Eastern Bluebird and Tree Swallow Nest Box Network
The COBM establishes and maintains several nest box networks designed primarily for the Eastern Bluebird and the Tree Swallow. The Club monitors approximately 70 nest boxes located at Vignoble Brigham and Vignoble Bromont (Brigham), Verger Claude Tougas and Vergers Tougas (Dunham), the Golf Club and Parc Jacques-Bonnette (Cowansville), and the Keith-Sornberger Nature Trail (Bedford). Nesting data are recorded through Cornell University’s NestWatch program.
Because the Eastern Bluebird experienced a major decline during the mid-20th century, bird clubs across North America established “bluebird trails” to help restore its populations. The nest boxes also benefit the Tree Swallow, a species that has likewise experienced significant declines in recent decades. Monitoring carried out by volunteers helps document the nesting success of both species and contributes to their conservation.
Cliff Swallow
Nest Box Project
The Cliff Swallow has gradually adapted to human-made structures. Like all swallow species, it is closely monitored in Canada.
To provide alternative nesting sites and monitor breeding colonies, the Club des ornithologues de Brome-Missisquoi (COBM) has developed an experimental nest structure project for the Cliff Swallow. The Club has commissioned and tested several types of artificial nests made of wood, ceramic, and plaster, for a total of approximately thirty nest boxes.
These structures are being gradually installed at various locations throughout the region, including along Boulevard de l’Aéroport in Bromont, as well as in Brigham, East Farnham, and at Alpagas Sutton Farm. Additional sites are being considered as part of this ongoing experimental project.
Purple Martin
Conservation Project
The Purple Martin has declined by 42% since 1970. This species nests colonially in large communal nesting structures commonly known as “Purple Martin houses.” In eastern North America, it relies almost entirely on human-provided nesting structures for breeding sites.
The COBM installed its first Purple Martin house in the fall of 2019. Following several years without nesting success, the structure was relocated in 2025 to Champlain Avenue in Philipsburg, along the shore of Missisquoi Bay.
An interpretive panel was also installed at the site to raise public awareness of the species and the importance of its conservation.
American Kestrel
Nest Box Program
The American Kestrel is a small falcon of open habitats that can often be seen perched on utility wires or dead trees, scanning for voles and large insects. Like many cavity-nesting species, it benefits from the availability of artificial nest boxes.
In 2025, the Club des ornithologues de Brome-Missisquoi (COBM) renovated and revitalized its American Kestrel nest box network to help support this species in the region’s rural roadsides and agricultural landscapes. The Club currently maintains four nest boxes located in Sutton, Frelighsburg, Brigham, and Bromont.
Through this initiative, the COBM also highlights the important role birds of prey play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Wood Duck
Nest Box Program
The Wood Duck is a tree-nesting species that breeds in natural tree cavities or artificial nest boxes. Just a few hours after hatching, the ducklings leap from the nest cavity and make their way to a nearby body of water under the guidance of their mother. Maintaining nesting sites for this iconic duck remains important in areas where natural cavities are scarce.
In 2025, the Club des ornithologues de Brome-Missisquoi (COBM) expanded its nest box program to include Wood Duck monitoring. The Club currently monitors seven nest boxes throughout the region: three at Jacques-Bonnette Nature Park in Cowansville, one at Alpagas Sutton Farm, and three along the Keith-Sornberger Nature Trail in Bedford.
Chimney Swift
Monitoring Program
Upon their return in spring, Chimney Swifts may gather by the hundreds in chimneys used as communal roosts. During the breeding season, pairs disperse to nesting chimneys, typically with only one or two pairs occupying a given site.
The Club des ornithologues de Brome-Missisquoi (COBM), in collaboration with various partner organizations, monitors Chimney Swift populations throughout the region. The Club participates in counts of birds using roost chimneys in Bedford, Cowansville, and Sutton.
The COBM also helps monitor potential nesting chimneys and surveys for new roost sites across Brome-Missisquoi.
In addition, the Club works to raise awareness among building owners about the importance of chimneys used by Chimney Swifts, encouraging their preservation and protection during renovation and restoration projects.
Grassland Bird Monitoring
and Conservation Program
The COBM actively participates in the detection and monitoring of declining grassland bird species in Brome-Missisquoi, particularly the Bobolink and the Eastern Meadowlark.
In collaboration with Dura-club, the UPA (Union des producteurs agricoles) and Granby Zoo, the Club supports outreach initiatives that engage agricultural producers and the public in promoting practices beneficial to grassland birds, helping to advance conservation efforts and foster the harmonious coexistence of agriculture and avian wildlife.
Marsh Bird
Monitoring Program
The COBM participates in the monitoring of bird species associated with wetlands and marshes, particularly the Least Bittern. Through Birds Canada’s Marsh Monitoring Program (MMP), Club volunteers conduct surveys at the Lake Brome Marsh to track trends in wetland bird populations over time.
The Club also contributes to monitoring and conservation initiatives in collaboration with QuébecOiseaux’ SOS-POP program.
Winter Bird
Feeding Stations
The Club des ornithologues de Brome-Missisquoi (COBM) maintains three winter bird feeding stations: two in Cowansville, at Jacques-Bonnette Nature Park and the Nature Centre, and a third at Brigham Municipal Park. COBM volunteers keep the feeders supplied with seed throughout the winter, supporting both birdwatching opportunities and wintering bird populations.
The suet provided in the feeders is generously donated by Boucherie Fortin.
Partnerships and
Conservation Efforts
The Club des ornithologues de Brome-Missisquoi (COBM) represents a significant regional volunteer force, contributing thousands of hours each year to the conservation, appreciation, and promotion of birds and their habitats.
The COBM serves as an active partner to numerous organizations and institutions, including the Canadian Wildlife Service, Birds Canada, QuébecOiseaux, UQROP (University of Montreal Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Centre), SOS-POP, Granby Zoo, Dura-club, the Mount Pinacle Land Trust, local municipalities, and members of the agricultural community.
These partnerships support a wide range of initiatives, including bird surveys, population monitoring programs, and conservation projects.
Recent accomplishments include the Biodiversité en milieu agricole et corridors écologiques project in Dunham, carried out in partnership with Granby Zoo and Dura-club; grassland bird conservation initiatives with Dura-club; and bird inventories and conservation projects in Sutton conducted in collaboration with the Mount Pinacle Land Trust.
Representation and
Community Engagement
The COBM actively participates in a number of committees and collaborative initiatives dedicated to the environment, biodiversity, and conservation. Through this involvement, the Club contributes to discussions and actions undertaken at the local, regional, and provincial levels.
The Club is represented in several organizations and working groups, including the Comité de sauvegarde du bassin versant du lac Davignon (CSBVLD), the Sutton Natural Environment Park (PENS), the Vigilance Zone-Éco committee and the committee responsible for the future Brome Bird Sanctuary. The COBM also participates in various QuébecOiseaux committees.