Re: RFI: Newfoundland

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> 
> I'm planning a trip to Newfoundland at the end of June, and have a target
> list of mostly boreal species.  Can anyone give me an idea of where on the
> island to best find the following birds:
>
> Arctic Tern
> Common Murre
> Thick-billed Murre
> Spruce Grouse
> Rock Ptarmigan
> Willow Ptarmigan
> N. Hawk Owl
> Three-toed Woodpecker
> Black-backed Woodpecker
> Gray Jay
> Boreal Chickadee
> Pine Grosbeak
>
>>From what I've read, the alcids shouldn't be too difficult along the
> coast, and the ptarmigans can be found at Gros Morne.  Is this the best
> place to look for them?


Rock ptarmigans were present when I was at Gros Morne last October,
about as visible as you'd expect.  You need to get up Gros Morne, and
then if you don't see birds from the trail you need to hike around on
top until you find them.  From personal experience I can tell you that
when the winds are 60 kph, gusting to 100 kph, this is less than
pleasant.

Be sure to take the Belle Isle ferry (to Labrador) if you can.
Remarkable bird numbers, on a quick and easy trip.  I got all six
alcid species there on October 1, 1998.

People will tell you spots for the three-toed woodpeckers; my advice
is to be there early.  In my experience (with black-backs, anyway),
the birds are very active and visible until about 8:30 am, then
disappear.


Doug Couchman
atakdoug@csonline.net

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