le nichoir · pdf filememorable one for le nichoir ... tribute to the memory of mario mancini...

A Note from the Director - Bigger AND Better to Keep Up With groWiNg NeeDs

This past year has been a memorable one for Le Nichoir with the celebration of our 20th anniversary and the opening of the wild bird conservation centre. Being at the Centre for the last 13 years I have seen first hand how Le Nichoir has grown, from working in an unheated barn with

few volunteers, limited space and no full-time employees to being one of the biggest facilities of its kind in Canada. This growth is a result of the hard work, dedication and perseverance of many people over the last 20 years.

The completion of the wild bird conservation centre allows our staff and volunteers to spread their wings to further extend the services we offer to the birds as well as the public. It provides more specialized facilities to better accommodate the different species of songbirds, aquatic birds and insectivorous birds brought to the Centre, including an x-ray room, an isolation room, sound-proof quiet room and more.

The organization continues to pursue its mission in different ways trying to focus on both local and global wild bird conservation initiatives. With nearly 20% of our landbirds facing endangerment or extinction, as bird-lovers we need to educate ourselves, and actively get involved in efforts being made both in Canada and across the world. This includes implementing conservation plans not only for

threatened and endangered species but also for your local common birds so that they do not risk being listed.

In 2016, Le Nichoir’s staff and more than 150 volunteers received a record number of admissions with over 1900 birds being admitted from 100 different species. This is a substantial increase from our past high of just over 1700.

Injured birds being brought to Le Nichoir have steadily increased over recent years for two main reasons: window collisions and cat attacks. Both are the direct results of human interference, and can no longer be ignored. I encourage you to watch the documentary “The Messenger” to see what devastating effects our actions have had on birds, as well as the positive changes people are making worldwide to support native bird populations. This documentary is just one reason as to why Le Nichoir’s work is so important.

I invite you all to come and visit our new facility to see firsthand why caring for these birds is so important. This is also a great time to visit our classroom, learn about our on-site and off-site education programs, and indulge in some shopping at Le Nichoir’s La Plume Verte boutique.

Best regards.

Le Nichoir Wild Bird Conservation Centre • 637 Main, Hudson QC, J0P 1H0 • [email protected] • 450 458 2809

www.lenichoir.org

Susan Wylie, B. Sc. Wildlife Biology Executive Director

2017

Le Nichoir NeWs

News from Le Nichoir

Aussi disponible en français

sWiNgiNg opeN the Doors oN the NeW mAiN BUiLDiNg

iNAUgUrAtiNg the tD cLAssroomOn a snowy day in early January Le Nichoir welcomed representatives from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Bird Protection Quebec and students from Murielle-Dumont elementary school to the inauguration of the TD Classroom.

Heron, why are your legs so long? Woodpecker, why is your bill so pointy? These were two of the questions explored by the children in Cheryl Clément’s class. The youngsters were the first to take part in the Bird Adaptations: Custom-made for Habitat program at Le Nichoir’s new TD classroom. The program invites children to discover why Quebec birds have different beaks, feet and wings and how they relate to diet and habitat. Le Nichoir’s programs are intended to promote an awareness and understanding in children of the wild birds that surround them and the threats these birds face today.

The Bird Adaptations: Custom-made for Habitat program is sponsored by Bird Protection Quebec, the oldest not-for-profit organization dedicated to bird protection in Canada, celebrating 100 years of conservation this year.

Right to left: Wendy Dollinger, Vice-president, Le Nichoir, Patrick Sum, District, Vice President, TD Canada Trust, Violaine Pronovost, Coordinator, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Quebec Region, Jo-Annie Gagnon, Education Programs Coordinator, Le Nichoir and two students from Murielle-Dumont elementary school.

After several years of planning and fundraising the doors of the new main building finally swung open on November 4th 2016.

Moving into the new building was the perfect way to celebrate Le Nichoir’s 20th anniversary.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in the presence of Marie-Claude Nichols (MNA Vaudreuil), Peter Schiefke (MP for Vaudreuil-Soulanges), Jean A. Lalonde (Prefect of the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges), and Lynn Miller (co-founder of Le Nichoir), as well as representatives of partner organizations and individual supporters of Le Nichoir.

On November 26th staff and volunteers, anxious to show off the new facilities, organized an Open House. Hundreds of visitors came out to take a tour behind the scenes and learn about Le Nichoir’s bird care work and expanded education program.

Image: Studio May


Printed on 100% recycled paper containing 100% post-consumer fiber processed chlorine free and manufactured using renewable biogas energy

With the support of the Government of Canada’s Summer Jobs program, Le Nichoir was able to hire five students as wildlife care apprentices. These students play an important role in the care that the birds receive, and the public services that we offer, and are one of the main reasons the Centre was able to care for over 1,900 birds in 2016.

