Sunday, April 10, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday April 9

BPQ field trip to Parc-Nature Cap-St-Jacques attracted 20 participants, a good turn-out considering it was not the warm early spring day most people were hoping for. But the sun was shining in a bright blue sky, winds were light by C.St. J. standards, and the temperature gradually climbed to the freezing point. Water levels were very high and necessitated some detours from our regular itinerary at this park.

Our total of 41 species observed included many of the ones we would normally associate with mid-winter. Purple Finches, Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins continued their good showing of the past few weeks. We also had good looks at Bohemian Waxwings which should be leaving for their north/western summer homes soon. (One Cedar Waxwing was present for good measure). Among other species seen or heard were many singing Song Sparrows, a close soaring Common Raven, a distant Red-tailed Hawk being harassed by a very determined crow to high altitudes, a Great Egret flyby, several Killdeer wondering why their fields were still frozen, and a few Fox Sparrows who entertained us with their sweet songs but preferred to cloak themselves in deep brush rather than be seen clearly.

Waterfowl were in low numbers most probably because of the high water levels and fast current in the river.

As usual, the good company made up for any shortfalls in the avian sightings department. Thanks to everyone. - Wayne Grubert

Here is our list of 41 species: Canada Goose - 40, Wood Duck - 6, Mallard - 10, Ring-necked Duck - 12, Bufflehead - 3, Common Goldeneye - 60, Common Merganser - 4, Great Blue Heron - 1, Great Egret - 1, Red-tailed Hawk - 1, Merlin - 1, Killdeer - 6, Ring-billed Gull - 10, Mourning Dove - 1, Downy Woodpecker - 4, Hairy Woodpecker - 4, Northern Flicker - 1, Pileated Woodpecker - 1, Eastern Phoebe - 4, Blue Jay - 2, American Crow - 12, Common Raven - 1, Black-capped Chickadee - 15, White-breasted Nuthatch - 8, Brown Creeper - 2, American Robin - 20, European Starling - 20, Bohemian Waxwing - 80, Cedar Waxwing - 1, American Tree Sparrow - 5, Fox Sparrow - 3 Song Sparrow - 40, Dark-eyed Junco - 8, Northern Cardinal - 8, Red-winged Blackbird - 12, Common Grackle - 12, Brown-headed Cowbirds - 15, Purple Finch - 60, Common Redpoll - 100, Pine Siskin - 10, American Goldfinch - 20

Bernache du Canada - 40, Carnaed branchu - 6, Canard colvert - 10, Fuligule à collier - 12, Petit garrot - 3, Garrot à oeil d'or - 60, Grand harle - 4, Grand héron - 1, Grande aigrette - 1, Buse à queue rousse - 1, Faucon émerillon - 1, Pluvier kildir - 6, Goéland à bec cerclé - 10, Touterelle triste - 1, Pic mineur - 4, Pic chevelu - 4, Pic flabouant - 1, Grand pic - 1, Moucherolle phébi - 4, Geai Bleu - 2, Corneille d'Amérique - 12, Grand Corbeau - 1, Mésange à tête noire - 15, Sittelle à poitrine blanche - 8, Grimpereau brun - 2, Merle d'Amérique - 20, étourneau sansonnet - 20, Jaseur boréal - 80, Jaseur d'Amérique - 1, Bruant Hudsonien - 5, Bruant fauve - 3, Bruant chanteur - 40, Junco ardoisé - 8, Cardinal rouge - 8, Carouge à épaulettes - 12, Quiscale bronzé - 12, Vacher à tête brune  - 15, Roselin pourpré - 60, Sizerin flammé - 100, Tarin des pins - 10 , Chardonneret jaune - 20

Thursday, April 07, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday April 9

Saturday, April 9 – samedi 9 avril 
Montréal, Pierrefonds: Parc-nature du Cap-St-jacques
map/carte  https://goo.gl/maps/zRNbV
Guide: Wayne Grubert 450-458-5498 
514-774-0811(Cell – Morning of trip only) e-mail

8:00 a.m. Take Highway 40 West. Exit Chemin Ste-Marie. Turn left onto Anse- à-l’Orme Road. Turn right and continue to the end. Turn right on Senneville Road (Gouin Blvd.). Continue for 2 km to the chalet d’accueil of the park. Parking: $9.00. Half day.

8h00. Prendre l’autoroute 40 ouest. Prendre la sortie pour le chemin Ste- Marie et tourner à gauche sur celui-ci. Continuer jusqu’au chemin de l’Anse-à- l’Orme. Tourner à droite sur celui-ci et continuer jusqu’au bout. Tourner à droite sur le chemin Senneville (boul. Gouin) et continuer sur une distance de 2 km jusqu’au chalet d’accueil du parc. Frais de stationnement : 9,00 $. Demi- journée.

Sunday, April 03, 2016

Baie-du-Febvre - map/carte: 1 Pink-footed Goose Arrived with thousands of Snow geese at 10:45 am at the observation site. The Goose was found in the afternoon in front of the little barn at 523 Marie-Victorin. 1 Greater White-fronted Goose in front the observation site, with 1000's of snow geese. 40000 Snow Goose, 1 Ross's Goose in front of the little barn at 523 Marie-Victorin. 5 Cackling Goose, 5000 Canada Goose, 6 Gadwall, 2 American Wigeon, 50 American Black Duck, 50 Mallard, 1 Blue-winged Teal Adult male near the water treatment ponds on the route Janelle. 200 Northern Pintail, 50 Green-winged Teal, 1 Green-winged Teal, (Eurasian) In the flooded fields near the chalets Club du LANDROCHE.   8 Redhead, 1000 Ring-necked Duck, 2 Bufflehead, 4 Hooded Merganser, 1 Pied-billed Grebe - Ducks Unlimited pond of the National Defence (Rte Janelle). 5 Northern Harrier, 5 Bald Eagle, 1 Rough-legged Hawk, 6 Killdeer, 30 Ring-billed Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 2 Rock Pigeon, 4 Mourning Dove, 1 Snowy Owl, 1 Blue Jay, 10 American Crow, 2 Common Raven, 2 Horned Lark, 1 Tree Swallow, 7 American Robin, 50 European Starling, 600 Snow Bunting, 3 American Tree Sparrow, 4 Song Sparrow, 50 Red-winged Blackbird, 50 Common Grackle, 10 Brown-headed Cowbird, 50 Pine Siskin, 50 American Goldfinch, 3 House Sparrow

1 Oie à bec court Arrivé avec des milliers d'oies des neiges à 10h45 sur le site d'observation. L'oie a été trouvé dans l'après-midi en face de la petite grange à 523 Marie-Victorin. Goose en face 1 rieuse le site d'observation, avec 1000 des oies des neiges. 40000 Oie des neiges, 1 Oie de Ross en face de la petite grange à 523 Marie-Victorin. 5 Bernache de Hutchins, 5000 bernache du Canada, 6 Canards chipeaux, 2 Canard d'Amérique, 50 Canard noir, 50 Mallard, 1  Sarcelle à ailes bleues mâle adulte près des étangs de traitement de l'eau sur la route Janelle. 200 Canard pilet, 50 Sarcelle d'hiver, 1 Sarcelle d'hiver,   (eurasienne) Dans les champs inondés à proximité des chalets Club du LANDROCHE. 8 Fuligule à tête rouge, Canard 1000 Fuligule à collier,
1 Grèbe à bec bigarré - Canards Illimités étang de la Défense Nationale (Rte Janelle). 2 Petit garrot, 4 Harle couronné, 5 Busard Saint-Martin, 5 Pygargue à tête blanche, 1 Buse pattue, 6 Pluvier kildir, 30 Goéland à bec cerclé, 1 Goéland argenté, 2 Pigeon biset, 4 Tourterelle triste , 1 Harfang des neiges, 1 Geai bleu, 10 Corneille d'Amérique, 2 Grand corbeau, 2 Alouette hausse-col, 1 Hirondelle bicolore, 50 Quiscale bronzé, 7 Merle d'Amérique, 50 Étourneau sansonnet, 600 Bruant des neiges, 3 Bruant Hudsonien, 4 Bruant chanteur, 50 Carouge à épaulettes, 50 Common Grackle, 10 Vacher à tête brune, 50 Tarin des pins, 50 Chardonneret jaune, 3 Moineau domestique - Pierre Bergeron, Daniel Jauvin

