Migratory bird sanctuaries in Canada: Bird watching

Canada has several migratory bird sanctuaries. Scattered across the country, these territories support different species of birds, most of which are threatened with extinction. In this article we are going to tell you about the most famous sanctuaries in the country. Those where there is a large population and rare specimens. Let's go !

The importance of bird sanctuaries

There was a time when birds were permanently hunted in Canada. It was over a century ago. As a result of this intensive hunting, large numbers of bird populations were decimated. This prompted the government to take action.

To save the remaining bird populations, hunting was banned. Hunters were no longer allowed to open fire on the poor creatures. Otherwise, he risked receiving heavy sanctions.

It is clear that the application of this measure has borne fruit. Since the ban on hunting, the number of bird populations killed annually has declined dramatically.

However, the fight is not over. Far from there. While more and more organizations are looking into the case of migratory birds, several threats still loom. Indeed, today there are different types of activities that undermine the way of life of birds.

We can in particular cite the destruction of wetlands or the invasion of forests. Because of these factors, thenatural habitat migratory birds are threatened. Every year, thousands die.

But then ? How Canada is handling this situation. How does the country protect migratory birds? In fact, like many countries, Canada has several methods to ensure the protection of birds. Among these, the establishment of protected territories, and the creation of a better environment to allow birds to develop fully.

Indeed, the development of migratory bird sanctuaries is an effective way to protect endangered species. Thanks to these territories, a large number of bird populations manage to survive as best they can.

Good to know: Canada currently has 98 migratory bird sanctuaries. Here are the most famous of them.

Philipsburg Area Bird Sanctuary

The municipality of Saint-Armand contains one of the most beautiful bird watching sites in Canada. The Philipsburg Bird Sanctuary, famous for its many species, is one of them.

This protected area is located on Route 133 between the small village of Philipsburg and that of Saint-Armand. Covering more than 500 hectares, it is a very popular place because it contains several species of rare birds.

Indeed, this migratory bird sanctuary contains several populations. Most of them being birds threatened with extinction, the place is considered an area of high value. By visiting it, you will be able to observe beautiful specimens that are only found in Canada.

Access to the sanctuarybirds Philipsburg is via Highway 133. To get to the parking area, simply drive south and turn around once you get to the loop near the border.

Once this is done, you will have to head north where you will find a sign reminding you to buckle up. The entrance to the parking lot is a few meters from this sign.

It should be noted that the time when you visit the shrine matters a lot. Indeed, the star birds of the refuge vary depending on the month. For example, during the breeding season, the most active birds are the Yellow-throated Vireo, the Cerulean Warbler, the Tufted Titmouse, and the Carolina Wren.

During the holiday season, that is to say, July and August, others take over. The birds that liven up the refuge during this period are:

• The Red Cardinal
• The American Robin
• The Bluebird
• The House Wren

The month of September marks the return of northern species. During this month, the Philipsburg sanctuary offers a completely different atmosphere. Indeed, the birds that are active during this period are adorned with different colors. With their song and their plumage, they make the refuge even more attractive and lively.

The birds to observe at the sanctuary during the month of September are:

• The White-throated Sparrow
• The Slaty Junco
• The White-crowned Sparrow
• The Rusty Blackbird

Since the color of the feathers is different during this season, identifying the species can become complicated. However, if you are a connoisseur, there is no doubt that you will be able to spot a few specimens among the groups of birds that you will find at the sanctuary.

Terra Nova Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Located in Bonavista Bay, the Sanctuary ofMigrator birds Terra-Nova has several species of birds. By visiting it, you can observe more than 30 specimens.

Although populated, the sanctuary offers very good visibility for bird watching. Thanks to this, you will be able to discover all the species present in just one visit.

For information, here are the species of migratory birds observable at the Terra-Nova sanctuary:

● Waterfowl

● Shorebirds

● Seabirds

● Canada geese

● Black ducks

● Goldeneyes

● Mergansers

Shorebirds regularly come out of hiding and are easily observed at the sanctuary. Very active, they are used to moving along the foreshores, particularly at the beginning of autumn and during the summer months.

In winter, the sanctuary is mainly alive with waterfowl. To ward off the cold, these birds take refuge in the part of the Southwest Arm. A territory that allows them to live and feed themselves while waiting for spring to arrive.

Furthermore, Newman Strait is also a regular at the Terra-Nova Sanctuary. It lives there all year round, and has a large population.

Port-L’Hébert Migratory Bird Sanctuary

The Port-L'Heber Migratory Bird Sanctuary is located on the southeastern shore of Nova Scotia. It is close to two other refuges that are also very visited, the sanctuary of Port-Joli and that of Rivière-du-Sable.

Between them, these sanctuaries are home to more than 5,000 Canada geese. Every year, thousands of birds go there to face winter and find food.

So, if you want to observe Canada geese, visit the sanctuary between October and March. In fact, it was during this period that most of them squatted on the banks.

Furthermore, you should know that during icy winters, it can happen that the water in the arm of the sanctuary freezes. This considerably reduces the number of birds present on the site. When the river turns to ice, the waterfowl take refuge further away. To brave the winter, they go to Rivière-du-Sable located a few meters from the territory.

Finally, be aware that the Port-L'Hebert migratory bird sanctuary also represents a rest stop for black ducks. Every year, a large number of these birds go there to feed and protect themselves from the cold of winter.

Note that it is also possible to discover other dabbling ducks there. Although few in number, the pintail and the winged teal are among the birds that visit the sanctuary when conditions are favorable.