BPQ field trip report, Saturday October 15

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

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

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

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday October 15

Refuge Faunique Marguerite D’Youville on Île Saint Bernard

Walking trip looking for waterbirds and late migrants. 

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

Guide: Tom Long - e-mail - 450-692-1590
Time. 8:00 a.m. – Half day.
Fees: $3.00 admission fee. Half day.

Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/g5spD

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

Sortie au Refuge Faunique Marguerite D’Youville, Île Saint Bernard

Excursion à pied, à la recherche d’oiseaux aquatiques et de migrateurs tardifs. 

Considérant que les sentiers gazonnés sont généralement humides le matin, il est conseillé de porter des chaussures adéquates.

Guide: Tom Long  courriel  450-692-1590

Heure:  8h00 -Demi-journée.

Frais: Frais d’entrée de 3.00$.  

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.

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

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday October 1

Île Charron and Parc des Îles de Boucherville

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

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

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

Time: 8:00 a.m. – Half- day trip.

Admission: $8:50 per person

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

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

Île Charron et Parc des Îles de Boucherville

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

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

Guide: Frédéric Hareau courriel 

514-805-8491 (cellulaire pour le jour de la sortie seulement)

Heure: 8h00 – Demi-journée.

Entrée du parc: 8.50$ par personne.

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

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

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday September 24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heure: 8h00 – Demi- journée.

Frais d’entrée: environ 8.50$ par personne.

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

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

Sightings for Saturday September 10

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

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

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

BPQ field trip report, Saturday September 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday September 10

Montréal, Parc- Nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation
map/carte https://goo.gl/maps/jU9nT
Guide: Joël Coutu: fauconbleu65@hotmail.com
7:30 a.m. Meet at the park’s Welcome Centre at 2425, boul. Gouin Est Montréal. From Highway 40 (Metropolitan Blvd) take Papineau north to Henri Bourassa. Turn right (east) on Henri Bourassa and turn left on Rue de Lille. Turn right onto Gouin and left into the parking area. Parking: $9.00 or park on surrounding streets. Half Day.

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

BPQ field trip report, Saturday September 3

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

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

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

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday September 3

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

Looking for waterfowl, raptors and migrating passerines.

map/carte: https://goo.gl/maps/u3ihE

Guides: Sheldon Harvey e-mail 
450-462-1459 /Cell # on Saturday morning 514-637-2141
Wayne Grubert  e-mail
450-458-5498 514-774-0811 Cell (PLEASE use only on morning of trip)
Time: 8:00 a.m. Half day.
Directions: Meet at the Visitor Centre parking lot. If you are taking the Mercier Bridge from Montreal go (left) east on Highway 132 for 4.5km to Highway 730. Take Highway 730 to its junction with Highway 30. Proceed west on Highway 30 for approximately 33 km to the exit for Highway 530. Take Highway 530 until its end. Turn left onto Highway 132, crossing the bridge, and continue approximately 33km past Sainte-Barbe and Saint-Anicet to Cazaville. Continue another 8 km on Hwy 132 past Cazaville to chemin-de-le-Pointe-Fraser. Turn right on this road and meet at the visitor centre parking lot about 1 km along on the left.

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

Allow about 1.5 hours from Montreal.

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

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

BPQ field trip report, Saturday August 27

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

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

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

Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip" Saturday August 27

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

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

map/carte: https://goo.gl/maps/o5p9D

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

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

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

Sightings for Thursday August 18

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sightings for Thursday August 18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the results

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

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

Sightings for Thursday August 11

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

Sightings for Wednesday August 10

Pointe de Yamachiche -- map/carte: 45 species including 1 American White Pelican The bird, spotted yesterday, was still at the back of the baie de Yamachiche. Even from a distance you could enjoy its immense size and its massive and long yellow beak. 11 Great Blue Heron, 1 Great Egret, 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron, 2 Northern Harrier, 3 Bald Eagle, 1 Black-bellied Plover, 2 Semipalmated Plover, 4 Killdeer, 2 Lesser Yellowlegs, 5 Least Sandpiper

45 espèces avec: 1 Pélican d'Amérique L'oiseau, repéré hier, était encore au fond de la baie de Yamachiche. Même à distance on pouvait apprécier sa taille immense et son long et massif bec jaune. 11 Grand héron, 1 Grande Aigrette, 1 Bihoreau gris, 2 Busard saint-martin, 3 Pygargue à tête blanche, 1 Pluvier argenté, 2 Pluvier semipalmé, 4 Pluvier kildir, 2 Petit Chevalier, 5  Bécasseaux minuscule - Yves Gauthier

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

This Saturday's trip will be our annual trip to 4 eastern Ontario sewage lagoons.