Bird Protection Quebec Meeting "Monthly Lecture"

Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month, starting at 19:30h at:Kensington Presbyterian Church
6225 Godfrey Avenue, NDG

Lecture: Cognition in cowbirds: Do females have better spatial memory than males?
Mélanie Guigueno, postdoctoral fellow, Natural Resource Sciences (Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences), McGill University.

Mélanie completed a BSc (Honours) in zoology and an MSc at the University of Manitoba with theses studying cowbirds from the perspective of their hosts. She then completed a PhD at University of Western Ontario studying cowbirds themselves. Her main interests are behaviour, cognition and neuroscience.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday April 2

Field Trip: Saturday, April 2 – samedi 2 avril
Parc des Rapides,
LaSalle, and Verdun Waterfront 
map/carte https://goo.gl/maps/ZKadR
 
Guide: Diane Demers 514-961-3051 e-mail

8:00 a.m. Meet in the parking lot at Parc des Rapides, corner of LaSalle Blvd and 6th Avenue in Ville 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. Looking for waterfowl and early migrants. If there is enough time left, we will visit Angrignon Park or the woods at Nuns Island. Be prepared to drive. Half day.

8h00. 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. Espèces recherchées : sauvagine et migrateurs hâtifs. 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. Demi-journée.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Sightings for Saturday March 29

Ile Ste-Marie - map/carte: 2 Gadwall, 1 Eurasian Wigeon, 2 American Wigeon, 1 American Black Duck, 5 Mallard 

2 Canards chipeaux, 1 Canard siffleur, 2 Canard d'Amérique, 1 Canard noir, 5 Canard colvert - Mark Peck
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Sainte-Catherine, Parc Chevaliers-de-Colomb - map/carte: 500 Canada Goose, 1 Tundra Swan found this morning by Lucien Lemay, 6 Common Merganser, 6 Ring-billed Gull, 1  American Robin, 20 European Starling, 3 Red-winged Blackbird, 5 Common Grackle

500 Bernache du Canada, 1 Cygne siffleur Retrouvé ce matin par Lucien Lemay, 6 Grand Harle, 6 Goéland à bec cerclé, 1 Merle d'Amérique, 20 Étourneau sansonnet, 3 Carouge à épaulettes, 5 Quiscale bronzé - Pascale Berthe

Monday, March 28, 2016

Sightings for Saturday March 28

Ile Ste-Marie, map/carte: 56 Canada Goose, 4 Wood Duck, 2 Gadwall, 1 Eurasian Wigeon, 3 American Wigeon, 2 American Black Duck, 29 Mallard, 6 Green-winged Teal, 7 Hooded Merganser, 1 Common Merganser, 1 Killdeer, 2 Ring-billed Gull, 4 Blue Jay, 1 American Crow, 3 American Robin, 8 European Starling, 12 Red-winged Blackbird, 2 Common Grackle

56 Bernache du Canada, 4 Canard branchu, 2 Canards chipeaux, 1 Canard siffleur, 3 Canard d'Amérique, 2 Canard noir, 29 Canard colvert, 6 Sarcelle d'hiver, 7 Harle couronné, 1 Grand Harle, 1 Pluvier kildir, 2 Goéland à bec cerclé, 4 Geai bleu, 1 Corneille d'Amérique, 3 Merle d'Amérique, 8 Étourneau sansonnet, 12 Carouge à épaulettes, 2 Quiscale bronzé 
- Jean-Claude Charbonneau
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Bassin Les Cèdres - map/carte: 100 Snow Goose, 5000 Canada Goose, 2 Canvasback, Male and female. Far from my vantage point. Much more easily seen from the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield side, at Cardinal Park on the rue des Cascades. 3 Bufflehead, 2 Hooded Merganser, 7 Common Merganser, 4 Ring-billed Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 1 Pileated Woodpecker, 2 American Crow, 6 American Robin, 3 Song Sparrow, 20 Red-winged Blackbird, 6 Common Grackle

100 Oie des neiges, 5000 Bernache du Canada, 2 Fuligule à dos blanc, Mâle et femelle. Très loin de mon Endroit d'observation. Beaucoup plus de Facilement observable du côté de Salaberry-de-Valleyfield à partir du parc Cardinal sur le rue des Cascades. 3 Petit garrot, 2 Harle couronné, 2 Fuligule à dos blanc, Mâle et femelle. Très loin de mon Endroit d'observation. Beaucoup plus de Facilement observable du côté de Salaberry-de-Valleyfield à partir du parc Cardinal sur le rue des Cascades. 3 Petit garrot, 2 Harle couronné, 7 Grand Harle, 4 Goéland à bec cerclé, 3 Goéland argenté, 1 Grand Pic, 2 Corneille d'Amérique, 6 Merle d'Amérique, 3 Bruant chanteur, 20 Carouge à épaulettes, 6 Quiscale bronzé - Patrick Laniel

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday March 26

10 birders participated in yesterday morning's field trip to Parc de la Frayere in South Shore Boucherville. While the weather was fine, the condition of the trails was very difficult due to the remaining ice from snow, ice and rain from earlier in the week, making walking tricky in many spots.

There were still signs and sounds of spring throughout the park. We completed the morning with 25 species, as well as a great look at a fox along the road just outside the park. Here is our list of species for the day. - Sheldon Harvey

Canada Goose - 500, Wood Duck- 2, Gadwall - 2, American Wigeon - 1, Mallard - 15, Bufflehead - 12, Common Goldeneye - 18, Common Merganser - 2, Red-tailed Hawk - 1, Ring-billed Gull - 12, Rock Pigeon - 8, Downy Woodpecker - 6, American Crow 20, Common Raven - 1, Black-capped Chickadee - 4, White-breasted Nuthatch - 5, American Robin - 8, European Starling - 6, Song Sparrow - 3, Northern Cardinal - 8, Red-winged Blackbird - 30, Common Grackle - 8, Brown-headed Cowbird - 1, Purple Finch - 2, American Goldfinch - 20

Bernache du Canada - 500, Carnard branchu- 2, Canard chipeau - 2, Canard d'Amérique - 1, Canard colvert - 15, Petit garrot - 12, Garrot à oeil d'or - 18, Grand harle - 2, Buse à queue rousse - 1, Goéland à bec cerclé - 12 , Pigeon biset - 8, Pic mineur - 6, Corneille d'Amérique 20, Grand Corbeau - 1, Mésange à tête noire - 4, Sittelle à poitrine blanche - 5, Merle d'Amérique - 8, Étourneau sansonnet - 6, Bruant chanteur - 3, Cardinal rouge - 8, Carouge à épaulettes blackbird - 30, Quiscale bronzé - 8, vacher à tête brune - 1, Roselin pourpré - 2, Chardonneret jaune - 20

