Apr 23, 2024

10 common bird-sightings in Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia

1. Hermit Thrush

“Kejimkujik National Park provides various habitats for many bird species, making it an idyllic place for birders,” says Éric Le Bel. The Hermit Thrush is an insectivorous bird and is very active during the day, foraging the forest floor and the lower parts of foliage to feed itself and its young. It plays an important role to control insect abundance in all habitats.

2. White-breasted Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch can be seen year round. It is a real acrobat and climbs up and down tree trunks looking for insects. Also check out: 5 Best Canadian National Parks for Birding.

3. American Woodcock

The long beak of the American Woodcock is the ideal tool to hunt for worms in moist and muddy woodlands. “Its camouflage is so good you may not see it until you’re about to step on it, almost giving you a small heart attack,” says Le Bel.

4. Northern Parula

This Northern Parula is a very colourful Warbler, common in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. It’s much easier to see in the spring when the leaves are not fully open.

5. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a woodpecker that doesn’t look for insects in the tree; it simply digs evenly spaced holes in rows to make the tree bleed sap. The sap attracts insects and the Sapsucker then eats the insects from there.

6. Piping Plover

The Piping Plover is endangered globally. There are approximately 40 breeding pairs nesting on the beaches of Nova Scotia, including some at Kejimkujik National Park. During the nesting period, portions of the beach at Kejimkujik Seaside (see map here) are closed to visitors to favour the reproduction success of this rare shoreline bird. Birding tip: Learn about the conservation program.

7. Male Ruffed Grouse

The male Ruffed Grouse is quite demonstrative in the spring when he wants to impress females. He raises the black ruffs on the sides of his neck, fanning his tail and beating his wings to make a drumming hollow sound. Bird-watching elsewhere in Canada: visit 5 Best National Parks for Bird-watching in Canada.

8. Common Loon

The Common Loon is a marvelous bird, typical of our lakes. Its call is symbolic of the Canadian wilderness and a camping experience in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site will give you an experience you won't soon forget – almost reason enough for a trip to Nova Scotia.

9. Barred Owl

The Barred Owl’s camouflage makes it hard to see when it sleeps on branches during the day. Sometimes in the forest, one can feel watched -- and then the big black eyes will suddenly appear. At night, they sing loudly what sounds like, “Who cooks for you?” What a perfect way to end a day of camping in one of Canada’s national parks this summer.

10. Black Duck

According to Le Bel, the black duck is the most common type of duck in Nova Scotia. They can launch themselves in a burst of energy without a running take-off. This allows them to rest and feed in tiny puddles of water and mud. If you’re looking to combine some beach time during your camping holiday: visit Best Canadian Campgrounds with Beaches.

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1. Hermit Thrush

2. White-breasted Nuthatch

3. American Woodcock

4. Northern Parula

5. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

6. Piping Plover

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7. Male Ruffed Grouse

8. Common Loon

9. Barred Owl

10. Black Duck

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