Birding & Walking in Montreal's Morgan Arboretum - With a descriptive trails guide for walkers and skiers
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Birding & Walking in Montreal’s Morgan Arboretum
With a descriptive trails guide for walkers and skiers
A guide for visitors to Canada’s largest arboretum from the Sparroworks Wildlife Company www.sparroworks.ca
The Morgan
Arboretum
The Sparroworks Wildlife Guides (of which
this is the first) can be downloaded from the
www.sparroworks.ca website. They are
designed to be easy to read on a computer
screen - especially a tablet computer such as
an iPad. They can be printed for reference
when you visit - should they get wet and
torn, just download another copy.
The guides are free, but if you feel you would
like to contribute to their development
please consider making a donation to our
favourite charity, Bird Protection Quebec
(www.birdprotectionquebec.org ) and
support their important work in habitat
protection, sanctuary management and
research funding. You will find an easy
donation button on their website.
** Une version française de ce guide sera
disponible quand une traduction acceptable a été
préparé. .
CONTENTS:
3 - Introduction
6 - A Top 20 birds for new birders
17 - The annotated bird checklist
27 - Guide to the walking trails
that Ile Jésus (Laval) and the North. Taken together, these
Introduction disparate areas form a lengthy green corridor which is
All cities contain a number of parks and open spaces in which essential to wildlife movement and survival; the Arboretum
to escape the “built environment”. Many have more green forming the largest single part.
space than does Montreal, but few have anything on the scale The collections of trees that form today's arboretum are of
of the Morgan Arboretum in which to wander and get close to widely different ages and species depending on their date of
the natural world so close to the city center. It may not be planting and the various soil and drainage characteristics of
famous, indeed even in Montreal it is surprising how few different parts of the site. When first founded, the arboretum
people are aware of it, but it is more than extensive enough to was on land that was partly forested and partly old pasture
lose yourself in for a day and never know that a major city lies but today, with the exception of a field between the two main
just down the highway. car parks and a second field towards the northern end, the
Created in 1945 on land made available to McGill University entire area is forested with a mixture of coniferous and
from the “back lots” of the Morgan family's Stoneycroft Farm, deciduous species of varying maturity. More details of these
it was originally envisaged as a space that would be devoted will be given later.
to furthering knowledge of “forest development and woodlot Under the trees, visitors will find some 25km of diverse trails,
management”. Much has changed in almost seventy years. some relatively heavily used and others much less so, some
The Arboretum is the largest green space on the island of short and some long, giving opportunities for everyone to
Montreal and the largest arboretum in Canada with an area of find something to suit their needs. In the winter, two of the
some 245 hectares or around 600 acres. Today it is a multi-use main trails are groomed for cross country skiing and a
green space used by the University for environmental sciences moderately long snowshoe trail also exists, while the “main”
research and teaching purposes, while at the same time trail is accessible to walkers all year around.
providing a valued space for the public to walk under the
The arboretum website is at www.morganarboretum.org
trees and enjoy this rare urban forest environment – most
importantly of all, though, it is essential and increasingly rare
habitat for the many animal and plant species that are still Location - getting there
living amongst and around people in this splendid city.
The Arboretum is found at the western end of Montreal
The Arboretum does not stand in isolation. To the west are Island in the municipality of Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. Access by
smaller, privately owned, wooded areas that together with the public transport is, sadly, rather deficient. The closest you
Arboretum form the Senneville Migratory Bird Sanctuary and can get is to take a bus to the terminal in front of John Abbott
to the East are diverse agricultural lands that lead to the small College in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue on Ch. Bord-du-lac or else a
Anse à l'Orme Nature Park and the somewhat larger Cap St- commuter train to the nearby AMT rail station. From there
Jacques Nature Park alongside the river. Over the water is Ile you will need to walk – cross the campus, take the bridge over
Bizard which also has considerable green areas and beyond Autoroute-20 and continue along the road over the farm
fields, cross the Autoroute-40 by the road bridge, up the slope A short note about dogs
and you're there … it takes 30-40 minutes. Look on it as Although visitors will see people walking their dogs in the
healthy exercise, it's all you can do unless you call a cab. Arboretum you should be aware that only a limited number
of dog access permits are granted each year to members of the
By road, you will find the entrance to the Arboretum on Ch.
arboretum, that there is a long waiting list for these permits,
Ste-Marie just north of Autoroute-40 and a few hundred
that all dogs allowed entry are assessed for temperament
meters east of the junction with the Autoroute and Ancien-
beforehand and that under NO circumstances can anyone else
Combattants. A private, and mostly unpaved road (Ch. des
walk their dogs in the Arboretum. Further information about
Pins) leads north past the tall, golf-ball shaped, weather radar
this is available from the site office.
dome (a can't-miss landmark for the cartographically
challenged) taking you to Pines Cottage where the
administrative office is found and where you can obtain your
entry pass. Members of the Friends of the Morgan Arboretum
have wide access privileges, casual visitors will be charged a
small daily fee for entry.
Past the office building there two parking lots. The one
immediately to your left is for access to the Yellow and Red
Trails and is also used by arboretum members walking dogs,
while the one further along across the open field and next to
the Conservation Centre building is for access to the Blue and
Orange (main) Trails. Usually, there is plentiful parking, but
at one or two exceptionally busy times of year such as
sugaring-off, prime weekends during the ski season, the
height of the fall colour etc, late-comers may need to park
along the entrance road.
Under no circumstances may cars be taken beyond the car
parks, even if the main trail is seemingly wide enough to
permit it. Note also, that people arriving by cycle must leave
them in one of the car parks and enter the trail system on foot.
Washrooms are to be found at the western end of the
Conservation Centre.
>180 SPECIES OF BIRDS The Arboretum Birds Between 180 and 200 species of birds have been seen at one time or another in the arboretum. Even more at the adjacent McGill Bird Observatory where monitoring is much more intense. In the pages that follow, a “Top 20 Birds” list is suggested for those who are new to birding while detailed accounts of all the species recorded are presented for more experienced birders.
great thrill. They are what birders call “good” birds, ones
The Birds with star quality and the “wow” factor making them worth
the effort to spot them.
Make sure you have a pair of binoculars and a good field
Between 180 and 200 species of birds have been seen at one
guide to help you identify the birds that you are certainly
time or another in the arboretum. Naturally, some of those
going to see.
are rare, some are flyovers and others are elusive at best.
