| Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area Quebec, Canada |
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Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (2,300 ha) is located on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River near Saint-Joachim, Quebec (Map); it encompasses tidal marshes, fields and forested hills. Cap Tourmente is an important staging area for Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) and other waterfowl, e.g., American Black Duck (Anas rubripes), Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca), etc. During spring and fall migration, tens of thousands of Snow Geese congregate in the tidal marshes, feeding on the rhizomes and stems of American Bulrush (Scirpus americanus). Over 200 species of birds were recorded in the area overall, including many migrants. Noteworthy species are Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), and Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammodramus nelsoni). The mammal fauna comprises ca. 30 species, e.g., Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus). Forests of the national wildlife area are dominated by Red Maple (Acer rubrum) and White Pine (Pinus strobus). Invasive alien plants, including the notorious Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), are common in the coastal marshes and disturbed areas. Plant list includes ca. 700 species.
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