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Sightings for Saturday March 26

St-Mathias-sur-Richelieu, Parc des Voiles - map/carte: 1 Greater White-fronted Goose, 8 Snow Goose, 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Cackling Goose, 3500 Canada Goose, 6 American Black Duck, 8 Mallard, 6 Northern Pintail, 1 Green-winged Teal, 12 Ring-necked Duck, 30 Common Goldeneye, 2 Hooded Merganser, 14 Common Merganser, 70 Ring-billed Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 2 Mourning Dove, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 1 Blue Jay, 2 American Crow, 1 Black-capped Chickadee, 2 American Robin, 4 European Starling, 1 Common Grackle, 2 House Finch, 2 House Sparrow

1 Oie rieuse, 8 Oie des neiges, 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Bernache de Hutchins, 3500 Bernache du Canada, 6 Canard noir, 8 Canard colvert, 6 Canards pilets, 1 Sarcelle d'hiver, 12 Fuligule à collier, 30 Garrot à oeil d'or, 2 Harle couronné, 14 Grand Harle, 70 Goéland à bec cerclé, 2 Goéland argenté, 2 Tourterelle triste, 1 Pic chevelu, 1 Geai bleu, 2 Corneille d'Amérique, 1 Mésange à tête noire, 2 Merle d'Amérique, 4 Étourneau sansonnet, 1 Quiscale bronzé, 2 Roselin familier, 2 Maison domestique - Pierre Bergeron
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Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu - 133 Rue Jean-Talon - map/carte: 1 Greater White-fronted Goose, 1 Snow Goose, 2000 Canada Goose, 2 Gadwall, 1 Eurasian Wigeon, 2 American Wigeon, 4 American Black Duck, 10 Mallard, 15 Northern Pintail, 2 Hooded Merganser, 2 Common Merganser, 10 Ring-billed Gull, 3 Common Grackle

1 Oie rieuse, 1 Oie des neiges 2000 Bernache du Canada, 2 Canard chipeau, 1 Canard siffleur, 2 Canard d'Amérique, 4 Canard noir, 10 Canard colvert, 15 Canards pilets, 2 Harle couronné, 2 Grand Harle, 10 Goéland à bec cerclé, 3 Quiscale bronzé - Claudia Siano , Pierre Bannon, Raymond Ladurantaye, Suzanne Labbé
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Montée Smellie, Godmanchester - map/carte: 3 Ring-billed Gull, 2 Mourning Dove, 2 Blue Jay, 11 American Crow, 3 Common Raven, 1 American Robin, 8 Song Sparrow, 1 Red-winged Blackbird, 1 Eastern Meadowlark

3 Goéland à bec cerclé, 2 Tourterelle triste, 2 Geai bleu, 11 Corneille d'Amérique, 3 Grand corbeau, 1 Merle d'Amérique, 8 Bruant chanteur, 1 Carouge à épaulettes, 1 Sturnelle des prés
 - Sylvie Robert

Friday, March 25, 2016

Sightings for Tuesday March 25

Saint-Mathias-sur-Richelieu, 35-79 Ch Richelieu map/carte: 4 Canada Goose, 8 Northern Pintail, 3 Green-winged Teal, 2 Black Scoter, 1 scoter sp. 32 Ring-billed Gull

4 Bernache du Canada, 8 Canard pilet, 3 Sarcelle d'hiver, 2 Macreuse noire, 1 Macreuse esp. 32 Goéland à bec cerclé - Mario Pelletier

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday March 26

For this Saturday's field trip, we'll be heading out on a search for Spring at Parc de la Frayere in South Shore Boucherville. This will be a walking trip through the park that will hopefully produce a mix of late winter birds and some early spring arrivals.

We will meet at Parc de la Frayere, on boul. Marie Victorin in Boucherville, on the St-Lawrence River. We'll explore the park on foot. There is an excellent mix of habitats including a marsh, the St-Lawrence waterfront, the wooded trails in the Boisé Langevin, and adjacent farm fields.

MEETING POINT: Parc de la Frayere, boul. Marie-Victorin, Boucherville, Quebec, in the parking lot.
GOOGLE LINK: https://goo.gl/maps/ktQvfi2tt9n
DATE: Saturday, March 26, 2016
TIME: 8 AM - Half day trip - Free Parking
LEADER: Sheldon Harvey

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

NOTE: As alternates to the Champlain Bridge, HIGHWAY 132 East can also be accessed from any of the other bridges to the South Shore (Mercier, Victoria, Jacques-Cartier, or the Lafontaine Tunnel, as well as Highway 30. Once on Highway 132 east, route instructions above apply.

If you have any questions, please contact me at e-mail   telephone - 450-462-1459, or on Saturday morning at 514-637-2141

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Sightings for Tuesday March 22

Repentigny, near Île a l'Aigle area -  (from east side of Rte 138): 300 Canada Goose, 2 American Black Duck, 100 Northern Pintail, 15 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 3 Redhead, 2  Wood duck, 4 Northern shoveler, 30 Ring-billed Gull, 4 Rough-legged hawk, 1 Red-tailed hawk & 1 bald eagle 

300 bernache du Canada, 2 Canard noir, 100 Canard pilet,15 Canard colvert, 2 canard chipeau, 3 Fuligule à tête rouge, 2 Canard branchu, 4 Canard souchet, 30 Goéland à bec cerclé, 4 Buse pattue, 1 Buse à queue rousse et 1 Pygargue à tête blanche

But, no sign of (probable) cackling goose from Saturday 19th;
pas vu le bernache de Hutchins de samedi apres-midi le 19eme - Nathan Gricks

Monday, March 21, 2016

Sightings for Monday March 21

St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Secteur Île Ste-Thérèse area - map/carte: 1 Snow Goose, 400 Canada Goose, 1 Eurasian Wigeon, 3 American Wigeon, 1 American Black Duck, 5 Mallard, 2 Green-winged Teal, 3 Ring-necked Duck, 1 Bufflehead, 20 Common Goldeneye, 4 Hooded Merganser, 5 Common Merganser, 3 Ring-billed Gull, 2 Downy Woodpecker, 2 Black-capped Chickadee, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch

1 Oie des neiges, 400 bernache du Canada, 1 Canard siffleur, 3 Canard d'Amérique, 1 Canard noir, 5 Canard colvert, 2 Sarcelle d'hiver, 3 Fuligule à collier, 1 Petit Garrot, 20 Garrot à oeil d'or, 4 Harle couronné, 5 Grand Harle , 3 Goéland à bec cerclé, 2 Pic mineur, 2 Mésange à tête noire, 1 Sittelle à poitrine blanche - Richard Lafrance
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St-Mathias-sur-Richelieu, Parc des Voiles -map/carte:
1 Barnacle Goose seen at this location for a few days, rue Richelieu near # 57, 2 Cackling Goose, 10,000 Canada Goose, 1 American Wigeon, 3 American Black Duck, 17 Mallard, 19 Northern Pintail, 4 Green-winged Teal, 2 Common Goldeneye, 2 Hooded Merganser, 4 Common Merganser, 26 Ring-billed Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 American Crow, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 Song Sparrow, 3 House Sparrow

1 Bernache nonnette - vue à cet endroit depuis quelques jours, rue richelieu près du numéro 57, 2 Bernache de Hutchins, 10 000 bernache du Canada, 1 Canard d'Amérique, 3 Canard noir, 17 Canard colvert, 19 Canard pilet, 4 Sarcelle d'hiver, 2 Garrot à oeil d'or, 2 Harle couronné, 4 Grand Harle, 26 Goéland à bec cerclé, 3 Goéland argenté, 1 Goéland marin, 2 Corneille d'Amérique, 1 Sittelle à poitrine blanche, 2 Bruant chanteur, 3 Moineau domestique - Alain Sylvain , Jose Gagnon



Sunday, March 20, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday March 19

Hello everyone, (en Français plus pas) here is a recap of yesterday's BPQ's field trip at Bois d'Héritage. With our courageous group of 20 people who came, despite the -7c weather (-12c with wind) compared to this past week's mild weather. But under beautiful sunny skies we were about to observe 24 species of birds in this urban part nature park located on the eastern part of the island of Montréal (no open water at the moment). A variety of trails are found in wooded and open field habitats throughout the park.

