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
Rare and interesting bird sightings from Quebec
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
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
carte / map https://goo.gl/maps/qEiD8EpTnzj
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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$.
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/g5spD
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
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