Nevertheless, in 2010 the author of this guide and the resident The Arboretum is a marvellous place to observe birds, both
Interpretative Naturalist entered into a low-key contest to see for the novice and the expert. The extensive forest, broken up
how many species could be observed without putting too by small fields and open spaces comprises a mixed forest and
much effort into the venture - in other words, how many forest-edge habitat that attracts a wide selection of the bird
species can the average visitor expect to see during the course species of Quebec. In addition, it is adjacent to one of the
of an average year. The answer came to 134 species with each narrower crossing points along the river in this region and
of the two competitors turning in personal year list of 97 and forms the southern portion of a ‘green corridor’ running up to
98 species each. Not bad for a semi-urban forest this far Ile Bizard and beyond that not only birds, but many other
north. species, make use of to travel. In spring and autumn
migration periods a vast range of birds visit the arboretum.
Here are some of the species you might look out for.
New to Birding? Of course, you will maximise your likelihood of seeing
numerous birds by coming to the Arboretum early in the
Start here - A “Top Twenty” Birds morning before the heat of the day sends them into hiding
and before the bulk of the visitors arrive. Don’t forget that
Before we go through the full checklist of bird species that birds are more likely to be heard first, especially in a forest
have been recorded in the arboretum, bird group by bird with dense leaf cover, than seen and most, if necessary, can be
group, let us start with twenty “good” birds that anyone can identified by their songs alone.
start their birding activities by looking out for. There are so
Look out for seasonal guided birding walks organised by the
many birds to be seen that identification can seem
arboretum or by BPQ, ask for a copy of the birders checklist at
overwhelming at times - start with a few easy ones.
the office and don’t forget your binoculars and a field guide to
Any top-twenty list selected from the over 180 species of birds help with identification.
that have been observed here in recent years is highly
If you are new to the forest, check out the Birding Trail and
subjective, of course. Most of the ones listed here are fairly
make a point of visiting Blossom Corner in the spring where
common bids that you should be able to find quite easily
many migrant Warbler species hang out waiting to be spotted.
while a smaller number are rarer, here only for a limited
season but which, if you see them, are going to give you a
The American Crow and the Common Raven Blue Jay
Crows are always easily seen and heard throughout the year A relative of the Crows and Ravens, these medium sized,
all over the forest. If you come across a large group of them colourful and noisy birds are always present.
who are gathering together and calling raucously they may be
simply passing information to each other but often you will
find that they are harassing an owl or a hawk and they may
well lead you to a rare sighting if you strike out and try to
track them down.
The Blue Jays, are often found in small groups or loose flocks
Larger and heavier than the Crow, Ravens are splendid birds and are rarely silent. Young Jays in particular will come
that are around the Arboretum in small numbers throughout together to learn about life as a Jay and to play - these are
the year. More solitary than the Crows, they will engage is intelligent birds and there is little doubt that play is part of
spectacular aerobatics as they soar and wheel above the their daily routine.
treetops.
Did you know that there is no such thing as a blue pigment in
bird feathers? The blue colour is a product of light refraction
through the feathers and will change in intensity as they
move from sun to shade
Black-capped Chickadee White-breasted Nuthatch
The “clowns” of the bird world, Chickadees are everywhere Another all year round bird, the Nuthatch is a small bird
all year round and will sometimes take seed from your hand usually seen head down on the trunks of trees seeking food in
if you stand still in the right place. the bark. Listen for their call which is rather like a plastic toy.
You would have to try really hard not to see plenty of these
birds on any walk, regardless of time of year or weather. Nuthatches, including the similar Red-breasted version, are
wonderful acrobats and seem able to fun up and down and
Always worth checking flocks of Chickadees closely as not around tree trunks and branches in any direction, managing
infrequently there may be a stray warbler or other “good” as easily upside down and head pointed at the ground as they
bird travelling along with them. do the normal way up. They seek out insects from the
crannies in the tree bark and are with us all year around - a
cheerful bird to spot in the middle of a ski or snowshoe trip in
mid-winter.
Song Sparrow Ruby-crowned Kinglet
There are usually Song Sparrows around the Conservation Ruby-crowned Kinglets are here in considerable numbers and
Centre, in the trees or on the ground - often with Chipping fairly easily located by their constant twittering calls as flocks
Sparrows who seem to like this area also. Listen for their of them move through the understory.
melodious song. These birds head south in the winter but are
one of the earliest to return in springtime.
However - there always being a however in birding - they are
almost never still so getting what a birding friend refers to as
a “soul-satisfying look” can be hard to achieve and you will
have to be patient. If you are lucky you may see their tiny
ruby-red crest raised and you may even get a photograph. A
very nice bird indeed to start your Arboretum list with.
They are called Song Sparrows for a very good reason and
once you have heard them you will realise why.
Look out too for the similar Golden-crowned Kinglets.
Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers Pileated Woodpecker
The “common” woodpeckers you might see almost anywhere. The largest of the Canadian Woodpecker species, the Pileated
At first glance quite similar to each other, the Hairy is larger is about the size of a Crow with a distinctive red head and
than the Downy and has a rather longer beak. raucous call.
You can tell when it has been working on a tree by the
rectangular shape of the hole it makes. They are here in
considerable numbers and not hard to find - hammering at a
tree or flying through the forest like a Pterodactyl (when you
see one, you will know what we mean).
You can easily terll males from females for these species as the
males have a red patch on their heads while the females do
not - see the female Downy Woodpecker in the photo above.Common Yellowthroat White-throated Sparrow
Another beautiful little bird found in edge habitats but more Found grubbing about in the undergrowth in spring and fall
likely to be out in the open in the field on sunny dayss. Look as they migrate through the area to and from their breeding
for its bright yellow body and black bandit’s mask. The field grounds. A lovely little bird that has a patriotic song in both
east of Chalet Pruche is a good place to look. languages :(“Oh, say, Canada-Canada-Canada”) or in French a
more earthy verse (“Cache ton cul, Fréderick, Fréderick,
Fréderick”)
Like the Yellow Warbler, which you will find on a nearby
page, this easy to spot bird is one of the migratory species that Don’t confuse this bird with the similar White-crowned
come back to us in early to mid-May each year. Sparrow that has similar head markings but lacks the white
throat patch and does not have that yellow spot above the
eye.White-winged Crossbill Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings
A winter bird that is always on the move in small flocks high Birds that could be seen here all year but are more likely to be
in the trees. Look for it in the Tamarack tree beside Chalet observed in the winter, both species are medium sized birds
Pruche eating the seeds from the cones. They don’t visit every with very clearly marked plumage and usually seen in flocks,
winter, but when they do they are worth getting out in the on occasion mixed. Look for them wherever there are berries
cold to enjoy. on the trees and shrubs. Beautifully marked with well defined
patches of colour that look painted on.