Interesting moments for our group yesterday were a pair of Cooper's Hawks flying together closely (courtship behaviour) just above the forest's canopy. The beautiful Purple Finches & sweet song of the American Tree Sparrows at the bird feeder. Another moment the show given by the Hairy Woodpecker's v-wing & bill waving displays, often seen at this time of year. The bird of the day was no doubt the Sharp-shinned Hawk, sun-bathing and staying open for all of us to see. This beautiful bird has become a rare raptor on the island of Montreal over the past years, nesting wise, so It's always nice to see them. It also stayed in place long enough for me to give a 'Blitz' course to the group on Sharpies & their differences between them and their bigger cousin the Cooper's Hawk.

Here is more information I can suggest on sujets I was talking about yesterday.
The annual plumage cycle of a Goldfinch: http://www.sibleyguides.com/2012/05/the-annual-plumage-cycle-of-a-male-american-goldfinch/ as well more information on tricky finches (Purple & House finches) ID link: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/id-tips-for-tricky-finches/. More ID tricks on Sharpies & Cooper's Hawk:https://www.audubon.org/news/a-beginners-guide-iding-coopers-and-sharp-shinned-hawks and for the brave and I really mean very BRAVE (don't say I didn't warn you!) here is just a little basic but good information on gull indentification:http://www.tertial.us/gulls/gulls.htm

Again thank you to all who came and took some time in their day meet the birds of this underrated nature park.
If you wish to see the list of birds seen today, consult the ebird list for more details & photos or below:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S28430361 - Joel

8000+ Snow Goose Thousands (flew over the area around 7h15am), 424 Canada Goose, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 2 Cooper's Hawk, X Ring-billed Gull, 2 Mourning Dove, 8 Downy Woodpecker, 2 Pileated Woodpecker, 5 American Crow, 15 Black-capped Chickadee, 4 White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 Brown Creeper, 12 American Robin, 2 European Starling, 6 American Tree Sparrow, 6 Dark-eyed Junco, 6 Northern Cardinal, 40 Red-winged Blackbird, 2 Common Grackle, 12 House Finch, 2 Purple Finch, 1 Pine Siskin, 20 American Goldfinch, 12 House Sparrow-----------------------------------------------------------------
Bonjour à tous, voici le bilan de l'excursion du POQ à Bois d'Héritage des oiseaux observer avec notre groupe courageux de 20 personnes qui sont venues, avec des temperature de -7C ( -12 ° C temp.ressenti) par rapport au temps doux de la semaine dernière. Mais sous un beau ciel ensoleillé, nous avons observer 24 espèces d'oiseaux dans ce parc urbain nature situé sur la partie est de l'île de Montréal. Ont peut retrouver une variété de sentiers qui se trouvent dans des habitats boisés et ouverts dans ce parc.

Moments intéressants pour notre groupe hier étaient un couple d'Éperviers de Cooper qui voler ensemble étroitement (comportement, parade nuptiale) juste au-dessus de la canopée de la forêt. Les très beau Roselin Pourpré, et les doux chant des Bruants Hudsoniennes tous à la mangeoire. Un autre moment est le spectacle donné par les Pic Chevelu, V-wing et bill-waving, souvent observés à cette période de l'année. L'oiseau de la journée était sans aucun doute le Épervier brun, qui prenais un bain de soleil et a rester ouvert pour nous tous de le voir. Ce bel oiseau est devenu un rapace rare sur l'île de Montréal au cours des dernières années (nidification), il c'est toujours agréable de les voir. Il est également resté en place assez longtemps pour moi de donner un cours 'Blitz' au groupe sur les Éperviers et leurs différences entre eux et leur plus grand cousin Épervier de Cooper.

Encore merci à tous ceux qui est venu et a pris un certain temps dans leur journée de rencontrer les oiseaux de ce parc sous-estimée.
Pour voir les oiseaux observer par le groupe, consulté la liste sur eBird (details & photos) :
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S28430361 - Joel

8000+ Oie des neiges (en vol environ 7h15am), 424 bernache du Canada, 1 Épervier brun, 2 Épervier de Cooper, X Goéland à bec cerclé, 2 Tourterelle triste, 8 Pic mineur, 2 Grand pic, 5 Corneille d'Amérique, 15 Mésange à tête noire, 4 Sittelle à poitrine blanche, 1 Grimpereau brun, 12 Merle d'Amérique, 2 Étourneau sansonnet, 6 Bruant Hudsonien, 6 Junco ardoisé, 6 Cardinal rouge, 40 Carouge à épaulettes, 2 Quiscale bronzé, 12 Roselin familier, 2 Roselin pourpré, 1 Tarin des pins, 20 Chardonneret jaune , 12 Moineau domestique

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Sightings for Saturday March 19

St-Mathias-sur-Richelieu, Parc des Voiles - map/carte: 2 Greater White-fronted Goose, 1000 Snow Goose, 10000 Canada Goose, 1 Eurasian Wigeon, 10 American Wigeon, 10 American Black Duck, 25 Mallard, 20 Northern Pintail, 3 Green-winged Teal, 4 Common Goldeneye, 1 Hooded Merganser, 1 Common Merganser, 30 Ring-billed Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Pileated Woodpecker, 1 Horned Lark, 2 American Robin, 5 European Starling, 1 Northern Cardinal, 1 Red-winged Blackbird, 12 Common Grackle, 5 House Finch, 5 House Sparrow

2 Oie rieuse, 1000 Oie des neiges, 10000 Bernache du Canada, 1 Canard siffleur, 10 Canard d'Amérique, 10 Canard noir, 25 Canard colvert, 20 Canards pilets, 3 Sarcelle d'hiver, 4 Garrots à oeil d'or 1 Harle corronné, 1 Grand harle, 30 Goéland à bec cerclé, 2 Goéland argenté, 2 Goéland marin, 1 Grand Pic, 1 Alouette hausse-col, 2 Merle d'Amérique, 5 étourneau sansonnet, 1 Cardinal rouge, 1 Carouge à épaulettes, 12 Quiscale bronzé, 5 Moineau domestique - Suzanne Labbé, Pierre Bannon, David Trescak
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Dundee, RNF du Lac-St-François--Digue aux aigrettes - map/carte
200 Canada Goose, 1 American Black Duck, 10 Mallard, 1 Northern Harrier, 4 Sandhill Crane, 2 Ring-billed Gull, 2 Downy Woodpecker, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 1 Blue Jay, 4 American Crow, 6 Black-capped Chickadee, 12 American Robin. 10 Song Sparrow, 20 Common Grackle