As apprentices, students have the chance to put what they have learned in school to use in the workplace. Le Nichoir offers a

unique opportunity for those studying in the field of environment, veterinary science or biology to gain hands-on experience working directly with wildlife - a difficult thing to find in the Montreal area.

We asked our students how they felt about working at Le Nichoir and this is what they had to say:

Working at Nichoir allows me to accomplish both personal and professional goals. Thanks to the various tasks that come with the role of a technician, I have the chance to help birds directly by giving them care, while at the same time I can raise awareness among the general public of the issues concerning several animals of Quebec fauna. I have become responsible for making important decisions, in addition to learning how to offer the best possible customer service. In short, several memorable moments continue to make me more and more proud of myself and working for this organization. Sabrina Milot, Collège de Valleyfield student.

Working at Le Nichoir has allowed me to see the practical aspects of the theories we have learned in school, whether it is bird anatomy or their natural history. In addition, working at the center has also helped me improve my communication of scientific facts to the general public. Weiyi Liu, McGill University student.

Increasing bird admissions makes our need for these students even greater. We look forward to continuing to partner with Canada’s Summer Jobs program and working with the students.

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Friends and family came together at Le Nichoir in November to pay tribute to the memory of Mario Mancini and to dedicate the Mario Mancini Memorial Gift to the new Conservation Centre.

rememBeriNg mArio mANciNi

The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is one of the most common birds you are likely to see. These mostly monogamous birds can be found sitting on tree branches or walking about on the ground in your garden.

These large birds can be identified by their long tails, plump rounded bodies and curved beak. They have pale blue-white eye rings and pointed tails circled in black and tipped with white. When taking flight, their wings make a distinct whistling sound, and their call is often mistaken for the hoot of an owl.

Primarily a seed-eater, the Mourning Dove enjoys feasting on millet, grains, cracked corn and black sunflower. Because they are heavier, stockier birds they are usually unable to eat from typical feeders but will happily eat seed that has fallen on the ground or from platform feeders. They can eat up to 20% of their body weight in one day.

LocAL BirDs - moUrNiNg Dove

AppreNtices fiLL vitAL roLes



A rAveN fiNDs frieNDs AND A fUtUre iN the WiLD By Jimmy DoyLe

One of the bird species being seen more frequently at Le Nichoir in recent years is the raven. Uncommon in Quebec’s urban areas just a few years ago, ravens are increasingly claiming territory and nesting within major cities.

Ravens that need our help are usually immature birds that are orphaned or incapable of surviving on their own. The challenge is to enable these resilient youngsters to return to the wild.

Le Nichoir received a young orphaned raven in early June, who had been rescued and looked after for some time before coming to us.

He was healthy but very young. He couldn’t eat on his own and required feeding every couple of hours. He also showed no fear towards humans, due to his contact with people at a very young age.

We decided that this bird would likely be a good candidate for a “soft release”. This is a process to help a bird learn basic skills required to survive, providing assistance as required. He would need help learning to fly, finding food, finding shelter and avoiding predators.

We needed to have this young raven associate with his own kind as quickly as possible. Being highly social, we hoped he would make friends with other young ravens and learn from them. That included developing a fear of humans (or at the very least a healthy respect) – an essential trait for ravens to be returned to the wild.

A landfill site operated by Waste Management Canada in Sainte-Sophie, a municipality north of Montreal, is a gathering site for ravens and their young and would be an ideal site for the soft release.

With the permission of Waste Management Canada, and teaming up with Marc-André Fortin from GPF-Faune (responsible for the management of wildlife at the landfill site) we devised a release plan. A tiny transmitter was attached to the raven to track his daily movements when he was left at the site with the others of his kind, and we would intervene if necessary.

We released him on the morning of Sunday September 4th and I stayed to observe him until nightfall. He did not interact with the other ravens as much as I had hoped.

The following day, his transmitter located him a couple of kilometers north of the release site. He was alone and very hungry. I retrieved him and returned him to the site, but I realized that he was going to need some help if he was to adapt to life with the other ravens and stay alive long enough to fend for himself.

I provided some roadkill and set up a feeding spot in a quiet field near the landfill site. As the other ravens saw him feed, they joined in the feast. Within two days I observed our young raven had a couple of friends. Over the following weeks, we monitored him closely and were encouraged to see him eating and interacting with the other ravens, and acting more like them. Our plan was working.

Gradually we stopped providing food and by the first week of October our young raven had established himself with the wild ravens. We were now consistently seeing him foraging with the others.

This young raven has a good chance of surviving as a wild bird and living to his full potential. His story also confirms that it is possible to release habituated ravens back into the wild, and the lessons we learned through his adventures will help us continue our work with these unique birds.

