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Where can you observe migratory birds in Canada?
In Canada, there are numerous national parks and they are exceptional places to observe migratory birds. These places bring together many amateur and professional ornithologists.
Here are some recommendations from the most popular sites.
Observe migratory birds in Canada: Terra Nova National Park (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Terra Nova National Park is located in the heart of the Canadian island boreal forest in Newfoundland and Labrador. There are several species of birds that usually live in the boreal forest. However, storms that sweep along the coast in the North Atlantic Ocean cause some species to nest in the park.
Throughout the year, enthusiasts can observe:
- Brown-capped and black-capped chickadees;
- Some pics ;
- Pine siskins;
- Golden-crowned kinglets;
- Juncos;
- Durbecs;
- Purple finches;
- Bifasciated crossbills;
- Fir crossbills.
Other species arrive early in spring such as the olive-sided flycatcher, white-throated sparrow, tawny bunting, yellow-rumped warbler and ash-headed warbler.
As for shorebirds, they can be observed in the park's two bird sanctuaries. These include common and arctic terns, greater and lesser yellowlegs, bald eagles, plovers, and various species of ducks and sandpipers.
Observe migratory birds in Canada: Forillon National Park (Quebec)
Forillon Park fascinates with its incredible diversity of landscapes, fauna and flora. On a peninsula measuring just 245 km², you can cross forests, cliffs, lakes, rivers, marshes and seashores. So many habitats for many species of birds.
Forillon therefore offers ornithologists a high concentration of forest, aquatic and marine birds. In total, nearly 253 species of birds, including 132 nesting species, can be found in the park.
Enthusiasts can observe seven different species of nesting seabirds such as the razorbill, common murre, black guillemot, black-backed gull, herring gull, double-crested cormorant and the largest colony of black-legged kittiwakes in the world. is from Canada.
We can also see several species there:
- Raptors: bald eagle, American kestrel or hen harrier;
- Ducks: black duck, eider, scoter, teal, harlequin, scaup, merganser, goldeneye or diver;
- Forest birds: warbler, woodpecker, vireo or passerine.
Observe migratory birds in Canada: Georgian Bay Islands National Park (Ontario)
Georgian Bay Islands National Park supports a large concentration of breeding birds, particularly songbirds. The latter usually nest on Beausoleil Island, the largest of the 63 islands that make up the park.
The park is located in the transition zone between the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Lowlands and the Canadian Shield. The lower part of Beausoleil Island is covered in rich deciduous forest where southern birds such as the blue warbler, wood thrush and scarlet piranga can be seen. The northern part of the island is home to northern species such as the Canada warbler, the gray-headed warbler and the forest wren.
In spring and fall, migratory birds pass through the park from one island to another. Additionally, migration varies from day to day. Birders can observe mixed flocks of warblers, vireos, wrens, thrushes and sparrows as they explore one of Beausoleil Island's trails.
Observe migratory birds in Canada: Point Pelee National Park (Ontario)
Point Pelee Park is one of the smallest national parks in Canada. Despite its size, this park nevertheless has the largest number of bird species in the country. It is an important bird conservation area (IBA), with more than 390 species including warblers, sandpipers, ducks, diurnal birds of prey, etc.
We also remember that during the two major migration periods, in spring and fall, more than 200 species of neo-tropical migratory birds stopover in this small Ontario park. Ornithologists can then observe swans, grebes, diving ducks, dabbling ducks and loons. Between the end of April and the third week of May, it is the turn of the songbirds to land on Pointe-Pelée. Then in June, as the summer season approaches, it is the turn of flycatchers and shorebirds to land there. Lovers of birds of prey will have to wait until September. Finally, in November and December, it is waterfowl, and more particularly geese, which return in large numbers.
In May, as part of the Feather Festival, ornithologists will be able to enjoy lunches, dinner talks and daily ornithological hikes for more than two weeks. They will also have access to specially marked trails to maximize the chance of seeing birds.
Observe migratory birds in Canada: Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (British Columbia)
Ideally located on the Pacific Flyway that connects the tundra to tropical and subtropical zones, the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a must-see for birds and ornithologists.
The park has a great diversity of terrestrial and marine habitats that attract more than 300 resident and migratory species. For example, we can observe:
- Bald eagles;
- Common nighthawks;
- Little mountain owls;
- Peregrine falcons;
- Alaskan sandpipers;
- Tufted puffins and rhinos;
- Pacific guillemots, with white and marbled necks;
- Snow geese;
- Barred owls;
- Grouse;
- Bachman oystercatchers;
- Olive-sided flycatchers.
Sidney Spit (Sidney Island) and Bennet Bay (Mayne Island) are notably recognized as Important Bird Areas (IBA), since they are home to a high concentration of seabirds, including rare and threatened species.
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