The Cedar Waxwings are by far the commoner of the two
species. Look for theme wherever you see bunches of berries
hanging from trees or shrubs as these form a major part of
their diet - though they eat insects as well.
Their call is a soft high pitch twittering and whistling that will
easily alert you to the presence.Barred Owl Hawks and Falcons of several species
If you see him you will be lucky - and please be discrete Several species of Hawks and Falcons either breed in the
because during the daytime they will be dozing in the trees forest or hunt here. You might hear their distinctive cries or
waiting for night and don’t want to be disturbed. We have see them flying overhead as they look for food. A gang of
two or three that breed here in the deeper parts of the forest. noisy crows could lead you to one if you are lucky.
Look out for Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks,
Sharp-shinned Hawks, Coopers Hawks, Merlins and Kestrels
amongst other, less common species.
The call of this owl is the “classic” who-cooks-for-you of
Although you may see hawks within the forest hunting small
childrens’ story books. Can be found in mixed or coniferous
parts of the forest. creatures for food or coming and going from their nests, they
are most easily observed soaring high above the tree canopy
so remember to look up frequently.Tree Swallow American Robin
There are many of these wonderfully aerobatic and fast flying A very common bird that no longer leaves us in the winter as
birds in the arboretum every summer - some of them using they used to do.
the nesting boxes provided for them between the car parks.
They feed very well on the insect life that we all know only
too well from our summer visits.
Other species of Swallows that are easy to see are the Cliff
Swallows which always nest under the platform of the Everybody knows this bird and its loud, bubbling song which
weather radar dome you pass on the way in and the Barn can be seen in large numbers in the arboretum. They nest in
Swallows which, not surprisingly, can be seen flying in, out low trees and shrubs but forage for insects and other food on
and around the barns to the west of the dome. the ground, usually in open areas - a feeding behaviour
characteristic of most of the thrushes to which group they
belong.Eastern Kingbird Yellow Warbler
Like the Great Crested Flycatcher, this quite common bird A quite common warbler that you should be able to see in the
waits to fly out to catch insects on the wing but may be easier arboretum every spring and summer
to spot as it likes the telephone wires strung along the
entrance road.
These colourful little birds, together with all the other
There are many species of flycatcher (including one group woodland warbler species, depart for the south as autumn
approaches and then return in waves around early to mid
that are almost impossible to separate by sight and can
May when their bright plumage and cheerful songs tell us
usually only be identified by their songs). The Kingbird is
that summer is coming.
very distinctive and you will have no difficulty identifying it
when you see one. The Yellow Warbler is one of the easiest to spot and identify -
you might find it first by listening for its sweet-sweet-sweet-I’m-
so0sweet song and then scanning the trees to find its perch.Red-winged Blackbird Northern Cardinal
These birds are familiar to everyone and we have a thriving We couldn't not mention this most distinctive of all birds, the
colony that nests in the field north of the larches each summer. male in its bright red plumage and the female in its more
Very easy to spot as they perch on the top of tall grasses and subdued olive-tinged hues. Cardinals are with us all the year
shrubs proclaiming their territory. Don’t forget that the round and in winter are like decorations on the Christmas
females look nothing like the males. tree.
Although small when compared to the much larger Crows
and Ravens they will often be seen flying up to attack them if
they get too close to their nests. Cardinals are not a migratory species but were rarely if ever
seen in the Montreal area until the late seventies. Climate
One of the first of the migrating birds to return after the change has helped them to spread further north and they are
winter, the males always arrive several weeks before the now so well established we think they have been here forever.
females in order to seek out and claim suitable nesting
territory.This is not a wetland reserve and so obviously, most of these
The Full Checklist are passage birds or chance wanderers. However, in the
spring when the snows are melting two or three large vernal
The following pages take us through the full arboretum pools form in the fields to the north east of the forest and
checklist in taxonomic group sequence with brief comments these often attract ducks of surprising variety. There is also an
about the likelihood of seeing various species, where they old quarry north of the Conservation Center that fills with
might best be observed - and when. We suggest that you refer water through until early summer that is worth checking out.
to a field guide for particular details of species and for help East of the arboretum is a bird-banding station that is not
with identification. A “stripped down” version of the accessible by the public (the McGill Bird Observatory) which
checklist is appended - you can print this for use in the field. contains a large permanent pond and in which Wood Duck
We know from the birds banded at the adjacent McGill Bird nesting boxes are placed. None of the above species are easy
Observatory that there are other species in the area but the to see - Canada Geese and Mallards apart - but keep your eyes
ones that follow are those that have been definitely identified open between snow-melt and spring and you could well add
within the arboretum boundaries. several of these birds to your list.
LOONS, CORMORANTS, HERONS, BITTERNS, VULTURES, OSPREY, HAWKS, EAGLES,
DUCKS and GEESE FALCONS
C O MMO N L O O N TURKEY VULTURE
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT OSPREY
GREEN HERON GOLDEN EAGLE
AMERICAN BITTERN BALD EAGLE
SNOW GOOSE SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
C A NA D A G O O SE BALD EAGLE
C A C K L I N G GO O SE N O RT H E R N H A R R I E R
W OO D D U C K COOPER' S H AW K
GREEN-WINGED TEAL N O RT H E R N G O S H AW K
MALLARD RED- SH OULDER E D H AW K
AMERICAN BLACK DUCK BROAD-WINGED HAWK
N O RT H E R N P I N TA I L RED- TAI LED H AWK
BLUE-WINGED TEAL ROUGH - LEGGED HAWK
C O MMO N M ER GANSE R AMERICAN KESTRELMERLIN VIRGINIA RAIL
P E RE GR I NE FALCO N SORA
These charismatic birds are by no means as rare or as hard to COM M ON M OO RH E N
spy as some may think. Sharp-shinned, Coopers, red-tailed AMERICAN COOT
and Red-shouldered Hawks all hunt within the arboretum KILLDEER
regularly and even breed here ... Albeit their nests tend to be AMERICAN WOODCOCK
in the quieter and harder to reach corners. Recently, a pair of WI LSON ' S SN I PE
Red-shouldered Hawks nested and raised young in a tall
G R E AT E R Y E L L O W L E G S
shagbark hickory tree within yards of the main orange trail,
SOLITARY SANDPIPER
yet perhaps only three or four of the many visitors that use
that “highway” ever noticed them. The adults certainly SPOTTED SANDPIPER
noticed you, though, if you got too close. Merlins are
relatively common around the edges of the forest - on the far The only bird on this list that you could see or hear
side of the large field east of Chalet Pruche is a tall dead tree reasonably regularly is the Ruffed Grouse. These ground
that is a favoured stand for these birds in high summer to use nesting birds root around for their food in the leaf litter below
as a base for flying from to catch and eat large insects such as the forest canopy and are more usually heard than seen as
dragonflies, a popular and plentiful food. their coloration is very sombre and camouflaged. They are
usually encountered to the east of Pullins Pasture and in the
Other raptor species can be seen from time to time within the
wooded area east of Pines Cottage that slopes down towards
forest or flying over during spring and fall migration periods
the bird banding station. The other species above are usually
when the skies, if you look high and hard enough, can
stop-overs that have been observed in and around the flooded
occasionally be literally filled with these birds passing
quarry in spring or which can be heard calling from the off-
through and their way to and from their breeding grounds.
limits Stoneycroft Pond. A Solitary Sandpiper was resident in
During the summer, look above the trees around Blossom
the quarry for over two weeks in the spring of 2009.
