This week we will head to a destination that we last visited in July 2011; Parc Nature Pointe des Cascades, south of Highway 20 in Pointe des Cascades, QC, adjacent to the entrance to the Soulanges Canal.
Pointe des Cascades offers a variety of habitats: wooded areas, sandy & marshy waterfront and open water. The area is made up of a peninsula and two islands, Ile Joubert & Ile des Cascades, located at the point where the Riviere des Outaouais meets the St. Lawrence River. There are several walking paths through wooded areas leading up to the shoreline, offering excellent views out on to the water.
DESTINATION: Parc Nature Pointe des Cascades, Pointe des Cascades, QC
TIME: 8 am
MEETING PLACE: Parking lot of Au Vieux Duluth Restaurant, 250 Harwood Blvd (Highway 20) at the corner of Highway 338 (ch. De Lotbiniere) in Vaudreuil-Dorion.
SEE GOOGLE MAP: http://goo.gl/maps/94zdi
DURATION: Half-day trip
Driving Instructions: Take Highway 20 West to Vaudreuil-Dorion. At the intersection of Highway 20 (Harwood) and Highway 338 (ch. Lotbiniere), you will see the Au Vieux Duluth restaurant at 250 Harwood, on the south-west corner of the intersection.
Itinerary: From the meeting point in Vaudreuil-Dorion, we will drive to the parking lot of the Parc Nature Pointe des Cascades. Note: There is no charge for entry to the park or for parking. This will be predominantly a walking trip through the park. Time permitting, we may explore some marshy areas west of Pointe des Cascades, driving west along chemin du Fleuve.
For further information, please contact Sheldon at 450-462-1459, or on Saturday morning at 514-637-2141.
Sheldon Harvey
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014
Bird Protection Quebec, Summer Series 2014 - Field trip #4 Report
13 people participated in Saturday's field trip to Ste-Martine, St-Etienne-de-Beauharnois and St-Timothee. The weather was very pleasant with a mix of sun and cloud, and mild with low humidity. All three locations produced a good selection of birds. The water level at Ste-Martine has dropped considerably, exposing a lot of rocks and vegetation; nice habitat for some shorebirds, ducks, terns, gulls and a very active Osprey. We took a long stroll along the bicycle path leading to one of the large ponds at St-Etienne. The fields leading to the pond produced large numbers of swallows, plus sparrows, bobolinks and even a few horned larks. In fact, for those who have commented on the low number of swallows this year, a visit to St-Etienne would help to comfort your concerns. Our last stop at St-Timothee provided one of the highlights of the day; brief sightings of no less than 3 Least Bitterns. However, St-Timothee also produced some of the puzzles of the day as we discovered a number of ducklings. Unfortunately we were confused as to exactly which species of ducklings we were observing. We weren't sure which duckings belonged to which parent birds! Very confusing.
All in all though, a nice mild summer day of birding with a nice collection of 56 species. A little depressing to see several very large flocks of red-winged blackbirds and starlings beginning their pre-fall migration activities...and it's not even August yet! Here is the list. Numbers, in many cases, are rough estimates. - Sheldon Harvey
Canada Goose 12 Wood Duck 4 American Wigeon 3 Mallard 80 Redhead 8 Ring-necked Duck 6 Hooded Merganser 3 Pied-billed Grebe 12 Double-crested Cormorant 4 Least Bittern 3
Great Blue Heron 24 Great Egret 4 Black-crowned Night Heron 2 Turkey Vulture 2 Osprey 1 Northern Harrier 1 Common Moorhen 3 Killdeer 8 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Lesser Yellowlegs 12 Spotted Sandpiper 14 Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 Least Sandpiper 1 Ring-billed Gull 80
Caspian Tern 1 Common Tern 30 Black Tern 12 Rock Pigeon 20 Mourning Dove 12 Chimney Swift 12 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Belted Kingfisher 3 Downy Woodpecker 3 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Eastern Kingbird 4 Warbling Vireo 1 American Crow 24 Horned Lark 8
Tree Swallow 300+ Bank Swallow 6 Barn Swallow 24 Marsh Wren 1 American Robin 25
Gray Catbird 1 European Starling 200+ Cedar Waxwing 10 Yellow Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 6 Chipping Sparrow 6 Savannah Sparrow 10 Song Sparrow 12 Bobolink 20
Red-winged Blackbird 300+ Common Grackle 12 American Goldfinch 15 House Sparrow 4
Bernache du Canada 12 Canard branchu 4 Canard d'Amérique 3 Canard colvert 80 Fuligule à tete rouge 8 Fuligule à collier 6 Harle couronné 3 Grèbe à bec bigarré 12 Cormoran à aigrettes 4 Petit Blongios 3 Grand héron 24 Grande aigrette 4 Bihoreau gris 2 Urubu à tête rouge 2 Balbuzard pêcheur 1 Busard Saint-Martin 1 Gallinule poule d'eau 3 Pluvier kildir 8 Grand Chevalier 1 Petit Chevalier 12 Chevalier grivelé 14 Bécasseau semipalmé 1 Bécasseau minuscule 1 Goéland à bec cerclé 80 Sterne caspienne 1 Sterne pierregarin 30 Guifette noire 12 Pigeon biset 20 Tourterelle triste 12 Martinet ramoneur 12 Colibri à gorge rubis 1 Martin-pêcheur 3 Pic mineur 3 Pic chevelu 1 Tyran tritri 4 Viréo mélodieux 1 Corneille d'Amérique 24 Alouette hausse-col 8 Hirondelle bicolore 300 + Hirondelle de rivage 6 Hirondelle rustique 24 Troglodyte des marais 1 Merle d'Amérique 25 Moqueur chat 1 Étourneau sansonnet 200 + Jaseur d'Amérique 10 Paruline jaune 1 Paruline masquée 6 Bruant familier 6 Bruant des prés 10 Bruant chanteur 12 Goglu des prés 20 Carouge à épaulettes 300 + Quiscale bronzé 12 Chardonneret jaune 15 Moineau domestique 4
All in all though, a nice mild summer day of birding with a nice collection of 56 species. A little depressing to see several very large flocks of red-winged blackbirds and starlings beginning their pre-fall migration activities...and it's not even August yet! Here is the list. Numbers, in many cases, are rough estimates. - Sheldon Harvey
Canada Goose 12 Wood Duck 4 American Wigeon 3 Mallard 80 Redhead 8 Ring-necked Duck 6 Hooded Merganser 3 Pied-billed Grebe 12 Double-crested Cormorant 4 Least Bittern 3
Great Blue Heron 24 Great Egret 4 Black-crowned Night Heron 2 Turkey Vulture 2 Osprey 1 Northern Harrier 1 Common Moorhen 3 Killdeer 8 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Lesser Yellowlegs 12 Spotted Sandpiper 14 Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 Least Sandpiper 1 Ring-billed Gull 80
Caspian Tern 1 Common Tern 30 Black Tern 12 Rock Pigeon 20 Mourning Dove 12 Chimney Swift 12 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Belted Kingfisher 3 Downy Woodpecker 3 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Eastern Kingbird 4 Warbling Vireo 1 American Crow 24 Horned Lark 8
Tree Swallow 300+ Bank Swallow 6 Barn Swallow 24 Marsh Wren 1 American Robin 25
Gray Catbird 1 European Starling 200+ Cedar Waxwing 10 Yellow Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 6 Chipping Sparrow 6 Savannah Sparrow 10 Song Sparrow 12 Bobolink 20
Red-winged Blackbird 300+ Common Grackle 12 American Goldfinch 15 House Sparrow 4
Bernache du Canada 12 Canard branchu 4 Canard d'Amérique 3 Canard colvert 80 Fuligule à tete rouge 8 Fuligule à collier 6 Harle couronné 3 Grèbe à bec bigarré 12 Cormoran à aigrettes 4 Petit Blongios 3 Grand héron 24 Grande aigrette 4 Bihoreau gris 2 Urubu à tête rouge 2 Balbuzard pêcheur 1 Busard Saint-Martin 1 Gallinule poule d'eau 3 Pluvier kildir 8 Grand Chevalier 1 Petit Chevalier 12 Chevalier grivelé 14 Bécasseau semipalmé 1 Bécasseau minuscule 1 Goéland à bec cerclé 80 Sterne caspienne 1 Sterne pierregarin 30 Guifette noire 12 Pigeon biset 20 Tourterelle triste 12 Martinet ramoneur 12 Colibri à gorge rubis 1 Martin-pêcheur 3 Pic mineur 3 Pic chevelu 1 Tyran tritri 4 Viréo mélodieux 1 Corneille d'Amérique 24 Alouette hausse-col 8 Hirondelle bicolore 300 + Hirondelle de rivage 6 Hirondelle rustique 24 Troglodyte des marais 1 Merle d'Amérique 25 Moqueur chat 1 Étourneau sansonnet 200 + Jaseur d'Amérique 10 Paruline jaune 1 Paruline masquée 6 Bruant familier 6 Bruant des prés 10 Bruant chanteur 12 Goglu des prés 20 Carouge à épaulettes 300 + Quiscale bronzé 12 Chardonneret jaune 15 Moineau domestique 4
Sightings for Monday July 28
Ste-Pétronille: A Whimbrel flew by in front me of the end of rue Horatio Walker. I lost sight of it, in the direction of the bridge. It is possible that he stopped there ...