200 Bernache du Canada, 1 Canard noir, 10 Canard colvert, 1 Busard Saint-Martin, 4 Grue du Canada, 2 Goéland à bec cerclé, 2 Pic mineur, 1 Pic chevelu, 1 Geai bleu , 4 Corneille d'Amérique, 6 Mésange à tête noire, 12 Merle d'Amérique, 10 Bruant chanteur, 20 Quiscale bronzé - Pierre Bergeron



Friday, March 18, 2016

Sightings for Friday March 18

St-Mathias-sur-Richelieu, Parc des Voiles - map/carte: 1 Greater White-fronted Goose present for the past few days, 55 Snow Goose, 1 Barnacle Goose Discovered by Pierre Bergeron in my presence, 2000 Canada Goose, 1 Wood Duck, 2 Gadwall, 1 Eurasian Wigeon Discovered by Pierre Bergeron in my presence, 2 American Wigeon, 21 American Black Duck, 22 Mallard, 27 Northern Pintail, 6 Green-winged Teal, 7 Ring-necked Duck, 20 Common Goldeneye, 2 Common Merganser, 1 Killdeer, 15 Ring-billed Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Blue Jay, 1 American Crow, 1 Common Raven, 1 Black-capped Chickadee, 1 American Robin, 2 European Starling, 1 Northern Cardinal, 1 American Goldfinch

1 Oie rieuse présente depuis quelques jours, 55 Oies des neiges, 1 Bernache nonnette découverte par Pierre Bergeron en ma présence, 2000 Bernache du Canada, 1 Canard branchu, 2 Canards chipeaux, 1 Canard siffleur découvert par Pierre Bergeron dans ma présence, 2 Canard d'Amérique, 21 Canard noir, 22 Canard colvert, 27 Canard pilet, 6 Sarcelle d'hiver, 7 Fuligule à collier, 20 Garrots à oeil d'or, 2 Grand Harle, 1 Pluvier kildir, 15 Goéland à bec cerclé, 2 Goéland marin, 1 Geai bleu , 1 Corneille d'Amérique, 1 Grand corbeau, 1 Mésange à tête noire, 1 Merle d'Amérique , 2 Étourneau sansonnet, 1 Cardinal rouge, 1 chardonneret jaune - André Messier

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Sightings for Friday March 11

Montréal, Parc Nature Cap St. Jacques

A large mixed flock of both Bohemian Waxwings / Jaseur boréal and Cedar Waxwings / Jaseur d'Amérique, composed of very close to half one species and half the other, in trees and hedges approximately 300 metres from the park entrance. Very interesting behaviour was noted: many of the Bohemians were wading in pools of meltwater, up to and beyond the depth of their bellies; none of the Cedars were doing this.
6 Americn Robins / Merles d'Amérique were seen associating with these birds, as well as an undetermined number of Black-capped Chickadees / Mésanges à tête noire. Also seen was 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker / Pic à ventre roux. - Ian and Eleanor Turner

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday March 19

Saturday, March 19 – samedi 19 mars
Montréal - Secteur-Bois-de-l’Heritage (Parc-Nature-Pointe-aux- Prairies)
Guide: Joël Coutu 438-930-5092  e-mail
8:00 a.m. Take Boul. Metropolitain (Highway 40) east toward the northeast end of Montreal Island. Exit at Henri-Bourassa and travel east to Sherbrooke Street. Turn left (northeast) on Sherbrooke and proceed approximately 1.2 km to Ave.Yves-Thériault and turn left (northwest). Follow Ave. Yves-Thériault as it turns right then left to the corner of Jovette-Bernier. The park is across the street. If you don’t have a parking permit for the nature parks, parking is available on the streets in this area. Meet at the Chalet. The park has a variety of habitats. Looking for feeder birds, winter finches, and early spring migrants. Owls have been seen in the past. Half day.
8h00. Prendre Boul. Métropolitain (autoroute 40) direction est vers l’extrémité nord de l’île de Montréal. Prendre la sortie Henri-Bourassa et continuer vers l’est jusqu’à la rue Sherbrooke. Tourner à gauche (nord-est) sur la rue Sherbrooke et continuer environ 1,2 km jusqu’à l’avenue Yves-Thériault et tourner à gauche (nord-ouest). Suivre l’avenue Yves-Thériault qui tourne à droite puis à gauche au coin de Jovette-Bernier. Le parc est de l’autre côté de la rue. Le stationnement est disponible dans les rues du voisinage. Le lieu de rendez-vous sera au Chalet. Le parc a une variété d’habitats. Nous serons à la recherche d’oiseaux de mangeoires et de nos granivores hivernaux et migrateurs hâtifs. Des hiboux ont été observés dans ce parc dans le passé. Demi-journée.

Monday, March 14, 2016

Sightings for Monday March 14

Montréal, Mount Royal Cemetery: A flock of about 35 Pine Siskins / Tarin des pins ...sector A-4

...two flocks of Cedar Waxwings / Jaseurs d'Amérique ....15-20 birds each...at A-4 and C-2

Many American Robins / Merle d'Amérique feeding where the lawns are now bare

One Pine Warbler / Paruline des pins ... , briefly spotted....sector C-3 - Chuck Kling

Hawk Watch Monday March 14

The wind was light today so the hawks were using thermals for migration. Some birds took 10 minutes to pass by us. We had 12 more adult Golden Eagles / Aigles royal, plus 4 Bald Eagles / Pygargues à tête blanche., bringing our two-day Golden flight to 47. Adding in the Bald Eagles brings us up to 52. Adding in the Bald Eagles already counted before yesterday brings us up to 57, a very good start to the season with over 2 months to go. Unfortunately, rain is forecast for the next 3 days. - Bob Barnhurst

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Sightings for Sunday March 13

Godmanchester, Montée Smellie - map/carte: 11:45 - 12:45 - 8 Golden Eagle, 2 Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Ring-billed Gull, 1 Northern Flicker, 7
American Crow, 3 Common Raven 

8 Aigle royal, 2 Buse à queue rousse, 2 Goéland à bec cerclé, 1  Pic flaboyant 7 Corneille d'Amérique, 3 Grand corbeau - Pierre Bergeron

12:40 - 1:23 - 30 Canada Goose, 1 Golden Eagle, 2 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Killdeer, 10 American Crow, 1 Common Raven
30 Bernache du Canada, 1 Aigle royal, 2 Buse à queue rousse, 1 Pluvier kildir, 10 Corneille d'Amérique, 1 Grand corbeau - Sylvie Robert

Hawk Watch Saturday March 12

We had a spectacular adult Golden Eagle / Aigle royal flight at Valleyfield today. For about 2 hours we had group after group heading NNE while they fought the strong and biting SW - W wind. Many were at low altitude. We tallied 35 in all, which is 15 more than our previous 1 day high, which occurred on 24 March 2010. We also sighted a single adult Bald Eagle / Pygargue à tête blanche.

In 2012, we had 54 Golden Eagles over 3 days (67 in 1 week), although the highest 1 day count then was 19 on 17 March. Since 1990, we have tallied 16 1-day flights, of 10 or more Golden Eagles. The wind was so blowy and cold that, even in the lee of the car, we had trouble scoping the more distant birds. We have noticed that Goldens often move in large groups. It remains to be seen how good the entire season will be - in 2012, we had 123 birds. In the 1980s, typical season tallies were most often less than 10 birds. We have come a long way! Besides the eagles we had a small flight of Red-tailed hawks / Buse à queue rousse and 1 Red-shouldered hawks / Buse à épaulettes.