Corner or the fields to the eats of the arboretum for raptors in
flight or perched on branches looking for a meal to pass their
way. GULLS, PIGEONS, DOVES, CUCKOOS
RI N G- BI LLED G UL L
GROUSE, PHEASANT, RAILS, COOTS,
G R E AT B L A C K - B A C K E D G U L L
PLOVERS, LAPWING, SANDPIPERS
H ERRI N G GULL
RU FF E D GR O USE ROC K ( DOVE) PI G EO N
G R AY PA RT R I D G E MOURNING DOVE
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOThis group includes some of the commoner birds and one real seen, if you are very lucky, flying over in winter when they
rarity. Ring-billed and occasionally herring Gulls will often be are heading south in search of food ... they prefer the flat-
seen in the skies above the arboretum and are easy to identify lands south and west of here such as in the fields near the
by most birders, even without binoculars. The great Black- village of St-Clet, about a half hour’s drive away. All of the
backed Gulls are less commonly spotted, but as they can be other Owls, however, are distinct possibilities for the keen
found almost all year round on the nearby lakeshore will birder. Great-horned and Barred Owls are regular breeding
regularly pass above us if you are looking up. Everyone birds here while the habitat is ideal for the small Screech and
knows the Rock Pigeon and the Mourning Dove. Th Black- Saw-whet Owls, even if the holes they nest in are almost
billed Cuckoo is a real rarity that has very occasionally been impossible to locate. Long-eared Owls are strict night-hunters
identified - mostly by sound - within the forest. This is rather but might be heard and even seen along the edges of the
outside its normal range, but with global waring more and forest where they can hunt over open fields. The Barred Owl
more species that we never used to see are starting to make is the most commonly seen of our Owls, sitting out the day
their appearances here. After all, the ubiquitous Northern tucked up in a spruce tree against the trunk, often very close
Cardinal was not a Montreal species until 20 or 30 years ago to the trails.
and now they are everywhere. Owls are especially susceptible to disturbance during the
daylight hours and should be approached with caution and
respect - Great-horned are particularly territorial in the
OWLS
breeding season by the way, you have been warned. For this
EASTERN SCREECH-OWL reason it is not appropriate to give specific details here about
where they are most likely to be encountered but anyone
G R E AT H O R N E D O W L
interested should seek out the staff naturalist for up to date
SNOWY OWL
information.
BARRED OWL
Their location is often given away by loud assemblies of
N O RT H E R N S AW- W H E T O W L
Crows who dislike their presence and will often mob them -
LONG-EARED OWL
look for Crows and find Owls.
SHORT-EARED OWL
G R E AT G R AY O W L
NIGHTJARS, SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS,
Everyone wants to see Owls. If the arboretum organises a KINGFISHERS, SWALLOWS
night-time “owl prowl” it is guaranteed to be sold out within
COM M ON N I GH TH AW K
days of announcement while visitors regularly ask where they
can see these wonderful birds. Well, this is the place to come. CH I M N EY SWI F T
Snowy Owls, of course, are not forest birds and so will only be RUBY- TH ROATED HU MM I N G B I R DBELTED KINGFISHER PI LEATED WOO DPEC K E R
P U RPL E MA RT IN RED- BELLI ED W O ODP E CK E R
TREE SWALLOW What would an arboretum be without its Woodpeckers?
N O RT H E R N R O U G H - W I N G E D S WA L L O W Downy, Hairy and Pileated are, of course, year-round
BANK SWALLOW residents and very easy to locate almost anywhere in the
C L I F F S WA LL O W forest. Pileated’s are here is remarkably high numbers and
can be found almost anywhere, but look along the north-
BARN SWALLOW
western sector between the orange trail and the yellow trail
for the greatest likelihood of observing them. Yellow-bellied
Nighthawks are here, you might see them, you can hear them. Sapsuckers and Northern Flickers are migratory and leave us
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are seen every year although in the winter but are fairly easy to find in spring and summer.
most of the population breeds a bit further north. Check out The Black-backed Woodpecker is south of its usual range here
the area around Blossom Corner for example. but is seen/heard most years, usually in the further corners of
The various Hirundidae species will be seen every summer, the forest away from the pressure of visitors and dogs. The
some more easily than others. Cliff Swallows make their red-bellied Woodpecker is a new discovery usually seen well
characteristic mud nests under the dome of the weather radar south of Montreal. First seen here in mid-winter 2008 it is not
beside the entrance road and can be seen in the skies all a shy bird and welcomes the food provided at the feeders.
around while Barn swallows, of course, are to be seen easily Since then at least one, almost certainly two and quite
around the hoop-roofed barns to the west of the same road. possibly three have been around in winter and occasionally
Tree Swallows are everywhere there are flying insects and seen/heard in summer too though we have no evidence of
make use of the nesting boxes posted in the field between the nesting yet. Look out for these beautiful birds between the
two car parks. For Bank and Northern Rough-winged just conservation centre and Chalet Pruche, most particularly in
keep your eyes open. the maple stands south and west of Blossom Corner.
