Purple Martin Bird Feeding

Le Nichoir’s mission is to conserve wild birds as part of our natural heritage for future generations.

Le Nichoir Wild Bird Conservation Centre was founded in 1996 as a non-profit organization.
The Centre is located in Hudson, Quebec.

Le Nichoir accepts bird admissions Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm every day (excluding Christmas Day and New Years). The centre does not allow visits or offer tours of its facilities or grounds due to permit regulations.

Wild Bird Conservationists: What We Do

Healthy birds play an important role in maintaining the health of the environment. Le Nichoir’s team of staff and volunteers are dedicated to offering science-based programs devoted to wild bird conservation. 

Read about our programs!

Bird Care Program

Bird Care Program

Hurt Bird

Wild Bird Helpline

Nichoir Educator

Education and Outreach

Woman rehabilitating bird

Consultation Services

Medical Notes Icon for Bird Care Program BIRD CARE PROGRAM

Le Nichoir is licensed by the Federal and Provincial governments to rehabilitate and care for wild birds in captivity with the goal of releasing them back into nature. All of our actions are based on scientific protocols and best practices, prioritizing each individual bird’s needs and welfare.

Each bird admitted is provided with a thorough medical examination. Their treatment is based on the nature and severity of their injury and/or illness. Our goal is always to successfully release healthy, viable individuals back into the wild. Sadly, in some cases, rehabilitation is not possible and euthanasia is the most humane form of treatment.

We specialize in the care of songbirds, aquatic birds and insectivorous birds, and admit up to 3,000 wild bird patients every year impacted by human activities. We currently do not accept pigeons or birds of prey, and due to limited resources, we do not offer a pick-up service.

Have you found an injured bird? Visit our FAQ section.

Headset Icon for Wild Bird Helpline Wild Bird Helpline

Through the Wild Bird Helpline, our trained staff answers thousands of calls every year from people looking for advice and information on birds. 

During the summer months, our phone lines may be busy. While both staff and volunteers do their best to manage multiple lines, we may not always be able to answer every call immediately. Email us at info@lenichoir.org or visit our FAQ section—we appreciate your patience and understanding.

The Helpline is available Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.

Book Icon for Bird Education and Outreach Education and Outreach

We share our knowledge and passion for birds so that people of all ages can be a part of the solution. Our team provides education and outreach about wild birds and their environment with emphasis on human-bird coexistence, through its website, social media, print communications, educational programs and community events.

To learn more contact us!

Group Icon for Consultation Services Environmental Emergencies and Consultation

Le Nichoir’s biologists have over 37 years of combined experience. The centre collaborates with different partners to support wild birds affected by environmental emergencies and through consultation to promote wild bird conservation. Our team offers services on a variety of topics.

For more information contact info@lenichoir.org

Privacy Policy

According to the Loi 25 in effect in Quebec, Le Nichoir would like to inform you of our Privacy Policy surrounding your personal information. Le Nichoir depends on the generous support of donors and volunteers to fulfill its mission of conserving wild birds. We collect your personal information to process your donation, issue a tax receipt or thank you, and to provide information and updates on Le Nichoir’s activities. We do not sell or share your personal information. It will only be used by Le Nichoir for the purposes outlined above, or as required by law.

You can unsubscribe from email lists at any time by contacting Jamie at 450 458-2809 extension 6 or at boutique@lenichoir.org.

Annual Financials

Powered by community support, with limited government funding, Le Nichoir runs primarily on public donations. Visit the Government of Canada website and type in Le Nichoir in the basic search to learn more about how Le Nichoir’s program and activities are funded.

Our Story

In 1996, four dedicated local women recognized the need for a songbird rehabilitation centre in Quebec, so they founded Le Nichoir. For the next 25 years, founders, volunteers, staff and the local community worked hard to grow the organization. Eventually, Le Nichoir outgrew its old barn facility. The new Wild Bird Conservation Centre was built in 2016. 

Situated adjacent to the entrance of the Clarke Sydenham Nature Reserve, a property of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Le Nichoir is the largest dedicated songbird rehabilitation centre in Canada.

1996

Le Nichoir incorporated

475 bird patients admitted

2006

Construction of the duckling aviary

2007

New logo designed

1,238 bird patients admitted

2011

Construction of the aquatic bird aviary

2013

Adaptations Education Program for children launched

Construction of the large songbird aviary

1,502 bird patients admitted

2015

La Plume Verte Store opens

Café Le Nichoir launched

1,649 bird patients admitted

2016

Wild Bird Conservation Centre built

1,979 bird patients admitted

2018

7,272 hours volunteered

Construction of specialized woodpecker aviary

2,039 bird patients admitted

2019

Digital x-ray machine acquired

2,132 bird patients admitted

2020

2,785 bird patients admitted

Launch of virtual education programs and seminars

2021

Le Nichoir’s 25th birthday!

