woodpecker 2, Blue Jay 9, American Crow 6, Common Raven 2, Black-capped Chickadee 12, Tufted Titmouse 2, White-breasted Nuthatch 1, Brown Creeper 1, American Robin 120, European Starling 80, American Tree Sparrow 6, Dark-eyed Junco 5, Northern Cardinal 1, Red-winged Blackbird 50, Common Grackle 2, Brown-headed Cowbird 100, American Goldfinch 4

Bernache du Canada 1000+, Canard chipeau 30, Camard d'Amérique 10, Canard noir 12, Canard colvert 100, Fuligule à collier 100+, Fuligule milouinan 1, Fuligule milouinan/Petit fuligule 40, Harelde kakawi 1, Garrot à oeil d'or 4, Harle couronné 7, Grand harle 1, Plongeon catamarin 2, Plongeon huard 11, Grèbe jougris 12, Cormoran à aigrette 2, Grand héron 1, Gallinule poule-deau 1, Goélandland à bec circlé 12, Goéland argenté 2, Goéland brun 1, Pigeon biset 5, Touterelle triste 2, Pic mineur 2, Geai bleue 9, Corneille d'Amérique 6, Mésange à tête noire 12, Mésange bicolore 2, Sittelle à poitrine blanche 1, Grimpereau brun 1, Merle d'Amérique 120, Étourneau sansonnet 80, Bruant Hudsonien 6, Junco ardoisé 5, Cardinal rouge 1, Carouge à épaulettes 50, Quisale bronzé 2, Vaché à tête brun 100, Chardonneret jaune 4

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday November 26

Hungry Bay, Beauharnois, St Timothée Area

Saturday, November 26 – samedi 26 novembre
map/carte https://goo.gl/maps/uE4FZJDKsM12
Guide: Frédéric Hareau
Contact: 514-805-8491 (cell phone on the day of the trip only
 – cellulaire pour le jour de la sortie seulement)
e-mail 

8:00 a.m Meet at Hungry Bay. Half Day.

Directions:
If you are taking the Mercier Bridge from Montreal, go (left) east on Highway 132 for 4.5 km to Highway 730. Take Highway 730 to its junction with Highway 30. Proceed west on Highway 30 for approximately 33 km to the exit for Highway 530. Take Highway 530 until its end. Turn left onto Highway 132, crossing the bridge, and continue approximately 1.0 km. Turn right on Chemin du Canal. Bear right after 2.3km and continue following Chemin du Canal to its end. Caution: This becomes a very narrow road. An alternative route, especially from the West Island, is to take Hwy 20 or 40 west past Vaudreuil-Dorion to Highway 30. Take Highway 30 (Toll$2.50) and then exit onto Highway 530 and continue as per instructions above.

During this fall migration period we will be looking for goldeneyes, scaup, grebes, scoters and other diving waterfowl which never fail to frequent this region. We will also look for other migrants including passerines and raptors. We will begin our trip at Hungry Bay near Valleyfield, then go back along the Beauharnois Canal visiting the ponds at Saint-Louis de Gonzague and finish our outing at St Timothée. Half Day.

8 h 00. Rassemblement à Hungry Bay Demi-journée

Directions:
Si vous arrivez par le pont Mercier en provenance de Montréal, prenez vers l’est (gauche) sur la route 132 pour 4.5 km jusqu’ à l’autoroute 730. Prendre l’autoroute 730 jusqu’à sa jonction avec l’autoroute 30. Continuer vers l’ouest sur l’autoroute 30 pendant environ 33 km jusqu’à la sortie vers l’autoroute 530. Prendre l’autoroute 530 jusqu’au bout. Tourner à gauche sur la route 132, traverser le pontet continuer environ 1.0 km. Tourner à droite sur Chemin du canal. Rester à droite après 2.3 km et continuer jusqu’au bout du Chemin du Canal. Faire attention: C’est une route très étroite. Un itinéraire alternatif, en particulier depuis l’Ouest de l’Ile de Montréal, consiste à prendre l’autoroute 20 ou 40 ouest passé Vaudreuil-Dorion jusqu’à l’autoroute 30. Prendre l’autoroute 30 (frais de 2,50 $), puis sortir sur l’autoroute 530 et continuer en suivant les instructions données ci-dessus.

En cette période de migration automnale, nous serons à la recherche des garrots, fuligules, grèbes et macreuses et autres canards plongeurs qui ne manquent pas de fréquenter la région du Canal de Beauharnois. Nous chercherons également les autres migrateurs, notamment les passereaux et rapaces. Nous débuterons notre excursion par Hungry Bay, aux abords de Valleyfield, puis remonterons le canal de Beauharnois, visitant les étangs de Saint-Louis de Gonzague, pour finir notre sortie à St Timothée. Demi-journée

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec field trip report, Saturday November 19

21 birders may their way through the fog on Saturday morning for a field trip starting at Fort Chambly & the Chambly Basin, moving south along the Richelieu River, ending up in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Visibility was close to zero as we started the trip at 8 am. After spending some time at the waterfront behind Fort Chambly peering through the fog, hoping that it would lift, we decided to move on close to the Yule Bridge on the Richelieu River to look for one of the target species of the day. We were not denied, even with the fog, as 4 Long-tailed Ducks appeared attracting not just our attention, but the attention of another birding club that was looking for the same targets. The fog refused to lift so we decided to move south to St-Jean-sur-Richelieu with the hope of seeing several of the duck and goose species reported there earlier in the week. The fog remained with only minor breaks into the late morning. We did have a nice selection of ducks and Canada Geese, but only a small group of 10 snow geese was initially spotted. Charlie Nims suggested moving just a little further south to get a closer look at some of the birds on the river. Just as we arrived at our last stop the skies came alive with the sounds and sights of waves of thousands of snow geese returning to the river, presumably from feeding time in the nearby farm fields. Almost magically, the fog lifted, the sun emerged and the temperature began to rise, leading to a spectacular end to the day's field trip


Thanks to everyone who made their way through the fog! - Sheldon Harvey

Here is the list. Numbers, particularly for the geese, are definitely rough estimates.

Snow Goose 12, 000+, Canada Goose 3,000+, American Black Duck 12, Mallard 100, Northern Pintail 3, Greater Scaup 10, Lesser Scaup 40, Long-tailed Duck 4, Common Goldeneye 750, Hooded Merganser 50, Common Merganser 250, Double-crested Cormorant 12, Peregrine Falcon 1, Ring-billed Gull 100+, Great Black-backed Gull 2, Rock Pigeon 10, Downy Woodpecker 1, Blue Jay 2, American Crow 30, Black-capped Chickadee 7, White-breasted Nuthatch 1, American Robin 1, European Starling 8, American Tree Sparrow 3, Dark-eyed Junco 12, Northern Cardinal 1, House Sparrow 6

Oie des neiges 12, 000+, Bernache du Canada 3 000+, Canard noir 12, Canard colvert 100, Canad pilet 3, Fuligule milouinan 10, Petit fuligule 40, Harelde kakawi 4, Garrot à oeil d'or 750, Harle couronné 50, Grand harle 250, Cormoran à aigrette 12, Faucon pèlerin 1, GoGoélandland à bec circlé 100+, Goéland argenté 100+, Goéland marin 2, Pigeon biset 10, Pic mineur 1, Geai bleue 2, Corneille d'Amérique 30, Mésange à tête noire, Sittelle à poitrine blanche1, Merle d'Amérique 1, Étourneau sansonnet 8, Bruant Hudsonien 3, Junco ardoisé 12, Cardinal rouge 1 Moineau domestique 6

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday November 19

Saturday, November 19 – samedi 19 novembre
Fort Chambly and the Richelieu River – Fort Chambly et Rivière du Richelieu
Map/carte http://goo.gl/maps/hz9cT

Guide: Sheldon Harvey  e-mail
450-462-1459 or/ou 514-637-2141 (Morning of the trip after 6:00 a.m..- Matinée de la sortie après 6h 00)


8:00 a.m.

