Birding 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
Reservations are made via the Eventbrite platform. The booking links are below each activity.
Bad weather
Please note that outdoor activities will be cancelled in case of continuous rain or strong wind.
INTERPRETATION & OBSERVATION
Passerine Banding Demonstrations
From THURSDAY 22 to SUNDAY 25
Schedule : 7am to 11pm
Meeting point : Dunes of Tadoussac
Free access
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.
Let yourself be charmed by the owls
Start of the activity :
THURSDAY 22 at 8pm
FRIDAY 23 at 8pm and 10pm
SATURDAY 24 at 8pm and 10pm
SUNDAY 25 at 8pm
Duration : approximately 1h30
Site : Dunes of Tadoussac
Rate : 19,96$ (taxes and fees included)
Capacity : 25 participants per performance
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.
Raptors in flight: how to identify them ? presented by Hydro-Québec
SATURDAY 24 & SUNDAY 25
Schedule : 8am to 12pm
Meeting point : Dunes of Tadoussac
Free access
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 Common Buzzard or a Golden Eagle.
TOURS
Discovering pelagic birds
Departures :
THURSDAY 22 at 2pm
FRIDAY 23 at 9am
SATURDAY 24 at 9am and 4pm
SUNDAY 25 at 9am
Duration: approximately 3h
Meeting point : Escoumins Cruise ticket office
Rate : 80,49$ (taxes and fees included)
Capacity : 20 participants per cruise
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.
Discovering the Haute-Côte-Nord
Departure :
SATURDAY 24 at 8am
Duration : approximately 7h
Level of difficulty : Intermediate
Meeting point : Sainte-Croix Church parking
Rate : 49,99$ (taxes and feed included)
Capacity : 30 participants
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.
Guided hikes
Departures:
SATURDAY 24 at 8:30am
SUNDAY 25 at 8:30am
Duration: approximately 2h
Level of difficulty : easy
Meeting point : Pointe de l’Islet trail entrance
Rate : 17,25$ (taxes and fees included)
Capacity : 20 participants per hike
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!
Portneuf-sur-Mer sandbar
Departures:
THURSDAY 22 at 10pm
FRIDAY 23 at 10:30am
Duration: approximately 5h30
Level of difficulty : intermediate
Meeting point : Sainte-Croix Church parking
Rate : to be announced
Capacity : 6 participants per expedition
The reputation of the Portneuf-sur-Mer sandbar is well established for the observation of shorebirds. In fact, it is one of the best sites in Quebec for the abundance and diversity of shorebirds during the fall migration. It is recognized by BirdLife International as an important area for bird conservation.
Electric bike tour
Departures:
From THURSDAY 22 to SUNDAY 25 at 8am
Duration: approximately 3h
Level of difficulty : all levels
Meeting point : 197-B rue des pionniers in Tadoussac
Rate : 70$
Place : 4 participants per expedition
Discover the region in a different way with a guided tour by an experienced ornithologist on an electric Fat Bike with the local company Vélo E-Go.
When making your reservation directly with Vélo E-go, specify that you are coming for the Festival.
*Possibility of a second circuit from Bergeronnes
2022 Program
The Côte-Nord Migratory Bird Festival also offers family activities, conferences, contests and documentary screenings!