High atop a mountain in Quebec, Canada called Mont Tremblant, a dramatic “Birds of Prey” show awaits you. Colin, little Devi, and I arrived in the delightful town of Mont Tremblant after a drive of less than two hours from Montreal, and headed straight for the birds. Squawk, squawk!
Few shows have such a luscious backdrop. The Laurentian Mountains are a soothing undulation of green and blue, and we settled onto the benches with twenty other people as the show commenced. Out burst an educator-actor in Medieval garb, setting up the drama: She had traveled in time to the future to debate with a modern bird expert!
One by one, the actors brought out different birds of prey, prancing and swooping around with them, and motivating them with bloody hunks of mouse meat that they hurled into the air or placed tantalizingly on the posts so the plumed beasts could pose for our cameras.
Like everything in Quebec, the show was completely bilingual between French and English, and the script was written in a clever way so that it didn’t seem repetitive. The Medieval woman would say something in French, then the “modern” lass would respond in English, “I think what you’re saying is __?” inserting the translation. Clever! I am so inspired by the bilingual prowess of Quebec.
As you can see from these photos, there were a whole bunch o’ birdies. Highlights included two majestic owls, an eagle, a vulture which had the funniest bopping trot-walk, and a little bitty bird that I didn’t find especially predator-like.
Speaking of fear, how did our toddler, Devi, do with birds of prey in his face? Er, he would have preferred more crackers and fewer scary birds. He was a little nervous! So there’s a tip for you: Be prepared to snuggle and soothe younger children if you go to this show… but still go, because it’s guaranteed fun for adults and older kids.
Of all our new feathered friends, my favorites were the eagle and the darker owl. Truly, they are awe-inspiring creatures that made my heart pound with love. If you look at this photo of the owl, below, you’ll see that it actually looks super cuddly. Don’t be fooled, though — it is most decidedly a bird of prey, and that beak is no joke!
So what about you? Which is your favorite bird here? Have you ever been to a birds of prey show, or the Laurentian Mountains? Do share!
See all the articles from our Quebec City to Montreal road trip.
Check out my article about 40 examples of drawing inspiration from around the world — including this spot.
We were guests of Mont Tremblant, but all opinions and misguided urges to cuddle owls are mine.
David says
Good photos. The Eagle is my favorite, but I also like the bird with no feathers. ha
Lillie says
Baldy bird. Yes, the eagle is awesome.
Wandering Educators says
I just LOVE Owls. We need to visit!
Lillie says
Do it!
Meg Jerrard says
Wow you got some truly fantastic shots! I can never photograph birds in flight, so I’m super impressed by anyone who can get that clear, crisp an in focus photography. Super impressed! Haven’t been to Mont Tremblant, though will definitely include it on our list for when we do eventually visit Quebec.
I thought it was cool to hear that an exhibition like this is done in both French and English, and glad to hear it didn’t get repetative for you. Sounds like it was a fantastic experience – can’t wait to head there for myself!
Lillie says
Thanks! I was highly pleased at how the photos came out, but will add the background secret that I took over 250 photos during that hour, and every other photo but these was a blur! :)
Elle | Spain says
Amazing photos of amazing birds Lillie. Well, apart from the odd-looking pink one at the bottom ;)
Elle xxx
Lillie says
Haha! A very rare bird indeed.
Amelie88 says
How funny, I just spotted a red tailed hawk today in Riverside Park (aka in Manhattan) trying to catch a squirrel. He was huge! Managed to catch a blurry photo of him mid flight. I was so surprised to see a bird of prey in NYC. I’ve seen them before but always in the suburbs. Also saw a falcon yesterday during the Medieval Times show (company outing) in NJ. Definitely take your son when he’s a bit older–he will love it!
I’ve also been to Mt Tremblant but always during the ski season (the skiing is excellent!) so never got to see these birds. But we did get to see tons of deer–there’s a hotel around there that feeds deer every night, we had dinner in their restaurant for this very reason since the dining room overlooks the feeding area. The deer were crossing the frozen river to come get their dinner–it was quite a sight!
Lillie says
I love hearing these experiences! So interesting all around… a hawk in Manhattan! Deer trotting around Mont Tremblant! Fabulous.