by Sophie Mediavilla-Rivard
Seasoned ornithologists or simple bird-lovers, the region has many tricks up its sleeve to seduce you. Here are a few suggestions for key locations for bird observation!
Lac Osisko - Rouyn-Noranda
The famous Lac Osisko is a true gold mine to find winged animals without having to go far.
Many kinds of ducks can be seen there: green-winged teals, common loons and scaups to name a few. Impossible not to mention the famous red-necked grebe, symbol of Rouyn-Noranda. Throughout the whole province of Québec, it’s the only place where the species nest.
It’s also a super spot for aquatic birds. Aside from the tens of gulls occupying the famous "Gulls’ Island", bird-lovers can find there double-crested cormorants, great blue herons, terns and - as of recently - swans!
Parc national d’Aiguebelle -
Rouyn-Noranda and Abitibi-Ouest
The Parc National d’Aiguebelle is not done charming you. You probably crossed the suspended bridge and observed the historical panoramas. You may even have experimented with canoe-camping? However, I bet you did not think about an ornithological trip!
Indeed, this piece of heaven is the ideal place to explore your passion for birds. All you have to do is to look up to find the origin of the melodies enchanting the forest. My personal favorite? The many species of warblers we get to see there..
The National Park is also a great spot to admire the birds of prey. You might even have the chance to cross paths with a majestic great horned owl, or at least to hear its hoots in the middle of the night. On the rock walls of the fault lake, Lake La Haie, the peregrine falcon nests. To see them, you will have more chances via the waterways.
Marais Laperrière (Laperrière Swamp) - Duhamel-Ouest
Let’s turn our binoculars towards the Témiscamingue! The Marais Laperrière offers three kilometers of trails leading to a wetland attracting many birds.
Here is a grocery list to convince you that the swamp is as full of birds as a supermarket is of vegetables. Swallows, woodpeckers, kingfishers, sparrows, American bitterns, waxwings, red-winged blackbirds, thrushes, wrens, flycatchers… And it’s only the beginning!
Site minier East Sullivan - Val-d’Or
Nature has taken over the gravel rows of this former mine. One can have the impression of getting lost (but there is no worries to have since we have a GPS!).
You must drive slowly and scan both sides of the road to make unique avian encounters.
This site is the ideal spot to see small waders and birds that can be found on the shores, like the Wilson's snipe and some species of sandpipers and plovers.
The highlight of this place, it’s the trumpeter swans couple coming back every Summer to nest. These birds are eternal romantics and keep the same partner for life, it’s adorable!
Marais Antoine (Antoine Swamp) - Roquemaure
Let’s end the suggestions in Abitibi-Ouest at the Marais Antoine. There must be a couple ontarian birds over there: the swamp is only three kilometers away from the provincial frontier!
Jokes aside, this wetland of 284 hectares houses an exceptional number of species.
The two self-interpretive trails with the belvedere, the bridge and the observation tower will allow you to complete this temiscabitibian ornithological epic and finally become the bird expert that you dream to be! You can access the descriptive sheets on accesstooutdoor.org right here: North Access or South Access
Each site offers a unique experience where nature reveals itself with the changing seasons. To discover even more birdwatching locations and access practical resources to get started with ornithology in the region, visit the website of the Société du loisir ornithologique de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue (SLOAT): www.sloat.org.
Happy birdwatching in Abitibi-Témiscamingue!
