Raretés hivernales

White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis

White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis

Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus

female Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis

male Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis

Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens

Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis

Current mood

Secret path

Parc Jean-Drapeau, March 3, 2021

  A lovely winter’s day for a long afternoon bimble round Parc Jean-Drapeau. Loads of Northern Cardinals were out and about, and well-dispersed, with a conservative count of 20. Eight White-winged Crossbills drew a crowd as they fed in tall pines north of the Jardins des Floralies.

  ‘Raretés hivernales’ came in the form of a White-throated Sparrow (near P5) and a Hermit Thrush (near the Watersports Pavillion), both shy and skulky. Not mind-blowing records, but interesting to see a few summery birds sticking it out through Montreal’s wicked wacky winter. First-of-year birds included Canada Geese (5) and a Ring-billed Gull.

  Ended with 18 species on the day, in spite of numerous ‘easy’ species missed. All in all, a lively little patch, I’ll try to check it out in spring this time.