Meet at the Fort Chambly National Historic Site, 2 rue de Richelieu, Chambly, Quebec, in the main parking lot (free parking). From Montreal, take the Champlain Bridge to the South Shore. Continue on Autoroute 10-Eastern Townships Autoroute. Take Exit 22-Direction Chambly. Drive on Boul. Frechette to the intersection with av. De Bourgogne. Turn right on av. De Bourgogne and follow it along until you cross a small bridge over \the Chambly Canal. The entrance to the Fort Chambly parking will be on your left just a little past the bridge.Itinerary: We begin at the rapids area on the Chambly Basin located behind the old fort. We will then drive through the town of Chambly checking various observation points on the Richelieu River. We’ll then drive south along Highway 223 following the Richelieu River through Carignan into St-Jean-sur-Richelieu where we will make several stops at observation points along the riverfront. Combination walking & driving trip. - Half Day

8 h 00.

Rendez-vous aulieu historique national du Fort-Chambly, 2 rue de Richelieu, Chambly, Québec, dans le stationnement principal (stationnement gratuit). De Montréal, prendre le pont Champlain vers la Rive-Sud. Continuer sur l’autoroute 10 – Cantons de l’Est. Prenez la sortie 22 – Direction Chambly. Continuez sur le Boul. Frechette jusqu’à l’intersection avec av. De Bourgogne. Tournez à droite sur l’avenue de Bourgogne et suivez le long du bassin jusqu’à ce que vous traversiez un petit pont sur le canal de Chambly. L’entrée du stationnement du

Fort-Chambly sera sur votre gauche juste un peu après le pont. Itineraire: Nous visiterons tout d’abord la zone des rapides sur le bassin de Chambly située derrière l’ancien fort. Nous nous déplacerons ensuite en voiture à travers la ville de Chambly pour visiter différents points d’observation sur la rivière Richelieu. Nous nous déplacerons par la suite vers le sud le long de la route 223 en suivant la rivière Richelieu à travers Carignan jusqu’à St-Jean-sur-Richelieu où nous ferons plusieurs arrêts à des points d’observation le long de la rivière. Sortie combinant marche et déplacements en voiture. - Demi journée

Wednesday, November 09, 2016

Sightings for Wednesday November 9

Laval, Ile Migneron - map/carte

450 Canada Goose, 15 American Black Duck, 14 Mallard, 6 Ring-necked Duck, 6 Greater Scaup, 33 Lesser Scaup, 1 Harlequin Duck, 3 Surf Scoter, 2 White-winged Scoter, 19 Black Scoter, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Bufflehead, 200 Common Goldeneye, 9 Hooded Merganser, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Double-crested Cormorant, 100 Ring-billed Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Downy Woodpecker, 2 Black-capped Chickadee, 3 American Robin, 6 Dark-eyed Junco, 1 Song Sparrow

450 Bernache du Canada, 15 Canard noir, 14 Canard covert, Fuligule à collier, 6 Fuligule milouinan, 33 Petit fuligule, 1 Arlequin plongeur, 3 Marcreuse à front blanc, 2 Marcreuse brun, 19 Marcreuse noire, 1 Harelde kakawi, 2 Petit garrot, 200 Garrot à oeil d'or, 2 Harle couronné, 1 Harlé huppé, 3 Cormoran à aigrette, 100 Goéland à bec circlé, 1  Goéland argenté, 1 pic mineur, Mésange à tête noire, 3 Merle d'Amérique, 6 Jonco ardois
é, 1 Bruant chanteurVincent Giroux & Andra Florea
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Verdun, Parc de l'Honorable-George-O'Reilly - map/carte

153 Canada Goose, 8 American Black Duck, 63 Mallard, 1 Canvasback, 8 Greater Scaup, 2 Lesser Scaup, 4 Black Scoter, 10 Hooded Merganser, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Red-throated Loon, 1 Common Loon, 2 Double-crested Cormorant, 54 Ring-billed Gull, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Downy Woodpecker, 2 American Crow, 1 Black-capped Chickadee

153 Bernache du Canada, 8 Canard noir, 63 Canard covert, 1 Fuligule à dos blanc, 8 Fuligule milouinan, 2 petit fuligule, 4 Marcreuse noire,  10 Harle couronné, 8 Harlé huppé, 1 Plongeon catamarin, 1 Plongeon haurd, 2 Cormoran à aigrette, 54 Goéland à bec circlé, 1 Goéland marin, 1 Pic mineur, 2 Corneille d'Amérique, 1 Mésange à tête noire - Richard Guillet

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday November 12

Montréal, Dollard des ormeaux
Centennial Park/Parc du Centenaire
Saturday, November 12 – samedi 12 novembre
https://goo.gl/maps/qEiD8EpTnzj
Guides: Jean Demers and Clémence Soulard
514-694-8240  e-mail

8:00 a.m.

Meet in the parking lot for Centennial Park. From Highway 40 take the exit for Sources Boulevard and go north. Continue past Salaberry and take a left on Churchill and drive where you will see a light right curve to Lake, and continue until you reach the parking lot which faces Manuel street.

Half Day.

8 h 00

Rendez-vous dans le stationnement pour Parc du Centenaire.

De l’Autoroute 40 prenez la sortie pour Boulevard des Sources et prenez la direction nord. Continuez passé Salaberry et prenez Churchill à gauche et continuez jusqu’à la courbe vers la droite sur Lake et continuez jusqu’au stationnement qui est en face de la Rue Manuel.

Demi-journée

Sunday, November 06, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec field trip report, Saturday November 5

Yesterday's early morning drizzle stopped just in time for our field trip at Parc Nature Cap St Jacques and 20 participants enjoyed a pleasant, if quiet (birdwise) walk around the park. Skies remained cloudy throughout, temperatures were seasonable (5ºC) and the NW breezes gradually increased through the morning. We followed our usual five kilometer path along the riverside to the farm and back through the woods to the parking lot.

Songbirds were exceedingly scarce throughout the morning with one notable exception - American Robins. While waiting in the parking lot we were treated to the spectacle of wave after wave passing over our heads heading northwest. We quickly lost count but a conservative estimate would put the number at well over 1000 birds. We later found a group 100-200 feeding in trees near the farm.

Other highlights included two Bohemian Waxwings - first of the new "winter" season for most participants - and two female/juvenile Black Scoters diving in the center of Rivière des Prairies. Common Goldeneyes put on a good show flying up and down the river on whistling wings. A Merlin landed very close by and sat obligingly for those braving the cool breezes off the Lake of Two Mountains while scanning for ducks. A Golden-crowned Kinglet displayed nicely at close range in the bushes at the riverside.

Thanks to everyone for coming out. Pleasant company on a nice late autumn walk. - Wayne Grubert

Our complete list of 36 species includes - Canada Goose - 4, Wood Duck - 2, American Black Duck - 2, Mallard - 30, Scaup species - 200 (Both identified but exact proportion as per species uncertain), Black Scoter- 2, Common Goldeneye - 50, Common Merganser - 12, Double-crested Cormorant - 3, Great Blue Heron - 1, Cooper's Hawk - 1, Red-tailed Hawk - 1, Killdeer - 1, Ring-billed Gull - 24, Herring Gull - 2, Great Black-backed Gull - 4, Rock Pigeon - 18, Downy Woodpecker - 1, Hairy Woodpecker - 1, Pileated Woodpecker - 1, Merlin - 1, Blue Jay - 3, American Crow - 12, Black-capped Chickadee - 20, White-breasted Nuthatch - 5, Brown Creeper - 6, Golden-crowned Kinglet - 4, American Robin - 1000+, European Starling - 200, Bohemian Waxwing - 2, American Tree Sparrow - 3, Dark-eyed Junco - 12, Northern Cardinal - 5, Red-winged Blackbird - 1, American Goldfinch - 4

Bernache du Canada - 4, Canard branchu - 2,  Canard noir - 2, Canard colvert - 30, P
etit fuligule / fuligule milouinan 200, Macreuse noire - 2, Garot à oiel d'or - 50, Grand harle -12, Cormoran à aigrettes - 3, Grand héron - 1, Épervier de Cooper - 1, Buse à queue rousse - 1, Pluvier kildir - 1, Goéland à bec cerclé - 24, Goéland argenté - 2, Goéland marin - 4, Pigeon biset - 18, Pic mineur - 1, Pic chevelu - 1, Grand pic - 1, Faucon émerillon - 1, Geai bleu - 12, Mésange à tête noire - 20, Sittelle à poitrine blanche - 5, Grimpereau brun - 6,  Roitelet à couronne doré - 4, Merle d'Amérique - 1000+, Étourneau sansonnet - 200, Jaseur boréal - 2, Bruant Hudsonien - 3, Junco ardoisé - 12, Cardinal rouge - 5, Carouge à épaulettes - 1 , Chardonneret jaune - 4