Un Courlis corlieu vient de passer devant moi en vol au bout de la rue Horatio Walker à Ste-Pétronille. Je l'ai perdu de vue en direction du pont. Il est possible qu'il se soit arrêté là...
Il y a aussi 14 Bécasseaux semipalmés et 5 Mouettes de Bonaparte posés au bout des roches. - Gérard Cyr
There were also 14 Semipalmated Sandpipers and 5 Bonaparte gulls at the end of the rocks.
Un Courlis corlieu vient de passer devant moi en vol au bout de la rue Horatio Walker à Ste-Pétronille. Je l'ai perdu de vue en direction du pont. Il est possible qu'il se soit arrêté là...
Il y a aussi 14 Bécasseaux semipalmés et 5 Mouettes de Bonaparte posés au bout des roches. - Gérard Cyr
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Summer Series of Birding - Field Trip #4 - Saturday, July 26
This Saturday we will do a visit to some old favourite spots in Sainte-Martine, St-Etienne de Beauharnois and St-Timothee, on the south shore. This will be a combination of a driving and walking trip.
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2014
Time: 8 am
Meeting spot: The new observation platform at the dam located at rue du Pont and St-Jean-Baptiste (Highway 138) in Sainte-Martine, Quebec - see Google map http://goo.gl/maps/kbi4O
Duration: Half-day, combination driving/walking trip
NOTES: Spotting scopes will be very helpful on this trip.
Directions to meeting spot: There are two main routes that can be used.
1) Using Mercier Bridge: Cross Mercier Bridge from Montreal. Stay right off the bridge and take Highway 138 through Kahnawake, Chateauguay, Mercier and in to Sainte-Martine. In the town of Sainte-Martine, look for a Subway restaurant on the right. This is just before arriving at rue du Pont. Turn right on rue du Pont, cross the narrow bridge over the Chateauguay River and there will be a new welcome centre and a row of parking spots on the right. This is the meeting spot.
2) Using Highway 30: coming from either direction on Highway 30 take Exit 26 for Ste-Martine-ch. de la Beauce (Highway 205). Take Highway 205 south towards Sainte-Martine. Follow Highway 205 into Sainte-Martine and turn right on to Highway 138 (rue St-Jospeh). Follow Highway 138 to rue du Pont. Turn right on rue du Pont, cross the narrow bridge over the Chateauguay River and there will be a new welcome centre and a row of parking spots on the right. This is the meeting spot.
ITINERARY: We will start at the new observation platform overlooking the Chateauguay River in Sainte-Martine, looking for waterfowl, early shorebirds, songbirds, etc.
From Sainte-Martine we will follow country backroads to St-Etienne-de-Beauharnois. Here we will park at the entrance to a new stretch of bike path and walk over to the ponds. This is a fairly new access point to the ponds at St-Etienne, not the old access point from the farm at the end of St-Joseph which some of you may be familiar with. Here we will be looking for waterfowl, marsh birds, grassland species and songbirds.
From St-Etienne we will drive to the marshes at St-Timothee. Here we will be using the bike path to cross the marsh down towards the edge of the Beauharnois Canal. There is also an observation tower on this path. Here we will again be looking for waterfowl, marsh birds, songbirds, etc.
Along the route between locations, we may stop from time to time at interesting spots in the farmland areas where grassland birds may be present.
Should you need to reach me on the morning of the field trip, please call 514-637-2141. For any questions regarding the trip, please contact me by phone at 450-462-1459 or by e-mail.
Sheldon Harvey
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2014
Time: 8 am
Meeting spot: The new observation platform at the dam located at rue du Pont and St-Jean-Baptiste (Highway 138) in Sainte-Martine, Quebec - see Google map http://goo.gl/maps/kbi4O
Duration: Half-day, combination driving/walking trip
NOTES: Spotting scopes will be very helpful on this trip.
Directions to meeting spot: There are two main routes that can be used.
1) Using Mercier Bridge: Cross Mercier Bridge from Montreal. Stay right off the bridge and take Highway 138 through Kahnawake, Chateauguay, Mercier and in to Sainte-Martine. In the town of Sainte-Martine, look for a Subway restaurant on the right. This is just before arriving at rue du Pont. Turn right on rue du Pont, cross the narrow bridge over the Chateauguay River and there will be a new welcome centre and a row of parking spots on the right. This is the meeting spot.
2) Using Highway 30: coming from either direction on Highway 30 take Exit 26 for Ste-Martine-ch. de la Beauce (Highway 205). Take Highway 205 south towards Sainte-Martine. Follow Highway 205 into Sainte-Martine and turn right on to Highway 138 (rue St-Jospeh). Follow Highway 138 to rue du Pont. Turn right on rue du Pont, cross the narrow bridge over the Chateauguay River and there will be a new welcome centre and a row of parking spots on the right. This is the meeting spot.
ITINERARY: We will start at the new observation platform overlooking the Chateauguay River in Sainte-Martine, looking for waterfowl, early shorebirds, songbirds, etc.
From Sainte-Martine we will follow country backroads to St-Etienne-de-Beauharnois. Here we will park at the entrance to a new stretch of bike path and walk over to the ponds. This is a fairly new access point to the ponds at St-Etienne, not the old access point from the farm at the end of St-Joseph which some of you may be familiar with. Here we will be looking for waterfowl, marsh birds, grassland species and songbirds.
From St-Etienne we will drive to the marshes at St-Timothee. Here we will be using the bike path to cross the marsh down towards the edge of the Beauharnois Canal. There is also an observation tower on this path. Here we will again be looking for waterfowl, marsh birds, songbirds, etc.
Along the route between locations, we may stop from time to time at interesting spots in the farmland areas where grassland birds may be present.
Should you need to reach me on the morning of the field trip, please call 514-637-2141. For any questions regarding the trip, please contact me by phone at 450-462-1459 or by e-mail.
Sheldon Harvey
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Sightings for Wednesday July 23
Québec: 9am this morning, Wednesday, when passing along the St. Charles River, a Black skimmer stood with some gulls.
It was virtually almost in the center of the wide part of the river, a small earthen platform that formed the rather low river.
To locate the spot: from the parking lot of the Roche-Bobois and Galerie du Meuble, rue de Marie-de-l'Incarnation, follow the path to right (with a few stairs down), about 50 meters after the metal railing.
Bec-en-ciseau 09h ce matin, mercredi, lorsqu'en passant le long de la rivière Saint-Charles, un bec-en-ciseau se tenait avec quelques goélands.
Il était pour ainsi dire presque au centre de la largeur de la rivière, sur une petite plateforme terreuse que forma la rivière plutôt basse.
Pour vous situer le lieu: à partir du stationnement de la Roche-Bobois et Galerie du Meuble, rue de Marie-de-l'Incarnation, suivre le sentier à droite (avec quelques escaliers à descendre), comptez 50 mètres environ après la fin du garde-fou métallique. - David Wexteen,
It was virtually almost in the center of the wide part of the river, a small earthen platform that formed the rather low river.
To locate the spot: from the parking lot of the Roche-Bobois and Galerie du Meuble, rue de Marie-de-l'Incarnation, follow the path to right (with a few stairs down), about 50 meters after the metal railing.
Bec-en-ciseau 09h ce matin, mercredi, lorsqu'en passant le long de la rivière Saint-Charles, un bec-en-ciseau se tenait avec quelques goélands.
Il était pour ainsi dire presque au centre de la largeur de la rivière, sur une petite plateforme terreuse que forma la rivière plutôt basse.
Pour vous situer le lieu: à partir du stationnement de la Roche-Bobois et Galerie du Meuble, rue de Marie-de-l'Incarnation, suivre le sentier à droite (avec quelques escaliers à descendre), comptez 50 mètres environ après la fin du garde-fou métallique. - David Wexteen,
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Le Nichoir Open House July 19, 2014
Bird Protection Quebec participated yesterday in the annual Open House event at Le Nichoir, the bird rehabilitation facility in Hudson, Quebec. It was a beautiful day with a great turn-out. The highlight of the day for many was the visit to the new aviary installed recently at Le Nichoir. There were tours throughout the day of Le Nichoir's facilities as well as numerous kiosks from a number of different groups and organizations including Nature Conservancy Canada and BPQ.
Chris Cloutier conducted a number of bird walks on the grounds of Le Nichoir providing many visitors a chance to see some of the bird life in the area, including the most popular birds of the day, several Indigo Buntings.
The BPQ booth was a popular spot throughout the day with many of the visitors stopping by to learn more about our organization. We distributed many BPQ pamphlets and answered numerous questions about our activities, our field trips and our conservation efforts. A number of people provided us with their names and e-mail addresses. Each will be receiving a sample copy of our Song Sparrow newsletter, plus some additional information about BPQ. We hope to attract some new members as a result of our efforts. We were also able to sell a couple of copies of our BPQ history books as well as collect a number of donations from appreciative supporters.
