The Whale News Network is a weekly compilation of the "whale-watching" experience in the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf. Seasoned observers provide you with their weekly wildlife reports.

13 November 2008, vol. 12 n^o40

The populated tidal flats at the mouth of the Saguenay

Tidal flats are portions of the shoreline that become exposed at low tide. They can be rocky, sandy or muddy. Algae and animals that are well adapted to changing conditions inhabit these particular habitats. Typical fauna consist of sea anemones, shellfish, sea stars, crabs and other invertebrates. Tidal flats are also choice feeding areas for ducks seeking scuds and other invertebrate animals.

Seals paid a visit to the tidal flats situated at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord this week. At one point a dozen harbour seals hauled out on the shore. Later, mixed groups of harbour and grey seals were seen resting on the tidal flats at the tip of Rouge Point near Tadoussac Bay. Some of them were stretched out on the sand while others arched their bodies into a typical “banana” position on the rocks. These marine mammals often use intertidal zones as rest areas.

Several snowy owls have been spotted on the Alouettes tidal flats near Baie-Sainte-Catherine in recent days. On Sunday, a total of 14 of them had gathered there, a truly remarkable sighting. This northern species seeks out fields and other open areas to hunt small mammals and birds. The exceptionally high tides associated with the full moon will diminish the area of exposed tidal flats. Therefore, it is highly probable that these magnificent, winter-coloured birds-of-prey will either fly off to another habitat nearby or move further south along the St. Lawrence River valley.

An overview

In terms of whales, this week's portrait resembles last week's: one or two fin whales and minke whales in the Tadoussac-Les Bergeronnes area, in addition to groups of beluga whales shuttling back and forth between the Estuary and the Saguenay Fjord. We would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the patient and attentive whale watchers who man the vantage points in Les Bergeronnes, on the Tadoussac sand dunes and at the tip of Islet Point at the mouth of the Saguenay.

The whale news network: Archives of 2008

The whale news network: Archives of past years

The Network's List of Observers