Le Nichoir News

Le Nichoir News
A Note from the Director - Bigger and Better to Keep Up With Growing Needs
2017
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 onsite
and off-site education programs, and indulge in some
shopping at Le Nichoir’s La Plume Verte boutique.
Best regards.
Susan Wylie, B. Sc. Wildlife Biology
Executive Director
Le Nichoir Wild Bird Conservation Centre • 637 Main, Hudson QC, J0P 1H0 • info@lenichoir.org • 450 458 2809
www.lenichoir.org

Page 2
News from Le Nichoir
Swinging Open the Doors on the New Main Building
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 20 th anniversary.
Image: Studio May
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.
Inaugurating the TD Classroom
On 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-forprofit
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.
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Page 3
News from Le Nichoir
Remembering Mario Mancini
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.
Apprentices Fill Vital Roles
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.
Local Birds - Mourning Dove
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.
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Page 4
News from Le Nichoir
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.
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.
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.
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 Notes
Le 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!
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Page 5
News from Le Nichoir
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
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Page 6
News from Le Nichoir
Building a Creative, Stimulating and Safe Cat Garden by Tracy Gallacher
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.
CRIB Founder Hangs Up her Wings
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.
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Page 7
News from Le Nichoir
Families Exploring Nature Around Le Nichoir in 2016
Families 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 Hudson
A 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
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!
equipment for the new Wild Bird Conservation Centre.
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Page 8
News from Le Nichoir
How Time Flies! Open House Celebrated 20 Years and More to Come
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.
Le Nichoir’s Education Coordinator Visits Ithaca
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
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Page 9
News from Le Nichoir
Bird Friendly® Coffee FAQ
Drinking Bird Friendly ® coffee is a simple choice we can make to protect migratory bird habitat
?
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.
?
How does Bird
Friendly ® coffee taste
compared to other coffee?
Coffee experts say that
shade-grown coffee
tastes better than sungrown
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.
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.
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Page 10
News from Le Nichoir
Habituated and Hand-Raised Birds
A 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.
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.
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.
• 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.
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.
• 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.
La Plume Verte - Le Nichoir’s Retail Adventure
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.
Aussi disponible en français
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.
• 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

Page 11
News from Le Nichoir
Give Your Children the Experience of a Lifetime
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 explos@explosnature.ca
Partnering for Workshops and Bird Walks, and a Nice Cup of Coffee
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.
Film Screening Raises Funds and Awareness
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).
Printed on 100% recycled paper containing 100% post-consumer fiber processed chlorine free and manufactured using renewable biogas energy

Page 12
News from Le Nichoir
?
What are your favourite birds?
Charlotte Abbass
Nathan Afilalo
Triston Alexander
Nadia Allart
Dana Allyn Smith
Judy Ann Auger
Lorelle Austin
Andrea Bates
Victoria Bayliss
Cyril Jamal Belfort
Anakin Benssoussen
Etienne Bérubé
Christiane Bilodeau
Diane Blackburn
Geneviève Blanchet
Roxane Bouchard
Colette Boyer
Chloe Brown
David Brown
Wanda Bray
Chris Buddle
Peter Buddle
Our Volunteers
?
Jessica Cadieux
Gerson Charron
Joan Charron
Monique Charron
Irene Chawalkowski
Cynthia Chesmer
Karen Cliffe
Sean Cloghesy
Claude Cloutier
Lionel Cuccioletta
Judi Collinge
Emily Collins
Gilles Côte
Kim Cox
Denis D’Aoust
Jesse De Luca
Shayne DeBlois
Hilary Dempsey
Ryan Denis
Wendy Dollinger
Karin Drewery
Sue Drouin
What 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.
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:
Carl Dubé
Gail Dunlop
Chantal Duperron
Charlotte Dupont
Charlie Dupras
Jessica Dyck
Katherine Elach
Veronika Elach
Anthony Fantini
Denyse Favreau
Sandrine Filion-Côte
Gilly Filsner
Susi Filsner
Summer Foxford
Ron Gaell
Joaquin Garcia
Sharon Gaul
Diedre Gilbert
Cody Gilmore
Parise Godreau
Johanne Gravel
Erica Guth
Erin Harris
Emma-Claude
Hawthornthwaite
Caroline Heroux
Joshua Higham
Grace Hollander
Patricia Hornblower
Olivia Houde
André Huot
Stefano Ianiro
Iliana Irons
Martin Jackson
Veronica Jensen
Janine Johnson
Nancy Kaudel
Lisa Keelty
Gabrielle Kelloch
Peter Kosiuk
Arthur Lamontagne
Edith Laroche
Maya Laroche
Connie Lattanzio
Geneviève Lavigne
Anne Sophie Lebrun
Wayne Leduc
Traudi Leisser
Katherine Levasseur
Robyn Lichaa
Alice Marlow
Daniel Martel
Carole Martin
Joni McCollam
Diana McHugh
Julie Mercille
Toula Michalakis
Nikia Miller
Alison Mundl
Corey Mundl
Guylaine Nadeau
Lynley Nakano
Carole Newman
Natasha Nicolson
Erin O’Connell
Johanne Oolman
Aussi disponible en français
continued on page 13