WOODPECKERS TYRANT FLYCATCHERS, WAGTAILS AND
PIPITS, KINGLETS
YE L L OW- B E L LIE D SAP SU CK E R
DOWNY WOODPECKER O L I V E - S I D E D F LY C AT C H E R
HA I RY W O O DP EC KE R EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE
THREE-TOED WOODPECKER YELLOW- BELLI ED FLYCAT CHE R
BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER ALDER FLYCATCHER
N O RT H E R N F L I C K E R WI LLOW FLYCATC HE RLEAST FLYCATCHER WAXWINGS, WRENS, MOCKINGBIRDS,
EASTERN PHOEBE THRUSHES
G R E AT C R E S T E D F LY C AT C H E R
EASTERN KINGBIRD BOHEMIAN WAXWING
AMERICAN PIPIT CEDAR WAXWI N G
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET WI N TER WREN
RU B Y- C RO W NE D KINGL E T H OUSE WREN
SEDGE WREN
G R AY C AT B I R D
These small birds are a lot of fun to watch. They occur all
BROWN THRASHER
along the trails but perhaps the best places to seek them out
are in Pullin’s Pasture and along the orange trails where it EASTERN BLUEBIRD
passes the tall thick evergreen hedge just east of Chalet V E E RY
Pruche - don’t look in the hedge, look in the tops of the trees G R AY- C H E E K E D T H R U S H
alongside and just north of it. Typically, these ebirds will sit SWAINSON'S THRUSH
on a high perch, making short dashes to catch passing insects H ERM I T TH RUS H
before returning to look for the next meal. Some of them WOOD TH RUSH
(Yellow-bellied, Alder, Willow, Least Flycatchers in AMERICAN ROBIN
particular) are hard to distinguish by sight but have
distinctive calls if you can hear them that will help you with
identification. The American Pipit is going to be a hard bird Waxwings can occur singly but most usually are in small to
for your arboretum list - not at all common and when they very large flocks working their way through the berries on
occur they will be out in the grasslands as they are not forest trees in winter - these are cold-weather birds in the
birds. The two Kinglet species are tiny and plentiful in arboretum. Look in Blossom Corner and along the
season but always, always on the move hopping around in “hedgerow” bordering the path to the east of Pullin’s
dense thickets. If you are a photographer, these are going to Pasture.
give you a challenge. The Wrens, on order of liklihood of encountering them, are
House, Winter and Sedge with the latter being a very rare
sighting. Winter Wrens are most often seen in late fall
fossicking amongst the piles of decaying logs in front of the
sugar shack.Catbirds and Thrashers are not there every day you visit but lined by birch trees running north from the sugar shack is
are seen or heard every year - Pullin’s Pasture would be a often productive.
good starting place to look for them.
The various species of thrush are all forest birds that you are SHRIKES, CROWS AND JAYS, STARLINGS
as likely to hear as to see because of their excellent
camouflage in dappled light. Expect them to be rooting N O RT H E R N S H R I K E
around near the ground and amongst leaf litter looking for BLUE JAY
things to eat - their fluting, two-tone calls are unmistakeable.
AMERICAN CROW
Try seeking them in the wooded areas in the north eastern
COM M ON RAVE N
part of the arboretum around the two large open fields.
EUROPEAN STARLING
You won’t have any trouble ticking off the Crows and Blue
GNATCATCHERS, CHICKADEES, TITS, Jays and not too much difficulty in seeing Ravens (like extra
NUTHATCHES, big Crows but with differently shaped tail and a soaring
CREEPERS flight - plus a very distinctive call). The Blue Jays will find
you and we all know Starlings. The hardest bird in this
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER group will be the Northern Shrike, most likely spotted on top
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE of a bare tree in winter
RE D - B R E A ST E D NU T HAT CH
W H I T E - B R E ASTED NUT HAT CH
VIREOS
BROWN CREEPER
BLUE-HEADED VIREO
The Gnatcatcher is a possible bird but not often encountered. WA R B L I N G V I R E O
The Black-capped Chickadee, on the other hand, is PH I LADELPH I A VI RE O
everywhere and often expecting you to hold out a handful of RED- EYED VI REO
seeds for him to help himself from. Similarly, the
Nuthatches are to be encountered in every corner of the Woodland songbirds that are here every summer. You will
forest where their ‘squeaky plastic toy” calls easily give them know they are about first by their beautiful songs and with
away. Brown Creepers are quite frequent, but harder to see care will be able to use that to find them in amongst the
due to their excellent camouflage colouration - listen out for foliage almost anywhere in the forest though the eastern part
their calls and then home in on them - along the open ride is the most productive.WOOD WARBLERS These are the stars of the show, the flashy small birds that we
all wait eagerly for in the spring when they return from their
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER southern winter homes on migration back to their breeding
TENNESSEE WARBLER grounds. Some stay with us and nest in the arboretum while
O R A N G E - C R O W N E D WA R B L E R others keep heading through to the boreal forest but in
N A S H V I L L E WA R B L E R spring, especially the second half of May, they will be here in
considerable numbers.
N O RT H E R N PA R U L A
YE L L OW WAR BL E R We would suggest checking out the area around Blossom
C HE S TN U T-SIDED WAR B L E R Corner and in Pullin’s Pasture around the 20th May each
year - but get up early for the best chances. Check with the
MAGNOLIA WARBLER
office as well, most years there will be a guided walk to try
C A P E MAY WAR BL E R
to find as many of these as possible.
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER
In the autumn they will be seen returning south, although
YE L L OW- RU MP ED WAR B L E R
not is such concentrated numbers and they will be wearing
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER
their rather more drab fall plumage just to make things
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER
difficult - it is not for nothing that birders talk of “confusing
PA L M WA R B L E R fall warblers”.
P I NE WA R BL E R
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER
BLACKPOLL WARBLER TANAGERS, SPARROWS
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER
SCARLET TANAGER
MOURNING WARBLER
EASTERN TOWHEE
C O MMO N Y E LLO W T HR O AT
AMERICAN TREE SPARROW
W I L S O N' S WAR BL E R
CH I PPI N G SPAR R O W
C A NA D A WARB LER
F I E L D S PA R R O W
AMERICAN REDSTART
SAVANNAH SPARROW
OVENBIRD
F O X S PA R R O W
N O RT H E R N WAT E RT H R U S H
SONG SPARROW
C O NNE C T I CU T WAR B L E R
LINCOLN'S SPARROW
SWAMP SPARROW
WH I TE- CROWN E D S PAR R OWW H I T E - T HR O AT ED SPAR R O W RED- WI N GED BL AC K BI R D
DARK-EYED JUNCO EASTERN MEADOWLARK
SNOW BUNTING RUSTY BLAC KBI R D
COM M ON GRA CKL E
The Scarlet Tanager is the flashy one in this group that is BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD
here every year, albeit in small numbers, from spring BALTIMORE ORIOLE
onwards. Try a sunny day near Blossom Corner for this one,
possibly up high in the trees. The Eastern Towhee and the This group are a mixed bag. The Eastern Meadowlark might
Lincoln’s Sparrow are rarely seen, especially the latter, but appear on the open fields and it is worth taking a walk down
they have been so you may be fortunate. Snow Buntings are, the road between the Ecomuseum and the MBO towards the
as their name implies, winter birds - they arrive in small, seed farm (not strictly in the arboretum but very close) to
ever moving flocks and inhabit the open fields. We don’t get look for them too. Bobolinks are birds in need of care and
them as winter residents but as flocks passing through - keep protection - they breed in grassland and love the fields in the
your eyes open. The other Sparrows are all distinct possibles north-eastern corner of the arboretum - unfortunately, one of
every year. Song Sparrows will readily greet you by the car those grows plants such as Golden Rod that is too tall for
park and breed in the filed south of Pullin’s Pasture in their liking while the others are regularly cut for hay and so
considerable numbers - you should also look out there for their =chances of successful breeding are hampered to say
Savannah Sparrows that we see in small numbers most the least ... nevertheless, they come back year after year.