2023

Over 47,000 patients admitted since the beginning

2024

Funding for OARS (Oil Spill Avian Response System) by the Environmental Damages Fund

Development of free downloadable curriculum for teachers and educators

La Plume Verte rebranded to La Boutique du Nichoir

2026

Le Nichoir’s 30th birthday!

Our Story

In 1996, four dedicated local women recognized the need for a songbird rehabilitation centre in Quebec, so they founded Le Nichoir. For the next 25 years, founders, volunteers, staff and the local community worked hard to grow the organization. Eventually, Le Nichoir outgrew its old barn facility. The new Wild Bird Conservation Centre was built in 2016. 

Situated adjacent to the entrance of the Clarke Sydenham Nature Reserve, a property of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Le Nichoir is the largest dedicated songbird rehabilitation centre in Canada.

1996

Le Nichoir incorporated

475 bird patients admitted

2006

Construction of the duckling aviary

2007

New logo designed

1,238 bird patients admitted

2011

Construction of the aquatic bird aviary

2013

Adaptations Education Program for children launched

Construction of the large songbird aviary

1,502 bird patients admitted

2015

La Plume Verte Store opens

Café Le Nichoir launched

1,649 bird patients admitted

2016

Wild Bird Conservation Centre built

1,979 bird patients admitted

2018

7,272 hours volunteered

Construction of specialized woodpecker aviary

2,039 bird patients admitted

2019

Digital x-ray machine acquired

2,132 bird patients admitted

2020

Launch of virtual education programs and seminars

2,785 bird patients admitted 

2021

Le Nichoir’s 25th birthday!

Staff and Board

Le Nichoir is led by a dedicated team of four full-time staff, supported by summer employees and year-round volunteers, and guided by a volunteer Board of Directors.

Full-time Staff

Susan Wylie B.Sc., CWR
Susan Wylie B.Sc., CWRExecutive Director

Susan Wylie leads and manages Le Nichoir, overseeing the effective delivery and funding of its wildlife conservation programs. She leads our team in promoting wild bird conservation by integrating rehabilitation with science, education, and professionalism. She believes compassion for birds begins with kindness to people.

A skilled Wildlife Biologist, Environmental Management technician, and Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator, Susan is also a past President of the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) and was a board member for 13 years.

For over 20 years, she has guided the development of Le Nichoir’s bird care protocols and best practices, helping it grow into the largest center of its kind in the province.

Jo-Annie Gagnon, B.Sc.
Jo-Annie Gagnon, B.Sc.Bird Care Coordinator

Since 2013, Jo-Annie Gagnon, who has a B.Sc. in environmental biology, has developed and delivered bilingual science-based avian biology programs and seminars to youth and adults, respectively. Prior to joining Le Nichoir, she worked as a research assistant on a volunteer basis at the McGill Bird Observatory banding station and as an animator-naturalist at the Montréal’s Space for Life Biodôme. Jo-Annie is passionate and interested in many aspects of the environment. She strives to educate others about birds as part of a complex interconnected world that includes humans, where the effects on one part affect all parts.

Élise Laferrière
Élise LaferrièreCommunity Relations Coordinator

Élise joined le Nichoir as summer staff in 2022 where she completed her internship for her B.Sc. in Biological Sciences at the University of Montreal. Prior to this she studied Animal Health Technology at Collège Lionel-Groulx. Élise has always had a love and fascination with all living creatures. She knew she wanted to work in wildlife conservation as soon as she started her bachelor’s degree. She started the Educational Program Coordinator position in January of 2023 under Jo-Annie’s mentorship. Working as summer staff in bird care, she saw first hand the impacts of humans on wild birds. She quickly understood the importance of education in wildlife conservation as many human caused injuries could have been prevented had the public been informed. She strives to offer new and effective ways of communicating information about birds for all ages. Élise believes that conservation starts with education. Her goal is to share her passion for birds because one who loves birds will want to protect them.

Jamie Cromar
Jamie CromarAdministrative Coordinator

Jamie grew up in Hudson and is now raising her family here. She is honoured to work in the town she loves for such a meaningful and important cause.

Jamie has a DEC in Creative Arts and Literature, as well as an IDDP in Interior Design.

She became a multi business owner in Hudson, owning and operating a brick and mortar retail shop along with an interior design firm. With her deep knowledge in project management and marketing, she is looking forward to growing La Boutique du Nichoir as well as working alongside the amazing volunteers at Le Nichoir.

Jamie is thrilled to bring her business, retail experience and creativity to her role as Administrative Coordinator.