DATE: Saturday, August 13, 2016
TIME: 6:00 AM – Full day, with lunch break; combination driving/walking trip.
MEETING PLACE: The Hudson Inn parking lot in Hudson, Quebec - Exit 17 off of Highway 40.

GOOGLE MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/Ri5g3zfgwSG2


Please arrive early to be ready to depart at 6 AM sharp. We have about a 1-hour drive from Hudson to our first stop in St-Isidore.

DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS: A detailed route for the day is available. If you would like a copy of the document, e-mail me

ITINERARY: We will visit 4 sewage lagoons; St- Isidore, St-Albert, Embrun and Casselman. We'll be looking for shorebirds and marsh-dwellers, as well as raptors and early migrating species. The stops at St-Isidore and St-Albert will fill the morning. We'll then break for lunch at Tim Horton's in Embrun, then move on to the Embrun and Casselman Lagoons. Bring your lunch or pick up something at the lunch stop in Embrun.

The trip involves a lot of walking. The lagoons are located in wide-open, exposed areas, away from any facilities. They provide no shade or shelter from the sun or rain. Please dress accordingly and bring along fluids and/or snacks. The grass can be quite wet, particularly early in the morning. Be equipped with suitable footwear. Spotting scopes will be very useful. If you have portable two-way radios, please bring them along for communicating between cars.

If you have questions please contact me by e-mail, or by telephone at 450-462-1459. If you are delayed on Saturday morning, please call 514-637-2141. We will leave Hudson at 6 am. Should you arrive late, you will have time to catch up to us at our first stop in St-Isidore.

Sheldon Harvey

2016 Summer Series of Birding - Field Trip #4 Report - Saturday, August 6

15 people turned out for Saturday's field trip to Ste-Martine, Howick and Mercier, Quebec. It was a great day, weather-wise with mostly sunny conditions with less humidity than previous days this past week. Our timing was great as it seemed that a large number of shorebirds had arrived at the dam at Ste-Martine. The highlight from Ste-Martine was the discovery of two short-billed Dowitchers. Without a doubt though, the bird of the day was the Red-headed Woodpecker immediately found at the intersection of Highway 138 and rang du 40 near Howick. The bird offered up excellent views, a lifer for many in the group.

We completed the day with a total of 54 species. Here is the complete list. I will do separate listings for each location, for e-Bird purposes, later on. Thanks to everyone who participated. - Sheldon Harvey

Wood Duck 10, Mallard 80, Northern Shoveler 4, Green-winged Teal 5, Great Blue Heron 8, Great Egret 1, Black-crowned Night Heron 3, Turkey Vulture 3, Osprey 1, Sharp-shinned Hawk 1, Cooper's Hawk 1, Red-tailed Hawk 2, Semipalmated Plover 2, Killdeer 24, Spotted Sandpiper 8, Solitary Sandpiper 1, Lesser Yellowlegs 40, Least Sandpiper 22, Pectoral Sandpiper 1, Semipalmated Sandpiper 1, Short-billed Dowitcher 2, Ring-billed Gull 75, Rock Pigeon 12, Mourning Dove 8, Chimney Swift 5, Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1, Belted Kingfisher 2, Red-headed Woodpecker 1, Downy Woodpecker 3, Hairy Woodpecker 1, Merlin 1, Peregrine Falcon 1, Eastern Wood-Pewee 1, Eastern Kingbird 5, Warbling Vireo 2, American Crow 20, Purple Martin 4, Tree Swallow 20, Bank Swallow 4, Barn Swallow 30, Black-capped Chickadee 12, White-breasted Nuthatch 2, American Robin 4, European Starling 30, Nashville Warbler 1, Common Yellowthroat 1, Yellow Warbler 6, Yellow-rumped Warbler 1, Song Sparrow 6, Northern Cardinal 1, Red-winged Blackbird 3, Common Grackle 4, American Goldfinch 20, House Sparrow 2

