Chuck Kling has faithfullymonitored the over 50 nest boxes at Mount Royal Cemeteryfor many years and generouslyshares his photographs andfindings of the birds he sees. He has kindly provided uswith this picture.The Month of the Mountain at Mount Royal Cemetery The Montrealer May 7, 2015 7056 Enjoy the nature of the Mount Royal Cemetery through free activities on the weekend of May 23rd and 24th as we host engaging activities to contribute to the celebrations of the Month of the Mountain. These activities are presented free to the public by the Friends of the Mount Royal Cemetery which is a charitable entity that was formed in 1998 to help preserve and promote the tremendous natural and historical treasure that the Mount Royal Cemetery has become since its founding in 1852. We launch our activities with the Annual Photography Exhibition and Bird-watching Tours & Talks followed by the Spring Tree Tours held in English on Saturday the 23rd and in French on Sunday the 24th. Bird watching and Illustrated Talks begin at 8:30am at the main entrance of the Mount Royal Cemetery, 1297 Chemin de la Forêt in Outremont. Following the tour join us for refreshments in the Complex overlooking Montreal. Illustrated Talks begin at 11am and both days conclude with everyone cordially invited to our 9th Annual Photography Exhibition. On Saturday, May 23rd the English tour and talk is led by Joël Coutu, a field guide leader, wild bird specialist/consultant and lecturer in ecology and the conservation of birds. His Illustrated Talk is entitled Our Amazing Raptors: A wonderful introduction to the birds of prey in Quebec and the world. During this interesting and informative presentation you will learn some interesting facts about their behavior and their differences, and why people are fascinated by raptors. On Sunday May 24th the French tour and talk is led by Alain Goulet, a graduate of the University of Guelph (B.Sc. Wildlife Biology) and owner of the birding store Centre de conservation de la faune ailée – Nature Expert in Montreal. His Illustrated Talk is entitled “BIEN ÉQUIPÉ POUR L’OBSERVATION D’OISEAUX”. From his 30 years of experience in the field Alain has acquired a tremendous amount of material and will show you the standard equipment and the latest technologies on the market. Alain has also helped design equipment for birders and during this interesting and informative presentation you will learn a variety of observation tips concerning the equipment required and the different techniques to practice. The Mount Royal Cemetery has been frequented by over 150 species of birds over the years and is well known as a safe haven for the Eastern Bluebird to raise their young and they use about 20 percent of the nest boxes in the cemetery. The Spring Tree Tours are led by Gerry Bull, who has expert knowledge of the trees found in the Mount Royal Cemetery home to over 100 species of trees. At the time of the tour, the lilacs and the crab apples should be in full bloom in the cemetery. Please join Gerry as he leads these tours beginning at the main entrance of the cemetery at 1 p.m. in English on Saturday May 23rd and in French on Sunday May 24th. For information or to register for any of these tours please contact Andrew Sarrasin at [email protected] or (514) 279-7358 ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION AND SALE “POINT OF VIEW” Saturday May 23rd and Sunday May 24th 2015 from 1 to 4:00 p.m. Vernissage: 1 p.m. on Saturday / Awards Ceremony 4:30 p.m. on Sunday The Mount Royal Cemetery is one of the oldest rural garden cemeteries in North America and has been an integral part of the Montreal Community since its founding in 1852. The serene landscapes and remnants from the past make it a peaceful place of beauty and reality for visitors, and the abundant flowering shrubs and fruit trees provide a safe haven for small wildlife. The many aspects of the cemetery also provide great inspiration to artists and photographers alike. The “Friends of the Mount Royal Cemetery” is inviting photographers to join us for this popular weekend Photography exhibition. Display your favourite works that fit this year’s theme “Point of View”, as well as your work(s) depicting some aspects of the cemetery. A qualified jury will preside, prizes will be awarded and, with your approval, works may be selected for promoting future events of the Friends of the Mount Royal Cemetery. If you are looking for a unique venue in which to display your favourite works, join us for this popular exhibition held in the beautiful facilities of Mount Royal Funeral Complex. Please register by May 8th as space is limited, to register and for information please contact Andrew Sarrasin at the Mount Royal Cemetery. 514-279- 7358 or [email protected]