Band NotesLe Nichoir is very lucky to have many of our birds banded prior to release by Lisa Keelty, one of McGill Bird Observatory’s volunteers. This year an American Crow banded at the Centre on August 2011 was observed alive and well in Hudson. This would make that crow over 5 years old!



UpDAtes oN the eDUcAtioN progrAms It was another exciting year for Le Nichoir’s education endeavours. New programs came to life, others are currently being developed, and our kiosk materials were expanded with more material to come.

To extend the age groups reached by our programs, we launched the program What is a bird?. This program, aimed at 4 and 5 year old children, uses puppet stories, crafts and games to teach young children about birds while providing them with a fun and memorable experience. A particular aspect of this program is that is it available as a single visit, like the other programs, or as a series of up to four visits. If the latter option is chosen, the characters in the stories are the same throughout, allowing the children to connect to the characters and the message they carry.

This development extends the range of programs available to young people to all grades before high school. Our programs are available for adults too, with seminars suitable for groups and clubs of all backgrounds and talks which can be tailored to any group’s needs.

Thanks to a grant from the Foundation Greater Montreal, this summer was spent greatly expanding our information kiosks. We developed a series of information sheets for the public about the way they can help wild birds by aiding

an injured bird, mitigating the risks of injuries or simply by offering them a place to rest and eat. We also developed the Bird Quiz banner for visitors to learn about those issues during displays.

Our loyal volunteers were not forgotten. The work done on the kiosk included the creation of a training package providing information about the organisation and wild bird care for all volunteers, whatever their background or seniority at Le Nichoir.

The opening of the new conservation centre and its classroom add a further dimension to Le Nichoir’s education services. Although it was always possible to arrange for a group to come to the centre for a program or a visit, it was harder to accommodate groups in bad weather, and impossible in the winter. The classroom provides a space on site to welcome groups for programs at Le Nichoir all year-round. The proximity of the Clarke Sydenham Nature Reserve in Le Nichoir’s backyard offers us the opportunity to extend the learning experience into nature with the classroom serving as a meeting point and a preparation facility.

The new centre and the classroom enable us to target not only organized groups such as day camps or classes but also families. Our aim is to develop a monthly programme of activities, each session looking at a different aspect of the interesting world of birds. There will also be midweek events for families with young children to come for story time, led by one of our biologists.

Keep your eyes on Le Nichoir’s web page and Le Nichoir’s education Facebook for new activities and more exciting developments to come in 2017.

Jo-Annie Gagnon, B. Sc. Environmental Biology Education Program Coordinator



BUiLDiNg A creAtive, stimULAtiNg AND sAfe cAt gArDeN By trAcy gALLAcher

criB foUNDer hANgs Up her WiNgs

Our cats love being outdoors - rolling in the long grass, sunning themselves on the bench, chasing each other, scratching & stretching on the trees and logs - just being part of the ‘wild world’ on the other side of the window. It’s very natural for them.

Yet the outdoors is not always safe. I’ve had the terrible misfortune of having my cat die in my arms after being hit by a car.

Having supported Le Nichoir over the years, we also couldn’t escape the knowledge that outdoor cats are one of the two leading causes of injured birds being brought to Le Nichoir (the other being window strikes). While I have not had to bring a bird to Le Nichoir which my cat had caught, I do know others who have. These are heartbreaking, yet avoidable, situations.

So how can we reconcile all of these concerns? With a bit of ingenuity cats can be allowed outdoors while significantly reducing the risks. I built my first Cat Garden with minimal expense. I used white, plastic snow fencing and stakes to create an area off of my screened back porch, accessed by a little cat door.

We built our second Cat Garden four years ago and it has evolved annually. Aluminum flashing at the top keeps the cats from climbing over, while buried metal farm fencing below stops skunks from digging escape tunnels.

Planting and landscaping have created a safe and interesting environment. Catnip is a spreading perennial that can grow to five feet high. The cats love it and so do the bees – our friendly pollinators. We added old tree limbs, wooden barrels to play in, a colourful water bowl and other garden trinkets found on our travels. There is a small Willow tree, ferns from friends’ gardens and a bench for us to sit on.

We can relax and enjoy watching our cats satisfy their instincts of climbing, exploring, pouncing, chasing or just lazing around. They are content, safe and not ‘doing their business’ in the neighbours’ gardens. And our feathered friends are safe from the cats’ natural, predatory instincts.

There are many choices and options for such a living space. Be creative. Investigate products that are out there – there’s a range of designs that others have devised with the same aims. Have fun with it and know that you’re making a positive difference -- for yourself, your feline friends and the birds!

