Nature Moncton Nature News: Jan 16 2016

**As sent out last evening, the Chignecto Naturalists’ Club astronomy field trip for tonight (Saturday night) has been postponed until next Saturday evening, January 23^rd. This will be re-announced nearer the date.

**Marlene Hickman noticed 4 TURKEY VULTURES [Urubu à tête rouge] soaring over the gravel pit at Gayton’s, which is seen from the Trans-Canada Highway near Memramcook. It appears CROWS [Corneille] were harassing them. Marlene comments her brother drove by the same area an hour later and saw a BALD EAGLE [Pygargue à tête blanche] circling. Marlene then wondered about her identification but felt that they were indeed Vultures. It must have been cool soaring on Friday.

**Wendy Sullivan shares a photo of either VOLE [Campagnol] or SHREW [Musaraigne] trails in the ground around her bird feeder, taken Monday before the snow came on. They are now covered with snow, and I suspect the little critters are very content with that, to protect them from predators.

**The SNOWY OWLS in Caissie Cape continue to get many admirers. Usually one can be located from Route 530 in the area of the Caissie Cape Wharf. One is frequently seen cruising the fields in the area, and some have seen one taking a LONG-TAILED DUCK [Harelde kakawi].

**Jean Renton reports a very busy bird feeder yard at their very bird-attractive Stilesville location. Specialties include 50+ EVENING GROSBEAKS [Gros-bec errant], 20+ DARK-EYED JUNCOS [Junco ardoisé], BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu] in high numbers, 6-8 DOWNY [Pic mineur] and HAIRY WOODPECKERS [Pic chevelu], and most of the other expected regulars, all in significant numbers, except RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH [Sittelle à poitrine rousse], which is represented by only a single bird. This is a warming up for the Nature Moncton Feeder Tour on February 13, where the Rentons’ is now a traditional stopping point.

nelson@nb.sympatico.ca

Nelson Poirier

Nature Moncton