Saturday, February 25: Today, we will explore two wonderful winter birding sites near Montreal, Quebec. First, we will birdwatch at Refuge faunique Marguerite-D’Youville with the goal of spending time viewing and photographing Tufted Titmice. Eastern Screech-Owl and Red-bellied Woodpecker are two other target species in this area. After our lunch break, we will head to RécréoParc, which provides a beautiful view of Montreal, viewing from the south of the city. This birding site hosts winter waterfowl and a variety of feeder and berry-loving birds, as well. At both sites, we will birdwatch on foot on level terrain. Please remember to pack your ice grippers/crampons.
Guarantees: With birds, there are never guarantees, I’m afraid. The good news is you’ll have a professional guide at the helm with many years of experience searching for and identifying birds. As always, I endeavour to make the most of each tour, and the philosophy I encourage is to “take whatever the day brings.” Each day in the field is a treat to savour!
What to pack/What to know: Please note that ice grippers/crampons are mandatory items to pack with you during winter tours. Please dress for the season, and be sure to take a look at the forecast for the region in which we will be birding a few days out from the tour. Please pack a cooler with the food and drink of your choice. Pack your optical and photographic equipment, as well as your field guides should you wish to consult them during the tour. Please also pack your spotting scope, if you have one.
eBird Checklists: I will take care of all of the checklists for the day, and share them with you when the tour is complete. Your eBird statistics will automatically update when you accept the checklist. If you are not an eBird user, that is perfectly fine; I will email the checklists when I arrive home. You’ll be able to browse through the sightings list without having to be an eBird user.
Washrooms: I will endeavour to schedule a washroom break every 90-120 min throughout the tour.
Activity rating: 2-3/5. The total hike distance throughout the day will be 5-6 km on relatively flat terrain.
Meet-up time and location: 9:00 a.m. at Refuge faunique Marguerite-D’Youville parking area located at 480 Bd D’Youville, Châteauguay, QC J6J 5T9.
Duration: 6 hours.
Cost: $120 per person (HST-included). I do not have a preference when it comes to payment type; I accept e-transfer, cash and cheque.
Register for this outing by using this sign-up form