Birding and family activities
Banding activities – Guided hikes – Pelagic bird cruises
Ornithological program
The Côte-Nord is at the top of the list of MRCs in Quebec with an impressive 352 species observed over the years (including some exceptional species, the latest being the Short-billed Duck at the Tadoussac Dunes).
Although many activities take place at the Tadoussac Dunes, which is a must-see in the area, there are several exceptional observation sites in the region. The Festival has set up excursions to discover these renowned sites and to observe a beautiful diversity of species. These excursions are intended for both beginner and experienced birders. The sharing of knowledge is also part of these outings!
Open to all
Activities are open to all: families, curious, beginner or expert birders.
Online reservations
The booking links will be below each activity. Reservations are not opened yet.
Bad weather
Outdoor activities will be cancelled in case of continuous rain or strong wind.
INTERPRETATION & OBSERVATION
Passerine Banding Demonstrations
From September, 18 to September, 24
Schedule: 7am to 11pm
Meeting point: Dunes of Tadoussac
Every morning of the Festival, visitors are invited to come and attend the banding of passerines (songbirds). An ornithologist guide will be on site to explain the manipulations and answer questions from visitors. This is a unique opportunity to see wild birds up close, while learning about TBO’s research.
Free access!
Let yourself be charmed by the owls
From September, 18 to September, 24
Duration: approximately 1h30
Meeting point: Dunes of Tadoussac
When evening comes, we deploy our nets to capture magnificent little owls. Thanks to this interpretation activity, lasting about 1h30, you will follow the research team in its work on these birds.
Rate : to be defined
Capacity : 25 participants per performance
Raptors in flight: how to identify them? presented by Zeiss
September, 23 and September, 24
Schedule: 8am to 12am
Meeting point: Dunes of Tadoussac
The Dunes of Tadoussac are recognized in Quebec as one of the best sites to observe migrating birds of prey. However, if you are not familiar with the identification of raptors in flight, an experienced ornithologist will be at the Yvan-Duchesne lookout to help you target the main identification criteria. You may be lucky enough to spot a Rough-Legged Hawk or a Golden Eagle.
Free access!
Demonstration of birds of prey with the Godbout Interpretation Center
September, 23
Schedule: 10am to 2pm
Meeting point: Dunes of Tadoussac
The Interpretation Center of Birds of Prey in Godbout is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 that serves as a refuge for birds of prey with permanent disabilities that cannot be released back into the wild. Come and learn more about their mission and the birds they care for, while having the opportunity to admire one of their ambassador birds.
Free access!
Interpretation at Cap-de-Bon-Désir
September, 24
Schedule: 2 to 3:30pm
Meeting point: Cap-De-Bon-Désir
Guided by experienced ornithologists from the Tadoussac Bird Observatory, come and discover the pelagic and coastal birds that pass by the site with surprising proximity. Armed with your binoculars and spotting scope, follow the advice of this experienced team to learn more about the incredible diversity of the St. Lawrence River. Don’t be surprised if, while following a flying bird, you also catch a glimpse of the dorsal fin of a Minke whale or a Harbour porpoise, both abundant in this area.
Free activity.
Only park access is payable.
TOURS
Discovering pelagic birds
Departures:
From September, 18 to September, 24
Schedule: 9-11:30 a.m. and 3-05:30 p.m.
Duration: approximately 3h
The Festival is partnering with Croisières Escoumins this year to offer 5 unique cruises on the St. Lawrence Seaway. You will have the opportunity to observe species such as the Common Murre or the Parasitic Jaeger from a surprising proximity. On the other hand, you will have the opportunity to see rarities such as the Sabine’s Gull, the Pygmy Gull, the Broad-billed Phalaropes, etc. Moreover, marine mammals are very present at this time of the year.
Meeting point : Escoumins Cruise ticket office
Rate : to be defined
Capacity : 20 participants per cruise
Discovering the Haute-Côte-Nord
Departure :
September, 23
Schedule: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Duration : approximately 7h
The Upper North Shore (Haute-Côte-Nord) region is certainly one of the best areas in Quebec for observing waterfowl during the migration period. The diversity of species and the abundance of birds that can be found in September is hardly comparable to the rest of the province.
During this day, you will have the opportunity to discover strategic sites. We will stop at the following places : Escoumins Bay, Pointe-à-Émile and Pointe-à-Boisvert (Longue-Rive) and the sandbar of Portneuf-sur-Mer.
Level of difficulty : Intermediate
Meeting point : Sainte-Croix Church parking
Rate : to be defined
Capacity : 30 participants
Guided hikes
Departures:
September, 23 and September, 24
Schedule: 8-10 a.m.
Duration : approximately 2h
We offer two guided hikes in the heart of Tadoussac that will allow you to meet the avian wildlife in an idyllic setting. While walking about 3 kilometers, you will be able to observe forest species (warblers, sparrows,etc.) as well as sea ducks, shorebirds and larids. The ornithological potential of this hike will surprise many!
Level of difficulty : easy
Meeting point : Pointe de l’Islet trail entrance
Rate : to be defined
Capacity : 20 participants per hike
2022 Program
The Côte-Nord Migratory Bird Festival also offers family activities, conferences, contests and documentary screenings!