Tuesday, November 01, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday November 5

Montreal. Pierrefonds - Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques
Saturday, November 5 – samedi 5 novembre
https://goo.gl/maps/TLEH1

Guide: Wayne Grubert  e-mail - 450-458-5498
514-774-0811(Cell – Morning of trip only)

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 two 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 àdroite 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

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec field trip report, Saturday October 29

Once again this week rain put a bit of a damper on the BPQ field trip, this time to the Centre d'interprétation de Nature du lac Boivin (CINLB), in Granby, QC. Darlene and I headed out in heavy rain early this morning wondering how many people would be discouraged by the weather. As it turned out, just about everyone was, except for "Loyal George", who braved the rain and joined us on a sometimes wet, sometimes not, walk around the park. Rainy days have often been referred to as "great weather for ducks". That held true this morning as the majority of the birds were seen from the observation tower overlooking Lac Boivin where we were treated to very healthy numbers of ducks and geese. The rest of the park was quite quiet and we had to work hard to come up with a total of 22 species for the day. We were confused by a raptor perched on a snag out on the lake; a medium sized bird with what looked to be an almost completely white cap on its head! The distance, rainy conditions, and a wet scope and binoculars made it impossible for us to get a definite ID on the bird. Definitely not an eagle or osprey, but most confusing with the white head marking. Unfortunately we looked away for a brief moment and the bird took flight and disappeared into the fog and rain.

Here is our list of 22 species for the day. Thanks to George for joining up with us for the morning.- Sheldon Harvey

Canada Goose 100+, Gadwall 12, American Wigeon 30, American Black Duck , 10, Mallard 15, Blue-winged Teal 2, Northern Shoveler 5, Green-winged Teal 8, Hooded Merganser 100+, Pied-billed Grebe 2, Great Blue Heron 1, Hawk (sp) 1, Ring-billed Gull 500+, Mourning Dove 3, Downy Woodpecker 2, Blue Jay 4, American Crow 6, Common Raven 2, Black-capped Chickadee 100+, White-breasted Nuthatch 30, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1, American Goldfinch 2

Bernache du Canada 100+, Canards chipeaux 12, Canard d'Amérique 30, Canard noir, 10, Canard colvert 15, Sarcelle à ailes bleues 2, Canard souchet 5, Sarcelle d'hiver 8, Harle couronné 100+, Grèbe à bec bigarré 2, Grand héron 1, Buse (sp) 1, Goéland à bec cerclé 500+, Tourterelle triste 3, Pic mineur 2, Geai Bleu 4, Corneille d'Amérique 6, Grand Corbeau 2, Mésange à tête noire 100+, Sittelle à poitrine blanche 30, Roitelet à couronne rubis 1, Chardonneret jaune 2

Bird Protection Quebec field trip report, Saturday October 29

Once again this week rain put a bit of a damper on the BPQ field trip, this time to the Centre d'interprétation de Nature du lac Boivin (CINLB), in Granby, QC. Darlene and I headed out in heavy rain early this morning wondering how many people would be discouraged by the weather. As it turned out, just about everyone was, except for "Loyal George", who braved the rain and joined us on a sometimes wet, sometimes not, walk around the park. Rainy days have often been referred to as "great weather for ducks". That held true this morning as the majority of the birds were seen from the observation tower overlooking Lac Boivin where we were treated to very healthy numbers of ducks and geese. The rest of the park was quite quiet and we had to work hard to come up with a total of 22 species for the day. We were confused by a raptor perched on a snag out on the lake; a medium sized bird with what looked to be an almost completely white cap on its head! The distance, rainy conditions, and a wet scope and binoculars made it impossible for us to get a definite ID on the bird. Definitely not an eagle or osprey, but most confusing with the white head marking. Unfortunately we looked away for a brief moment and the bird took flight and disappeared into the fog and rain.

Here is our list of 22 species for the day. Thanks to George for joining up with us for the morning.- Sheldon Harvey

Canada Goose 100+, Gadwall 12, American Wigeon 30, American Black Duck , 10, Mallard 15, Blue-winged Teal 2, Northern Shoveler 5, Green-winged Teal 8, Hooded Merganser 100+, Pied-billed Grebe 2, Great Blue Heron 1, Hawk (sp) 1, Ring-billed Gull 500+, Mourning Dove 3, Downy Woodpecker 2, Blue Jay 4, American Crow 6, Common Raven 2, Black-capped Chickadee 100+, White-breasted Nuthatch 30, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1, American Goldfinch 2

Bernache du Canada 100+, Canards chipeaux 12, Canard d'Amérique 30, Canard noir, 10, Canard colvert 15, Sarcelle à ailes bleues 2, Canard souchet 5, Sarcelle d'hiver 8, Harle couronné 100+, Grèbe à bec bigarré 2, Grand héron 1, Buse (sp) 1, Goéland à bec cerclé 500+, Tourterelle triste 3, Pic mineur 2, Geai Bleu 4, Corneille d'Amérique 6, Grand Corbeau 2, Mésange à tête noire 100+, Sittelle à poitrine blanche 30, Roitelet à couronne rubis 1, Chardonneret jaune 2

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday October 27

Saturday, October 27 – samedi 27 octobre

Centennial Park/Parc du Centenaire

Guides: Jean Demers and Clémence Soulard 514-694-8240 jd030824@gmail.com
8:00 AM Meet in the parking lot for Centennial Park.Half Day
Directions:
  • Highway 40 – Sources Boulevard exit North.
  • Continue along Sources Blvd. (past Salaberry)
  • Left on Churchill
  • Right on Lake
  • Continue to the parking facing Manuel street.

Guides: Jean Demers and Clémence Soulard
514-694-8240 jd030824@gmail.com
8 h 00 Rendez-vous dans le stationnement pour parc du Centenaire. Demi-journée.
Directions:
  • Autoroute 40, sortie Boulevard des Sources nord.
  • Continuez sur des blvd. Sources (passer Salaberry)
  • à gauche  sur Churchill
  • Virez légèrement à droite sur Lake.
  • Continuez jusqu’au le stationnement qui est en face de la Rue Manuel.

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday October 29

Field Trip to Centre d’interprétation de la nature du lac Boivin (CINLB), Granby
This is a walking trip, with extensive trails throughout the park and an observation tower overlooking Lac Boivin.

The park offers a variety of habitats including the lake itself, wooded trails and areas of open fields and brushy areas. There should be a good selection of species, including migrating songbirds, ducks, geese and, hopefully, a few surprises.

Note: Bring along some bird seed as the chickadees, white- breasted and red-breasted nuthatches are very friendly here and always looking to feed from the hands of the visitors!

CINLB Website: http://cinlb.org/

Guide: Sheldon Harvey ve2shw@yahoo.com 450-462-1459 /Cell # on Saturday morning 514-637-2141

Time: 8:00 a.m. – Half day.

Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/iS88JxucxAs

Meet in the CINLB parking lot, 700 rue Drummond, Granby, Quebec


From the Champlain Bridge, follow the Eastern Townships Autoroute (Hwy 10) to Exit 68. Turn right off the exit on to boul. Daniel Bouchard (Hwy 139). Follow boul. Daniel Bouchard into Granby, crossing Hwy 112 and continuing past Granby Zoo. Continue on boul. Daniel Bouchard to the intersection with rue Drummond. Turn right on to rue Drummond. The free parking for the CINLB will be on your left. This site is approximately 75 minutes from the South Shore side of Champlain Bridge.

Centre d’interprétation de la nature du lac Boivin (CINLB), Granby
Il s’agit d’une excursion à pied, sur les sentiers qui sillonnent le vaste parc et à destination d’une tour d’observation surplombant le lac Boivin.

Le parc offre une variété d’habitats, y compris le lac lui-même, des sentiers boisés et des zones de champs ouverts et des zones broussailleuses. On devrait y trouver une bonne sélection d’espèces, y compris les oiseaux chanteurs migrateurs, canards, oies et, espérons- le, quelques surprises.