If you’d like to chat about possibilities, please contact me through Le Nichoir.

The skills and knowledge developed at Le Nichoir over the years owes much to networking and open communication among the wildlife rehabilitation community. One of our most important resources, who has also been a great friend to us, will be retiring in 2017. Anne-Marie Roth, founder of CRIB (Care and Rehabilitation of Injured Birds) has spent more than thirty years rehabilitating wildlife, focusing mainly on birds of prey and woodpeckers. She is a wealth of knowledge and has been a wonderful supporter of Le Nichoir.

We give Anne-Marie a heartfelt thank you and wish her a happy retirement.



fAmiLies expLoriNg NAtUre AroUND Le Nichoir iN 2016Families were invited to explore and connect with nature at some of the activities offered at Le Nichoir this last year through partnerships with David Suzuki Nature Days and the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

In May, Le Nichoir organized two activities for David Suzuki Nature Days where family members of all ages could visit the center, walk the trails and observe the birds of the Clarke Sydenham Nature Reserve. Through games, the children learned about the diversity of food that birds eat. The families finished the day by building feeders out of pines cones they had collected, to take home to install in their own gardens.

In partnership with the Canadian Wildlife Federation and a local Hudson cub leader, we later organized a Wild Family Nature Club activity. The children had fun while learning about migration and the dangers migrating birds face. Surrounded by the magnificent fall colors displayed by the Clarke Sydenham Reserve, participants observed wild birds and their natural habitats, and constructed a feeding station they could take home.

More of these family-focused activities giving the chance to explore the outdoors and experience nature are planned for 2017. Keep your eyes on Le Nichoir’s website and social media for more information.

soAriNg sUccess of A tAste of hUDsoNA Taste of Hudson proved to be a popular and unforgettable night thanks to the overwhelming support Le Nichoir received from the community. With Elias Makos (Breakfast Television Montreal) as Master of Ceremonies, and Michael Lawrence and Robin Pridham as auctioneers, our 120 guests enjoyed and evening of entertainment culminating in generous and hotly-contested bidding on items.

Made possible through the generosity of so many individuals including our local merchants, chefs, sponsors and volunteers, the 2016 fundraiser was a fantastic success. The special appeal exceeded our target for funding the purchase of much-needed equipment for the new Wild Bird Conservation Centre.

Guests enjoyed the gastronomic wonders provided by Claudia Portaro (Claudia’s Catering), Stuart LeBaron (LeBaron Bites), Dave Warner (Auberge Willow), Scott Geiring (Carambola), Patricia Hovington (Minus 40 Foods), Thomas Spriet (L’artisan de la mer), Keith Wells (Mackoli Catering), Dawn Hodes (Daboom! Desserts), Jean-Pierre Martel (Crème glacée du Terroir Hudson), Brûlerie Totem and La Maison du Défricheur.

We thank our sponsors which included BFL Canada, Espace Construction Inc, Hudson Animal Hospital, La Pivoinerie D’Aoust, Massimo Fabro, Patricia Wright (Royal LePage Village), Pridham’s Auction House, Robert Daoust & Fils Inc., Sami Fruits Foundation, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, The Country Gardener, The Garden Path, Tokan Inc, Wayside Inspection Devices Inc. and Whitlock Golf & Country Club.

This year’s A Taste of Hudson -- on Saturday March 25th at the Whitlock Golf & Country Club -- once again promises to tantalize your tastebuds. Don’t forget to mark the date in your calendars!



Le Nichoir’s eDUcAtioN coorDiNAtor visits ithAcA

Le Nichoir celebrated its 20 years of commitment to wild bird conservation at its annual Open House on July 30th, 2016. With hundreds of people enthusiastically joining in the festivities and birthday cake provided by DaBoom! Desserts. The event was truly a celebration of success.

Visitors had the opportunity to observe different species of birds currently in care at the Centre, visit our education kiosk, and walk the trails of the Clarke Sydenham Nature Reserve with Morgan Arboretum’s Chris Cloutier. Other organizations that joined the celebration included Bird Protection Quebec, Club ornithologique de Vaudreuil-Soulanges, COBAVER-VS, Nature-Action Quebec, Sierra Club Quebec, SQDA and TD Friends of the Environment.

Le Nichoir received an enormous amount of support from Café Campagne, DA Construction, Global Pitou Minou & Compagnons, La Crème Glacée Hudson, Lee Thompson, Le Signet & Wizard Art Shoppe, Lucie Charlebois MNA, Marie-Claude Nichols MNA, Minus 40 Foods, Peter Schiefke MP, and Traverse Oka-Hudson. Thanks also to the Hudson Guides and our volunteers who gave their time.

