The dunes between Pointe-aux-Loups and Grosse-Île

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The dunes between Pointe-aux-Loups and Grosse-Île

All along the road, on the south side, between the villages of Pointe-aux-Loups and Grosse-Île, you will see the Grande-Entrée lagoon and sand dunes. During the migration period, at low tide, the Grande-Entrée lagoon becomes an endlessly bountiful larder for shore birds, who take full advantage of this generous food supply. Many different plant and animal species flourish in the dune environment, including the Meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus). The vole in turn is an important food source for many species of raptors living in this area.

Quality of site

January-February: Poor
March-April: Fair
May-June: Good
July-August: Very good
September-October: Very good
November-December: Poor

Access to bird watching site

Observation from the road shoulders along Route 199.

Interesting ornithological features

At low tide during the migration period, the Grande-Entrée lagoon along Route 199 is transformed into a vast feeding ground for shorebirds. Thousands upon thousands of sandpipers, yellowlegs and plovers (Scolopacidae, Charadriidae) come to feed at this site. Willets (Cataptrophorus semipalmatus) have been nesting here for several years. On the water you will also see Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), Great black-Backed Gulls (Larus marinus) and Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus). Keep your eyes open in the sand dunes and check the hydro poles, where you might sight a Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca) or a Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus), both regular visitors year-round. The Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) also feeds here.

How to get there

Just take Route 199 and stop here and there to enjoy observing the birdlife. 

 

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