Fall Migration Has Begun: Live from Gaspésie with BirdzNow and the Observatoire d’oiseaux de Rimouski
Juvenile songbirds, early southbound movement, and over 300 birds banded on Day One
As August opens, the first signs of fall bird migration in Québec are unmistakable, and BirdzNow is right where it all begins.
This week, our team is in Gaspésie, working alongside the Observatoire d’oiseaux de Rimouski (OOR) at two key bird banding stations: Forillon and Coin-du-Banc. These are some of the best locations in Eastern Canada to witness the start of migration, and the activity is already picking up.
On our very first morning at the Forillon station, a total of 311 birds were banded (Trektellen). Most of them were juvenile songbirds, a clear signal that post-breeding dispersal is in full swing and the early stages of southbound migration have quietly begun.
Early Signs of Fall Migration: What We’re Seeing in the Field
Across both banding sites, several key migration cues are now appearing:
🪺 Fledglings leaving their natal territories
🐦 Increased movement of warblers, sparrows, and members of the Fringillidae family
🌤️ Shifts in daily activity as daylight shortens
Even if you're birding from your backyard or a local hotspot, now’s the time to watch for the first wave of migrants:
🪶 Mixed-species flocks moving silently through the canopy
🪶 Juvenile and basic plumages replacing breeding colors
🪶 A shift in soundscapes with less singing and more contact calls and feeding behavior
These subtle signs mark the quiet beginning of one of nature’s greatest journeys.
Coming Soon: BirdzNow’s Fall Migration Blog Series
To help you follow and enjoy this exciting season, we’re launching a brand-new Fall Migration Series on the BirdzNow blog, filled with ID tips, stories from the field, and birding inspiration.
Here’s what to expect:
🧭 How to ID tricky fall species starting with Bay-breasted vs. Blackpoll Warbler
🎯 Top birding tips for fall from backyard birding to coastal migration hotspots
🎒 Fall birding gear guides including our upcoming Fall Collection, built for style and function in the field
🪹 Behind-the-scenes at OOR banding stations with exclusive access to what’s happening on the frontlines of migration
Whether you’re a new birder or a seasoned fall migration follower, we’ll help you connect more deeply with the birds and be ready when they pass through your patch.
Sneak Peek: Bay-breasted vs. Blackpoll Warbler in Fall
Next up on the blog is one of the most common ID challenges in eastern fall birding. We’ll compare Bay-breasted Warbler and Blackpoll Warbler in their muted, non-breeding plumages, with field marks, structure tips, and real images from the Gaspésie banding stations. Stay tuned.
Join the Journey with BirdzNow
🖼️ Field Media: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook (@Birdz_Now) for daily behind-the-scenes photos from Forillon and Coin-du-Banc.
🧢 New Fall Collection Launching Soon: Inspired by the birds, made for birders. Designed for chilly mornings, long hikes, and those unforgettable encounters in the field. Crafted with comfort and durability.
Stay tuned. The birds are moving and so are we.