Summer Employees

Summer staff play a vital role in our daily operations, many of them students pursuing careers in conservation and environmental fields. We’re deeply grateful for their contributions and proud that Le Nichoir serves as a meaningful stepping stone in their journey — helping shape the next generation of conservation and animal welfare leaders.

Board of Directors

Wendy Dollinger B.Sc.
Wendy Dollinger B.Sc.President

Wendy graduated from McGill University with a B.Sc. in agriculture and an interest in wildlife conservation. On her first day as a volunteer at Le Nichoir, the Centre was overwhelmed by 200 baby gulls that had just been rescued, and Wendy was asked to help with cleaning the young birds. She was profoundly affected by the experience and has been a weekly volunteer at Le Nichoir ever since. In 2015, Wendy joined the Board to guide the development of Le Nichoir’s education programs. She assumed the Presidency in 2020.

Nikhil Bhatia, CPA Auditor, CA
Nikhil Bhatia, CPA Auditor, CATreasurer

Nikhil attended both Concordia University and McGill University while pursuing his CPA, CA designation. He has always had a love for animals and a concern for their place in our world’s changing environment, a passion that led him to transform his suburban backyard space into a safe haven for wild birds. Having worked for the federal government, Bell Canada and Molson Coors, Nikhil brings enthusiasm, experience and very valuable skills in accounting and finance to support Le Nichoir’s mission and growth in conservation and environmental education.

Dr. Sarah MacPherson B.Sc., Ph.D.
Dr. Sarah MacPherson B.Sc., Ph.D.Secretary

Sarah’s love of wildlife stems from childhood summers spent at the cottage in Pointe-au-Baril, Ontario. She fondly recalls the night call of the whip-poor-will and black bear sightings. Sarah obtained a B.Sc. (Honours in Biology) from Concordia University, and a Ph.D. from McGill University (Microbiology and Immunology). After a postdoctoral fellowship in Texas, she pursued her interests in health communications and post-secondary education. She is now working as a Research Associate at McGill University. She was first introduced to the inner workings of the Le Nichoir in the old barn as a summer volunteer in 2005. Sarah is thrilled to be contributing as a member of the Board since 2017.

Charles-Henri Brunet, OAQ, LEED® AP BD+C
Charles-Henri Brunet, OAQ, LEED® AP BD+CDirector

Charles-Henri is an architect and graduate of McGill University and a member of the OAQ. He is the president and co-owner of Espace Construction and Designespace, general contractors specializing in an integrated and collaborative construction approach. His interest and passion for the environment and sustainability led him to become a LEED BD+C accredited professional. He is past president of the Canada Green Building Council (Quebec Chapter). Together with his wife Rose, Charles transformed their suburban backyard into a CWF Certified Backyard Habitat including an artificial wetland, a wild garden and an organic vegetable garden. As a member of the Board, Charles contributes most notably by leading our efforts in the maintenance and development of our infrastructure and facilities.

Dr. Florence Erdmann DVM
Dr. Florence Erdmann DVMDirector

Florence earned her veterinary degree from Université de Montreal. She is now a co-partner and veterinarian at Pierrefonds Animal Hospital in suburban Montreal. She is dedicated to the wellbeing of animals, and brings that passion and her veterinary experience to our Board meetings. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Carole Schneider
Carole SchneiderDirector

Carole’s experience in business spans from a large pharmaceutical company, to a local firm where she was instrumental in building global customer service operations. She went on to start her own business, realizing a dream of bringing the joy of used books and organic fair-trade coffee and teas to the community. Today, she is the Operation’s Manager for an investment firm in Saint-Lazare, Quebec, where her many talents keep the business humming and create a customer service culture fueled by her passion for helping others. Her love for supporting people extends to animals in need, including her canine rescue kids, Murphy the Foxhound and Jack the German Shepard. After volunteering in bird care at Le Nichoir for several years, Carole joined the Board and began contributing her business smarts and very sharp analytical to our deliberations.

Jennifer Lombardi, B.Sc., B.Arch.
Jennifer Lombardi, B.Sc., B.Arch.Director

Jennifer grew up in Hudson and loves the outdoors. She is interested in health and wellness, and the importance of environmental sustainability in our everyday life. Jennifer graduated from McGill University with a degree in Biology and Environmental studies. As a university student she spent her summers tree planting in Northern Ontario and travelling around the world. She later found a love for architecture and design and how communities engage with the built environment. After studying architecture at Carleton University, Jennifer began her career in construction by joining her father’s general contractor’s business. She spends most of her days on construction sites managing projects and enjoys being part of a team, be it in business, sports or community groups.

