Re: [MDOsprey] Newfoundland Birding Information
Doug Couchman (atakdoug@csonline.net)
Wed, 02 Jun 1999 22:36:32 -0400
Go up to the Belle Isle Strait, and at least take the ferry over and
back. It's quick and easy, an incredibly birdy. I had an alcid grand
slam (all 6 species) there on October 1 last year; in August I would
guess you'd at least have tons of puffins and murres, plus the
occasional shearwater and who knows what else.
Caribou will be seen at Gros Morne and maybe elsewhere, and moose you
hope you don't see while driving at night.
Gros Morne is the most accessible spot for Rock Ptarmigan, but you
have to make it to the top. Willow Ptarmigan are said to be along the
way, but I missed them. Make sure to check a field guide before
heading out -- bummer to see one and not be able to make a definitive
ID (hint -- bill size).
Black-headed Gull is easy near Stevenville.
If you get over to the east side, the ferry to St. Pierre et Miquelon
is supposed to be the best place there is for Manx Shearwaters. Very
rough at times, though.
And consider the old Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows, up
north. Earliest known European settlement in North America. Not much
in the way of birds, but cool nonetheless.
Doug Couchman
atakdoug@csonline.net
Cooperstown, PA