Avis: Apportez quelques graines pour les oiseaux qui comme les mésanges, les sitelles à poitrine blanche et à poitrine rousse sont très peu farouches et cherchent toujours à se nourrir dans les mains des visiteurs!

Site Web – CINLB: http://cinlb.org/

Guide: Sheldon Harvey ve2shw@yahoo.com 450-462-1459 /Cell # on Saturday morning 514-637-2141

Heure: 8h00 -Demi-journée.

Directions:
https://goo.gl/maps/iS88JxucxAs

Rendez-vous dans le stationnement du CINLB, 700 rue Drummond,
Granby,
Québec

A partir du pont Champlain, suivez l’autoroute des Cantons de l’Est (autoroute 10) jusqu’à la sortie 68. Tournez à droite après la sortie sur le boulevard Daniel Bouchard (route 139). Suivez le boulevard Daniel Bouchard dans Granby, en traversant la route 112 et continuez jusqu’à dépasser le Zoo de Granby. Continuez sur le boul. Daniel Bouchard jusqu’à l’intersection avec la rue Drummond. Tournez à droite sur la rue Drummond. Le parking gratuit pour le CINLB sera sur votre gauche. Ce site est situé à 75 minutes de la rive sud du pont Champlain.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

BPQ field trip report, Saturday October 22

Not surprisingly considering yesterday' weather forecast only five people took part in our field trip to Parc des Rapides and surrounding area in Lasalle and Verdun. However, we were relatively lucky in that the first half of the outing was mainly rain free and allowed us to explore the park. Then unfortunately the monsoons returned just as we were trying to take advantage of some close waterfowl sightings to decipher the subtle nuances of lesser vs greater scaup ID. A strong northwest breeze and cool temperatures of 7-8C did not help the situation. Discretion being the better part of valour we headed for the local coffee shop to warm up and talk disparagingly about all those fair weather birders who didn't show up ( and the varying levels of sanity of those who did.)

Highlights of the morning included a nice group of 17 Hooded Mergansers with a dozen of them being displaying males strutting their stuff and trying to impress a group of mostly disinterested females. Wood ducks in full plumage are always a treat and didn't disappoint. A male Bufflehead seemed quite content to be shepherding his harem of six females around the waters off Verdun with not a rival in sight. And a lone Red-breasted Merganser fed in the shallows allowing a close look at the plumage differences between it and its more common cousins.

Several large flocks of waterfowl (200+ in total) were viewed flying downriver on the Cote Ste Catherine side of the water. Too small for Canada Geese and too large for ducks they appeared to be Brant but the distance and viewing conditions made a positive ID somewhat questionable. If anyone hears of any confirmed sightings of this species at that approximate time and location then our group would appreciate hearing from them. Of course that would mean admitting that there were other people of questionable mental capacity out birding in those conditions.

Thanks to Sheldon for co-leading and to Connie, Kathy and George for braving the elements to make for an enjoyable if soggy morning. - Wayne Grubert

Our complete list of 29 confirmed and one possible species includes:

Brant (possible) - 200 (see above), Canada Goose - 100, Wood Duck - 10, American Wigeon - 12, American Black Duck - 1, Mallard - 24, Greater/Lesser Scaup - 250 (Both species present), Bufflehead - 7, Hooded Merganser - 17, Common Merganser - 40, Red-breasted Merganser - 1, Pied-billed Grebe - 1, Double-crested Cormorant - 100, Great Blue Heron - 1, Red-tailed Hawk - 1, Ring-billed Gull - 50, Herring Gull - 1, Great Black-backed Gull - 3, Rock Pigeon - 6, Northern Flicker - 3, American Crow - 12, Black-capped Chickadee - 6, European Starling - 20, Yellow-rumped Warbler - 4, Song Sparrow - 5, White-throated Sparrow - 1, Dark-eyed Junco - 6, Red-winged Blackbird - 5, American Goldfinch - 2

Bernache cravant (possible) - 200, Bernache du Canada - 100, Canard branchu - 10, Canard d'Amérique - 12, Canard noir - 1, Canard colvert - 24, Grand Fuligule / Petit Fuligule - 250 (deux espèces présentes), Petit garrot - 7, Harle couronné - 17, Grand Harle - 40, Harle huppé - 1, Grèbe à bec bigarré - 1, Cormoran à aigrettes - 100, Grand héron - 1, Buse à queue rousse - 1, Goéland à bec cerclé - 50, Goéland argenté - 1, Goéland marin - 3, Pigeon biset - 6, Pic flaboyant - 3, Corneille d'Amérique - 12, Mésange à tête noire - 6, Étourneau sansonnet - 20, Paruline à croupion jaune - 4, Bruant chanteur - 5, Bruant à gorge blanche - 1, Junco ardoisé - 6, Carouge à épaulettes - 5, Chardonneret jaune - 2

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday October 22

Field Trip to Parc des Rapides, LaSalle and Verdun Waterfront
Looking for waterfowl and late migrants.

If there is enough time left, we will visit Angrignon Park or the woods at Nuns Island. Be prepared to drive.

Guide: Wayne Grubert & Sheldon Harvey

Time: 8:00 a.m. – Half day.

Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/ZKadR

Meet in the parking lot at Parc des Rapides, corner of LaSalle Blvd and 6th Avenue in LaSalle (just east of Bishop Power Blvd). Take Hwy 20 to the Blvd de la Vérendrye exit. Heading west on de la Vérendrye, turn left onto the Stephens Street Bridge that crosses the Aqueduct. Follow this street south to the waterfront on LaSalle Blvd. Turn right on LaSalle Blvd and follow it to the parking lot at the corner of 6th Avenue.


Sortie: Parc des Rapides, berges de LaSalle & Verdun
Espèces recherchées : sauvagine et migrateurs tardifs.

S’il reste suffisamment de temps nous visiterons le parc Angrignon ou le boisé de l’île des Soeurs.

Il faudra s’attendre à conduire.

Guide: Wayne Grubert & Sheldon Harvey

Heure: 8 h 00 – Demi-journée.

Directions:
https://goo.gl/maps/ZKadR

Rassemblement dans le stationnement du parc des Rapides. Celui-ci est situé à l’intersection du boul. LaSalle et de la 6e avenue à ville LaSalle (juste à l’est du boul. Bishop-Power). Prendre l’autoroute 20 et prendre la sortie du boul. de la Vérendrye. Aller en direction ouest sur ce boul. À la rue Stephens, prendre le pont qui traverse le canal de l’Aqueduc. Continuer sur la rue Stephens jusqu’au boul. LaSalle, qui longe le fleuve. Tourner à droite sur ce boul. et continuer jusqu’au stationnement situé au coin de la 6e avenue.

Sunday, October 16, 2016

BPQ field trip report, Saturday October 15

Refuge Faunique Marguerite D’Youville on Île Saint Bernard in Chateauguay. Temp 4C -14,  28 birders

225 Canada Goose, 11 Wood Duck, 2 American Black Duck, 65 Mallard, 1 Green-winged Teal, 3 Common Merganser, 2 Common Loon, 36 Double-crested Cormorant, 2 Great Egret, 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron, 1 Northern Harrier, 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 7 Ring-billed Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 11 Rock Pigeon, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 3 Downy Woodpecker, 6 Hairy Woodpecker, 2 Northern Flicker, 7 Blue Jay, 6 American Crow, 1 Common Raven, 60 Black-capped Chickadee, 4 Tufted Titmouse, 18 White-breasted Nuthatch, 5 Brown Creeper, 1 Carolina Wren, 3 Golden-crowned Kinglet, 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 12 American Robin, 8 European Starling, 1 Cedar Waxwing, 1 Nashville Warbler, 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 2 Black-throated Green Warbler, 23 Dark-eyed Junco, 10 White-throated Sparrow, 6 Song Sparrow, 4 Northern Cardinal, 30 Red-winged Blackbird, 8 Rusty Blackbird, 1 Common Grackle