Should be more tomorrow, although the wind will be NE, which is not a good wind unless it is light. After that we are promised more rain, if the forecast holds true, which it may well not do. - Bob Barnhurst

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


Wednesday, March 09, 2016

Sightings for Tuesday March 8

Ormstown: At 10 pm this evening I heard an Eastern Screech Owl / Petit-duc maculé Trilling, normally when I hear them it is like the whinny of a horse.  In a small pine tree woods next to the village. - Sandra Auge

Tuesday, March 08, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday March 12

Saturday, March 12 – samedi 12 mars 
Montréal, Parc-nature du Bois-de-Liesse
Guide: Wayne Grubert 450-458-5498  e-mail
Cell 514-774-0811 (Morning of trip only) 
8:00 a.m. Meet at the south entrance. Take Henri Bourassa exit 60 off Highway 40 west. Stay on the north service road west to Henri Bourassa Boulevard (approx. 2 km). Exit east on Henri Bourassa Blvd. Almost immediately turn left onto rue Douglas-B-Floreani. Drive to the end of the street. Parking: $9.00. Looking for winter finches and early migrants. Half day.
8h00. Rassemblement à l’entrée sud. Prendre la sortie # 60 Henri-Bourassa de l’autoroute 40 ouest. Demeurer sur la voie de service nord vers l’ouest jusqu’au boulevard Henri-Bourassa (environ 2 km). Prendre la sortie est du boulevard Henri Bourassa. Presqu’immédiatement, tourner à gauche sur la rue Douglas-B-Floreani et se rendre au bout de la rue. Stationnement : 9,00$ Espèces recherchées : oiseaux d’hiver et migrateurs hâtifs. Demi-journée.

Monday, March 07, 2016

Sightings for Monday March 7

Repentigny,  corner of / Au coin des rues Iberville & Lorange: 13 Cedar waxwings - Jaseur d'Amerique - Nathan Gricks
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Chateauguay, rue Flanagan: 1st Common Grackle / Quiscale bronzé of the new year - Tom Long
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Otterburn Park, rue Pine - map/carte: 4 Turkey vultures / Urubus à tête rouge - Pierre Bergeron

Sunday, March 06, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday March 5

Saturday in Hudson 23 observers enjoyed a very cold but sunny morning, -16, that slowly warmed up to -5. We observed 16 species of birds and were very pleased to see Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings as well as the early spring arrival of a Red-shouldered Hawk. Thanks to everyone who came out for a pleasant morning of birding and to Wayne Grubert for his help. Here is our complete list. Barbara MacDuff

Red-shouldered hawk 1, Downy woodpecker 5, Hairy woodpecker 2, Blue jay 6, American crow 16, Black-capped chickadee 48, White-breasted nuthatch 12, American robin 12, European starling 40, Bohemian waxwing 22, Cedar waxwing 5, Dark-eyed junco 2, Northern cardinal 8, Purple finch 2, American goldfinch 6, Gull sp. 1

Buse à épaulettes 1, Pic mineur 5, Pic chevelu 2, Geai bleu 6, Corneille d'Amérique 16, Mésange à tête noire 48, Sittelle à poitrine blanche 12, Merle d'Amérique 12,  étourneau 40, Jaseur boréal 22, Jaseur d'Amérique 5, Junco ardoisé 2, Cardinal rouge 8, Roselin pourpré 2, Chardonneret jaune 6, espèces Goéland 1

Saturday, March 05, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec Meeting "Monthly Lecture"

Are Birds Sensitive to Environmental Pollution?
A Presentation by Jessica Head
Monday, March 7, 7:30 p.m. Kensington Presbyterian Church – 6225 Godfrey Ave, NDG
Jessica Head will talk about environmental pollution and its effects on birds.
Dr. Jessica Head is an assistant professor in Natural Resource Sciences (Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences) at McGill University.
She is an ecotoxicologist with expertise in avian and molecular toxicology. Her career has taken her through laboratories in industry (Pharmaceutical), academia (McGill, University of Ottawa, University of Michigan) and government (Environment Canada, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

Friday, March 04, 2016

Sightings for Friday March 4

Repentigny, Ile a l'Aigle: 2 (and up to 3 during the week) Bald eagles/ Pygargues à tête blanche, 1 Red-tailed hawk / Buse a queue rousse & Rough legged hawk (up to 6 birds)/ Buse pattue - Nathan Gricks

Thursday, March 03, 2016

Sightings for Thursday March 3

Repentigny, rues Gouverneurs & Martigny: 30+ jaseur boreale / Bohemian waxwings - Nathan Gricks

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday March 5

Saturday, March 5 – samedi 5 mars
Hudson - map/carte https://goo.gl/maps/z9UtA
Guide: Barbara MacDuff 514-457-2222   e-mail 
8:00 a.m. Meet at the CPR station on Wharf Street in Hudson. Highway 40, take exit 22 onto Côte St. Charles north, right on Main Street, left on Wharf Street. Looking for winter finches and early migrants. Half day.
8h00. Rassemblement à la gare C.P. sur la rue Wharf, à Hudson. Prendre l’autoroute 40, sortie 22, et tourner à droite sur la Côte St-Charles nord. Continuer jusqu’à la rue Main et tourner à droite sur celle-ci. Continuer jusqu’à la rue Wharf puis tourner à gauche sur celle-ci. Espèces

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday February 27

21 birders joined the field trip in the Mirabel area this morning. We were lucky and had good weather, cold but with little wind – except at the end of the trip by the landfill where the wind picked up and made it a bit more challenging to scout the hundreds of gulls for the goodies…
 We started the morning in the fields on Rang St Marie and St Dominique, where we visited the Snow Bunting banding station. Thanks to Liette and Gay for organizing this and welcoming us! While no Snow Bunting was banded while we were at the station, the visit was greatly informative and fun.
Along rang St-Marie, we got good looks at 2 Snowy Owls perched on a roof and on a pole. Everyone also enjoyed great views of Horned Larks and of a Northen Shrike. On the way back, Sheldon and Darlene spotted 4 Gray Partridges flying away. After some time, we managed to locate a group of 13 birds and enjoyed them for a while while they were foraging and running in the fields.
We then headed to the Landfill where gulls, crow, ravens and bald eagles did not disappoint.  4, maybe 5, Bald Eagles were around and put up a great show. Difficult to estimate the number of gulls as most were hidden in the landfill but it was in the thousands. A number of Glaucus Gulls were around, easy to spot roosting or in flight, but it was only in the last minutes that we managed to get good views of an Iceland Gull that everyone could enjoy.
Thanks to all who joined and made it a great morning. Below is the list of 20 species of birds observed, including a group of Common Redpolls observed as we were leaving the landfill. - Frédéric Hareau
13 Gray Partridge, 1 Wild Turkey, 4 Bald Eagle, 2 Red-tailed Hawk, 50 Rock Pigeon, 200 Herring Gull, 3 Iceland Gull, 50 Glaucous Gull, 500 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Snowy Owl, 2 Downy Woodpecker, 1 Northern Shrike, 44 American Crow, 32 Common Raven, 7 Horned Lark, 2 Black-capped Chickadee, 500 European Starling, 1 American Tree Sparrow, 2 Dark-eyed Junco, 200 Snow bunting, 20 Common Redpoll (seen as we were leaving the Landfill), 1 House Sparrow

