Northbugs

Ridiculously fresh northern air - I'll never take it for granted again

Joey tries in vain to get a look at a Scarlet Tanager

Insert Darth Vader breathing here

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta

  A few days back I went up to Prévost to touch base with Joey – weird to think it’s been a year since I was up there last.

  On the 7th we visited Les Sentiers Écologiques de Saint Hippolyte, which we last did in April of 2016. It wasn’t overly birdy there, but the bugs were sure out in force. Without full clothing coverage (don’t forget your pilot gloves!) and nets, it would not have been much fun. Joey was keen to see his first Scarlet Tanager, but the several we heard remained unseen in the thick summer foliage.
  Before parting ways on the 8th, we went for a lazy late-morning canoe trip around the Rivière des Mille Îles. Low passes from a Bald Eagle were crowd pleasing, although I was more interested in getting close looks at a confiding Common Tern.
  Since getting back from Korea, I have not been taking Canada’s gorgeous, clean air for granted. Nor should you! It still feels novel not having to wear a mask to go birding.