Volunteers and staff appreciated the public’s support of this event, and the chance to see new and familiar faces.

hoW time fLies! opeN hoUse ceLeBrAteD 20 yeArs AND more to come

Last July, I participated in the Educators Retreat of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers an impressive amount of information for people of all levels and backgrounds to learn about birds. They are also one of the major sponsors of citizen science projects, such as eBird, Project FeederWatch, NestWatch, etc. Citizen science projects are activities devised to enable non-scientists to meaningfully contribute to scientific research.

This retreat brought together teachers and non-formal educators such as myself to learn about the Lab of Ornithology’s education tools and other resources, and explore how to integrate those resources along with citizen science into their work. We’ll be looking at how to develop these initiatives at Le Nichoir.

During the three-day retreat, I met with people from all over the United States including Alaska, as well as Northern Canada, Belize, and Peru. It is encouraging to see that there is such a vast network of individuals and organizations all working towards the same goal: the conservation of wild birds through education.

Jo-Annie Gagnon, B. Sc. Environmental Biology Education Program Coordinator



How does Bird Friendly® coFFee taste compared to otHer coFFee?Coffee experts say that shade-grown coffee tastes better than sun-grown products. This is because in the shade coffee beans ripen more slowly, resulting in a richer flavor.

wHy is le nicHoir promoting Bird Friendly® coFFee?As Canada’s largest centre for songbirds, Le Nichoir cares deeply about migratory birds. In partnership with Totem Roasters we developed Le Nichoir’s own certified Bird Friendly® coffee to help preserve habitat for the birds that travel from our backyards each winter to the faraway farms that produce our coffee.

wHy Buy le nicHoir’s Bird Friendly® coFFee?In a nutshell, shade-grown organic coffee certified Bird Friendly® is the strictest environmental standard when it comes to protecting bird habitat. It’s locally roasted to ensure it is always really fresh and delicious. Profits support Le Nichoir’s bird care and education programs.

wHat is Bird Friendly® coFFee?Bird Friendly® coffee is coffee certified to have been grown on farms that provide viable, forest-like habitat for birds. Rather than being grown on land that has been cleared of all other vegetation, Bird Friendly® coffee bushes are planted under a canopy of trees.

wHat is tHe diFFerence Between certiFied Bird Friendly®

coFFee and otHer coFFee?“Bird Friendly®” coffee is the only kind on the market that is certified as shade-grown and organic by an independent third-party inspector using criteria established by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center of the National Zoo.

These criteria are based on years of scientific research.

How do i know iF tHe coFFee i Buy is Bird Friendly®?Look for the Bird Friendly® logo created by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.

is all sHade grown coFFee Bird Friendly®?No. The designation Shade Grown is not regulated and is no guarantee of quantity or type of shade. The term Shade Grown has become a buzzword with little real meaning. Coffee certified Bird Friendly® is organically grown coffee that meets the strictest requirements for both type and quantity of shade. These standards came out of research and are based on science. They result in viable bird habitat. Be certain – buy certified!

does Bird Friendly® coFFee cost more tHan otHer coFFee?Yes, Bird Friendly® coffees may cost a few cents more per cup. This is a small price to pay given the benefits to birds and other wildlife, coffee farmers, and the overall health of the environment.

BirD frieNDLy® coffee fAQDriNKiNg BirD frieNDLy® coffee is A simpLe choice We cAN mAKe to protect migrAtory BirD hABitAt

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wHere can i Buy Bird Friendly® coFFee?

At Le Nichoir! Either at the Centre in Hudson or online at laplumeverte.ca. We also have a growing number of retailers selling Le Nichoir Bird Friendly® coffee:

• IGA St-Lazare (1869 ch. Ste-Angélique, St-Lazare) • Que de bonnes choses (484 Main, Hudson)• IGA Hudson (484 Main, Hudson)• Le Panier (274 Lakeshore, Pointe-Claire)• Auberge des Gallant (1171 ch. Saint-Henri,Ste-Marthe)• Eat Spain (115 rue Ste-Anne, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue)

Visit our website for the current list.



wHy is raising wild Birds not appropriate witHout tHe proper training and expertise?

• Friendly, habituated birds do not integrate well with other wild birds, and can struggle to find food.

• No longer afraid of human contact, habituated birds released back into the wild become nuisance birds and inevitably approach people. Such nuisance birds will often be subject to attempts to eradicate them.

• Almost all hand-raised birds brought to Le Nichoir have nutritional deficiencies and at worst may suffer from metabolic bone disease. What a young bird grows in three days is equivalent to what a human child would grow in several months. Even two days without the proper diet, or irregular feeding, can have a long-term negative impact on the bird’s health.

• It is illegal. Most native birds are protected by Federal and Provincial laws and it is against the law to care for these animals without a permit.

