Plan to arrive at the Moncton, New Brunswick Airport during the afternoon. We'll bird the vast wetlands and grasslands at the mouth of the Tantramar River, searching for such varied species as Mourning Warbler, Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Short-eared Owl, and Sora, with a small chance for the elusive Yellow Rail. Overnight near Sackville.

We will spend a good part of the day at Kouchibouguac National Park in coastal New Brunswick. It is a beautiful area that contains varied habitats including open ocean, salt and fresh water marshes, bogs, and boreal coniferous forest. Birds that we may see include Olive-sided Flycatcher, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, and many warblers such as Blackburnian and Bay-breasted. There is a small nesting colony of Piping Plovers on the outer beach: last year we had good looks at several of them. Recent visits have yielded Coyote and Porcupine. We'll drive on to Campbellton at the head of Chaleur Bay, just one bridge away from the Gaspé Peninsula. This is where we will spend the night.

After we enter Quebec (and change our clocks) there is a large tern colony at Carleton that contains Common Terns and lots of shorebirds and gulls. The south shore of the Gaspé Peninsula abounds with great scenery, usually at least one King Eider, and all three species of scoters. We could easily see a whale or two as we drive along the coast. We'll stop to enjoy one of the many crystal clear salmon streams, with a chance for Wilson's Snipe or Canada Warbler. The view from above the town of Percé is spectacular! We will spend our first of three nights in Percé at the eastern end of the Gaspé Peninsula.

The village of Percé, as viewed from Mount Ste. Anne - - FANTASTIC!

--Bob Schutsky

One of the experienced local captains will take us on a morning boat ride around Percé Rock, then sail on to Bonaventure Island where we'll spend the day, and what a day it will be: Northern Gannets at our feet, Black-legged Kittiwakes overhead, and Common Murres and Razorbills coming and going from the nesting cliffs. Atlantic Puffin and Harlequin Duck are possible, as are Gray Seal, Finback Whale, and Humpback Whale. Among the songbirds we'll look for Philadelphia Vireo, Mourning Warbler, and White-winged Crossbill. Vagrants to Bonaventure are impressive: Rock Ptarmigan, Say's Phoebe, Dickcissel, and Lark Sparrow are just a few. Our second night in Percé.

Finback Whale is one of several species of cetacean that we are likely to see, hopefully very close to our boat.

--Les Eastman

Areas near Percé contain some great birds: Pine Grosbeak, Lincoln's Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Boreal Chickadee, and lots of warblers. Bicknell's Thrush breeds at the top of Mount Saint Anne. Barachois Marsh has winnowing Wilson's Snipe and we've found as many as three species of whales feeding together at Point Saint Pierre. We will plan on an afternoon whale watch boat trip out of Percé if the weather allows. Our third and final night in Percé.

The Gaspé fish hatchery has lots of interesting songbirds including Philadelphia Vireo, Palm Warbler, Cape May Warbler, and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. As we drive through Forillon National Park we'll look for a feeder full of Evening Grosbeaks, a female Spruce Grouse with her chicks, and a Merlin strafing a flock of Pine Siskins. The view from the top of Cap des Rosiers is well worth the hike. We'll drive west through Murdochville to the Chic-Choc Mountains and spend two luxurious nights at Gite du Mont Albert.

We are now at the northeastern terminus of the Appalachian Mountains. Areas above tree line contain Common Redpoll, American Pipit, Horned Lark, and Woodland Caribou. Lower altitudes are good for Ruffed Grouse, American Three-toed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, and Blackpoll Warbler, with a small chance for Boreal Owl. Moose are regular in this area, especially at Lake Paul. A second luxurious night at Mont Albert.

We'll take the early ferry from the Gaspé back to New Brunswick. Any extra time will be used for birding stops, perhaps at Kouchibouguac or Tantramar Marsh. The tour will end at Moncton Airport for our mid-afternoon flights home.

Our Gaspé Peninsula & Coastal New Brunswick breeding bird tour will be led by Bob Schutsky, who will give you a wonderful tour of this incredibly beautiful area on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Bob has birded the Gaspé Peninsula many times.

$2145 per person based upon double occupancy. Single accommodations are available at an extra charge of $355.

Expert guide service, lodging for six nights, ALL meals, boat and ferry rides, entrance fees, and ground transportation from Moncton, New Brunswick. ALL tips are also included in the tour fee, except for anything that you may wish to give to your tour leader(s).
Does not include the cost of airfare to and from Moncton. BIRD TREKS will, upon request, help you obtain the best possible airfare. Also not included are the cost of alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature.

A $500 deposit will assure your reservation on the tour. The balance is due 1 May 2008.

We offer the services of our exclusive BIRD TREKS travel agent, Lori Heathcote, in arranging your air travel. Lori has 22 years of experience in the travel industry and is a veteran birder. Contact her through Bailey Travel at 1-800-224-5399, or you can e-mail lori@baileytravel.com. By dealing with Lori you have the security of a 24-hour toll-free telephone number in case of any travel emergency. She can also assist you with all pre- and post-tour travel plans.

With written notice more than 60 days prior to the first day of the tour, 100% of your deposit will be refunded, minus a $75 service fee. With 30-60 days notice, you will receive a 50% refund of the full cost of the tour. No refund can be made with less than 30 days notice. You will receive a full refund if you provide a replacement for your spot on the tour. No partial refund can be given once a tour begins. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment in case of injury or illness to you or your family prior to or during a tour. Click on the following link to Access America or contact BIRD TREKS for information on obtaining this coverage.