225 Bernache du Canada, 11 Canard branchu, 2 Canard noir, 65 Canard colvert, 1 Sarcelle d'hiver, 3 Grand Harle, 2 Plongeon huard, 36 Cormoran à aigrettes, 2 Grande aigrette, 1 Bihoreau gris, 1 Busard Saint-martin, 2 Épervier brun, 1 Épervier de Cooper, 1 Buse à queue rousse, 7 Goéland à bec cerclé, 1 Goéland argenté, 1 Goéland marin, 11 Pigeon biset, 1 Marin pêcheur d'Amérique, 3 Pic mineur, 6 Pic chevelur , 2 Pic flaboyantr, 7 Bleu Geai, 6 Corneille d'Amérique, 1 Geand corbeau, 60 Mésange à tête noire, 4 Mésange bicolore, 18 Sittelle à poitrine blanche, 5 Grimpereau brun, 1 Troglodyte de Caroline , 3 Roitelet à couronne dorée, 8 Roitelet à couronne rubis, 12 Merle d'Amérique, 8 Étourneau sansonnet, 1 Jaseur d'Amérique, 1 Paruline à joues grises, 3 Paruline à croupion jaune, 2 Paruline à gorge noire, 23 Junco ardoisé, 10 Bruant à gorge blanche, 6 Bruant chanteur, 4 Cardinal rouge, 30 Carouge à épaulettes, 8 Quisale rouilleux, 1 Quisale bronzé

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday October 15


Refuge Faunique Marguerite D’Youville on Île Saint Bernard

Walking trip looking for waterbirds and late migrants. 

The grass paths are usually wet early in the morning so wear appropriate footwear.

Guide: Tom Long - e-mail - 450-692-1590
Time. 8:00 a.m. – Half day.
Fees: $3.00 admission fee. Half day.
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/g5spD

Meet at the welcome centre of the Refuge Faunique Marguerite D’Youville on Île St-Bernard, Châteauguay. From Montreal, take Highway 138 and cross the Mercier Bridge. Stay right coming off the bridge and take Highway 138 through Kahnawake into Châteauguay. As you enter Châteauguay, turn right onto Boul. St- Francis. Follow St. Francis all the way to the end where it meets the Châteauguay River at Boulevard Salaberry Nord. Turn right onto Salaberry Nord. Continue past the railway bridge. The next bridge that crosses the road and river is Pont de la Sauvagine. Turn right just after the bridge. There will be a sign and an entrance ramp for the bridge for Beauharnois and Refuge Faunique Marquerite d’Youville. Cross the bridge and continue to Notre-Dame Nord. At the flashing red light turn right onto Notre-Dame and follow the signs to Refuge Faunique Marguerite D’Youville. Cross the small bridge onto Île St-Bernard. The parking area is to the right.

Sortie au Refuge Faunique Marguerite D’Youville, Île Saint Bernard
Excursion à pied, à la recherche d’oiseaux aquatiques et de migrateurs tardifs. 
Considérant que les sentiers gazonnés sont généralement humides le matin, il est conseillé de porter des chaussures adéquates.
Guide: Tom Long  courriel  450-692-1590
Heure:  8h00 -Demi-journée.
Frais: Frais d’entrée de 3.00$.  
Rassemblement à l’accueil du refuge faunique Marguerite- D’Youville, Île Saint-Bernard, Châteauguay. De Montréal, prendre la route 138 et traverser le pont Mercier. A la sortie du pont, garder la droite et continuer sur la 138, passé Kahnawake, jusqu’à Châteauguay. A l’entrée de Châteauguay, tourner à droite sur le boul. St-Francis. Continuer sur celui-ci jusqu’à l’intersection avec le boul. Salaberry Nord, qui longe la rivière Châteauguay. Tourner à droite sur Salaberry nord, passer en-dessous du pont de la voie ferrée et continuer jusqu’à un deuxième pont : il s’agit du pont de la Sauvagine. Tourner à droite juste après avoir passer sous ce pont et accéder à une rampe d’accès au pont. Des indications pour le refuge faunique Marquerite-D’Youville y sont visibles. Traverser le pont et continuer jusqu’à la rue Notre- Dame Nord. Au feu rouge clignotant, tourner à droite sur Notre-Dame et suivre les indications pour le refuge. Traverser le petit pont qui mène à l’île Saint-Bernard. Le stationnement est à la droite.

Sunday, October 09, 2016

BPQ field trip report, Saturday October 8

Bois-de-l'île-Bizard

Seven hardy souls ventured out in todays “showers”, that’s what the weather men called it. It was more like a Typhoon! Two of our regulars, King and Yvonne came all the way from the south shore over the Champlain Bridge. Enroute they realized that the 15 northbound was closed and they were rerouted by the 20 and 13. Their GPS proceeded to give them directions to go to Laval and take the ferry over to Ile Bizard. Not quite the most efficient routing but they made it.
Even though it rained all morning our spirits were high and we carried on with rain covered binoculars. Too wet for cameras to be out but Sharon snapped a few quick shots with her phone (photos attached).
It was a relatively quiet morning bird wise but we managed to find 33 species. It was decided by majority that our bird of the day was the Wood Ducks but more specifically the male Wood Ducks in their full fall colours. Cathy one of our new participants, was so eager to see a male Wood Duck and she was rewarded towards the end of our morning. Runner up for Bird of the day was the Pied - billed Grebes, one came so close to us that you could see it swimming under the water looking for food.

Thank you to Wayne, George, Cathy, King, Yvonne and Sharon for making sure I was not leading a walk for just myself in the rain.
Note: We found out that the city will be doing construction this winter on the two boardwalks in the park. The boardwalks are in need of urgent repair as in some places it is almost not passable. We also noted that quite a few trees on the south side of the main boardwalk are marked by spray paint. The trees may be marked for removal due to relocating the board walk. In the main chalet there are photos showing artist renderings of some of the planned changes to the park, including a high observation tower. The changes look very interesting, be assured parking prices are sure to go up to pay for all the work. 

Weather - Rain, more rain and then rain followed by rain. - Mathias Mutzl

Canada Goose 50, Wood Duck 12, Gadwall 2, American Black Duck 1, Mallard 30, Greater/Lesser Scaup 600, Common Goldeneye 3, Hooded Merganser 1, Pied-billed Grebe 2, Double-crested Cormorant 2, Great Blue Heron 2, Sharp-shinned Hawk 2, Red-shouldered Hawk 1, Ring-billed Gull 10, Belted Kingfisher 1, Downy Woodpecker 2, Hairy Woodpecker 1, Northern Flicker 1, Blue Jay 6, American Crow 12, Black-capped Chickadee 20, Marsh Wren 1, Golden-crowned Kinglet 2, Ruby-crowned Kinglet 12, American Robin 12, Cedar Waxwing 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler 3, Dark-eyed Junco 2, White-throated Sparrow 6, Song Sparrow 10, Swamp Sparrow 8, Northern Cardinal 3, Red-winged Blackbird 5

Bernache du Canada 50, Canard branchu 12, Canards chipeaux 2, Canard noir 1, Canard colvert 30, Grand / Petit Fuligule 600, Garrot à oeil d'or 3, Harle couronné 1, Grèbe à bec bigarré 2, Cormoran à aigrettes 2, Grand héron 2, Épervier brun 2, Buse à épaulettes 1, Goéland à bec cerclé 10, Martin pêcheur d'Amérique 1, Pic mineur 2, Pic chevelu 1, Pic flaboyant 1, Geai Bleu 6, Corneille d'Amérique 12, Mésange à tête noire 20, Troglodyte des marais 1, Roitelet à couronne dorée 2, Roitelet à couronne rubis 12, Merle d'Amérique 12, Jaseur d'Amérique 1, paruline à croupion jaune 3, Junco ardoisé 2, Bruant à gorge blanche 6, Bruant chanteur 10, Bruaant des marais 8, rouge 3, Carouge à épaulettes 5

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday October 1


Île Charron and Parc des Îles de Boucherville

We will explore different habitats on Île Charron and Parc des Iles de Boucherville : lake, river, wooded areas looking for waterfowl, raptors, songbirds that are numerous in the area at this time of the year.

Website: http://www.sepaq.com/pq/bou/index.dot

Guide: Frédéric Hareau fredhareau1@yahoo.ca 514-805-8491 (cell phone on the day of the trip only)

Time: 8:00 a.m. – Half- day trip.

