Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday March 12

Thirty participants showed up for a late winter/early spring outing at Bois-de-Liesse Nature Park this morning and were greeted with bright blue skies, temperatures that rose from 1 to 7°C during the walk, and southwest breezes that gradually increased throughout the morning. Birdlife matched the time of year with a mixture of winter visitors, resident species and early spring migrants.

Trail conditions were excellent for walking although we did have to detour around one flooded section on our first leg between the Chalet d'Accueil des Champs and Maison Pitfield.

The majority of our birds were seen in the area around the feeders at the Chalet d'Accueil des Champs where we had excellent views of four finch species - Purple and House Finches, Goldfinches and Pine Siskins. Cedar waxwings were also close by in the bushes and this open area also allowed us to watch several hawks glide by. Several species were found around Maison Pitfield, a few others were flyovers, and a smattering of individuals were added in the woods. The Secteur des Bois-Francs proved to be exceptionally quiet with only a few chickadees and a White -breasted Nuthatch.

All in all, a nice morning spent with good company. Thanks to everyone for coming out. - Wayne Grubert

Here is our complete list of 26 species seen: Canada Goose - 200, Mallard - 2, Red-shouldered Hawk - 2, Red-tailed Hawk - 1, Ring-billed Gull - 12, Herring Gull - 1, Rock Pigeon - 2, Mourning Dove - 4, Downy Woodpecker - 3, Pileated Woodpecker - 2, Blue Jay - 2, American Crow - 8, Common Raven - 1, Black-capped Chickadee - 24, White-breasted Nuthatch - 8, American Robin - 15, European Starling - 1, Cedar Waxwing - 12, Dark-eyed Junco - 6, Northern Cardinal - 10, Red-winged Blackbird - 12, Common Grackle - 2, Purple Finch - 4, House Finch - 15, Pine Siskin - 12 ,American Goldfinch - 20

Bernache du Canada - 200, canard colvert - 2, Buse à épaulettes - 2, Buse à queue rousse - 1, Goéland à bec cerclé - 12, Goéland argenté - 1, Pigeon biset - 2, Touterelle triste - 4, Pic mineur - 3, Grand pic - 2, Geai bleu - 2, Corneille d'Amérique - 8, Grand Corbeau - 1, Mésange à tête noire - 24, Sittelle à poitrine blanche - 8, Merle d'Amérique - 15, Étourneau sansonnet - 1, Jaseur d'Amérique - 12, Junco ardoisé - 6, Cardinal rouge - 10, Carouge à épaulettes - 12, Quiscale bronzé - 2, Roselin pourpré - 4, Roselin familier - 15, Tarin des pins - 12, Chardonneret jaune - 20