I would like to thank Jean Demers, Clemence Soulard, Wayne Grubert and Mary Ellen Graham for volunteering to spend their day with me behind the BPQ table to promote BPQ. Your effort and assistance were greatly appreciated. - Sheldon Harvey
Chris Cloutier conducted a number of bird walks on the grounds of Le Nichoir providing many visitors a chance to see some of the bird life in the area, including the most popular birds of the day, several Indigo Buntings.
The BPQ booth was a popular spot throughout the day with many of the visitors stopping by to learn more about our organization. We distributed many BPQ pamphlets and answered numerous questions about our activities, our field trips and our conservation efforts. A number of people provided us with their names and e-mail addresses. Each will be receiving a sample copy of our Song Sparrow newsletter, plus some additional information about BPQ. We hope to attract some new members as a result of our efforts. We were also able to sell a couple of copies of our BPQ history books as well as collect a number of donations from appreciative supporters.
I would like to thank Jean Demers, Clemence Soulard, Wayne Grubert and Mary Ellen Graham for volunteering to spend their day with me behind the BPQ table to promote BPQ. Your effort and assistance were greatly appreciated. - Sheldon Harvey
Sightings for Sunday July 20
Hemmingford: This morning, a Clay-colored Sparrow sang on top of a spruce behind 577 James Fisher, in exactly the same spot where I had seen it 2 years ago
Ce matin, un Bruant des plaines chantait au sommet d'une épinette derrière le 577 James-Fisher à Hemmingford, exactement au même endroit où je l'avais observé il y a 2 ans. - Pierre Bannon
Ce matin, un Bruant des plaines chantait au sommet d'une épinette derrière le 577 James-Fisher à Hemmingford, exactement au même endroit où je l'avais observé il y a 2 ans. - Pierre Bannon
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Sightings for Saturday July 19
Rivière-Ouelle, chemin de la Pointe: Black skimmer moved along the river where we watched at approximately 7:30 to 8:00. At that time, he left, flying to the camping area. Many observers are there headed also, but without us. Twenty Red-throated loons and Razorbills later at the Rivière-Ouelle dock.
Bec-en-ciseaux noir s'est déplacé ensuite le long de la rivière où nous l'avons observé de 7:30 à 8:00 environ. À ce moment, il venait de repartir en vol vers le secteur du camping. Plusieurs observateurs s'y sont dirigés eux aussi, mais sans nous. Une vingtaine de Plongeons catmarin et de Petits pingouins par la suite au quai de Rivière-Ouelle. - Anne Déry
Un pygargue à tête blanche! Observation du parc des Rapides vers l'île aux hérons. Photo - Jean-Marc Lacoste
Bec-en-ciseaux noir s'est déplacé ensuite le long de la rivière où nous l'avons observé de 7:30 à 8:00 environ. À ce moment, il venait de repartir en vol vers le secteur du camping. Plusieurs observateurs s'y sont dirigés eux aussi, mais sans nous. Une vingtaine de Plongeons catmarin et de Petits pingouins par la suite au quai de Rivière-Ouelle. - Anne Déry
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Ville Lasalle: A Bald eagle! Observation at parc des Rapides aound île aux hérons (Heron Island)
Un pygargue à tête blanche! Observation du parc des Rapides vers l'île aux hérons. Photo - Jean-Marc Lacoste
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
2014 Summer Series of Birding - Saturday, July 19 - Open House at Le Nichoir
Rather than schedule a regular BPQ Summer Field Trip this coming Saturday, we will instead be participating in Le Nichoir's Open House event at 637 Main Street in Hudson. BPQ will have an information booth set up at Le Nichoir for the day from 10 am to 2 pm informing visitors to the event of BPQ and its activities. We are encouraging everyone to drop in at the open house to learn more about Le Nichoir and the work they do for our feathered friends. There will be guided tours of the facility, free birdwatching walks, activities for the children and much more
Full details of the event can be found on the following webpage
http://lenichoir.org/en/2014/07/open-house-2014/
If you are a BPQ member and you are planning on attending the event, we are looking for a few people to help staff the BPQ information booth at the event. If you are interested in helping out by talking to visitors about BPQ please drop me a note e-mail. We look forward to meeting everyone in attendance at the open house. - Sheldon Harvey
Full details of the event can be found on the following webpage
http://lenichoir.org/en/2014/07/open-house-2014/
If you are a BPQ member and you are planning on attending the event, we are looking for a few people to help staff the BPQ information booth at the event. If you are interested in helping out by talking to visitors about BPQ please drop me a note e-mail. We look forward to meeting everyone in attendance at the open house. - Sheldon Harvey
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Bird Protection Quebec, Summer Series 2014 - Field trip #2 Report
Ten birders made the trek to Cooper Marsh near Lancaster, Ontario yesterday and were welcomed with partly cloudy skies and seasonable temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C. Very light breezes made for a very pleasant morning with the biting insect population being "tolerable".
For those familiar with the area the main compound containing the marsh with boardwalks is still in a state of water level drawdown and vegetation is thick with very little open water. As a result the birds that one would normally associate with a marshy area were few and far between (ducks, rails...etc...). The highlights of this area were two pairs of Northern Harriers who were hunting over different sections of the compound and put on a continual show of catching prey and then participating in numerous mid-air transfers of "breakfast" before disappearing briefly into the high vegetation. No doubt they were feeding young hidden from our view. Their continuous acrobatics were a delight and earned them honours as one of our two "birds of the day."
The second of our "birds of the day" were Black-billed Cuckoos first heard near the parking lot and later seen near the start of the boardwalk at the visitor centre. The birds lived up to their reputation as being skulkers in the thick vegetation offering only brief partial views but good enough to be ticked as "lifers" for several of our participants.
Honourable mentions go to families of Great-crested Flycatchers and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.
Although our species and overall numbers counts were both low it was an extremely enjoyable morning with nice company, a few good laughs and some excellent sightings.
Thanks to everyone who came out.
Our complete list of 43 species is below. A report will be forwarded to ebird. - Wayne Grubert
Wood Duck - 4, Mallard - 1, Double-crested Cormorant - 2, American bittern - 1, Great Blue Herons - 2, Green Heron - 3, Osprey - 2, Northern Harrier - 4, Merlin - 2, Ring-billed Gull - 20, Mourning Dove - 6, Black-billed Cuckoo - 2, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 4, Downy Woodpecker - 3, Northern Flicker - 4, Eastern Wood-Pewee - 1 (heard), Alder/Willow (Traill's) Flycatcher - 1, Eastern Phoebe - 2, Great Crested Flycatcher - 5, Warbling Vireo - 3, Red-eyed Vireo - 5, Blue Jay - 2, American Crow - 6, Purple martin - 2, Tree Swallow - 10, Barn Swallow - 6, Black-capped Chickadee - 4, White-breasted Nuthatch - 1, Veery - 2 (heard), American Robin - 10, Gray Catbird - 6, European Starling - 6, Cedar Waxwing - 12, Yellow Warbler - 10, Common Yellowthroat - 10, Chipping Sparrow - 3, Song Sparrow - 10, Swamp Sparrow - 10, Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1, Red-winged Blackbird - 20, Common Grackle - 6, Baltimore Oriole - 1 (heard), American Goldfinch - 6
For those familiar with the area the main compound containing the marsh with boardwalks is still in a state of water level drawdown and vegetation is thick with very little open water. As a result the birds that one would normally associate with a marshy area were few and far between (ducks, rails...etc...). The highlights of this area were two pairs of Northern Harriers who were hunting over different sections of the compound and put on a continual show of catching prey and then participating in numerous mid-air transfers of "breakfast" before disappearing briefly into the high vegetation. No doubt they were feeding young hidden from our view. Their continuous acrobatics were a delight and earned them honours as one of our two "birds of the day."
The second of our "birds of the day" were Black-billed Cuckoos first heard near the parking lot and later seen near the start of the boardwalk at the visitor centre. The birds lived up to their reputation as being skulkers in the thick vegetation offering only brief partial views but good enough to be ticked as "lifers" for several of our participants.
Honourable mentions go to families of Great-crested Flycatchers and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.
Although our species and overall numbers counts were both low it was an extremely enjoyable morning with nice company, a few good laughs and some excellent sightings.
Thanks to everyone who came out.
