Birding in Newfoundland

[Vince]

I'm thinking of going to Newfoundland and birding would be an important part of my agenda. Can anyone give me some tips, places to go, best way to get there, etc.  and suggestions in general on how I could have a successful trip.
Thanks
Vince

[Cody]

Brandon Holden might have some information on his website http://peregrineprints.com/index.htm

Here are some other links:

http://www.birding.com/wheretobird/newfoundland.asp
http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/bir ... fault.aspx
http://birdingnewfoundland.blogspot.com/




Cody

[Vince]

Thanks Cody, these should help
Vince

[Lloyd]

Hi Vince. If your down around St. John's I highly recommend driving to Bay Bulls and hopping aboard one of the many whale and bird watching boats available there. Tip: a smaller boat gets closer to the Puffins on the rocks and to the whales, of which we saw many. My wife and I were visiting there a few years ago also in the first weeks of August and we were never disappointed with wildlife, birdlife and even humanlife. Everything was just great. The highlight for me was visiting Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve where there literally thousands of Northern Gannets on "Bird Rock". A stunning sight! You'll get your fill of every bird from Kittiwakes to Guillemots.....have fun!

[Vince]

That's very helpful Lloyd. Thanks
Vince

[Dr. John]

I've been to Newfoundland twice and echo some of the suggestions above. There are a number of boat tours that go out into Witless Bay. Elaine’s B&B by the Sea (709-334-2722, http://www.elainesbythesea.com/index.htm) also offers zodiac tours, which allow you a bit more focus on the birds if you want (the bigger boats also focus on the whales). June and July are better for the breeding seabirds as that's when the capelin are around. By August, some of the birds have left (we only saw a few razorbills last August). Cape St. Mary's is also spectacular for the gannets, although you will get good close looks at kittiwakes. We also saw bald eagles all over the island - Trinity, Twillingate, Cape St. Mary's, Gross Morne. Gros Morne is also excellent for many boreal species.

-John

[Vince]

Thanks for the tips and advice, John. I happen to be staying at Elaine's Saturday night. I would have preferred June or July but I only decided last week and didn't want to wait till next year.
Vince

[Dr. John]

Well at least the berries will be in season. Eat lots of partridgeberries, bakeapples, and wild blueberries. And sample some crowberries on the trail - very refreshing.

-John

[Vince]

Encouraging John but I want to take pics. lol