With trained wildlife rehabilitators and biologists, Le Nichoir is always available to offer advice and information to avoid removing a young bird unnecessarily, or to arrange to bring it to the Centre for care.

If you are unsure of a particular situation please call us and we’ll be there to help.

hABitUAteD AND hAND-rAiseD BirDsA woman walks into Le Nichoir with her hands cupped and I can see a few feathers poking out from between her fingers. As she opens her hand, a small Song Sparrow looks at me. It then flies onto the shoulder of the woman begging for food while the woman pets it.

Some may find this to be a sweet story, but unfortunately it is in fact a less than happy situation for the sparrow. Becoming tame is one of the worst outcomes a wild bird faces from contact with humans.

All too often Le Nichoir receives birds from well-intentioned people who had attempted to care for a wild bird on their own, and almost always the bird can no longer survive in the wild.

New to La Plume Verte are several feeders by Birds Choice:

Built with poly-lumber made from recycled plastic milk jugs. Manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee never to crack, split or fade. Made in USA.

La Plume Verte is also very pleased to offer a number of framed original watercolour paintings of songbirds by well-known wildlife artist Melinda Brewer. These small affordable works of art make perfect gifts.

The name says it all: products for birds and bird lovers that are as “green” as we can find.

LA pLUme verte - Le Nichoir’s retAiL ADveNtUre• All profits support Le Nichoir’s

conservation programs.• Extensive choice of products that are good

for birds, people and the environment.• Our feeders are chosen by our biologists to be ideal for

our local birds.• We only sell feeders that are durable and will stand up

to years of use.• Staff and volunteers test

all the products we sell.• We don’t charge sales tax.

So come shop with us!

Or, shop on line at www.laplumeverte.ca



give yoUr chiLDreN the experieNce of A Lifetime

pArtNeriNg for WorKshops AND BirD WALKs, AND A Nice cUp of coffee

If your children love nature and science consider enrolling them in the ornithology camp Jeunes Explorateurs. Aimed at young people aged 12 to 17 years, the camp is located in Tadoussac on the scenic shores of the St-Lawrence Estuary where they can experience the natural environment, encounter wild birds and find out about the work of field scientists. Funded in part by Bird Protection Quebec, which also supports some of Le Nichoir’s programs, the camp is organized by the Observatoire d’oiseaux de Tadoussac and the Regroupement QuébecOiseaux.

Last year participants learned about bird banding, the process of fitting a wild bird with metal leg bands for scientific purposes. They also had the chance to see 125 bird species in the best birding spots.

Visit www.explosnature.ca/camp-ornithologique/ or contact them directly at 1 877 MER 1877 or [email protected]

The year was rich in events at Le Nichoir with the opening of our new centre certainly being one of the most important. To celebrate our 20th anniversary, the Centre was fortunate to have the help of some of our partners to organize workshops and walks. In late April, with the help of the Club Ornithologique Vaudreuil-Soulanges, we installed a network of nest boxes for cavity-nesting birds such as Tree Swallows, Bluebirds and Chickadees. Despite the late installation, the boxes were occupied by four pairs of Chickadees and one pair of Tree Swallows over the summer.

Le Nichoir also hosted two bird-watching walks over the summer allowing the public to discover the bird diversity of the Clarke Sydenham Nature Reserve. In July, the first walk led by the Club Ornithologique Vaudreuil-Soulanges enabled participants to observe the local breeding birds. The second walk, led by Bird Protection Quebec in late August, provided a chance to see early migrating warblers and even a Merlin hunt.

Finally, Totem Roasters, our local Le Nichoir Bird Friendly® coffee roasters, hosted a workshop for enthusiasts to learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee.

The documentary The Messenger is an eye opening film that artistically tells the story of how songbird populations are declining and what changes need to be made to support our local bird populations.

With the support of John Abbott College and the Liber Ero Chair in Conservation Biology at McGill The Messenger was screened as a fundraiser to benefit Le Nichoir. Afterwards, special guests Dr. Robert Rice, Research Scientist from the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Centre, and Michael Mesure, Executive Director of Fatal Light Awareness

Program, participated in a question-and-answer session with the audience.