13 Perdrix grise, 1 Dindon sauvage, 4 Pygargue à tête blanche, 2 Buse à queue rousse, 50 Pigeon biset, 200 Goéland argenté, 3 Goéland arctique, 50 Goéland bourgmestre, 500 Goéland marin, 2 Harfang des neiges, 2 Pic mineur, 1 Pie-grièche grise, 44 Corneille d'Amérique, 32 Grand corbeau, 7 Alouette hausse-col, 2 Mésange à tête noire, 500 Étourneau sansonnet, 1 Bruant Hudsonien, 2 Junco ardoisé, 200 Bruant des neiges, 20 Sizerin flammé, 1 Moineau domestique

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday February 27

Saturday, February 27 – samedi 27 février 
Mirabel – Lachute Area
map/carte https://goo.gl/maps/EZHf7Yfai8H2 (meeting place)
Guide: Frédéric Hareau  e-mail 
514-805-8491 (cell phone on the day of the trip only – cellulaire pour la sortie seulement)
8:00 a.m. From Montreal, take Highway 15 north, and then exit 31. We will meet at the Petro Canada station, just east of highway 15, at exit 31. Count 25 minutes from crossroads between highways 15 and 40 in Montreal.
We will explore a diversity of habitats in the area between Mirabel and Lachute. We will start with the fields near Mirabel which are known for Snowy Owls, Gray Partridges and Snow Buntings among others. We will then visit more wooded areas as well as a landfill where gulls, including Glaucous and Iceland Gulls concentrate. For people interested in extending the field trip, we will have lunch in Lachute and then visit diverse habitats in the afternoon, including woodlands, open fields and feeders looking for raptors, redpolls and other winter visitors. It will be a driving trip, with several short walks. Half day with possibility to extend it in the afternoon for those interested.

8h00. De Montréal, prendre l’autoroute 15 nord, puis la sortie 31. Nous nous rencontrerons à la station Pétro-Canada, juste à l’est de l’autoroute 15, sortie 31. Compter 25 minutes depuis le croisement entre la 15 et la 40 à Montréal.
Nous allons explorer une diversité d’habitats dans la région entre Mirabel et Lachute. Nous explorerons tout d’abord les champs de Mirabel qui sont connus pour le harfang des neiges, les perdrix grises et passereaux hivernaux. Nous allons ensuite visiter les zones boisées ainsi qu’un site d’enfouissement où les goélands, y compris les goélands bourgmestres et arctiques, se concentrent. Pour les personnes intéressées à poursuivre la sortie, nous dinerons à Lachute et visiterons ensuite divers habitats dans l’après-midi : habitats forestiers, champs et mangeoires à la recherche des rapaces, des passereaux hivernaux et d’autres visiteurs. La sortie s’effectuera principalement en voiture, avec plusieurs courtes marches. Demi-journée avec possibilité de prolonger dans l’après-midi pour les personnes intéressées.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Sightings for Friday February 19

Terrebonne, rue St-Denis map/carte: 1 Harris's Sparrow / Bruant de Harris - Patrice Franche

Thursday, February 18, 2016

BPQ research grant applications

There are only ten days left in which to submit applications to BPQ for this year's research and other grants. Don't miss the opportunity.
http://pqspb.org/bpqpoq/research-grants/

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday February 20

Saturday, February 20 – samedi 20 février
Snowshoe Outing in Morgan Arboretum 
(Note: Snowshoes Required / Raquettes requises)
Guide: Richard Gregson greenbirding@gmail.com
2009__28:00 a.m. Something Different! We will use snowshoes to explore areas of the Morgan Arboretum not usually accessible in summer. Expect a 5 km hike with numerous stops to listen for birds. Looking for winter forest species including woodpeckers, raptors and with luck an owl.
From Montreal take Highway 40 west. Take Exit 41. Keep right and bear right at the traffic light. Climb the hill. At the stop sign turn left onto Chemin des Pins and drive 1 km to the parking lot on the left. $6.00 admission charge for non- Arboretum members. Half day.
8h00. Quelque chose de différent, nous utiliserons des raquettes pour explorer des endroits qui ne sont pas normalement accessibles durant la période estivale. Attendez-vous à une randonnée de cinq kilomètres avec de fréquents arrêts pour écouter les oiseaux. Nous serons à la recherche d’oiseaux d’hiver, espèces forestières qui incluent les pics, rapaces et avec un peu de chance une chouette.
De Montréal de l’autoroute 40 Ouest, emprunter la sortie 41, garder la droite et garder la droite au feu de circulation. Monter la côte et au panneau d’arrêt tourner à gauche sur le chemin des Pins et continuer jusqu’au stationnement. Frais d’entrée : 6,00 $ pour les non-membres. Demi-journée.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Sightings for Sunday February 14

Val-Bélair, Rue des Bannières: Red-headed woodpecker / Pic à tête rouge immature- Chantal Trudel
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Chateauguay, rue Flanagan: Cooper's hawk / épervier de Cooper - Tom Long


Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Sightings for Wednesday February 10

Lasalle, Parc des Rapides - map/carte: 30 Canada Goose, 4 American Black Duck, 60 Mallard, 1 Bufflehead, 180 Common Goldeneye, 40 Common Merganser, 4 Wild Turkey (Île aux Hérons), 1 Bald Eagle, 8 Herring Gull, 4 Great Black-backed Gull, 1 Downy Woodpecker, 2 Peregrine Falcon, 6 American Crow, 1 Common Raven, 2 European Starling, 5 House Sparrow

30 Bernache du Canada, 4 Canard noir, 60 Canard colvert, 1 Petit Garrot, 180 Garrot à oeil d'or, 40 Grand Harle, 4 Dindon sauvage (l'île aux Hérons), 1 Pygargue à tête blanche, 8 Goéland argenté, 4 Goéland marin, 1 Pic mineur , 2 Faucon pèlerin, 6 Corneille d'Amérique, 1 Grand Corbeau, 2 Étourneau sansonnet, 5 Moineau domestique - Maxime Aubert

Tuesday, February 09, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday February 13

Saturday, February 13 – samedi 13 février
Ste-Marthe, St-Clet, Ste-Justine
https://goo.gl/maps/BDQDU
Guide: Wayne Grubert 450-458-5498 e-mail
8:00 a.m. Meet at Hudson Inn, exit 17 off Highway 40. From Montreal, take Highway 40 west towards Ottawa. Allow an hour’s drive from Montreal. Looking for Snowy Owls, Rough-legged Hawks, Snow Buntings and other open-country winter birds. Bring warm clothes for standing around or taking short walks (or in case weather conditions dictate a complete change of itinerary). We will try to keep the number of cars to a minimum; therefore, car- pooling arranged ahead of time and/or at our rendez-vous point would be greatly appreciated. Half day.

8 h 00 Rassemblement au Hudson Inn, sortie 17 de l’autoroute 40. De Montréal, prendre l’autoroute 40 ouest, en direction d’Ottawa. Prévoir une heure à partir de Montréal. Espèces recherchées : Harfang des neiges, Buse pattue, Bruant des neiges et autres oiseaux d’hiver. Apporter des vêtements suffisamment chauds pour de courtes marches et permettant de passer du temps à l’extérieur; prévoir également d’éventuels changements de plans, dus à la météo. Nous vous encourageons à faire du covoiturage en vue de limiter le nombre de voitures. Demi-journée.

