The arrival of snow geese by the thousands in the flooded agricultural fields of Baie-du-Febvre, between Sorel-Tracy and Nicolet, marks the return of spring in a spectacular way.
The great travelers arrive from a journey of 1000 kilometers from the Atlantic coast. They stop for about two weeks, the time to rest and fatten up before heading back to the Arctic to nest.
Or ?
It is near Route 132, from five observation posts with parking, that you can best admire the gatherings of these migratory birds. Also along the Janelle road, a small gravel road leading to Lake Saint-Pierre.
The geese mainly frequent corn and grain fields to eat leftovers from the previous fall’s harvest. We are talking here about five kilos of seeds per cubic meter of water, which explains their presence.
Photo provided by André Falardeau
Snow geese frequent flooded agricultural fields.
If it is tempting to approach, it is better not to do so so as not to disturb the geese in their resting area. Curiously, it is often observers who are well equipped to see them from afar or photograph them who tend to advance to the edges of the fields.
When ?
Sometimes visitors are disappointed not to have seen flocks of geese. First of all, the best time is between late March and mid-April, which usually includes two weekends.
However, it is important that the fields are not covered with snow. How do you know if the geese are there? By referring to the Tourisme Nicolet-Yamaska Facebook page or by calling them.
To have the best possible chance of having an eyeful, you have to be there at the right time and be patient. Very often, when we arrive, there are not many geese.
Photo courtesy of Rosaire Lemay
Such gatherings may occur at times during the day, but often shortly before sunset.
Then, coming from other fields or bodies of water, they arrive here and there in bands. The most impressive gatherings often occur from an hour before sunset.
From a distance, it looks like snowing geese.
FEBVRE BAY
- Observation posts: 5 with parking (route 132) and route Janelle
- Recommended: warm clothes, binoculars
- Tourism Nicolet-Yamaska (weekdays): 819 293-6960, 1 866 279-0444
- facebook.com/tourismenicolet
OTHER OUTING IDEAS
The other migratory stopover
On the opposite bank of Baie-du-Febvre, in Saint-Barthélemy, we are also treated to a beautiful spectacle with the arrival of snow geese and other migratory birds. Highway 40, exit 155.
►sollanaudiere.com/la-halte-migratoire
At the Marais de la Rivière aux Cherries
Equipped with footbridges on stilts, the Pioneer trail crosses woods and bogs to near downtown Magog. In the background stands Mount Orford. Dogs allowed on leash.
►marshauxcerises.com
►Alain Demers is the author of the book Rediscover Quebec: 101 destinationspublished by Éditions du Journal.