Though some of the documentary is shocking, it is a must-see, especially for those interested in wildlife and the well-being of our local birds. It highlights the many perils birds are facing around the globe and discusses the extensive conservation efforts being made both locally and elsewhere. ( The Messenger is available for purchase or rental from iTunes Canada).

fiLm screeNiNg rAises fUNDs AND AWAreNess



Charlotte AbbassNathan AfilaloTriston AlexanderNadia AllartDana Allyn SmithJudy Ann AugerLorelle AustinAndrea BatesVictoria BaylissCyril Jamal BelfortAnakin BenssoussenEtienne BérubéChristiane BilodeauDiane BlackburnGeneviève BlanchetRoxane BouchardColette BoyerChloe BrownDavid BrownWanda BrayChris BuddlePeter Buddle

Jessica CadieuxGerson CharronJoan CharronMonique CharronIrene ChawalkowskiCynthia ChesmerKaren CliffeSean CloghesyClaude CloutierLionel CucciolettaJudi CollingeEmily CollinsGilles CôteKim CoxDenis D’AoustJesse De LucaShayne DeBloisHilary DempseyRyan DenisWendy DollingerKarin DrewerySue Drouin

Carl DubéGail DunlopChantal DuperronCharlotte DupontCharlie DuprasJessica DyckKatherine ElachVeronika ElachAnthony FantiniDenyse FavreauSandrine Filion-CôteGilly FilsnerSusi FilsnerSummer FoxfordRon GaellJoaquin GarciaSharon GaulDiedre GilbertCody GilmoreParise GodreauJohanne GravelErica Guth

Erin HarrisEmma-Claude HawthornthwaiteCaroline HerouxJoshua HighamGrace HollanderPatricia HornblowerOlivia HoudeAndré HuotStefano IaniroIliana IronsMartin JacksonVeronica JensenJanine JohnsonNancy KaudelLisa KeeltyGabrielle KellochPeter KosiukArthur LamontagneEdith LarocheMaya LarocheConnie Lattanzio

Geneviève LavigneAnne Sophie LebrunWayne LeducTraudi LeisserKatherine LevasseurRobyn LichaaAlice MarlowDaniel MartelCarole MartinJoni McCollamDiana McHughJulie MercilleToula MichalakisNikia MillerAlison MundlCorey MundlGuylaine NadeauLynley NakanoCarole NewmanNatasha NicolsonErin O’ConnellJohanne Oolman

oUr voLUNteerswHat do you do as a volunteer at le nicHoir?

Roxana: One of the things I enjoy most about volunteering at Le Nichoir is the variety of tasks available for me to help with. I clean enclosures and other areas, feed birds, release birds (especially waterfowl, this year), help with maintenance of the center, help with events and help as a member of the educational committee. Anne Sophie: Probably what I do the most is clean meshes and enclosures, and prepare food for the birds. This includes chopping up fruits and adding vitamins to fish. I also help a lot with regular maintenance tasks such as doing laundry and washing dishes. When special events take place, I am often helping out, either by talking with people and answering a range of questions, or, this year in particular, helping with parking (which was a lot more interesting than I expected). And last but definitively not least, I sometimes release birds, which is without a doubt the best possible task to have (albeit a little stressful at times).

wHy do you volunteer at le nicHoir and wHat do you like aBout it? Roxana: My biggest passion in life is nature, and more specifically, animals. I therefore love helping them and seeing them released back into their natural habitat. Also, I strongly believe in the conservation and educational initiatives of Le Nichoir since I really feel that raising awareness and making a change is vital to a better future. Finally, I feel that it helps me be creative and resourceful. Anne Sophie: In all honesty, I do it because I love the birds. I love seeing them, interacting with them and later being able to watch them fly (or swim) off, hopefully to live decent lives, and in many cases, help with dwindling populations. It is a unique opportunity to work with wild animals in a context where you are doing everything to get them back on their feet rather than trying to help them for other human’s sakes.

wHat are your Favourite Birds?Roxana & Anne Sophie: We both absolutely love Waxwings. They are beautiful and bold and wild. They seem like such self-confident little birds. The fledglings and hatchlings are really cute too. They have fluorescent strips lining the inside of their mouths, as if they are trying to show you where to feed them exactly. When they are a little older, it’s adorable to see the bigger fledglings feeding berries to the smaller ones. Also, the gannet is very funny, with his intense obsession with food and his odd little eyes. thANK yoU to ALL those Who heLpeD oUt At the ceNtre AND At eveNts iN 2016:

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The production of this newsletter required innumerable, mostly volunteer hours. Printing it however would not have been possible without the generosity of the following companies whose sponsorship offset the printing costs. Join us in thanking them for supporting Le Nichoir and this newsletter.

thANK yoU

Auberge WillowBiodôme de MontréalBird Protection QuebecBFL CanadaC & C Packing Inc.Café CampagneCanadian Wildlife FederationCarambolaLucie Charlebois, Députée de SoulangesClinique vétérinaire TimberleaCare and Rehabilitation of Injured Birds (CRIB)Dre. Isabelle CôtéDA ConstructionDaBoom! Desserts

