Randy Lauff is a biologist at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and teaches sessionally at University College Cape Breton. He says his birding interests are diverse, but his research focuses on owls. Lauff is also co-owner of Turnstone Nature Tours.

Antigonish Harbour

Why is this a good place to go?
There is a good diversity of birds here; the species composition changes from Spring through Autumn (it's frozen over in winter). This area is nutrient-rich and therefore attracts a variety of animals, but birds are the most obvious.

What time of year is the best time to go?
Spring through late Fall. It's frozen in winter, so that makes winter bad. There is a diversity of habitats which are exploited during the time when the water is open.

What can you expect to see?
You'll find a variety of waterfowl, and Great Blue Herons. Other notable species around the park include Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Ospreys, Bald Eagles and Kingfishers.

How does one get there?
Follow Main St. (downtown Antigonish), east. Immediately after crossing the railroad tracks, turn right. Drive right into the area.

Where can we get more information?
I can always be reached at rlauff@stfx.ca. Norm Seymour has been studying ducks there since the 70s.

Any anecdotes, legends, unusual sightings?
Tall ships used to be able to sail right in here, until current farming practices silted up the upper end of the harbour. We've had a White Pelican here. Over 20 pairs of Bald Eagles nest around the Antigonish Harbour.

What else is interesting about this spot?
Three rivers (West, South and Rights) feed into this Harbour.

Canso Causeway

What time of year is best to go and why?
Autumn, early winter -- it's quite pretty most of the year. Migrants and winter residents are attracted to the good fishing in this area.

What can you expect to see?
A large variety of gulls, many of the waterfowl, grebes, loons and Dovekies. Gannets and Bald Eagles congregate here for several weeks while the Needlefish (Atlantic Saury) are migrating.

How does one get there?
This is the causeway that joins the mainland to Cape Breton Island; it is part of the TransCanada Highway.

Any anecdotes, legends, unusual sightings?
On this year's Strait of Canso Christmas Bird Count, May Goring and I found an Ivory Gull (rare winter visitor). This was the first time this species has ever been recorded on a Nova Scotian Christmas Bird Count.

What else is interesting about this spot?
If you time it just right, you can get stuck waiting for ships to go through the locks. It makes birding from the causeway "allowable". During the needlefish run, it is also possible to see seals and porpoises.

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