The Island of Montreal marks the confluence of the Ottawa and Saint Lawrence Rivers and in addition to being home to the French Canadians of Quebec providence, another of its residents is the whimbrel. This member of the curlew family (often mistaken for a sandpiper) breeds in the subarctic regions and winters in South America, Africa and parts of Asia. Its curved, long bill is perfect for digging out a meal as it scurries along the costal rocks between incoming waves.