Our complete list of 43 species is below. A report will be forwarded to ebird. - Wayne Grubert
Wood Duck - 4, Mallard - 1, Double-crested Cormorant - 2, American bittern - 1, Great Blue Herons - 2, Green Heron - 3, Osprey - 2, Northern Harrier - 4, Merlin - 2, Ring-billed Gull - 20, Mourning Dove - 6, Black-billed Cuckoo - 2, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 4, Downy Woodpecker - 3, Northern Flicker - 4, Eastern Wood-Pewee - 1 (heard), Alder/Willow (Traill's) Flycatcher - 1, Eastern Phoebe - 2, Great Crested Flycatcher - 5, Warbling Vireo - 3, Red-eyed Vireo - 5, Blue Jay - 2, American Crow - 6, Purple martin - 2, Tree Swallow - 10, Barn Swallow - 6, Black-capped Chickadee - 4, White-breasted Nuthatch - 1, Veery - 2 (heard), American Robin - 10, Gray Catbird - 6, European Starling - 6, Cedar Waxwing - 12, Yellow Warbler - 10, Common Yellowthroat - 10, Chipping Sparrow - 3, Song Sparrow - 10, Swamp Sparrow - 10, Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1, Red-winged Blackbird - 20, Common Grackle - 6, Baltimore Oriole - 1 (heard), American Goldfinch - 6
Canard branchu - 4, Canard colvert - 1, Cormoran à aigrettes - 2, butor d'Amérique - 1, Grands Hérons - 2, Héron vert - 3, Balbuzard pêcheur - 2, Busard Saint-Martin - 4, Falcon émerillon - 2, Goéland à bec cerclé - 20, Tourterelle triste - 2, Pic maculé - 4, Pic mineur - 3, Pic flamboyant - 4, Pioui de l'Est - 6, Coulicou à bec noir 1 (entendu), Moucherolle des aulnes / saules (de Traill) - 1, Moucherolle phébi - 2, Tyran huppé - 5, Viréo mélodieux - 3, Viréo aux yeux rouges - 5, Geai bleu - 2, Corneille d'Amérique - 6, Hirondelle noire - 2, Hirondelle bicolore - 10, Hirondelle rustique - 6, Mésange à tête noir - 4, Sittelle à poitrine blanche - 1, Grive fauve - 2 (entendu), Merle d'Amérique - 10, Moqueur chat - 6, Étourneau sansonnet - 6, Jaseur d'Amérique - 12, Paruline jaune - 10, Paruline masquée - 10, Bruant familier - 3, Bruant chanteur - 10, Bruant des marais - 10, Cardinal à poitrine rose - 1, Carouge à épaulettes - 20, Quiscale bronzé - 6, Oriole de Baltimore - 1 (entendu), Chardonneret jaune - 6
Wednesday, July 09, 2014
2014 Summer Series of Birding - Trip #2 - Saturday, July 12
Samedi 12 juillet – Saturday July 12
Cooper marsh Lancaster, OntarioWayne Grubert 450-458-5498 e-mail
Cell (PLEASE use only on morning of trip) 514-774-0811
7:30 AM Take Highway 20 (Ontario Highway 401) and exit at Lancaster, Ontario (exit 814). Follow Highway 2 west, and follow signs to Cooper Marsh. Allow 1 to 1-1/2 hours travel time. A walking trip. Half day.
7h30 À partir de l'autoroute 20 (Ontario 401), prendre la sortie pour Lancaster, Ontario (sortie 814). Prendre l'autoroute 2 ouest et suivre les indications pour le marais Cooper. Prévoir entre 1h et 1h30 de voyagement. Excursion à pied. Demi-journée.
Note that if you need a pit stop before reaching the marsh there are plenty of fast food places as you get off the 401.
Hope to see you Saturday. Remember gas is cheaper in Ontario so plan on arriving without a full tank! - Wayne
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Sightings for Sunday June 29
Franklin: This morning around 6:00 with Nicole Guenette, Bernard Lemaire and Claude Fréchette we observed and photographed Blue Grosbeak, it moved from orchard field along Montée Clinton. The American dickcissel was also present on the wire along Route 202
Ce matin vers 6h00 en compagnie de Nicole Guénette, Bernard Fréchette et Claude Lemaire nous observé et photographié le Guiraca bleu, ce dernier se déplaçait du champ au verger le long de la Montée Clinton. Le DIckcissel d'Amérique était également présent sur le fil le long de la route 202. Bonne journée. Lucien Lemay
Ce matin vers 6h00 en compagnie de Nicole Guénette, Bernard Fréchette et Claude Lemaire nous observé et photographié le Guiraca bleu, ce dernier se déplaçait du champ au verger le long de la Montée Clinton. Le DIckcissel d'Amérique était également présent sur le fil le long de la route 202. Bonne journée. Lucien Lemay
Bird Protection Quebec, Summer Series 2014 - Field trip #1 Report
The first field trip of the 2014 Summer Series of Birding attracted 24 birders for a walk through Parc des Rapides in Ville Lasalle. The weather was great but started to heat up quickly as the morning wore on. This year's crop of mayflies, or shad flies, (not sure which is which) emerged by the thousands throughout the park. As a result, the bird life was extremely active, with many birds not even having to move from their perches to chase down the insects. They would just sit and pick them out of the air. New life was present in many spots today with many, many parent birds busily feeding their young, making for some interesting observations.
Our total species count for the morning was 31. Here is the list. Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the morning. - Sheldon Harvey
Canada Goose 30 Wood Duck 1 Gadwall 1 American Wigeon 2 American Black Duck 1 Mallard 25 Double-crested Cormorant 40 Great Blue Heron 20 Great Egret 10 Green Heron 1 Black-crowned Night Heron 6 Ring-billed Gull 50 Great Black-backed Gull 3 Common Tern 25 Chimney Swift 5 Downy Woodpecker 3 Eastern Kingbird 4 Warbling Vireo 3 Red-eyed Vireo 1 American Crow 2 Tree Swallow 15 Black-capped Chickadee 1 American Robin 5 European Starling 35 Cedar Waxwing 2 Yellow Warbler 20 Song Sparrow 25 Red-winged Blackbird 200+ Common Grackle 6 Baltimore Oriole 5 House Sparrow 2
Bernache du Canada 30 Canard branchu 1 Canard chipeau 1 Canard d'Amérique 2 Canard noir 1 Canard colvert 25 Cormoran à aigrettes 40 Grand héron 20 Grande aigrette 10 Héron vert 1 Bihoreau Héron 6 Goéland à bec cerclé 50 Goéland marin 3 Sterne pierregarin 25 Martinet ramoneur 5 Pic mineur 3 Tyran tritri 4 Viréo mélodieux 3 Viréo aux yeux rouges 1 Corneille d'Amérique 2 Hirondelle bicolore 15 Mésange à tête noire 1 Merle d'Amérique 5 Étourneau sansonnet 35 Jaseur d'Amérique 2 Paruline jaune 20 Bruant chanteur 25 Carouge à épaulettes 200 + Quiscale bronzé 6 Oriole de Baltimore 5 Moineau domestique 2
Our total species count for the morning was 31. Here is the list. Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the morning. - Sheldon Harvey
Canada Goose 30 Wood Duck 1 Gadwall 1 American Wigeon 2 American Black Duck 1 Mallard 25 Double-crested Cormorant 40 Great Blue Heron 20 Great Egret 10 Green Heron 1 Black-crowned Night Heron 6 Ring-billed Gull 50 Great Black-backed Gull 3 Common Tern 25 Chimney Swift 5 Downy Woodpecker 3 Eastern Kingbird 4 Warbling Vireo 3 Red-eyed Vireo 1 American Crow 2 Tree Swallow 15 Black-capped Chickadee 1 American Robin 5 European Starling 35 Cedar Waxwing 2 Yellow Warbler 20 Song Sparrow 25 Red-winged Blackbird 200+ Common Grackle 6 Baltimore Oriole 5 House Sparrow 2
Bernache du Canada 30 Canard branchu 1 Canard chipeau 1 Canard d'Amérique 2 Canard noir 1 Canard colvert 25 Cormoran à aigrettes 40 Grand héron 20 Grande aigrette 10 Héron vert 1 Bihoreau Héron 6 Goéland à bec cerclé 50 Goéland marin 3 Sterne pierregarin 25 Martinet ramoneur 5 Pic mineur 3 Tyran tritri 4 Viréo mélodieux 3 Viréo aux yeux rouges 1 Corneille d'Amérique 2 Hirondelle bicolore 15 Mésange à tête noire 1 Merle d'Amérique 5 Étourneau sansonnet 35 Jaseur d'Amérique 2 Paruline jaune 20 Bruant chanteur 25 Carouge à épaulettes 200 + Quiscale bronzé 6 Oriole de Baltimore 5 Moineau domestique 2
Friday, June 27, 2014
Sightings for Friday June 27
Franklin: 2 rare species (Blue grosbeak and American dickcissel) in Quebec are at the same time in the same field at the corner of Route 202 and montée Clinton in Franklin. I saw them this morning in the company of a dozen very respectful observers.
We can not emphasize enough, it is important that observers and photographers are on the road. First, respect for Private property and respect for the habitat of these birds and other species using the field, not forgetting that good behavior increases the opportunities of other observers who move will in turn see these two species. I noticed the start of a trail in the vegetation of the field near a pole on Clinton and that is why I insist on the respect for property and housing.
As usual for 3 weeks, the Dickcissel sung almost constantly on the telephone wire. As for the Blue grosbeak he sang also, but less often than the Dickcissel. When he sings, he perches in the vegetation and singing is not always easy to detect. his song very similar to that of a Purple Finch, but more guttural.
2 espèces rares au Québec (Guiraca bleu et Dickcissel d'Amérique) se retrouvent au même moment dans le même champ, au coin de la route 202 et de la montée Clinton à Franklin. J'ai pu les voir ce matin en compagnie d'une dizaine d'observateurs très respectueux.