Admission: $8:50 per person

Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/AaQoU36EYsn


From south shore (132 or Highway 20). Take 25 north, then take exit 1 toward Parc des Iles de Boucherville. From North shore (Metropolitain), take 25 south / tunnel Lafontaine, and then as soon as you leave the tunnel, take exit 1 toward Parc des Iles de Boucherville. We will meet in Front of the old Hotel des Gouverneurs, on the road to the Parc des Iles de Boucherville.

Île Charron et Parc des Îles de Boucherville

Nous explorerons plusieurs habitats, boisés, lac et baies sur l’ile Charron et dans le parc à la recherche des canards plongeurs et barboteurs, des rapaces et des passereaux qui sont nombreux à cette époque de l’année.

Site Web: http://www.sepaq.com/pq/bou/index.dot

Guide: Frédéric Hareau courriel 
514-805-8491 (cellulaire pour le jour de la sortie seulement)

Heure: 8h00 – Demi-journée.

Entrée du parc: 8.50$ par personne.


Directions:
https://goo.gl/maps/AaQoU36EYsn

Depuis la rive sud (132 ou autoroute 30), prendre la 25 Nord, puis la sortie 1 vers le parc des Iles de Boucherville. Depuis la rive Nord (Métropolitaine), prendre la 25 sud vers le tunnel Lafontaine, puis juste après la sortie du tunnel, la sortie 1 vers le parc des Iles de Boucherville. Rendez-vous en face de l’ancien Hôtel des Gouverneurs sur le chemin vers le parc des Iles de Boucherville.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday September 24


Parc National D’Oka
Looking for migrating passerines, raptors, waterfowl and shorebirds.

Guide: Wayne Grubert e-mail 450-458-5498 or 514-774-0811 (Cell – morning of trip only)

Time: 8:00 a.m. Half day.

Cost: An entrance fee of approximately $8.50 per person will be charged.


Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/sG8gG

Take Hwy 13 north to Hwy 640. Go west on 640 to its intersection with Hwy 344. Cross 344 into Parc d’Oka. Proceed 6.2 km to the Accueil Camping.

Espèces recherchées : passereaux en migration, rapaces, sauvagines et limicoles.

Heure: 8h00 – Demi- journée.

Frais d’entrée: environ 8.50$ par personne.


Directions:
https://goo.gl/maps/sG8gG

De Montréal, prendre l’autoroute 13 nord jusqu’à l’autoroute 640. Continuer sur l’autoroute 640 ouest jusqu’à l’intersection avec l’autoroute 344. Traverser la 344 et entrer dans le Parc d’Oka. Continuer sur une distance de 6,2 km jusqu’à l’Accueil Camping.

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Sightings for Saturday September 10

Philipsburg, RN Baie-Missisquoi MAP/CARTECommon Ringed Plover / Pluvier grand-gravelot - Patrick Laniel, Pierre Casavant, Daniel Ouellette, Sylvie Vanier

500 Canada Goose, 20 American Black Duck, 60 Mallard, 200 Blue-winged Teal, 150 Green-winged Teal, 10 Double-crested Cormorant, 24 Great Blue Heron, 14 Great Egret, 1 Turkey Vulture, 1 Osprey, 1 Bald Eagle, 24 Semipalmated Plover, 2 Stilt Sandpiper, 1 Sanderling, 30 Least Sandpiper, 10 Pectoral Sandpiper, 10 Semipalmated Sandpiper, 1 Short-billed Dowitcher, 1 Long-billed Dowitcher, 3 Greater Yellowlegs, 100 Lesser Yellowlegs, 50 Ring-billed Gull, 1 Caspian Tern, 1 Northern Flicker, 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee, 1 Red-eyed Vireo, 2 American Crow, 10 Tree Swallow, 10 Bank Swallow, 2 Barn Swallow, 200 swallow sp. 2 Black-capped Chickadee

500 Bernache du Canada, 20 Canard noir, 60 Canard colvert, 200 Sarcelle à ailes bleues, 150 Sarcelle à ailes vert, 10 Cormoran à aigrettes, 24 Grand héron, 14 Grande aigrette, 1 Urubu à tête rouge, 1 Balbuzard pêcheur, 1 Pygargue à tête blanche, 24 Pluvier semipalmé, 2 Bécasseau à échasses , 1 Bécasseau sanderling, 30 Bécasseau minuscule, 10 Bécasseau à poitrine cendrée, 10 Bécasseau semipalmé, 1 Bécassin roux, 1 Bécassin à long bec, 3 Grand Chevalier, 100 Petit chevalier, 50 Goéland à bec cerclé, 1 Sterne caspienne, 1 Pic flaboyant, 1 Pioui de l'Est, 1 Viréo aux yeux rouges, 2 Corneille d'Amérique, 10 Hirondelle bicolore, 10 Hirondelle rivage, 2 Hirondelle rustique, 200 hirondelle sp. 2 Mésange à tête noire - Daniel Ouellette, Sylvie Vanier

BPQ field trip report, Saturday September 10

This morning's BPQ field trip was at l'île de la Visitation (Nature Park) and our fall warblers were active from the start.

50 species of birds were seen this morning (#50 was a Turkey Vulture soaring over the chalet when everyone was leaving).

A pair of Ospreys, Wood Ducks, a ''wise looking'' Black-crowned night Heron, Hummingbirds, Kingfisher, Brown Creeper. 4 species of Vireos like Philadelphia & Blue-headed Vireo.

And the little 'stars' of the morning a total of 11 species of warbler species like, Cape May, Tennessee, Northern Parula, Magnolia, Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue, Blackpoll, Bay-breasted, Yellowthroat.

Thank you for all who came this morning. I hope you all enjoyed the morning and had fun with our fall warblers.

I still have a couple more BPQ Wednesday morning Fall warbler walks for those interested. Joel Coutu

40 Canada Goose, 4 Wood Duck, 4 American Black Duck, 20 Mallard, 2 Double-crested Cormorant, 2 Great Blue Heron, 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron, 1 Turkey Vulture, 2 Osprey, 24 Ring-billed Gull, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 24 Rock Pigeon, 1 Black-billed Cuckoo, 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 3 Downy Woodpecker, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 4 Northern Flicker, 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee, 1 Blue-headed Vireo, 1 Philadelphia Vireo, 5 Warbling Vireo, 5 Red-eyed Vireo, 2 Blue Jay, 1 American Crow, 6 Black-capped Chickadee, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 Brown Creeper, 10 American Robin, 2 European Starling, 6 Cedar Waxwing, 3 Tennessee Warbler, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 4 Cape May Warbler, 2 Northern Parula, 6 Magnolia Warbler, 1 Bay-breasted Warbler, 1 Blackburnian Warbler, 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler, 1 Blackpoll Warbler, 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler, 1 Black-throated Green Warbler, 4 Song Sparrow, 6 Northern Cardinal, 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 3 Common Grackle, 1 Baltimore Oriole, 4 American Goldfinch, 12 House Sparrow

40 bernache du Canada, 4 Canard branchu, 4 Canard noir, 20 Canard colvert, 2 Cormoran à aigrettes, 2 Grad héron, 1 Bihoreau gris, 1 Urubu à tête rouge, 2 Balbuzard pêcheur, 24 Goéland à bec cerclé, 1 Goéland marin, 24 Pigeon biset, 1 Coucou à bec noir, 2 Colibri à gorge rubis, 1 Martin-pêcheur d'Amérique, 3 Pic mineur, 1 Pic chevelu, 4 Pic flaboyant, 1 Pioui de l'Est, 1 Viréo à tête bleue, 1 Viréo de Philadelphie, 5 Viréo mélodieux, 5 Viréo aux yeux rouges, 2 Geai bleu, 1 Corneille d'Amérique, 6 Mésange à tête noire, 1 Sittelle à poitrine rousse, 1 Sittelle à poitrine blanche, 1 Grimpereau brun, 10 Merle d'Amérique, 2 étourneau sansonnet, 6 Jaseur d'Amérique, 3 Paruline obscure, 1 Paruline masquée, 4 Paruline tigrée, 2 Paruline à collier, 6 Paruline à tête cendrée, 1 Paruline à poitrine baie, 1 Paruline à gorge orangée, 1 Paruline à flancs marron, 1 Paruline rayée, 1 Paruline bleue, 1 Paruline à gorge noire, 4 Bruant chanteur, 6 Cardinal rouge, 2 Cardinal à poitrine rose, 3 Quiscale bronzé, 1 Oriole de Baltimore, 4 Chardonneret jaune, 12 Moineau domestique

Wednesday, September 07, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday September 10


Montréal, Parc- Nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation
map/carte https://goo.gl/maps/jU9nT
Guide: Joël Coutu: fauconbleu65@hotmail.com

7:30 a.m. Meet at the park’s Welcome Centre at 2425, boul. Gouin Est Montréal. From Highway 40 (Metropolitan Blvd) take Papineau north to Henri Bourassa. Turn right (east) on Henri Bourassa and turn left on Rue de Lille. Turn right onto Gouin and left into the parking area. Parking: $9.00 or park on surrounding streets. Half Day.