years. White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows are Northern Cardinals hardly need an introduction or
passage birds in migration but will stop here for periods instructions as to where to find them; red-winged Blackbirds
where they can be enjoyed as they rummage in the leaf litter breed in the field north of the Larches; Indigo Buntings like
below dense shrubs. Sparrows are not just boring, little edge habitat and you might try looking for them in the
brown birds - they are the life and soul of the party if you hedge lining the main trail between Chalet Pruche and the
have the ability to appreciate their more subtle virtues. field to the east of it where they often nest (along with
Common yellowthroats by the way). Rose-breasted
Grosbeaks seem to like the trees at the northern end of
CARDINALS. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, etc.
Pullin’s Pasture for some reason
N O RT H E R N C A R D I N A L
RO S E - B RE ASTE D GRO SB E A K
INDIGO BUNTING
BOBOLINKFINCHES, SISKINS, etc. * * A N D T H AT ’ S T H AT
To discover more about the birds of the Arboretum you can
P I NE GR O SBE A K
take this guide and a pair of binoculars and wander the trails
P U RPL E F I NC H
with your eyes and your ears open ... Or you can join one of
HO U S E F I N CH the seasonal guided birding walks that are organised in
W H I T E - W I NGE D CR O SSB IL L spring and fall by the Arboretum naturalists
C O MMO N REDP O L L (www.morganarboretum.org) or by Bird Protection Quebec
P I NE S I S K I N (www.birdprotectionquebec.org).
AMERICAN GOLDFINCH
EVENING GROSBEAK
A final word
Grosbeaks are not common (not a problem unique to the Whatever you see while birding in the Arboretum could we
arboretum0, but do occur. American Goldfinches are here all appeal to you to share your sightings with the Arboretum
year aorund and easy to spot. The others are winter finches naturalists (leave your notes at the office) and also to upload
that come to us in the snowy months when food further them to eBird ... Something that all birders should do all the
north becomes scarce. The Pine Siskins like the feeders, time.
always a good place to check while for the Crossbills, have a
look in the Tamarack tree beside Chalet
OLD WORLD SPARROWS
HO U S E S PAR R O W
Not as common in the arboretum as they should be but
there is a thriving colony in nearby Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue
where you could go after your birding for some excellent
food and a drink and to say hello to the sparrows..The Arboretum Bird Checklist LOONS American Coot TYRANT FLYCATCHERS NUTHATCHES TANAGERS etc. Common Loon PLOVERS, LAPWING Olive-sided Flycatcher Red-breasted Nuthatch Scarlet Tanager CORMORANTS Killdeer Eastern Wood-Pewee White-breasted Nuthatch SPARROWS etc. Double-crested Cormorant SANDPIPERS Yellow-bellied Flycatcher CREEPERS Eastern Towhee HERONS, BITTERNS American Woodcock Alder Flycatcher Brown Creeper American Tree Sparrow Green Heron Wilson's Snipe Willow Flycatcher SHRIKES Chipping Sparrow American Bittern Greater Yellowlegs Least Flycatcher Northern Shrike Field Sparrow DUCKS, GEESE Solitary Sandpiper Eastern Phoebe CROWS AND JAYS Savannah Sparrow Snow Goose Spotted Sandpiper Great Crested Flycatcher Blue Jay Fox Sparrow Canada Goose GULLS Eastern Kingbird American Crow Song Sparrow Cackling Goose Ring-billed Gull SWALLOWS Common Raven Lincoln's Sparrow Wood Duck Great Black-backed Gull Purple Martin STARLINGS Swamp Sparrow Green-winged Teal Herring Gull Tree Swallow European Starling White-crowned Sparrow Mallard PIGEONS, DOVES Northern Rough-winged VIREOS etc. White-throated Sparrow American Black Duck Rock (Dove) Pigeon Swallow Blue-headed Vireo Dark-eyed Junco Northern Pintail Mourning Dove Bank Swallow Warbling Vireo Snow Bunting Blue-winged Teal CUCKOOS Cliff Swallow Philadelphia Vireo CARDINALS etc. Common Merganser Black-billed Cuckoo Barn Swallow Red-eyed Vireo Northern Cardinal VULTURES OWLS WAGTAILS AND PIPITS WOOD WARBLERS Rose-breasted Grosbeak Turkey Vulture Eastern Screech-Owl American Pipit Blue-winged Warbler Indigo Bunting OSPREY Great Horned Owl KINGLETS Tennessee Warbler BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, Osprey Snowy Owl Golden-crowned Kinglet Orange-crowned Warbler Bobolink HAWKS, EAGLES Barred Owl Ruby-crowned Kinglet Nashville Warbler Red-winged Blackbird Golden Eagle Northern Saw-whet Owl WAXWINGS Northern Parula Eastern Meadowlark Bald Eagle Long-eared Owl Bohemian Waxwing Yellow Warbler Rusty Blackbird Northern Harrier Great Gray Owl Cedar Waxwing Chestnut-sided Warbler Common Grackle Sharp-shinned Hawk Short-eared owl WRENS Magnolia Warbler Brown-headed Cowbird Cooper's Hawk NIGHTJARS Winter Wren Cape May Warbler Baltimore Oriole Northern Goshawk Common Nighthawk House Wren Black-throated Blue Warbler FINCHES, SISKINS, etc. Red-shouldered Hawk SWIFTS Sedge Wren Yellow-rumped Warbler Pine Grosbeak Broad-winged Hawk Chimney Swift MOCKINGBIRDS etc. Black-throated Green Warbler Purple Finch Red-tailed Hawk HUMMINGBIRDS Gray Catbird Blackburnian Warbler House Finch Rough-legged Hawk Ruby-throated Hummingbird Brown Thrasher Palm Warbler White-winged Crossbill FALCONS KINGFISHERS THRUSHES Pine warbler Common Redpoll American Kestrel Belted Kingfisher Eastern Bluebird Bay-breasted Warbler Pine Siskin Merlin WOODPECKERS Veery Blackpoll Warbler American Goldfinch Peregrine Falcon Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Gray-cheeked Thrush Black-and-white Warbler Evening Grosbeak GROUSE Downy Woodpecker Swainson's Thrush American Redstart OLD WORLD SPARROWS Ruffed Grouse Hairy Woodpecker Hermit Thrush Ovenbird House Sparrow PHEASANT etc. Three-toed Woodpecker Wood Thrush Northern Waterthrush Gray Partridge Black-backed Woodpecker American Robin Connecticut Warbler RAILS, COOTS, etc. Northern Flicker GNATCATCHERS Mourning Warbler Virginia Rail Pileated Woodpecker Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Common Yellowthroat Sora Red-bellied Woodpecker CHICKADEES, TITS Wilson's Warbler Common Moorhen Black-capped Chickadee Canada Warbler
25 KM OF FOREST WALKING AND SKIING TRAILS The Arboretum Trails There are trails of all sorts in the arboretum. An excellent and comprehensive map is available on the arboretum website or from the office when you visit. Perhaps start with the well-maintained Center-trail and then explore different corners on the other trails at all seasons of the year. Some long, some short, some dry, some muddy but all full of interest