On ne le répétera jamais assez, il est important que les observateurs et les photographes restent sur la route. D'abord par respect pour la propriété privée, puis par respect pour l'habitat de ces oiseaux et les autres espèces qui utilisent le champ, sans oublier qu'une bonne conduite augmente les chances que les autres observateurs qui se déplaceront pourront à leur tour observer ces 2 espèces. J'ai remarqué un début de sentier dans la végétation du champ près d'un poteau sur Clinton et c'est pourquoi j'insiste sur le respect de la propriété et de l'habitat.
Comme d'habitude depuis 3 semaines, le Dickcissel chantait presque constamment sur son fil de téléphone. Quant au Guiraca, il chantait aussi mais moins souvent que le Dickcissel. Quand il chante, il se perche dans la végétation du chant et n'est pas toujours facile à détecter. Son chant ressemble beaucoup à celui d'un Roselin pourpré, mais plus grasseyant. - Pierre Bannon
We can not emphasize enough, it is important that observers and photographers are on the road. First, respect for Private property and respect for the habitat of these birds and other species using the field, not forgetting that good behavior increases the opportunities of other observers who move will in turn see these two species. I noticed the start of a trail in the vegetation of the field near a pole on Clinton and that is why I insist on the respect for property and housing.
As usual for 3 weeks, the Dickcissel sung almost constantly on the telephone wire. As for the Blue grosbeak he sang also, but less often than the Dickcissel. When he sings, he perches in the vegetation and singing is not always easy to detect. his song very similar to that of a Purple Finch, but more guttural.
2 espèces rares au Québec (Guiraca bleu et Dickcissel d'Amérique) se retrouvent au même moment dans le même champ, au coin de la route 202 et de la montée Clinton à Franklin. J'ai pu les voir ce matin en compagnie d'une dizaine d'observateurs très respectueux.
On ne le répétera jamais assez, il est important que les observateurs et les photographes restent sur la route. D'abord par respect pour la propriété privée, puis par respect pour l'habitat de ces oiseaux et les autres espèces qui utilisent le champ, sans oublier qu'une bonne conduite augmente les chances que les autres observateurs qui se déplaceront pourront à leur tour observer ces 2 espèces. J'ai remarqué un début de sentier dans la végétation du champ près d'un poteau sur Clinton et c'est pourquoi j'insiste sur le respect de la propriété et de l'habitat.
Comme d'habitude depuis 3 semaines, le Dickcissel chantait presque constamment sur son fil de téléphone. Quant au Guiraca, il chantait aussi mais moins souvent que le Dickcissel. Quand il chante, il se perche dans la végétation du chant et n'est pas toujours facile à détecter. Son chant ressemble beaucoup à celui d'un Roselin pourpré, mais plus grasseyant. - Pierre Bannon
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
2014 Summer Series of Birding - Trip #1 - Saturday, June 28
The spring field trips have ended and it's time to kick off the 11th annual Summer Series of Birding. For those of you not familiar with the Summer Series, we choose the destination of the field trip each week just a few days prior to the trip itself. The destination will be posted here, as well as on the BPQ Facebook group page as soon as it is chosen. Throughout the summer, I'll try to come up with a few spots that we haven't visited before, or that we haven't been to in a long time. Also if any rare birds show up in our region throughout the summer, we'll do our best to arrange outings to try to track them down.
To kick things off this summer, seeing as our most recent spring outings were driving trips a good distance from Montreal, we'll keep it local giving everyone an opportunity to come to an easy-to-get-to destination. We will be heading to the always interesting Parc des Rapides in Ville LaSalle. Here are the details:
DATE: Saturday, June 28
Start Time: 8:00 a.m. - Half-day walking trip
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.). Free Parking
Driving Instructions: Take Hwy 20 to the Blvd. de la Vérendrye exit. Heading west on de la Vérendrye, follow it to Bishop Power Blvd/Shevchenko. Turn left on Bishop Power Blvd and follow to the waterfront on LaSalle Blvd. Turn left on LaSalle Blvd. and follow it to the parking lot at the corner of 6th Avenue.
From the West Island another option is Highway 20 to the Angrignon Blvd. exit. Follow Angrignon Blvd which changes name to des Trinitaires at Newman Blvd. Continue on des Trinitaires to de la Verendrye Blvd. Turn right on de la Verendrye and follow it to Bishop Power Blvd/Shevchenko. Turn left on to Bishop Power and follow the instructions above.
Public transportation is available from the Angrignon Metro station. Check metro and bus routes for full details.
We will explore the park as well as the LaSalle/Verdun waterfront looking for songbirds, marsh birds, water fowl, gulls, terns, raptors, and whatever else we can find!.
If you have questions, please contact me at 450-462-1459, or on the BPQ phone line on the day of the trip at 514-637-2141, or by e-mail.
We look forward to another great summer of birding.
Sheldon Harvey
To kick things off this summer, seeing as our most recent spring outings were driving trips a good distance from Montreal, we'll keep it local giving everyone an opportunity to come to an easy-to-get-to destination. We will be heading to the always interesting Parc des Rapides in Ville LaSalle. Here are the details:
DATE: Saturday, June 28
Start Time: 8:00 a.m. - Half-day walking trip
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.). Free Parking
Driving Instructions: Take Hwy 20 to the Blvd. de la Vérendrye exit. Heading west on de la Vérendrye, follow it to Bishop Power Blvd/Shevchenko. Turn left on Bishop Power Blvd and follow to the waterfront on LaSalle Blvd. Turn left on LaSalle Blvd. and follow it to the parking lot at the corner of 6th Avenue.
From the West Island another option is Highway 20 to the Angrignon Blvd. exit. Follow Angrignon Blvd which changes name to des Trinitaires at Newman Blvd. Continue on des Trinitaires to de la Verendrye Blvd. Turn right on de la Verendrye and follow it to Bishop Power Blvd/Shevchenko. Turn left on to Bishop Power and follow the instructions above.
Public transportation is available from the Angrignon Metro station. Check metro and bus routes for full details.
We will explore the park as well as the LaSalle/Verdun waterfront looking for songbirds, marsh birds, water fowl, gulls, terns, raptors, and whatever else we can find!.
If you have questions, please contact me at 450-462-1459, or on the BPQ phone line on the day of the trip at 514-637-2141, or by e-mail.
We look forward to another great summer of birding.
Sheldon Harvey
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Saturday June 21
Twelve early risers set their alarms and managed to make it down to Ormstown for the 5:30 a.m. official start of our Summer Solstice Trip. (Well two were a little late!). It was a bonus that this year's trip actually fell on the exact solstice date and we were birding at the official time of 6:51 a.m. The weather was partly cloudy with cool morning temperatures of 10C warming up nicely to 22C by morning's end. Light breezes.
Our day started on Rang 3/Gore Road where we had good views of Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks. Three Upland Sandpipers at the Graham Farm were welcome additions. We then deviated slightly from our usual route in order to view the Dickcissel at the corner of Clinton and Highway 202. He did not disappoint and put on quite a show being very aggressive while chasing anything in feathers out of his territory.
Our route then took us along Massey Road and Gowan Road. The feeder on the corner of these two roads provided goods views of 4 different Rose-breated Grosbeaks and 4 Purple Finches. A quick pit stop in Huntingdon was followed by a walk along Biggar Road which proved to be a little disappointing considering the good birds which have been seen there recently. It may very well be that we arrived a little late in the morning. One Golden-winged Warbler was heard singing very briefly and several Eastern Towhees were calling with one providing a quick view. Two Willow Flycathers were also calling near the more southerly section of the road and several Brown Thrashers performed flybys. We made a few stops on Black-Ridge Road and finished our trip at the Droulers archeological site. A quick after-lunch scan of the local area failed to produce the Clay-coloured Sparrow that had been reported but a Black-billed Cuckoo gave several participants a flyover.
Many thanks to all who came out for a very enjoyable morning.
Thanks to Sheldon for navigating and providing the Walkie-Talkies that allowed us to keep in touch. We won't even mention the promises our new president made about thrashers walking at our feet and Golden-winged's dripping from the trees which failed to materialize. Ah, politicians and broken promises! Never thought it would happen in BPQ. Thanks for being a good sport about the abuse over lunch, Sheldon.