Christina Ambert, B.A.
Christina Ambert, B.A.Director

Christina Ambert is a bilingual, award-winning professional with over 25 years of experience in strategic and executive communications and change management. She currently serves as Director, Communications and Change Management for BMO Financial Group.

A resident of Saint Lazare since 2009, Christina has long been engaged in community leadership.  An avid outdoor enthusiast, she is especially proud to be actively involved in supporting Le Nichoir’s mission.

Dr. Isabelle-Anne BissonDirector

Dr. Isabelle-Anne Bisson is an expert in environmental impact and community needs assessment, helping communities and organizations achieve sustainability. Dr. Bisson has over 25 years of experience as a scientific consultant, coordinator, and manager of science and conservation projects globally. She has led projects for the United States’ Department of Defense and headed a program in Uganda for a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) initiative. She completed a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Science at McGill University and a Ph.D. at York University. She went on to conduct post-doctoral research at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and Princeton University. In 2014, she co-founded and now solely runs TerraHumana Solutions (www.terrahumanasolutions.com), which offers expert services in science and sustainability. She has worked closely with northern Indigenous communities in Nunavik and with the environmental challenges they face amid ongoing development. She has worked with the First Nations Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) community of Kahnawà:ke and with the Kanien’kehá:ka community of Kanesatake since 2017 on various environmental and community projects. Dr. Bisson has held many volunteer positions (board member of SCCF and Sierra Club Quebec, President of the community organization Table de Quartier du Sud-l’Ouest-de-l’Île, Nature Conservancy Canada).

Frank Hicks
Frank HicksDirector Emeritus

Frank served on Le Nichoir’s Board of directors from 2007 until 2019. Born in Ireland, but raised and educated in Canada, Frank has vast business experience in marketing, customer service, administration and accounting. After a very successful career, he decided in 2003 to settle down to a quiet life in Hudson, Quebec. However, inactivity didn’t sit well with Frank and he quickly began devoting his time and expertise to a number of local not-for-profit organizations, including Le Nichoir. NOVA (home nursing care), the local library charity shop, the Hudson Historical Society, the Hudson Merchants Committee and dog rescue groups were some of the other organizations that Frank helped.

Janette Fauque
Janette FauqueDirector Emeritus

In 1994, Janette co-founded Le Nichoir with Lynn Miller, Denise Paquette and Lise Sylvestre, acting as treasurer for the first seven years of the organization’s existence. She was a member of the Board until 2018. Janette was born and raised in the UK and, during her childhood, she was always bringing home orphaned animals (e.g., a hedgehog and a fast-moving three-legged tortoise). After immigrating to Canada, she made her career in the retailing industry, rising to upper management levels, before moving to the manufacturing sector as Vice President of a Canadian ladies apparel manufacturer. She is also a partner in a company that has as its mission to aid Canadian First Nation designers prepare their products and business for the export market.

Dr. Lynn Miller B.Sc.Ag., Dipl. Ecotox., Ph.D., CWR
Dr. Lynn Miller B.Sc.Ag., Dipl. Ecotox., Ph.D., CWRDirector Emeritus

Lynn co-founded Le Nichoir In 1994 with Janette Fauque, Denise Paquette and Lise Sylvestre. Lynn began life in New Zealand surrounded by animals: cats, dogs, chickens, horses, budgies, and more. While attending McGill University’s MacDonald College in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, she began working with birds of prey at the Macdonald Raptor Research Centre. Although raptors were the specialty, that did not deter the many people who bought in ducklings, song birds, herons and pigeons. Lynn’s mistake was to take these birds to her home — or was it? Lynn qualified as an International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) instructor and subsequently joined the IWRC Board, becoming President in 2011. She is also a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator (CWR). She continued her education with a Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology. The classes she teaches have allowed her to travel widely throughout North America and Mexico, Ireland and South Africa.

Dr. Amanda Glew DVMDirector Emeritus

Amanda served on the Board of Le Nichoir from 1995 to 2013. Ever since, she has offered her clinic to Le Nichoir for specialized care whenever possible. With her help, Le Nichoir staff members have fixed ruptured crops, x-rayed fractured wings, treated open wounds, and provided so much more in the care of songbirds. Amanda has been working with animals, large and small since graduation. As a partner of the Timberlea Veterinary Clinic and a teacher at Vanier College, She shares her passion for teaching and animal care with all who will listen. She was one of the first organizers of the yearly “For the birds” auction, which grew to become one of Le Nichoir’s main fundraising events. Amanda continues to be active in fundraising for Le Nichoir and other wildlife/animal charities to this day. Her philosophy is that everyone who can should give time to something they love. She loves animals, so that’s where her volunteer time goes!

Le Nichoir has new openings on its Board of Directors. Please click here for more information.