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
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