7h30 Rassemblement au Chalet d’accueil du parc-nature de l’Île-de-la- Visitation, 2425, boul. Gouin Est Montréal. De l’autoroute 40 (boul métropolitain) prendre la sortie Papineau nord jusqu’à Henri Bourassa. Tourner à droite (est) sur Henri Bourassa et tourner à gauche sur Rue de Lille. Tourner à droite sur Gouin jusqu’au stationnement du parc. Stationnement : 9,00$. Demi-journée.

Monday, September 05, 2016

BPQ field trip report, Saturday September 3

Superb weather today for our field trip to the Lac-St-Francois Reserve in Dundee, except it seemed like some of the birds usually found in the area decided to go away for the long Labour Day weekend! We found the area around the Great Egret Walk to be extremely quiet for the time of year, but we did have a nice mixture of birds, particularly on the first stretch of boardwalk leading out from the welcome centre. A massive flock of 1000+ Common Grackles was seen emerging from a cornfield along Highway 132. A number of Osprey in the area put on some great displays for us also. The group did not see any of the resident Sandhill Cranes, but Wayne did come across a few out feeding along the highway on his way to the reserve. The day started out cool, around 10 C, but warmed up nicely into the low 20s by midday. 15 birders participated in the trip. Here is the breakdown of our 48 species seen. - Wayne Grubert and Sheldon Harvey

Canada Goose 1, Wood Duck 1, American Black Duck 1, Mallard 6, American Bittern 1, Great Blue Heron 2, Turkey Vulture 6, Osprey 6, Bald Eagle 2, Northern Harrier 3, Cooper's Hawk 2, Ring-billed Gull 12, Rock Pigeon 40, Mourning Dove 2, Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3, Belted Kingfisher 1, Downy Woodpecker 1. Hairy Woodpecker 1, Northern Flicker 6, Eastern Phoebe 2, Eastern Kingbird 1, Philadelphia Vireo 1, Red-eyed Vireo 2, Blue Jay 12, American Crow 12, Tree Swallow 20, Barn Swallow 1, Black-capped Chickadee 12, White-breasted Nuthatch 2, American Robin 16, Gray Catbird 6, European Starling 300+, Cedar Waxwing 24, Nashville Warbler 1, Common Yellowthroat 6, Cape May Warbler 1, Magnolia Warbler 1, Yellow-rumped Warbler 1, Wilson's Warbler 3, Song Sparrow 15, Swamp Sparrow 6, White-throated Sparrow 2, Rose-breasted Grosbeak 12, Bobolink 8, Red-winged Blackbird 200+, Common Grackle 1000+, Brown-headed Cowbird 16, American Goldfinch 24

Bernache du Canada 1, Canard branchu 1, Canard noir 1, Canard colvert 6, Butor d'Amérique 1, Grand héron 2, Urubu à tête rouge 6, Balbuzard pêcheur 6, Pygargue à tête blanche 2, Busard Saint-Martin 3, Épervier de Cooper 2, Goéland à bec cerclé 12, Pigeon biset 40, Tourterelle triste 2, Colibri à gorge rubis 3, Martin pêcheur d'Amérique 1, Pic mineur 1. Pic chevelu 1, Pic flaboyant 6, Moucherolle phébi Est 2, Tyran tritri 1, Viréo de Philadelphie 1, Viréo aux yeux rouges 2, Geai bleu 12, Corneille d'Amérique 12, Hirondelle bicolore 20, Hirondelle rustique 1, Mésange à tête noire 12, Sittelle à poitrine blanche 2, Merle d'Amérique 16, Moqueur chat 6, Étourneau sansonnet 300+, Jaseur d'Amérique 24, Paruline à joues grises 1, Paruline masquée 6 , Paruline tigrée 1, Paruline à tête cendrée 1, Paruline à croupion jaune Paruline 1, Paruline de Wilson 3, Bruant chanteur 15, Bruant des marais 6, Bruant à gorge blanche 2, Cardinal à poitrine rose 12, Goglu des prés 8, Carouge à épaulettes 200+, Quiscale bronzé 1000+, Vacher à tête brune 16, Chardonneret jaune 24

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday September 3


Field Trip: Dundee (La Réserve Nationale de Faune du Lac Saint- François)

Looking for waterfowl, raptors and migrating passerines.

map/cartehttps://goo.gl/maps/u3ihE

Guides: Sheldon Harvey e-mail 
450-462-1459 /Cell # on Saturday morning 514-637-2141
Wayne Grubert  e-mail
450-458-5498 514-774-0811 Cell (PLEASE use only on morning of trip)
Time: 8:00 a.m. Half day.

Directions: Meet at the Visitor Centre parking lot. If you are taking the Mercier Bridge from Montreal go (left) east on Highway 132 for 4.5km to Highway 730. Take Highway 730 to its junction with Highway 30. Proceed west on Highway 30 for approximately 33 km to the exit for Highway 530. Take Highway 530 until its end. Turn left onto Highway 132, crossing the bridge, and continue approximately 33km past Sainte-Barbe and Saint-Anicet to Cazaville. Continue another 8 km on Hwy 132 past Cazaville to chemin-de-le-Pointe-Fraser. Turn right on this road and meet at the visitor centre parking lot about 1 km along on the left.

An alternative route, especially from the West Island, is to take Hwy 20 or 40 west past Vaudreuil-Dorion to Highway 30. Take Highway 30 (Toll $2.50) and then exit onto Highway 530 and continue as per instructions above.

Allow about 1.5 hours from Montreal.

8h00. Rassemblement dans le stationnement de l’Accueil. Si vous arrivez depuis le pont Mercier en provenance de Montréal, prenez vers l’est (gauche) sur la route 132 pour 4.5 km jusqu’à l’autoroute 730. Prenez l’autoroute 730 jusqu’à sa jonction avec l’autoroute 30. Continuez vers l’ouest sur l’autoroute 30 pendant environ 33 km jusqu’à la sortie vers l’autoroute 530. Prendre l’autoroute 530 jusqu’au bout. Tournez à gauche sur la route 132, traversez le pont et continuez environ 33 km, en passant par Sainte-Barbe et Saint-Anicet jusqu’à Cazaville. Continuez encore 8 km sur la route 132 passé Cazaville jusqu’au Chemin-de-la-Pointe-Fraser. Tournez à droite sur cette route et rendez-vous au stationnement du centre d’accueil sur la gauche à environ 1 km.

Un itinéraire alternatif, en particulier depuis l’Ouest de l’Ile de Montréal, consiste à prendre l’autoroute 20 ou 40 ouest passée Vaudreuil-Dorion jusqu’à l’autoroute 30. Prenez l’autoroute 30 (frais de 2,50 $), puis sortez sur l’autoroute 530 et continuez en suivant les instructions données ci-dessus. Prévoir environ 1h à 1h30 de route à partir de la région de Montréal. Espèces recherchées : sauvagine, rapaces, et parulines en migration. Demi-journée.