Getting around on the trails If you are not familiar with the arboretum then some of the above comments about where to see birds will not be helpful. Although it is hard for some of us to believe there are people who lose sight of the sun, can’t find the north and get lost in the forest they do exist and so until you become familiar with the trails you would be best advised to obtain a map. You can get detailed trail maps and information from the office when you enter the arboretum. More information can be had from the arboretum’s website at www.morganarboretum.org For birders, most of the “good” sites and the main trails are shown for you on the map to the right. See the following pages for explanations of the numbers on the map:
Key to the main features picnic tables for crumbs. In the large skulk under the shrubs, Warblers feed
field south of this car park you will see in the blossom covered branches,
of the trail network some nesting boxes on poles that are raptors fly overhead and, sadly, non-
used by tree Swallows. Check the edge birders make a noise and disturb
of the forest to the west for perching you ... So come early and see the birds
1 raptors and always scan the feeders in
winter.
at their best. Birds or no birds, this is a
very nice place to be.
This is the Pines Cottage with the
arboretum office and it is where you
pay your entry fee if not a member.
3 6
Pick up detailed maps here and ask for The southern car park is reserved for Chalet Pruche. An attractive log cabin
the latest information about sightings. members with dogs so please do not that has been renovated by volunteers
Before you arrive at the office, stop use it unless there is nowhere else to from the Friends of the Arboretum and
along the entrance road and check the park. The red, yellow and snowshoe which is available for hire for private
pines to the west - Owls have been trails depart from behind this car park. functions. In winter it is opened
known to hang out there during the several times during the skiing season
day. If you see any please do not 4 to give visitors a place to rest and
disturb them or get too close. warm up by the log fire. Look in the
The Quarry. In spring and early
forest edge to the west for many
summer this holds quite a lot of water
2 and is filled with thousands of frogs.
species of birds - and in particular for
the are Red-bellied Woodpecker that
The second, more northerly, car park is Rare shorebirds have appeared here in
seem to like it here. There is a tall
for most visitors. The low building recent years for a few days and
Larch tree standing beside the cabin
next to it is the Conservation Centre occasional ducks drop by for a paddle.
that is much favoured by winter
where you can shelter on cold and wet The trees around the pool are good
finches.
days, eat a sandwich and use the places to look for songbirds of all sorts.
washrooms. Check the trees around
the car park for birds - there are often 5 7
Song and Chipping Sparrows The Sugar Shack. In most years you
Blossom Corner. As its name implies,
welcoming you in summer and small will find stacks of gradually decaying
this part of the forest has been planted
busy birds like Kinglets hang out in the logs nearby, usually in the field in
with select trees with spectacular
group of monocots west of the CC. front. The nooks and crannies hold
blossom and it is a prime site to see as
Chickadees are everywhere and White- insects and in late summer/early
wide a range of birds as you will find
throated and White-crowned Sparrows autumn this is the best site by far to
anywhere in the arboretum. Thrushes
in spring and fall will appear by the find Winter Wrens fossicking for food.The nearby trees are good places for as low and shrubby hedges so there are there are sometimes small flocks of
summer Warblers and Woodpeckers of many opportunities for edge-dwelling Waxwing attracted by tree berries.
all species, including the elusive Red- bird species to visit the filed for food ...
bellied. of which there is a great variety. While
there look too for Lepidoptera spp. And
11
8 look up for cruising hawks. This is an The second, more northerly of the two
interesting field that is changing year eastern fields also holds Bobolinks
Maple Corner where several trails
by year so you never quite know what until the hay is cut. The trees around
come together. There are maples here,
you might see, In the south-eastern the edges are good places to look for
of course, but close-by is perhaps the
corner is a bench seat under a crab- perching Hawks of all species while
only Cricket-bat Willow tree in Quebec
apple tree where you can expect to the open skies overhead are worth
and a grove of Black Walnut trees. You
feed Chickadees with seed from the checking for more. Turkey Vultures in
could and can find anything here but is
palm of your hand. season can be seen over here. Near the
has, over the years, been a prime sight
field entrance, a shallow dip in the
for seeing rare visits by large accipiters
such as the Northern Goshawk 10 land holds a short-lived vernal pool
that attracts waterfowl of many species
cruising between the relatively well-
Just west of Chalet Pruche and by the and occasionally a good rarity or two.
spaced trees.
southern end of the long hedge is the The shrubby hedge lining the path
entrance to the southern field. This along the western edge of the field and
9 field regularly contains quite a number leaf litter underlying it is a wonderful
The (so-called) Bobolink Field rarely, of Bobolinks ... Until they cut the hay place to check for small songbirds,
these days contains any Bobolinks - when they disappear, as do any nests Sparrows, Waxwings, orioles and any
although males can be seen in early and fledglings they might have number of really nice species.
summer prospecting it - because the because the hay crop is always taken
vegetation has changed since its glory
days. Nevertheless, this modest sized
too early. Look along the edge of the
filed for Indigo Buntings and Common
12
open field is superb place to check for Yellowthroat that nest in the trees, The famous Pullin’s Pasture was, once
many species and usually holds a large especially those separating the field a pasture with stone walls around it
and vociferous population of breeding from the main tail. The tall dead tree but is now gradually reverting to
Red-winged Blackbirds and Song on the far side of the field has been woodland with some open grassy
Sparrows. The occasional Savannah known as a hawking station for areas and many shrubs and thickets -
Sparrow is seen most years. Around Merlins who fly from it in summer to ideal nesting habitat for Warblers and
the edges of the field are stands of both catch dragonflies on the wing, a Sparrows and a place the avid birder
deciduous and coniferous trees as well favourite meal of theirs. In winter, really needs to spend some time. Forsome reason, the tall trees on the glade you were always seeking and may
northern-most edge are the best place one day find. 18
in the arboretum to see Rose-breasted This is interesting. In 2009 the local
Grosbeak.