Page 13
Our Volunteers cont...
Christina Pagé
Dylan Robinson
Luc Parent
Roxana Robles
Florence Parenteau-Laurin Antonia Ronn
Estelle Parynzewski Lisa Rosenberger
Bianca Pierson
Kathy Rowe
Pamela Putnam
Christine Saillart
Jonathan Reeves
Stephan Saplywys
Shaina Reeves
Jill Savoure
Sabrina Robert
Amanda Schofield
A Very Happy Birthday!
Diane Seguin
Elaine Serafini
Charlene Smith
Charlotte Soussana
Jessica St-John
Nancy Stutz
Cameron Summers
Sylvie Lamoureux
Rachel Taylor
Judith Theoret
Thibaud Van Dooren
Jordan Tingling
Myriam Trottier
Lorie Valiquette
Joelle Vega
Michelle Wachman
Madelyn Whelan
Margot Wilbert
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!
News from Le Nichoir
Ute Wilkinson
Lise Winer
Dan Wylie
Karen Wylie
Heather Wynands
Mei Xiao
Jenny Zhu
Wendy Zubis
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.
In Gratitude - To the following for their sponsorship, advertising or services in 2016:
Auberge Willow
Biodôme de Montréal
Bird Protection Quebec
BFL Canada
C & C Packing Inc.
Café Campagne
Canadian Wildlife Federation
Carambola
Lucie Charlebois,
Députée de Soulanges
Clinique vétérinaire Timberlea
Care and Rehabilitation of Injured
Birds (CRIB)
Dre. Isabelle Côté
DA Construction
DaBoom! Desserts
Tom Disandolo
Valerie Duhaime
Ecomuseum Zoo
Espace Construction Inc.
Fondation Sami Fruits
Dr. Amanda Glew
Global Pitou Minou
& Compagnons
Stewart Gunyon
Hudson Terroir Ice Cream
Hôpital vétérinaire Hudson
Hôpital vétérinaire Saint-Lazare
John Abbott College
LeBaron Bites
Mackoli Catering
La Maison du Défricheur
THANK YOU
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.
Geoff Mitchell
Michael Lawrence
Elias Makos
Marie-Claude Nichols,
Deputée de Vaudreuil
Minus 40 Foods
McGill Bird Observatory
McGill Liber Ero Chair
Claudia Portaro
Pilots N Paws
Pridham’s Auction House
Poissonnerie L’artisan de la Mer
Robert Daoust et fils Inc.
Rolf C. Hagen Inc.
Peter Schiefke
MP Vaudreuil-Soulanges
Skedaddle Humane Wildlife
Control
Andrew Skowronski
Le Signet & Wizard Art Shoppe
SPCA Montreal
The Country Gardener
The Garden Path
Tokan Inc.
Totem Roasters
Town of Hudson
Lee Thompson
Traverse Oka-Hudson
Tutti Gourmet
Window Alert
Whitlock Golf & Country Club
Patricia Wright
Printed on 100% recycled paper containing 100% post-consumer fiber processed chlorine free and manufactured using renewable biogas energy

Page 14
News from Le Nichoir
THANK YOU
This summer, discover...
GREENWOOD
Circa 1732
1 June - 31 August, 2017
Wednesday - Saturday 10.30 - 3.30 Sunday 1 - 4
254 Main, Hudson QC J0P 1H0
(450) 458-5396
www.greenwood-centre-hudson.org
441 Main Road, Hudson QC
450 202 1073
www. pennypetz.com
Philippe Descheneaux
www.plomb.expert.ca
plomb.expert@hotmail.com
450 424 9779
Aussi disponible en français

Page 15
News from Le Nichoir
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Printed on 100% recycled paper containing 100% post-consumer fiber processed chlorine free and manufactured using renewable biogas energy

Join Le Nichoir’s Rehabilitation Sponsorship Program
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).
Yes, I would like to sponsor the rehabilitation of a wild bird
Donor Information (for billing and tax receipt)
Name:
Address:
Or, Support Le Nichoir With a Donation
I am pleased to make a gift in the amount of $
Name:
Address:
Telephone:
Email:
Songbird ($45) Threatened Species ($100) Waterbird ($65)
Sponsor information if different (Name to appear on certificate)
Name:
Telephone:
Visa/MasterCard
Cheque enclosed
(Payable to Le Nichoir)
Address:
Card Number:
Expiry Date:
Signature:
Telephone:
Email:
Tax receipt by:
Email
Mail
Not required
Visa/MasterCard
Cheque enclosed
Email:
Card Number:
Please only acknowledge my gift as anonymous
Expiry Date:
Signature:
Donate online at:
Tax receipt by:
Email
Mail
Not required
Le Nichoir Wild Bird Conservation Centre • 637 Main, Hudson QC, J0P 1H0 • info@lenichoir.org • 450 458 2809
www.lenichoir.org