Sunday, August 28, 2016

BPQ field trip report, Saturday August 27

14 birders joined us for a field trip to the St-Lazare sandpit on this beautiful day, however the birds were very scarce. In the wooded area behind the playground it was exceptionally quiet, so we crossed to the sandpit area again hardly any birds, the water level was very high to only four species of shorebirds. On the way back to the cars we had a very good surprise that was enjoyed by all, an Eastern Bluebird. After that we went on the road just past the Centre de nature les forestiers and again still very quiet. We ended up to a total of 32 species but the company was very good so a nice field trip to start the fall season of "official" field trips. - Jean Demers

15 Canada Goose, 31 Mallard, 1 Green-winged Teal, 3 Great Blue Heron, 2 Red-shouldered Hawk, 2 Broad-winged Hawk , 1 Semipalmated Plover, 1 Killdeer, 1 Least Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Sandpiper, 3 , Greater Yellowlegs, 2 Mourning Dove, 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 1 Downy Woodpecker, 2 Pileated Woodpecker, 1 Eastern Phoebe, 1 Great Crested Flycatcher, 1 , Philadelphia Vireo, 1 Warbling Vireo, 1 Red-eyed Vireo, 10 Blue Jay, 6 American Crow, 24 Black-capped Chickadee, 3 White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 Eastern Bluebird, 9 American Robin, 8 Cedar Waxwing, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 2 Chipping Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, 2 Northern Cardinal, 12 American Goldfinch

5 Bernache du Canada, 31 Canard colvert, 1 Sarcelle à ailes vertes, 3 Grand héron, 2 Buse à épaulettes, 2 Petite Buse, 1 Pluvier semipalmé, 1 Pluvier kildir, 1 Bécasseau minuscule, 2 Chevalier grivelé , 3, Grand Chevalier, 2 Tourterelle triste, 1 Colibri à gorge rubis, 1 Pic mineur, 2 Grand Pic, 1 Moucherolle phébi, 1 Tyran huppé, 1, Viréo de Philadelphie, 1 Viréo mélodieux, Viréo aux yeux rouges, 10 Geai bleue, 6 Corneille d'Amérique, 24 Mésange à tête noire, 3 Sittelle à poitrine blanche, 1 Merlebleu de l'est, 9 Merle d'Amérique, 8 Jaseur d'Amérique, 1 Paruline masquée, 2 Bruant familier, 3 Bruant chteur, 2 Cardinal rouuge, 12 chardonneret jaune

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday August 27


Field Trip to St-Lazare Sand Pits and Area
August 27 @ 07:30 - 12:00

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

map/carte: https://goo.gl/maps/o5p9D


Directions: Via HWY 40: Take Highway 40 west past Vaudreuil-Dorion and take Highway 30. Almost immediately take Exit 2. Turn west on Cité des Jeunes Blvd (Highway 340) and follow it for 8.4 km. Turn right on Chemin St Dominique (which becomes Robert) and travel 1 km. Soccer fields and parking lot are on your right. Looking for shorebirds, waterfowl and early fall migrants.

Via HWY 20: Take Highway 20 west past Vaudreuil-Dorion to Exit 22. Go north on Chemin St Dominique for 6 km to Highway 340. Cross over and proceed 1 km as in instructions above. Cost: $2.00 entrance fee (exact change).

Prenez l’autoroute 40 ouest passé Vaudreuil-Dorion et prenez l’autoroute 30. Presque immédiatement, prendre la sortie 2, tourner vers l’ouest sur le boulevard Cité des Jeunes (route 340) et le suivre pendant 8,4 km . Tourner à droite sur le chemin St Dominique (qui devient Robert) et continuer pendant 1 km . Les terrains de soccer et le parking , où nous rencontrerons, sont situés sur ​​votre droite . Nous rechercherons les oiseaux de rivage, la sauvagine et les oiseaux migrateurs hâtifs. 2,00 $ pour l’entrée (monnaie exacte).

Friday, August 19, 2016

Sightings for Thursday August 18

Pointe de Yamachiche -- map/carte: Common Ringed Plover, 1 Sanderling, 15 Least Sandpiper, 1 White-rumped Sandpiper, 4 Semipalmated Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Sandpiper, 2 Greater Yellowlegs, 2 Lesser Yellowlegs 

Pluvier grand-gravelot, 1 Bécasseau sanderling, 15 Bécasseaux minuscule, 1 Bécasseau à croupion blanc, 4 Bécasseau semipalmé, 3 Chevalier grivelé, 2 Grand Chevalier, 2 Petit chevalier - Sylvie Robert

1 American White Pelican, 2 Killdeer, 1 Wilson's Snipe 

1 Pélican d'Amérique, 2 Pluvier kildir, 1 Bécassine de Wilson - Hugues Brunoni

2 Black-bellied Plover, 15 Turkey Vulture, 1 Osprey, 1 Northern Harrier, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Bald Eagle

2 Pluvier argenté, 15 Urubu à tête rouge, 1 Balbuzard pêcheur, 1 Busard Saint-Martin, 1 Épervier brun, 1 Pygargue à tête blanche - Pierre Hébert

Sightings for Thursday August 18

Pointe de Yamachiche -- map/carte: Common Ringed Plover, 1 Sanderling, 15 Least Sandpiper, 1 White-rumped Sandpiper, 4 Semipalmated Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Sandpiper, 2 Greater Yellowlegs, 2 Lesser Yellowlegs 

Pluvier grand-gravelot, 1 Bécasseau sanderling, 15 Bécasseaux minuscule, 1 Bécasseau à croupion blanc, 4 Bécasseau semipalmé, 3 Chevalier grivelé, 2 Grand Chevalier, 2 Petit chevalier - Sylvie Robert

1 American White Pelican, 2 Killdeer, 1 Wilson's Snipe 

1 Pélican blanc d'Amérique, 2 Pluvier kildir, 1 Bécassine de Wilson - Hugues Brunoni

2 Black-bellied Plover, 15 Turkey Vulture, 1 Osprey, 1 Northern Harrier, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Bald Eagle

2 Pluvier argenté, 15 Urubu à tête rouge, 1 Balbuzard pêcheur, 1 Busard Saint-Martin, 1 Épervier brun, 1 Pygargue à tête blanche - Pierre Hébert

Monday, August 15, 2016

2016 Summer Series of Birding - Field Trip #7 Report - Saturday, August 13

Well, I think we would have been drier had we held the field trip at a water park! 6 birders headed off at 6 am on Saturday headed for the eastern Ontario sewage lagoons, regardless of the weather forecast calling for heavy rain and possible thunder storms! We were successful in visiting just 2 of the 4 lagoons we had planned to visit. We got about an hour of birding in at our first stop, St-Isidore, seeing a good variety and number of birds. Just as we prepared to leave to head to St-Albert, rain began and got progressively heavier as we approached St-Albert. We waiting 10 to 15 minutes to see if the rain would let up. It didn't. We decided to head over to the Embrun lagoons where earlier in the week numerous shorebirds had been reported. We managed to get about 20 minutes or so of birding in at Embrun before the heavy rain started again. Unfortunate because one of the Embrun ponds was full of a variety of shorebirds. We rushed to identify what we could but were forced back to the cars as the rain got heavier. We decided to call it a day as it didn't seem the rains would let up. Good decision! We succeeded to visit two of the four lagoons, resulting in a total of 37 species for the day. Thanks to the dedicated birders who stuck it out through the rain. - Sheldon Harvey

Here are the results

Wood Duck, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Bank Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, American Robin, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Canard branchu, Canard colvert, Canard souchet, Grèbe à bec bigarré, Cormoran à aigrettes, Urubu à tête rouge, Busard Saint-Martin, Buse à queue rousse, Gallinule à poule-d'eau, Foulques d'Amérique, Pluvier semipalmé, Pluvier kildir, Bécasseau grivelé, Petit Chevalier, Bécasseau minuscule, Bbécasseau à poitrine cendrée, Bécasseau semipalmé, Goéland à bec cerclé, Pigeon biset, Tourterelle triste, Martinet ramoneur, Geai bleu, corneille d'Amérique, Grand Corbeau, Hirondelle noire, Hirondelle bicolore, Hirondelle de rivage, Hirondelle à front blanc, Hirondelle rustique, Merle d'Amérique, Étourneau sansonnet, Jaseur d'Amérique, Bruant chanteur, Cardina rouge, Carouge à épaulettes, Chardonneret jaune, Moineau domestique

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Sightings for Thursday August 11

Pointe de Yamachiche -- map/carte:  1 American White Pelican / 1 Pélican d'Amérique - Steeve Baker, Réal Boulet
 
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