With spring in the air, staff and volunteers at Le Nichoir are getting ready to jump into another busy baby bird season. Work is underway to prepare the Barn and welcome both patients and visitors. Already, there’s a sense of great excitement and anticipation for an eventful spring and summer. Once the Barn’s doors swing wide open on May 16th, the Centre will remain operational seven days a week until mid-September.
Even though the period between May and July is traditionally our busiest and the Barn stays dormant all winter, Le Nichoir welcomes birds with open arms, and at all times of the year. This past winter, the Centre was kept busy and on its feet, caring for injured birds and responding to phone calls on a regular basis. Le Nichoir received on average one bird a day until the end of November, and then continued to admit birds until January. We assume the increase in admission is the result of a multitude of factors, such as the changing weather patterns, birds delaying their migration in the fall, and the recent increase in visibility of the organization.
Le Nichoir keeps an open-door policy throughout the spring and summer season, so the public can visit the Barn during opening hours. During this period, the Centre is usually buzzing with activity. By around mid-June, there can be as many as 400 birds at the Barn. Last summer, for instance, Le Nichoir received a total of 1,502 wild birds from 103 different species. This means visitors can expect to see at least a dozen different species of birds when they drop by.
In amongst the flock of birds, a group of dedicated volunteers and staff work long, hard hours to make sure that the birds receive professional, humane care. Le Nichoir prides itself on the high-quality attention we provide to our patients. The Centre is grateful for the countless hours volunteers dedicate to the organization.
If you’re thinking of coming by the Barn this season, here’s what you need to know:
* The Barn is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, for bird admissions.
* Visitors are welcome until 5 p.m. Entrance is free of charge
* You can take a self-guided tour or request a guided tour by appointment
* You’ll see a great variety of birds and learn more about the work of Le Nichoir.
For more information on visiting the Barn or to volunteer at Le Nichoir, please call us at 450 458 2809.
We look forward to seeing you all at the Barn this summer!
Susan Wylie
Executive Director