Our complete list of 78 species includes: Wood Duck - 4 Ruffed Grouse - 1 American Bittern - 1 Great Blue Heron - 3 Green Heron - 2 Turkey Vulture - 7 Red-shouldered Hawk - 1 Broad-winged Hawk - 1 Killdeer - 1 Upland Sandpiper - 3 Ring-billed Gull - 8 Rock Pigeon - 12 Mourning Dove - 12 Black-billed Cuckoo - 2 (one seen, 1 heard) Chimney Swift - 10 Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 5 Downy Woodpecker - 4 Hairy Woodpecker - 3 Northern Flicker - 4 Pileated Woodpecker - 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee - 6 Alder Flycatcher - 4 Willow Flycatcher - 2 Least Flycatcher - 6 Eastern Phoebe - 6 (includes 3 young on nest) Great Crested Flycatcher - 4 Eastern Kingbird - 7 Warbling Vireo - 1 Red-eyed Vireo - 10 Blue Jay - 36 American Crow - 12 Tree Swallow - 20 Cliff Swallow -4 Barn Swallow - 20 Black-capped Chickadee - 6 White-breasted Nuthatch - 5 Brown Creeper - 1 (heard) House Wren - 2 Eastern Bluebird - 3 Veery - 12 Hermit Thrush - 1 (heard) Wood Thrush - 3 (heard) American Robin - 40 Gray Catbird - 6 Brown Thrasher - 3 European Starling - 36 Cedar Waxwing - 40 Golden-winged warbler - 1 (heard) Yellow Warbler - 15 Chestnut-sided Warbler - 6 Black-throated Green Warbler - 2 (heard) Black-and-white Warbler - 4 (heard) American Redstart - 3 Ovenbird - 12 (heard) Northern Waterthrush - 2 (heard) Common Yellowthroat - 8 Scarlet Tanager - 3 (heard) Eastern Towhee - 3 (heard with brief glimpse of 1) Chipping Sparrow - 10 Field Sparrow - 1 (heard) Savannah Sparrow - 5 Song Sparrow - 12 White-throated Sparrow - 4 Northern Cardinal - 2 Rose-breasted grosbeak - 8 including 4 at feeder on Gowan Road) Indigo bunting - 3 Dickcissel - 1 Bobolink - 12 Red-winged Blackbird - 30 Eastern Meadowlark - 3 Common Grackle - 24 Brown-headed Cowbird - 2 Baltimore Oriole - 6 Purple Finch - 8 House Finch - 1 American Goldfinch - 45 House Sparrow - 8
Our day started on Rang 3/Gore Road where we had good views of Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks. Three Upland Sandpipers at the Graham Farm were welcome additions. We then deviated slightly from our usual route in order to view the Dickcissel at the corner of Clinton and Highway 202. He did not disappoint and put on quite a show being very aggressive while chasing anything in feathers out of his territory.
Our route then took us along Massey Road and Gowan Road. The feeder on the corner of these two roads provided goods views of 4 different Rose-breated Grosbeaks and 4 Purple Finches. A quick pit stop in Huntingdon was followed by a walk along Biggar Road which proved to be a little disappointing considering the good birds which have been seen there recently. It may very well be that we arrived a little late in the morning. One Golden-winged Warbler was heard singing very briefly and several Eastern Towhees were calling with one providing a quick view. Two Willow Flycathers were also calling near the more southerly section of the road and several Brown Thrashers performed flybys. We made a few stops on Black-Ridge Road and finished our trip at the Droulers archeological site. A quick after-lunch scan of the local area failed to produce the Clay-coloured Sparrow that had been reported but a Black-billed Cuckoo gave several participants a flyover.
Many thanks to all who came out for a very enjoyable morning.
Thanks to Sheldon for navigating and providing the Walkie-Talkies that allowed us to keep in touch. We won't even mention the promises our new president made about thrashers walking at our feet and Golden-winged's dripping from the trees which failed to materialize. Ah, politicians and broken promises! Never thought it would happen in BPQ. Thanks for being a good sport about the abuse over lunch, Sheldon.
Our complete list of 78 species includes: Wood Duck - 4 Ruffed Grouse - 1 American Bittern - 1 Great Blue Heron - 3 Green Heron - 2 Turkey Vulture - 7 Red-shouldered Hawk - 1 Broad-winged Hawk - 1 Killdeer - 1 Upland Sandpiper - 3 Ring-billed Gull - 8 Rock Pigeon - 12 Mourning Dove - 12 Black-billed Cuckoo - 2 (one seen, 1 heard) Chimney Swift - 10 Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 5 Downy Woodpecker - 4 Hairy Woodpecker - 3 Northern Flicker - 4 Pileated Woodpecker - 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee - 6 Alder Flycatcher - 4 Willow Flycatcher - 2 Least Flycatcher - 6 Eastern Phoebe - 6 (includes 3 young on nest) Great Crested Flycatcher - 4 Eastern Kingbird - 7 Warbling Vireo - 1 Red-eyed Vireo - 10 Blue Jay - 36 American Crow - 12 Tree Swallow - 20 Cliff Swallow -4 Barn Swallow - 20 Black-capped Chickadee - 6 White-breasted Nuthatch - 5 Brown Creeper - 1 (heard) House Wren - 2 Eastern Bluebird - 3 Veery - 12 Hermit Thrush - 1 (heard) Wood Thrush - 3 (heard) American Robin - 40 Gray Catbird - 6 Brown Thrasher - 3 European Starling - 36 Cedar Waxwing - 40 Golden-winged warbler - 1 (heard) Yellow Warbler - 15 Chestnut-sided Warbler - 6 Black-throated Green Warbler - 2 (heard) Black-and-white Warbler - 4 (heard) American Redstart - 3 Ovenbird - 12 (heard) Northern Waterthrush - 2 (heard) Common Yellowthroat - 8 Scarlet Tanager - 3 (heard) Eastern Towhee - 3 (heard with brief glimpse of 1) Chipping Sparrow - 10 Field Sparrow - 1 (heard) Savannah Sparrow - 5 Song Sparrow - 12 White-throated Sparrow - 4 Northern Cardinal - 2 Rose-breasted grosbeak - 8 including 4 at feeder on Gowan Road) Indigo bunting - 3 Dickcissel - 1 Bobolink - 12 Red-winged Blackbird - 30 Eastern Meadowlark - 3 Common Grackle - 24 Brown-headed Cowbird - 2 Baltimore Oriole - 6 Purple Finch - 8 House Finch - 1 American Goldfinch - 45 House Sparrow - 8
Canard branchu - 4 Gélinotte huppée - 1 Butor d'Amérique - 1 Grand Héron - 3 Héron vert - 2 Urubu à tête rouge - 7 Buse à épaulettes - 1 Petite Buse - 1 Pluvier kildir - 1 Maubèche des champs - 3 Goéland à bec cerclé - 8 Pigeon biset - 12 Tourterelle triste - 12 Coulicou à bec noir - 2 (un vu, entendu 1) Martinet ramoneur - 10 Colibri à gorge rubis - 1 Pic maculé - 5 Pic mineur - 4 Pic chevelu - 3 Pic flamboyant - 4 Grand Pic - 1 Pioui de l'Est - 6 Moucherolle des aulnes - 4 Moucherolle des saules - 2 Moucherolle tchébec - 6 Moucherolle Phébi - 6 (3 jeunes sur le nid) Tyran huppé - 4 Tyran tritri - 7 Viréo - 1 Viréo aux yeux rouges - 10 Geai bleu - 36 Corneille d'Amérique - 12 Hirondelle bicolore - 20 Hirondelle à front blanc -4 Hirondelle rustique - 20 Mésange à tête noire - 6 Sittelle à poitrine blanche - 5 Grimpereau brun - 1 (entendu) Troglodyte familier - 2 Merlebleu de l'Est - 3 Grive fauve - 12 Grive solitaire - 1 (entendu) Grive des bois - 3 (entendu) Merle d'Amérique - 40 Moqueur chat - 6 Moqueur roux - 3 Étourneau sansonnet - 36 Jaseur d'Amérique - 40 Paruline à ailes dorées - 1 (entendu) Paruline jaune - 15 Paruline à flancs marron - 6 Paruline à gorge noire - 2 (entendu) Paruline Noir et blanc - 4 (entendu) Paruline flamboyante - 3 Paruline couronnée - 12 (entendu) Paruline des ruisseaux - 2 (entendu) Paruline masquée - 8 Tangara écarlate - 3 (entendu) Tohi à flancs roux - 3 (entendue avec bref aperçu de 1) Bruant familier - 10 Bruant des champs - 1 (entendu) Bruant des prés - 5 Bruant chanteur - 12 Bruant à gorge blanche - 4 Cardinal rouge - 2 Cardinal à poitrine rose - 8 Passerine indigo - 3 Dickcissel d'Amérique - 1 Goglu des prés - 12 Carouge à épaulettes - 30 Sturnelle des prés - 3 Quiscale bronzé - 24 Vacher à tête brune - 2 Oriole de Baltimore - 6 Roselin pourpré - 8 Roselin familier - 1 Chardonneret jaune - 45 Moineau domestique - 8
Friday, June 20, 2014
Sightings for Friday June 20
Chateauguay, Ile Saint-Bernard: 40 species - Canada Goose 48, Wood Duck 3, American Black Duck 1, Mallard 17, Great Blue Heron 3, Great Egret 9,Black-crowned Night-Heron 7, Osprey 1, Ring-billed Gull 8, Caspian Tern 1, Common Tern 3, Rock Pigeon 1, Mourning Dove 1, Downy Woodpecker 2, Northern Flicker 2, Pileated Woodpecker 1, Willow Flycatcher 2, Great Crested Flycatcher 1, Red-eyed Vireo 3, Tree Swallow 18, Cliff Swallow 11, Black-capped Chickadee 4, White-breasted Nuthatch 2, House Wren 5, Marsh Wren 7, Veery 3, American Robin 20, Gray Catbird 5, European Starling 7, Cedar Waxwing 3, Common Yellowthroat 4, American Redstart 11, Yellow Warbler 45, Song Sparrow 25, Northern Cardinal 3, Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2, Red-winged Blackbird 50, Common Grackle 10, Baltimore Oriole 6, House Sparrow 2
