Long smooth beaches and low
sand dunes grace the peninsula's open side,
while in the centre, vegetation that is usually
located hundreds of kilometres farther north
in taiga conditions, thrives. Over 225 nesting
and visiting species of land birds have been
counted in the park, particularly sparrows,
warblers, jays, woodpeckers and thrushes. Falcons,
owls, the rough-legged hawk, the northern harrier,
and the American kestrel all visit the park.
Peregrine falcons were re-introduced between
1988 and 1990 for their preservation and the
re-establishment of a breeding population. The
red-walled crags and islets are home to thousands
of sea and coastal birds; each year the spring
migrations bring double- crested cormorants,
black guillemots, blacklegged kittiwakes and
razorbills to nest on the coastal cliffs. Atlantic
puffins, LeachŪs petrels and common murres feed
in the fertile waters offshore. The great blue
heron stalks the marsh at Penouille, while terns,
osprey, gulls and sandpipers frequent the shores.
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From 60 - 100 grey seals and
harbour seals inhabit the rocks off the north
shore. The harbour seals arrive in mid-May,
giving birth usually by mid-June in the waters
surrounding the peninsula; the grey seals arrive
with their young to rest and socialize on the
parkŪs rocky shoals and shores. The seven species
of whales, which are great attraction from July
through September, include the humpback, the
blue whale - the largest animal in the world
- and the pilot whale. Porpoises and Atlantic
white-sided dolphins, which travel in herds
up to 100, can be sighted from shore. Mammals
in the park include moose, black bear, red fox,
bobcat, and one isolated herd of caribou -
all most active and visible at dawn and dusk.
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