Ile Bizard

Montreal, being an enlightened city, has created several nature parks around its shores. The one on the north and eastern edge of Ile Bizard is perhaps one of the best of all birding sites in the immediate vicinity of Montreal and one not to be missed at any time of the year. Predominantly densely wooded the park also has a mixture of river shoreline and a large area of flooded shallow land (thank the beavers) which will hold your attention for hours.

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The parking lot is to the north of the minor road leading past the park with the bulk of the park to the south. After parking, however, take a walk north to the shoreline and also visit the visitors centre to see what's around and to admire the view over Lac des deux montagnes towards the provincial park at Oka.

The main part of the park lies across the access road. Take the path opposite the parking lot andwalk through the mature woodland looking out, in season, for warblers and assorted small brown birds, Orioles, Woodpeckers and so on. After a short while you will round a corner to find yourself on a long boardwalk crossing one side of a very extensive area of rich wetland with dead tree snags and a densely wooded margin. Many birders spend so long here that they never have time to venture further into the more wooded areas of the park where the Owls live - and it's not surprising once you have seen the place.

Shorebirds of all species, Swallows, Green and Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfishers, Ducks, more ducks, various Hawks, Pileated Woodpeckers, Bittern - if it lives near water the odds are that you stand a good chance of ticking it off at Ile Bizard.

Beyond the walkway is another short section of woodland before a second, smaller, marshy area (look out for fabulous Dragonflies) leads you into the main wooded area. Here you will see the usual species, including a good number of Owls …. but try to go in early spring before the leaves are open as the forest floor is a wonderland of flowers of all species including great drifts of Trillium.

A place to go back to several times through the year - you will never be disappointed.