Bernache du Canada 48, Canard branchu 3, Canard noir 1, Canard colvert 17, Grand héron 3, Grande Aigrette 9, Bihoreau gris 7, balbuzard pêcheur 1, Goéland à bec cerclé 8, Sterne caspienne 1, Sterne pierregarin 3, Pigeon biset 1, Tourterelle triste 1, Pic mineur 2, Pic flamboyant 2, Grand pic 1, Moucherolle des saules 2, Tyran huppé 1, Viréo aux yeux rouges 3, Hirondelle bicolore 18, Hirondelle à front blanc 1, Mésange à tête noire 4, Sittelle à poitrine blanche 2, Troglodyte familier 5, Troglodyte des marais 7, Grive fauve 3, Merle d'Amérique 20, Moqueur chat 5, Étourneau sansonnet 7, Jaseur d'Amérique 3, Paruline masquée 4, Paruline flamboyante 11, Paruline jaune 45, Bruant chanteur 25, Cardinal rouge 3, Cardinal à poitrine rose 2, Carouge à épaulettes 50, Quiscale bronzé 10, Oriole de Baltimore 6, Moineau domestique 2
Bernache du Canada 48, Canard branchu 3, Canard noir 1, Canard colvert 17, Grand héron 3, Grande Aigrette 9, Bihoreau gris 7, balbuzard pêcheur 1, Goéland à bec cerclé 8, Sterne caspienne 1, Sterne pierregarin 3, Pigeon biset 1, Tourterelle triste 1, Pic mineur 2, Pic flamboyant 2, Grand pic 1, Moucherolle des saules 2, Tyran huppé 1, Viréo aux yeux rouges 3, Hirondelle bicolore 18, Hirondelle à front blanc 1, Mésange à tête noire 4, Sittelle à poitrine blanche 2, Troglodyte familier 5, Troglodyte des marais 7, Grive fauve 3, Merle d'Amérique 20, Moqueur chat 5, Étourneau sansonnet 7, Jaseur d'Amérique 3, Paruline masquée 4, Paruline flamboyante 11, Paruline jaune 45, Bruant chanteur 25, Cardinal rouge 3, Cardinal à poitrine rose 2, Carouge à épaulettes 50, Quiscale bronzé 10, Oriole de Baltimore 6, Moineau domestique 2
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Bird Protection Quebec "Field trip"
Summer Solstice Field Trip
Saturday, June 21 --- samedi juin 21
Southwestern Quebec - Early Solstice Trip -- Sud-ouest du Québec - Excursion du solstice d’été
Guides: Sheldon Harvey 450-462-1459 e-mail
and Wayne Grubert 450-458-5498 e-mail Cell: 514-774-0811 (Please use only on morning of trip)
Exceptional Start Time!
5:30 a.m. Meet on 3ème rang, just off Hwy 201. From Montreal take the Mercier Bridge and follow Hwy 138 to Ormstown. Turn left on Hwy 201 to 3ème Rang (called Rang de Tullochgorum on opposite side of 201). Turn right on 3ème Rang and wait there for the group. From the West Island, take Hwy 20 west to exit 14 (Hwy 201) for Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. Take Hwy 201 through Grande-Île, following signs for Ormstown. There are a number of lights and turns on this route (see a map). Stay on 201 beyond Ormstown. Turn right on 3ème Rang and wait there for the group. This is a driving trip; carpooling is recommended. This trip will explore some of the roads of southwestern Quebec in the Ormstown-Huntingdon area. We are starting early because some of the roads are busy and parking can be difficult. Looking for birds of the forests and of open country. Possible species include Yellow- throated Vireo, Golden-winged Warbler, Field Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird as well as more common passerines. Half day.Possibility of extension into the early afternoon.
5 h 30 Rassemblement le long du 3ème rang. De Montréal, prendre le pont Mercier. Tourner à gauche sur la route 201 et continuer jusqu’à l’intersection avec le 3ème rang (indiqué rang Tullochgorum de l’autre côté). Tourner à droite sur le 3ème rang et y attendre le reste du groupe. De l’Ouest-de-l’Île de Montréal, prendre l’autoroute 20 direction ouest jusqu’à la sortie 14 (route 201) pour Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. Prendre la route 201 et traverser Grande-Île en suivant les indications pour Ormstown. On rencontre un bon nombre de lumières et tournants sur cette route : consulter une carte. Continuer sur la 201 après avoir traversé Ormstown. Tourner à droite sur le 3ème rang et y attendre le reste du groupe. Les déplacements se feront principalement en voiture. Le covoiturage est recommandé. Cette excursion permettra d’explorer certaines routes du Sud-Ouest du Québec, dans la région de Ormstown et Huntingdon. L’excursion débute tôt car certaines routes sont très achalandées et il peut être difficile d’y trouver un stationnement. À la recherche d’oiseaux forestiers et d’oiseaux d’espaces ouverts. Parmi les espèces susceptibles d’être rencontrées, notons le Viréo à gorge jaune, la Paruline à ailes dorées, le Bruant des champs, le Merlebleu de l’Est ainsi que d’autres passereaux plus communs. Demi-journée, avec possibilité de poursuivre jusqu’en début d’après-midi.
Saturday, June 21 --- samedi juin 21
Southwestern Quebec - Early Solstice Trip -- Sud-ouest du Québec - Excursion du solstice d’été
Guides: Sheldon Harvey 450-462-1459 e-mail
and Wayne Grubert 450-458-5498 e-mail Cell: 514-774-0811 (Please use only on morning of trip)
Exceptional Start Time!
5:30 a.m. Meet on 3ème rang, just off Hwy 201. From Montreal take the Mercier Bridge and follow Hwy 138 to Ormstown. Turn left on Hwy 201 to 3ème Rang (called Rang de Tullochgorum on opposite side of 201). Turn right on 3ème Rang and wait there for the group. From the West Island, take Hwy 20 west to exit 14 (Hwy 201) for Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. Take Hwy 201 through Grande-Île, following signs for Ormstown. There are a number of lights and turns on this route (see a map). Stay on 201 beyond Ormstown. Turn right on 3ème Rang and wait there for the group. This is a driving trip; carpooling is recommended. This trip will explore some of the roads of southwestern Quebec in the Ormstown-Huntingdon area. We are starting early because some of the roads are busy and parking can be difficult. Looking for birds of the forests and of open country. Possible species include Yellow- throated Vireo, Golden-winged Warbler, Field Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird as well as more common passerines. Half day.Possibility of extension into the early afternoon.
5 h 30 Rassemblement le long du 3ème rang. De Montréal, prendre le pont Mercier. Tourner à gauche sur la route 201 et continuer jusqu’à l’intersection avec le 3ème rang (indiqué rang Tullochgorum de l’autre côté). Tourner à droite sur le 3ème rang et y attendre le reste du groupe. De l’Ouest-de-l’Île de Montréal, prendre l’autoroute 20 direction ouest jusqu’à la sortie 14 (route 201) pour Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. Prendre la route 201 et traverser Grande-Île en suivant les indications pour Ormstown. On rencontre un bon nombre de lumières et tournants sur cette route : consulter une carte. Continuer sur la 201 après avoir traversé Ormstown. Tourner à droite sur le 3ème rang et y attendre le reste du groupe. Les déplacements se feront principalement en voiture. Le covoiturage est recommandé. Cette excursion permettra d’explorer certaines routes du Sud-Ouest du Québec, dans la région de Ormstown et Huntingdon. L’excursion débute tôt car certaines routes sont très achalandées et il peut être difficile d’y trouver un stationnement. À la recherche d’oiseaux forestiers et d’oiseaux d’espaces ouverts. Parmi les espèces susceptibles d’être rencontrées, notons le Viréo à gorge jaune, la Paruline à ailes dorées, le Bruant des champs, le Merlebleu de l’Est ainsi que d’autres passereaux plus communs. Demi-journée, avec possibilité de poursuivre jusqu’en début d’après-midi.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Bird Protection Quebec "Field Trip Report" Sunday June 14
Thirteen birders decided to ignore early morning showers present in the Montreal area and head for the Rigaud Mountain area for our weekly field trip. Magically they were treated to bright blue skies and cool breezes on arrival. Combined with cool temperatures in the mid-teens these conditions gave us very pleasant conditions for our walk with a minimum of mosquitoes, black flies and deer flies.
We started our trip with a short stop at a small pond on Chemin St Henri which produced a pair of Canada Geese and their three goslings and a mother mallard along with her newly hatched brood of ten ducklings. A great Blue Heron was cruising the shoreline and a pair of kingbirds were attending to a nest.
From there we continued on to the Nature-Action Québec property near the Erabliére St Henri for a walk to Lac Castor. Good ears were a necessity for the day but many of the group were eventually rewarded with good views of a Mourning Warbler and Scarlet Tanager. The heronry on Lac Castor seems to have diminished considerably in size as the dead trees in the middle of the lake have fallen leaving only three visible nests. One seemed to be occupied with an adult and a young bird visible.
