** Clarence Cormier had a WAXWING experience around his Grand
Digue site he describes as nothing short of breathtaking on Tuesday afternoon.
3 flocks of seemingly all that could be identified BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS circulated
around his home to estimate approximately 3000 individuals. They were feasting
on the huge supply of Mountain Ash berries in that area. Sometimes they would
join as one flock and then divide. Approximately 100 AMERICAN ROBINS flew in
later to enjoy the same booty. The remainder of the winter is obviously going to
be a WAXWING bonanza.
Around Clarence's feeders he has 2 RUFFED GROUSE, 30 AMERICAN
GOLDFINCH, 8 RING-NECKED PHEASANTS but surprisingly only 1 AMERICAN TREE
SPARROW.
** Bob Surette reports he has had PURPLE FINCH arrive to his
Scouduc feeder yard in early February as well a few AMERICAN ROBINS. On checking
with a friend, Gary Capsen in Indian Mountain, he as well had PURPLE FINCH
arrive at the same time to get a photo. Gary as well has a big GRAY SQUIRREL
that likes to cozy up in an "appropriate to it" window feeder.
** Dave Christie comments on a big spike in feeder yard
activity in his Mary's Pt. yard with the new snowfall with approximately 100
birds in the feeder area at some periods. Most were expected regulars in higher
numbers however one lone PINE SISKIN appeared, the melanistic AMERICAN GOLDFINCH
appeared that had not been seen for several days, 10 PURPLE FINCH and DARK-EYED
JUNCOS.
On a shore visit on Tuesday midday the huge tide of the new
moon had flooded the marsh carrying much ice away to attract approximately 60
BLACK DUCKS, 40 GULLS, which were predominately HERRING GULLS but a few ICELAND
and RING-BILLED GULLS and many CROWS. This created lots of activity at the site
as they were feeding on something the ice movement had exposed. A MUSKRAT was
also riding one of the ice flow ‘water taxis’.
Dave also comments on SNOW BUNTINGS roadside seemingly
interested in the grit left by snowplough exposed road edges.
** The Nature Moncton bird feeder tour plans are firming up
for this coming Saturday, February 13th. Mother Nature looks like she will
cooperate with cool semi-clear weather. Participants will meet at the North
corner of the coliseum parking lot at 9am. Carpooling, where appropriate, to
make the first stop at Jean Renton's feeder yard in Stilesville 9:30am. Bring a
lunch but it is suggested not to have breakfast first as Jean tends to welcome
the group with wonderful human fuel to start the day. From the Renton's the
group will make pitstops several other feeder yards and areas to make the final
stop at Pat and Nelson Poirier's in the afternoon. This is a wonderful chance to
see feeder yards, birds and ideas and meet lots of like minded folk.
All are welcome, registration is not necessary. Just show up
with clothing appropriate to the day. A contact number over the day is
866-2752.
** Thanks to all of the folks who quickly advised of the typo
under the photo of the WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW as WHITE-THROATED SPARROW in
yesterday's edition. The text was correct and the error immediately changed on
the BlogSpot. The correctly labelled photos are reattached to the email
distribution version today.
Nelson Poirier,
Nature Moncton
BOHEMIAN WAXWING FLOCK.FEB 9, 2016..CLARENCE CORMIER
BOHEMIAN WAXWING FLOCK.FEB 9, 2016..CLARENCE CORMIER
GREY SQUIRREL.FEB 2016.GARY CAPSON
PURPLE FINCH (MALE).FEB 2016.GARY CAPSON
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.FEB 8, 2016.NELSON POIRIER.
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.FEB 8, 2016.NELSON POIRIER.