Canard branchu 10, Canard colvert 80, Canard souchet 4, Sarcelle d'hiver 5, Grand héron 8, Grande Aigrette 1, Bihoreau gris 3, Urubu à tête rouge 3, Balbuzard pêcheur 1, Épervier brun 1, Épervier de Cooper 1, Buse à queue rousse 2, Pluvier semipalmé 2, Pluvier kildir 24, Chevalier grivelé 8, Chevalier solitaire 1, Petit Chevalier 40, Bécasseau minuscule 22, Bécasseau à poitrine cendrée 1, Bécasseau semipalmé 1, Bécassin roux 2, Goéland à bec cerclé 75, Pigeon biset 12, Tourterelle triste 8, Martinet ramoneur 5, Colibri à gorge rubis 1, Martin pêcheur d'Amérique 2, Pic à tête rouge 1, Pic mineur 3, Pic chevelu 1, Faucon émerillon 1, Faucon pèlerin 1, Pioui de l'Est 1, Tyran tritri 5, Viréo mélodieux  2, Corneille d'Amérique 20, Hirondelle noire 4, Hirondelle bicolore 20, Hirondelle rivage4, Hirondelle rustique 30, Mésange à tête noire 12, Sittelle à poitrine blanche 2, Merle d'Amérique 4, Étourneau sansonnet 30, Paruline à joues grises 1, Paruline masquée 1, Paruline jaune 6, Paruline à croupion jaune 1, Bruant chanteur6, Cardinal rouged 1, Carouge à épaulettes 3, Quiscale bronzé 4, Chardonneret jaune 20, Moineau domestique 2

2016 Summer Series of Birding Trip #6 - Saturday, August 6

Saturday, August 6 - samedi 6 d’aout
Sainte-Martine, Howick, Mercier Lagoons, Mercier
Guide: Sheldon Harvey

514-637-2141 – E-mail
8:00 a.m. – Half-day
Meet at 1 rue du Pont, Sainte-Martine

GOOGLE MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/OzxnL

Driving Instructions: If you are taking the Mercier Bridge from Montreal, go right on Highway 132/138 West. Drive for approximately 40 km on Highway 138 West to the town of Sainte-Martine. In Sainte-Martine, watch for the Subway Restaurant on the right just before rue du Pont. Turn right on rue du Pont, cross the bridge. The parking lot will be immediately on your right.

If you are taking Highway 30 from either the east or west, take Exit 26-ch. de la Beauce (Highway 205). Follow Highway 205 south to the intersection with Highway 138 (boul. St-Jean-Baptiste) in Sainte-Martine. Turn right on St-Jean-Baptiste. Watch for the Subway Restaurant on the right & follow the instructions above.

NOTE: From Ste-Martine we will continue on Highway 138 to rang du 40 to look for the Red-headed Woodpecker, then return on secondary roads to the Mercier Lagoons to look for the Red-necked Phalarope and Bonaparte’s Gull

8 h 00 – Demi-journée
LIEU de rencontre: Rassemblement à 1 rue du Pont, Sainte-Martine, QC.

CARTE DE GOOGLE: https://goo.gl/maps/OzxnL

La Route: Si vous arrivez depuis le pont Mercier en provenance de Montréal, prenez vers l’ouest (droite) sur la route 132/138 ouest. Suivez la route 138 ouest pour 40 km jusqu' à la ville de Sainte-Martine. En ville , sur la droite, vous trouverai le restaurant “Subway”. Après le “Subway” tournez à droite sur rue du Pont. Traversez le pont. Le stationnement est après le pont à la droite.

Si vous prenez l’autoroute 30, de l’ouest ou l’est, prendre la sortie 26 (Route 205-ch. de la Beauce) Continuez vers le sud sur route 205-ch. de la Beauce en direction Sainte-Martine jusqu’à l’intersection de Route 138 (boul. St-Jean-Baptiste). Tournez à droite sur boul. St-Jean-Baptiste et trouvez le restaurant “Subway” sur la droite. Après le “Subway” tournez à droite sur rue du Pont. Traversez le pont. Le stationnement est après le pont à la droite.

NOTE: De Ste-Martine, que nous allons continuer sur la route 138 à rang du 40 pour tenter de voir le pic à tête rouge, puis retour sur des routes secondaires au station d'épuration de Mercier pour chercher le Phalarope à bec étroit et la Mouette de Bonaparte.