Thanks to everyone who came out for an enjoyable morning. Set your alarms early for next week! - Wayne
Our complete list of 53 species heard or seen by at least some members of our group included: Canada Geese - 5 (3 young), Mallard - 11 ( Female with 10 ducklings), Wild Turkey - 2 (seen by one participant close to meeting point on St Georges Road), Great Blue Herons 3 (including one young), Turkey Vulture - 2, Cooper's Hawk - 1, Red-shouldered Hawk - 2, Broad-winged Hawk - 1, Rock Pigeon - 3, Mourning Dove - 2, Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 3, Northern Flicker - 2, Pileated Woodpecker - 1, Eastern Wood-Pewee - 2, Alder Flycatcher - 1, Least Flycatcher - 4, Eastern Phoebe - 2, Great Crested Flycatcher - 2 (heard), Eastern Kingbird - 2, Warbling Vireo - 1, Red-eyed Vireo - 6, Blue Jay - 3, American Crow - 7, Tree Swallow - 1, Barn Swallow - 1, Black-capped Chickadee - 4, Brown Creeper - 1 (heard), Veery - 5 (heard), Hermit Thrush - 2 (heard), American Robin - 3, Gray Catbird - 1, European Starling - 2, Cedar Waxwing - 12, Chestnut-sided Warbler - 6, Black-throated Blue Warbler - 2 (heard), Black-throated Green Warbler - 2 (heard), Black-and-white Warbler - 2, Ovenbird - 6 (heard), Northern Waterthrush - 1 (heard), Mourning warbler - 3, Common Yellowthroat - 2 (heard), Scarlet Tanager - 2, Chipping Sparrow - 1 (heard), Song Sparrow - 4, Swamp Sparrow - 3 (heard), White-throated Sparrow - 4, Northern Cardinal - 1, Red-winged Blackbird - 6, Common Grackle - 10, Brown-headed Cowbird - 6, Baltimore Oriole - 2, American Goldfinch - 6
Bernaches du Canada - 5 (3 jeunes), Canard colvert - 11 (femâle avec 11 canetons), Dindons sauvage - 2 (vu par un participant à proximité de point de rencontre sur chemin St Georges), Grands Hérons 3 (dont un jeune), Urubu à tête rouge - 2, Épervier de Cooper - 1, Buse à épaulettes - 2, Petite Buse - 1, Pigeon biset - 3, Tourterelle triste - 2, Colibri à gorge rubis - 1, Pic maculé - 3, Pic flamboyant - 2, Grand Pic - 1, Pioui de l'Est - 2, Moucherolle des aulnes - 1, Moins Moucherolle - 4, Moucherolle phébi - 2, Tyran huppé - 2 (entendu), Tyran tritri - 2, Viréo mélodieux - 1, Viréo aux yeux rouges - 6, Geai bleu - 3, Corneille d'Amérique - 7, Hirondelle bicolore - 1, Hirondelle rustique - 1, Mésange à tête noire - 4, Grimpereau brun - 1 (entendu), Grive fauve - 5 (entendu), Grive solitaire - 2 (entendu), Merle d'Amérique - 3 Moqueur chat - 1 Étourneau sansonnet - 2 Jaseur d'Amérique - 12 Paruline à flancs marron - 6, Paruline bleue - 2 (entendu), Paruline à gorge noire - 2 (entendu), Paruline noir et blanc - 2, Paruline couronnée - 6 (entendu), Paruline des ruisseaux - 1 (entendu), Paruline triste - 3, Paruline masquée - 2 (entendu), Tangara écarlate - 2, Bruant familier - 1 (entendu), Bruant chanteur - 4, Bruant des marais - 3 (entendu), Bruant à gorge blanche - 4, Cardinal rouge - 1, Carouge à épaulettes - 6, Quiscale bronzé - 10, Vacher à tête brune - 6, Oriole de Baltimore - 2, Chardonneret jaune - 6
We started our trip with a short stop at a small pond on Chemin St Henri which produced a pair of Canada Geese and their three goslings and a mother mallard along with her newly hatched brood of ten ducklings. A great Blue Heron was cruising the shoreline and a pair of kingbirds were attending to a nest.
From there we continued on to the Nature-Action Québec property near the Erabliére St Henri for a walk to Lac Castor. Good ears were a necessity for the day but many of the group were eventually rewarded with good views of a Mourning Warbler and Scarlet Tanager. The heronry on Lac Castor seems to have diminished considerably in size as the dead trees in the middle of the lake have fallen leaving only three visible nests. One seemed to be occupied with an adult and a young bird visible.
Thanks to everyone who came out for an enjoyable morning. Set your alarms early for next week! - Wayne
Our complete list of 53 species heard or seen by at least some members of our group included: Canada Geese - 5 (3 young), Mallard - 11 ( Female with 10 ducklings), Wild Turkey - 2 (seen by one participant close to meeting point on St Georges Road), Great Blue Herons 3 (including one young), Turkey Vulture - 2, Cooper's Hawk - 1, Red-shouldered Hawk - 2, Broad-winged Hawk - 1, Rock Pigeon - 3, Mourning Dove - 2, Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 3, Northern Flicker - 2, Pileated Woodpecker - 1, Eastern Wood-Pewee - 2, Alder Flycatcher - 1, Least Flycatcher - 4, Eastern Phoebe - 2, Great Crested Flycatcher - 2 (heard), Eastern Kingbird - 2, Warbling Vireo - 1, Red-eyed Vireo - 6, Blue Jay - 3, American Crow - 7, Tree Swallow - 1, Barn Swallow - 1, Black-capped Chickadee - 4, Brown Creeper - 1 (heard), Veery - 5 (heard), Hermit Thrush - 2 (heard), American Robin - 3, Gray Catbird - 1, European Starling - 2, Cedar Waxwing - 12, Chestnut-sided Warbler - 6, Black-throated Blue Warbler - 2 (heard), Black-throated Green Warbler - 2 (heard), Black-and-white Warbler - 2, Ovenbird - 6 (heard), Northern Waterthrush - 1 (heard), Mourning warbler - 3, Common Yellowthroat - 2 (heard), Scarlet Tanager - 2, Chipping Sparrow - 1 (heard), Song Sparrow - 4, Swamp Sparrow - 3 (heard), White-throated Sparrow - 4, Northern Cardinal - 1, Red-winged Blackbird - 6, Common Grackle - 10, Brown-headed Cowbird - 6, Baltimore Oriole - 2, American Goldfinch - 6
Bernaches du Canada - 5 (3 jeunes), Canard colvert - 11 (femâle avec 11 canetons), Dindons sauvage - 2 (vu par un participant à proximité de point de rencontre sur chemin St Georges), Grands Hérons 3 (dont un jeune), Urubu à tête rouge - 2, Épervier de Cooper - 1, Buse à épaulettes - 2, Petite Buse - 1, Pigeon biset - 3, Tourterelle triste - 2, Colibri à gorge rubis - 1, Pic maculé - 3, Pic flamboyant - 2, Grand Pic - 1, Pioui de l'Est - 2, Moucherolle des aulnes - 1, Moins Moucherolle - 4, Moucherolle phébi - 2, Tyran huppé - 2 (entendu), Tyran tritri - 2, Viréo mélodieux - 1, Viréo aux yeux rouges - 6, Geai bleu - 3, Corneille d'Amérique - 7, Hirondelle bicolore - 1, Hirondelle rustique - 1, Mésange à tête noire - 4, Grimpereau brun - 1 (entendu), Grive fauve - 5 (entendu), Grive solitaire - 2 (entendu), Merle d'Amérique - 3 Moqueur chat - 1 Étourneau sansonnet - 2 Jaseur d'Amérique - 12 Paruline à flancs marron - 6, Paruline bleue - 2 (entendu), Paruline à gorge noire - 2 (entendu), Paruline noir et blanc - 2, Paruline couronnée - 6 (entendu), Paruline des ruisseaux - 1 (entendu), Paruline triste - 3, Paruline masquée - 2 (entendu), Tangara écarlate - 2, Bruant familier - 1 (entendu), Bruant chanteur - 4, Bruant des marais - 3 (entendu), Bruant à gorge blanche - 4, Cardinal rouge - 1, Carouge à épaulettes - 6, Quiscale bronzé - 10, Vacher à tête brune - 6, Oriole de Baltimore - 2, Chardonneret jaune - 6
Friday, June 13, 2014
Sightings for Friday June 13
Cap-Tourmente: Tri-colored heron was present today at marais des Graves (marsh) (this morning I was there 9 - 9:45 and at 3 pm)
L’aigrette tricolore était présente, aujourd’hui, au marais des Graves à Cap-Tourmente (ce matin j'y étais de 9h à 9h45 et à 15h) - Michel Juteau
L’aigrette tricolore était présente, aujourd’hui, au marais des Graves à Cap-Tourmente (ce matin j'y étais de 9h à 9h45 et à 15h) - Michel Juteau
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