** On the helpful comments recently shared on the COOPER'S HAWK [ Epervier
de Cooper ], NORTHERN GOSHAWK [ Autour des palombes ], and SHARP-SHINNED HAWK [
Epervier brun ]. The Sharp-shinned Hawk may be the most common, and smallest,
however more MERLIN [ Faucon emerillon ] tend to be overwintering in New
Brunswick which can be similar in size to the Sharp-shinned Hawk, but easier to
differentiate from plumage, remembering that male and female Merlin's plumage
differ. The Cooper's Hawk is larger, but a male Cooper's Hawk and a female
Sharp-shinned Hawk can be close in size. The Northern Goshawk is the largest
of the four, but a male Northern Goshawk and a female Cooper's can again be
close in size.
Todd Watts points out the immature Northern Goshawk shows streaking on the
chest , and most importantly on the undertail coverts. However, Todd
comments that some Northern Goshawks show light streaking similar to the
Cooper's Hawk. Sometimes identifying these winter raptors can take some close
observations, as hawks tend to be loners with a size comparison not right at
hand. Photos can be hard to get, but can be worth many words.
** Also the reference yesterday to BROAD-WINGED HAWKS [ Petite Buse ] in Nova Scotia, as plural, is being reconsidered. What was really seen is interesting if indeed they were not Broad-winged hawks, which is unlikely at this time of year as more than one individual.
** Also the reference yesterday to BROAD-WINGED HAWKS [ Petite Buse ] in Nova Scotia, as plural, is being reconsidered. What was really seen is interesting if indeed they were not Broad-winged hawks, which is unlikely at this time of year as more than one individual.
** Today's Sky-at-a-Glance is added courtesy of Curt Nason.
This
Week’s Sky at a Glance, January 30 – February 6
Many people think a telescope is required for taking up astronomy as a
hobby, and often a department store telescope is purchased as a first
step. After an unsuccessful attempt or two is made to find something or
even assemble the scope, it winds up in the closet or on Kijiji. It is
better to start with a star map (or app) to learn the constellations and
develop familiarity of the planets and the Moon. This can be enhanced
with a pair of binoculars, which most people have already, for they
reveal ten times more stars than just your eyes. They are great for
picking out star clusters, nebulae and even some comets like the current
Catalina, although that one is getting to be a tough sighting in binos.
Orion is a great place to start for binocular treasures. Its most
prominent naked eye feature is the angled line of three stars that
Many people think a telescope is required for taking up astronomy as a
hobby, and often a department store telescope is purchased as a first
step. After an unsuccessful attempt or two is made to find something or
even assemble the scope, it winds up in the closet or on Kijiji. It is
better to start with a star map (or app) to learn the constellations and
develop familiarity of the planets and the Moon. This can be enhanced
with a pair of binoculars, which most people have already, for they
reveal ten times more stars than just your eyes. They are great for
picking out star clusters, nebulae and even some comets like the current
Catalina, although that one is getting to be a tough sighting in binos.
Orion is a great place to start for binocular treasures. Its most
prominent naked eye feature is the angled line of three stars that
Orion's Belt
make
Orion’s Belt. This trio will fit easily within almost any binocular
view. They are hot giant stars, with the one on the right (Mintaka)
being a little dimmer than Alnitak on the left and Alnilam in between.
Although they appear to be near each other, at a distance of 1300 light
years Alnilam is more than 400 light years farther than the other two.
Between Alnilam and Mintaka binoculars will show an S-shaped asterism,
Orion’s S, which peeks above his belt like that of a stereotypical plumber.
Below the belt on the left is a string of a few dimmer stars making
Orion’s Sword, one of which looks fuzzy to the eye. Binoculars reveal
the Orion Nebula or M42, a vast cloud of gas and dust where stars are
forming. Just above the nebula is an asterism that resembles a person
running or power walking. Binoculars will also enhance star colours so
check out Orion’s two brightest stars, blue Rigel and orange Betelgeuse.
Defocusing slightly will enhance the colours even more.
This Week in the Solar System
Saturday’s sunrise in Moncton is at 7:45 am and sunset will occur at
5:21 pm, giving 9 hours, 36 minutes of daylight (7:48 am and 5:28 pm in
Saint John). Next Saturday the Sun will rise at 7:36 am and set at 5:31
pm, giving 9 hours, 55 minutes of daylight (7:39 am and 5:38 pm in Saint
John).
The Moon is at third quarter on Sunday, rising just after midnight and
setting 11 hours later. Mercury rises around 6:20 all week while Venus
is slowly closing the gap between them. The crescent Moon will form a
triangle with them next Saturday, siting a fist-width above Mercury.
Saturn, Mars and Jupiter stretch further westward along the ecliptic,
with the Moon passing near Mars on Monday and Saturn on Wednesday. Comet
Catalina passes a little more than a binocular view from the North Star
this weekend, on the Big Dipper side.
The Saint John Astronomy Club meets at the Rockwood Park Interpretation
Centre this Saturday, January 30, at 7 pm. All are welcome.
Questions? Contact me at nasonc@nbnet.nb.ca.
Nelson Poirier,
Nature Moncton
