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Birdwatching at the Montréal Botanical Garden
Birdwatching, a delightful recreation anywhere, is a favorite pastime of thousands
of Montrealers. Every year, many newcomers join those already enjoying this activity.
The Botanical Garden is a prime location for bird observation because the diversity and quality
of trees and shrubs provide the food and protection birds need as well as a suitable habitat for building their nests.
Spring is the ideal time to watch the return of migrating birds sporting their nuptial plumage. Some of these stay with us into
the summer, affording astute observers the chance to study nesting and breeding behavior.
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The Mourning Dove, which belongs to the same family as the Rock Dove, is a familiar bird of our gardens,
well-adapted to human surroundings. It is the bird emblem of the Montréal Botanical Garden.
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In the fall, large mixed flocks of southbound migrants yield
many subtlely-colored immature warblers, whose identification can challenge even the seasoned ornithologist.
The activity continues into the winter, with itinerant northern birds visiting our feeding stations
to stock up on corn, sunflower seeds, millet, niger seed, and suet.
Users and visitors are reminded to walk carefully and to be respectful of the beauty of the site. Please
be particularly observant during the winter season because delicate plants are always present even
if covered with snow. Follow the footpaths at all times in order to avoid trampling plant life.
This ornithological leaflet, in addition to a few practical suggestions, consists of a list of species that have
been spotted on the site. We wish to express our gratitude to all those who shared
in its preparation, particularly Guy Zenaiti, Jacques Brisson and Yves Gauthier, three ornithology fanatics
who participated in updating the list.
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