Monday, February 08, 2016

Sightings for Monday February 8

St-Jean-sur-Richelieu: Yellow-headed Blackbird and at the corner of Chênevert and Jean Talon, in the conifers exiting the bridge to Ile Sainte-Terese

Carouge à tête jaune au coin de Chênevert et Jean-Talon, dans les conifres en sortant du pont de Ile Sainte-Térese - Réal Boulet

Sunday, February 07, 2016

http://gbbc.birdcount.org/

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday February 6

Ten birders participated in the field trip to rue Higgins in Chateauguay and the Recre-o-parc in Sainte-Catherine was warmer than expected, which is usually quite cold this time of year.  A light snow was falling and the trails were a bit icy in spots. Visibility was not good when looking out onto the river because of the falling snow. Total species count was 19 including a pair of Red-bellied woodpeckers which were the bird of the day

Sainte-Catherine, Recre-o-parc: 10 Canada Goose, 145 Mallard, 32 Common Goldeneye, 41 Common Merganser, 2 Ring-billed Gull, 6 Herring Gull, 19 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Downy Woodpecker, 2 American Crow, 31 Black-capped Chickadee, 3 White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 White-throated Sparrow, 12 Northern Cardinal, 2 American Goldfinch

10 Bernache du Canada, 145 Canard colvert, 32 Garrot à oeil d'or, 41 Grand Harle, 2 Goéland à bec cerclé, 6 Goéland argenté, 19 Goéland marin, 2 Pic mineur, 2 Corneille d'Amérique, 31 Mésange à tête noire, 3 Sittelle à poitrine blanche, 2 Bruant à gorge blanche, 12 Cardinal rouge, 2 Chardonneret jaune

Chateauguay, rue Higgins: 34 Mallard, 1 Mourning Dove, 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 9 Downy Woodpecker, 3 Hairy Woodpecker, 1 Northern Flicker, 1 Blue Jay, 2 American Crow, 8 Black-capped Chickadee, 2 White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 American Robin, 18 European Starling, 3 Northern Cardinal, 25 American Goldfinch

34 Canard colvert, 1 Tourterelle triste, 2 Pic à ventre roux, 9 Pic mineur, 3 Pic chevelu, 1 Pic flamboyant, 1 Geai Bleu, 2 American Crow, 8 Mésange à tête noire, 2 Sittelle à poitrine blanche, 1 Merle d'Amérique, 18 Étourneau sansonnet, 3 cardinal rouge, 25 Chardonneret jaune

Thursday, February 04, 2016

Sightings for Thursday February 4

Saint-Stanislas-de-Kostka, Hungry Bay map/carte: 3 Mallard, 1 Greater Scaup, 50 Common Goldeneye, 70 Common Merganser, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Common Loon, 3 Herring Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 14 Rock Pigeon, 1 Gyrfalcon  flew from the Larocque bridge to the beach at the Claire Fontaine campgrounds, 2 Amreican Crow, 4 Black-capped Chickadee, 2 Tufted Titmouse, 1 White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 Brown Creeper, 80 European Starling, 1 Northern Cardinal, 1 American Goldfinch

Canard colvert, 1 Fuligule milouinan, 50 Common Goldeneye, 70 Grand Harle, 2 Harle huppé, 1 Common Loon, 3 Goéland Argenté, 2 Goéland marin, 14 Pigeon biset, 1 Faucon gerfault Volait du pont Larocque vers la plage du Camping À la Claire Fontaine. 2 Corneille d'Amérique, 4 Mésange à tête noire, 2 Mésange bicolore, 1 Sittelle à poitrine blanche, 1 Grimpereau brun, 80 Étourneau sansonnet, 1 Northern Cardinal, 1 Chardonneret jaune - Patrick Laniel
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Mirabel, Rgs Ste-Marie & Ste-Dominique map/carte: 2 Wild Turkey, 30 Rock Pigeon, 1 Gyrfalcon, 3 American Crow, 2 Black-capped Chickadee, 1 Lapland Longspur, 200 Snow Bunting 

2 Dindon sauvage, 30 Pigeon biset, 1 Faucon gerfault, 3 Corneille d'Amérique, 2 Mésange à tête noire, 1 Bruant lapon, 200 Bruant des neiges - Luc Laberge
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Ile Ste-Marie carte/map: Canvasback / Fuligule à dos blanc - Réal Boulet

Wednesday, February 03, 2016

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday February 6

Saturday, February 6 – samedi 6 février
Rue Higgins, Chateâuguay, & Sainte-Catherine Récré-O- Parc
Leader: Tom Long 450-692-1590  e-mail
8:00 a.m. Meet at rue Higgins in Châteauguay. At Higgins, the birds to look for include Red-bellied Woodpecker and Tufted Titmouse, but you never know what will show up. One Christmas Bird Count, 22 species were counted there in just over an hour including a Carolina Wren and an Eastern Towhee. After checking out Higgins area, we will go to the Récré-O-Parc in Sainte- Catherine and look for winter ducks and whatever else we can find. There are no facilities at the Récré-O-Parc. Half day. From Montreal, take Hwy 138 and cross the Mercier Bridge. Stay right coming off the bridge and take Hwy 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 Blvd. Salaberry Nord. Turn right on to Salaberry Nord and continue until rue Higgins and turn right. There is a small parking area on the left next to the cell-phone tower.
8 h 00. Rendez-vous à la rue Higgins à Châteauguay. Sur la rue Higgins, les espèces recherchées sont le Pic à ventre roux et la Mésange bicolore. Mais nous ne pouvons pas prévoir qui sera au rendez-vous. Lors d’un décompte de Noël, 22 espèces ont été dénombrées dans un peu plus d’une heure comprenant un Troglodyte de Caroline ainsi qu’un Tohi à flancs roux. Après avoir fait le tour de la zone Higgins, nous irons au Récré-O-Parc à Sainte- Catherine. Au Récré-O-Parc, nous y verrons presqu’exclusivement des canards d’hiver et peut-être d’autres surprises. Le Récré-O-Parc n’offre aucune installation sanitaire ni de restauration. Demi-journée.

Tuesday, February 02, 2016

Sightings for Tuesday February 2

Sainte-Catherine, Récré-O-Parc map/carte: 150 Canada Goose, 4 Gadwall, 3 American Black Duck, 90 Mallard, 3 Common Goldeneye, 2 Common Merganser, 12 Herring Gull, 18 Great Black-backed Gull, 6 Black-capped Chickadee, 2 White-breasted Nuthatch, 20 American Robin, 1 Gray Catbird seen in the area of the 2nd. feeder, 5 European Starling, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler seen in the area of the 1st. feeder, 1 Pine Warbler seen in the area of the 1st. feeder, 2 White-throated Sparrow, 3 Northern Cardinal

150 Bernache du Canada, 4 Canard chipeau, 3 Canard noir, 90 Canard colvert, 3 Garrot à oeil d'or,, 2 Grand Harle, 12 Goéland argenté, 18 Goéland marin, 6 Mésange à tête noire, 2 Sittelle à poitrine blanche, 20 Merle d'Amérique, 1 Moqueur chat vu dans la zone de la deuxième mangeoire, 5 Étourneau sansonnet, 1 Paruline verdâtre revue dans le secteur de la première mangeoire, 1 Paruline des pins revue dans le secteur de la première mangeoire, 2 Bruant à gorge blanche, 3 Cardinal rouge - Monique Groulx

2 Bald Eagle, 3 Ring-billed Gull, 1 Downy Woodpecker, 3 American Crow 

2 Pygargue à tête blanche, 3 Goéland à bec cerclé, 1 Pic mineur, 3 Corneille d'Amérique - Pierre Casavant
 
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