Nature Moncton Nature News: January 16 2015

** John Filliter is another bird feeder enjoying a NORTHERN FLICKER [Pic flamboyant] attracted to his suet feeder in Cap Brulé. Reports suggest more Flickers seem to be overwintering in the local area each year.

** Brian Stone got an adult GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL [Goéland marin] and a 3rd winter HERRING GULL [Goéland argenté] in flight on Wednesday. Note the white windows in the Great Black-backed Gull go all the way to the tip in P10 whereas the white window does not go to the tip of P10 in the Herring Gull as one identification feature. P10 is the outermost primary wing feather. A BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE [Mésange à tête noire] also posed for a portrait for Brian.

Am adding the Track/trail/scat workshop again as the email address for Judi was incorrect in the first version and also a photo of the Track Guide book which is inexpensive and excellent to have for participants.

Tracks, Trails, and Scat

Nature Moncton Workshop

Tankville School, 1665 Elmwood Drive

Sunday, January 25, 2015 1:00-4:00 P.M.

WHO’S BEEN THERE AND WHO DONE IT!

The tracks, trails, and scats left behind in winter snow can tell us lots about who’s been there and maybe what they’ve been up to. Looking for animal tracks, trails, and scats can add a whole new dimension to a winter cross country ski or snowshoe sortie. Also, just who may have visited your yard last night! Let’s spend an indoor session with Nelson Poirier looking at tracks, the paws that made them, and put the two together to know how the behaviour of the animal may decide the particular trail left. And yes, those telltale scats too!

To preregister, phone Judi Berry-Steeves at 387-4778 or email Judi at jbsteeve@nbnet.nb.ca. $8 at the door to cover costs.

All are welcome.

To view the photos mentioned in this edition go to http://nminfoline.blogspot.ca/.

Nelson Poirier,

Nature Moncton

nelson@nb.sympatico.ca