16 cooking gas company, who have a
pipeline under the western side of the
13 At the extreme southern edge of the
arboretum are open fields leading,
arboretum decided it was time to dig it
up and bring it up to date - doing this
A bit of mixed forest between the eventually, to the Autoroute necessitated cutting a very wide “ride”
yellow and blue trails that should be Transcanadienne (an excellent place to through the forest but they had the
visited for brown Tree-creeper and look for red-tailed Hawks who use the right to do it and so it went ahead with
serendipitous visitors. light poles and direction signs as trees falling like ninepins (they did
perches from which to look for prey on save the rarities). Afterwards, they
14 the flat margins of the highway.).
These fields are good places to spy
gave a respectable donation for new
trees and plantings and the arboretum
Below and to the north of Chalet cruising raptors and, after dark, are the have since been busily propagating
Pruche is a small field with a line of place to find Long-eared Owls. and planting a variety of native trees
birch trees around the edges. If you and shrubs and grasses - all of which
like trees, each of these Birch trees
came from a different province in 17 are simply the bees’ knees if you are a
bird. Well worth checking out along
Canada but for the birder they are About half way round the main orange this ride on the Blue Trail to see what
good places to see birds - Flycatchers trail there is a turn to the right and a might be about. It is not heavily
are often to be observed along this short slope - on your right you will see walked by anyone, in fact the
forest edge. The ride through the a bench-seat overlooking a small and arboretum rather discourage people
forest going directly north cuts exceptionally muddy pond. It is going in summer because there are
through a dense Larch plantation and muddy because people’s dogs like to some sensitive habitats along there that
should be checked for signs of Great romp in it but being water it, of course, they would prefer you to treat
Horned Owls and Brown tree attracts birds. Spend a short while carefully. Stick rigidly to the trail
Creepers. In spring warblers will be here and see what might be lurking in please, but do go and have a look.
singing all around you. he surrounding trees and shrubs. The
forest from here to the bottom of the
15 next slop on the trail is prime territory 19
for Pileated Woodpeckers. More bird-attracting water. There is a
We don’t have a 15 on the map so let’s say small forest pond and boggy margins
this is the elusive leafy, sun and bird-filled deep in the forest about here on theblue trail that you my find profitable Woodpecker. Check also for perching
for a broad range of woodland birds. 22 raptors and the usual small birds such
Just a warning - there is avery wet as Nuthatches. Scarlet Tanagers might
20 stretch of the Blue Trail along here
where you may well see some
be there too.
The Green (Ecology) and the Red Trails
are contiguous for a short length here
interesting birds keeping away from
the more heavily walked areas but
25
and pass along the edge of a dense where you will certainly be unable to This is on the Black/Snowshoe trail so
conifer stand that has been known, on pass unless you are wearing stout you can only go here in winter. It’s
more than one occasion, to hold Barred waterproof boots. You have been about as far from the hullaballoo of the
Owls sitting up the trees watching you warned, it stays wet all year. busy areas as you can get and so the
pass by below. The Red Trail also place that small winter finches are
holds unleashed dogs, so be warned worth spending some time looking for.
because there is nothing so interesting 23 Crossbills, Redpolls etc.
to a curious, free-running dog as a guy This is the southern edge of Pullin’s
starring into a tree and totally focussed
on a rare bird - being bounced from
Pasture where a the yellow Trail runs
though an area with low-density small
26
behind by muddy paws and trees and shrubs with open glades to A side-turning off the main entrance
slobbering tongues is not conducive to one side and denser, scratchy shrubs road (do not take your car down - park
good cardiac function. on the other separating it from the and walk - it is not strictly in the
open “Bobolink Field”. This is a arboretum but worth exploring. This
road takes between the adjacent
21 terrific area in spring and summer for a
wide range of Warblers, for Sparrows Ecomuseum (the wolves and bears will
As you walk clockwise around the (the White-throats love scrabbling in probably watch you through the
main trail (orange trail/centre road) the leaf litter) and such gems as Great- fencing) and the bird-banding station
there comes a point when the trees to crested Flycatcher and Baltimore onto the open fields of the university
your left change from mixed and fairly Oriole. seed farm. There are a couple of lines
open forest to a dense spruce of dense hedging where you might see
plantation. This belt of trees runs a all sorts of good birds such as Indigo
long way south but it is a good place to 24 Bunting, Vireos, Shrike etc. Surprising
expect to see Barred Owls just sitting A small but tall stand of mostly sugar birds land in the fields depending on
quietly half way up the trunk watching maple surrounded on all sides by the time of year - we have seen groups
you go by while they wait for the dark forest roads is one of the places of Wild Turkey and on one occasion a
to return. favoured by our red-bellied large flock of Wood Duck resting in aploughed patch far from water. Check CON SERVATI ON C EN TRE
for grassland sparrows, you might be AREA - DETAIL
lucky enough to pick up an American
Pipit in passage.
27
To the right of the entry road is a rather
tall weather radar dome, under the
platform of which Cliff Swallows build
their nests every summer. If you turn
your back to the dome and look across
the field on the left of the road you will
see a curved-roof barn in which you
will find a large colony of (guess what)
Barn Swallows.
28
Look across the fields south of the
P - Parking area (dogs in cars not 6 - Yellow Trail
arboretum and you will see a small
allowed, if walking must be on leash 7 - Orange (Main) Trail westwards -
clump of trees. Walk over there
because there are two fair-sized pools CC - Conservation Centre walk in this direction please. Start of
there that hold interesting waterfowl, 1 - Shrubby area at bottom of slope the Eco Trail (green).
lots of assorted species of Swallows often holds interesting Sparrows etc 8 - Bird feeders in winter and Swallow
and other likely water-enjoying birds. nest boxes in summer on edge of field
2 - Row of birch trees by car park
worth checking when you arrive 9 - Sliding Hill leading to Dale Field
3 - Dense stand of conifers frequently
alive with Kinglets and Warblers
4 - Start of Blue Trail
5 - Alternative trail to Blossom Corner
via the QuarryYou can also read
