Hello,
At the end of April, I taught my last "Discovering Our Birds" class in elementary schools in the MRC d'Acton, and I must say I feel a bit like I'm on school vacation, haha!
However, I'm really not! Between field visits for my "Biodiversity at the Heart of Our Municipalities" project and preparing for the "Mingan Project" (our artistic residency in Havre-St-Pierre), I truly don't have time to be bored 🤪
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New Illustrations
Swallow Roost
Inspired by the gatherings of Tree Swallows that form during migration, this artwork represents the return of good weather, family, and unity in adversity.
Mediums: inks and acrylic on vellum paper
Year: 2026
Dimensions: 20 x 16 inches
The First Hummingbird
Inspired by the arrival of ruby-throated hummingbirds, which this year coincided with my magnolia blooming. Interesting fact: I saw my first hummingbird of the year on the same day!
Mediums: inks and acrylic on watercolor paper
Year: 2026
Dimensions: 10 x 8 inches
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Continuation of my classes in elementary schools
Every time I teach my "Discovering Our Birds" class, I'm surprised by how engaged the children are with the subject. It's truly touching to hear them talk about their observations.
My elementary school classes are finished for this year, but I will be happy to offer this one at the Saint-Pie library this summer (on July 22).
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Biodiversity at the Heart of Our Municipalities
One of the first steps of my project was to meet with all the municipalities and organizations in the MRC d'Acton territory. I did this in winter and spring, and I am very satisfied to have managed to meet almost everyone.
I am now in the inventory phase, and it's perfect timing because nature is waking up, birds are arriving, and frogs are starting to sing.
On May 7, I drove through the rural roads of Upton and St-Théodore-d'Acton to identify farmland birds. The Eastern Bluebird, Vesper Sparrow, Horned Lark, Tree Swallow, and Barn Swallow (declining farmland birds) were present in a few areas. Here, I must tip my hat to the farmers who are keen to preserve biodiversity on their land. Where pastures, windbreaks, riparian strips, and small woodlands are integrated, a marked increase in bird diversity is observed.
On May 13, I went to the Acton Vale Equestrian Trail, where I heard a variety of warblers and observed a beautiful diversity of plants. Interestingly, this is also where I will install an interpretive panel discovery trail as part of my project. I also visited a beautiful maple grove (on private land) in Roxton.
To learn more about my project and to see the schedule of visits made in each municipality, I invite you to visit my website.
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The end of a project - Béthanie Riverside Stop Panels
This project, led by the Corporation de développement de la rivière Noire (CDRN), resulted in six panels that will be installed in the new Béthanie park (installation planned for this summer).
To conclude this project, the panels and artworks were presented at the CDRN's AGM.
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Mingan Project
Our plane tickets are bought! Hooray 🥳
We leave on June 15 and return on July 17. And, yes, we are flying. Why? First, because it's shorter; second, because it's cheaper; and third, because I don't really like driving (I offset my carbon footprint through Carbone boréal of UQAC).
We are extraordinarily excited and really look forward to this wonderful experience.
Here is a video created by my colleague Chantal De Serres to show you our creative space in Havre-St-Pierre (thanks to the municipality for lending us this space for the duration of the residency!).
Important note: during my absence, my online store will be open (thanks to my wonderful boyfriend who will manage your orders), but processing times may be extended. Some custom-made products, such as the Bird Rallies, will be made upon my return.
I'm going back to work because there's still a lot to do before we leave.
See you soon!
Catherine