For the first site, you walk to the end of the Chemin de la Pointe-des-Canots. The small wooded areas on either side of the road are very interesting for passerines and for White-winged Crossbills (Loxia leucoptera). If you continue along this road, you will come to the Havre-aux-Basques ponds. Take the time to look toward the tidal flats and the laurel stand (pessière à kalmia).
The second observation site is Étang de l'Ouest (West Pond). After Étang de l'Est (East Pond) this is the pond with the largest surface area. An extensive wetland area separates this pond from Havre-aux-Basques Bay.
Walking in forest, dune and wetland environments.
La Pointe-des-Canots is a favourite spot for the observation of woodland birds, waterfowl and shore birds. Mergansers are often sighted here, as is the Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus).
L'Étang de l'Ouest is home to all kinds of waterfowl. The Common Loon (Gavia immer) is often sighted in this pond, as is the Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps). The grasslands around the pond are prime habitat for the Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) and Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammodramus nelsoni).
Both of these sites can be reached by following Chemin du Bassin and Chemin de la Montagne, which run around Havre-Aubert Island on the north and south sides. From there, two unpaved roads lead into the observation sites, that is Chemin de la Pointe-des-Canots and Chemin de la Dune de l'Ouest. For the latter, it is important to note that past a certain point, the road is only sand, and it can be quite risky to take a vehicle onto it. We suggest that you do not go too far (about 1 km).