Tom DisandoloValerie DuhaimeEcomuseum ZooEspace Construction Inc.Fondation Sami FruitsDr. Amanda GlewGlobal Pitou Minou & CompagnonsStewart GunyonHudson Terroir Ice CreamHôpital vétérinaire HudsonHôpital vétérinaire Saint-LazareJohn Abbott CollegeLeBaron BitesMackoli CateringLa Maison du Défricheur

Geoff MitchellMichael LawrenceElias MakosMarie-Claude Nichols, Deputée de VaudreuilMinus 40 FoodsMcGill Bird ObservatoryMcGill Liber Ero ChairClaudia PortaroPilots N PawsPridham’s Auction HousePoissonnerie L’artisan de la MerRobert Daoust et fils Inc.Rolf C. Hagen Inc.Peter Schiefke MP Vaudreuil-Soulanges

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife ControlAndrew SkowronskiLe Signet & Wizard Art ShoppeSPCA MontrealThe Country GardenerThe Garden PathTokan Inc.Totem RoastersTown of HudsonLee ThompsonTraverse Oka-Hudson Tutti GourmetWindow AlertWhitlock Golf & Country ClubPatricia Wright

iN grAtitUDe - to the foLLoWiNg for their spoNsorship, ADvertisiNg or services iN 2016:

Christina PagéLuc ParentFlorence Parenteau-LaurinEstelle ParynzewskiBianca PiersonPamela PutnamJonathan ReevesShaina ReevesSabrina Robert

Dylan RobinsonRoxana RoblesAntonia RonnLisa RosenbergerKathy RoweChristine SaillartStephan SaplywysJill SavoureAmanda Schofield

Diane SeguinElaine SerafiniCharlene SmithCharlotte SoussanaJessica St-JohnNancy StutzCameron SummersSylvie LamoureuxRachel Taylor

Judith TheoretThibaud Van DoorenJordan TinglingMyriam TrottierLorie ValiquetteJoelle VegaMichelle WachmanMadelyn WhelanMargot Wilbert

Ute WilkinsonLise WinerDan WylieKaren WylieHeather WynandsMei XiaoJenny ZhuWendy Zubis

oUr voLUNteers coNt...

This year Summer Foxford, one of our junior volunteers, celebrated her birthday in a very special way. Not only did she ask to spend the whole of her actual birth date at Le Nichoir volunteering, she also asked that donations be made to the Centre instead of birthday gifts!

Young people like Summer play an important role in Le Nichoir’s volunteer program. For more information about volunteering contact us at 450 458 2809.

A very hAppy BirthDAy!



thANK yoU

Philippe Descheneauxwww.plomb.expert.ca

[email protected] 424 9779

441 Main Road, Hudson QC 450 202 1073

www. pennypetz.com

GREENWOODCirca 1732

1 June - 31 August, 2017Wednesday - Saturday 10.30 - 3.30 Sunday 1 - 4

254 Main, Hudson QC J0P 1H0(450) 458-5396

www.greenwood-centre-hudson.org

This summer, discover...



www.bromebirdcare.com

W I L D B I R D F E E D E R

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WARRANTY1-800-856-5685

[email protected] Customer Care To learn more about birds

and bird feeding, watch our online show BromeBirdNews.com

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thANK yoU

Le Nichoir Wild Bird Conservation Centre • 637 Main, Hudson QC, J0P 1H0 • [email protected] • 450 458 2809

www.lenichoir.org

By sponsoring a wild bird brought to Le Nichoir you are contributing the care and release of a healthy, breeding bird back into its natural habitat. You will be helping Le Nichoir provide the best care possible to that individual animal.

Your rehabilitation sponsorship includes: A personalized certificate of sponsorship that can be given as a gift. An invitation to a special tour at Le Nichoir with our staff – in the case of a gift, both the purchaser and the recipient are invited to attend, a Le Nichoir fridge magnet and News from Le Nichoir Newsletter (tax receipt available).

JoiN Le Nichoir’s rehABiLitAtioN spoNsorship progrAm

Email:

(Payable to Le Nichoir)Cheque enClosed

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Expiry datE: SigNaturE:

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I am pleased to make a gift in the amount of $

Please only acknowledge my gift as anonymous

or, sUpport Le Nichoir With A DoNAtioN

Donate online at:

Not rEquirEd

Yes, I would like to sponsor the rehabilitation of a wild birdDonor Information (for billing and tax receipt)

Songbird ($45) Waterbird ($65)Threatened Species ($100)

Card NumbEr:

Expiry datE: SigNaturE:

tax rECEipt by: mailEmail Not rEquirEd

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Sponsor information if different (Name to appear on certificate)

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Email:

le nichoir · pdf filememorable one for le nichoir ... tribute to the memory of mario mancini...

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