Nature Moncton Nature News: Jan 1 2018

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, January 1, 2018 (Monday)

Please advise editor at nelson@nb.sympatico.ca if any errors are noted in wording or photo labeling.

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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelson@nb.sympatico.ca

Transcript by: Louise Nichols nicholsl@eastlink.ca

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** Mitch Doucet had a great double whammy when checking out a bird feeder yard on Cameron St. on Sunday when suddenly a male RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER [Pic à ventre roux] appeared. When they turned around, a COOPER'S HAWK [Épervier de Cooper] flew over Victoria Park. The number of Cooper’s Hawk reports has become very interesting. Maybe we are just getting better at distinguishing them from SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS [Épervier brun], but suspect it’s more than that. It would appear that they are expanding their range. Just after seeing one flying over Victoria Park, Mitch had one come to his yard for a EUROPEAN STARLING [Étourneau sansonnet] which escaped, but Mitch did get a photo. This one does not show the rounded tail as the central tail rectrices do not appear longer than the side ones, but molting/growing may be at play. It does have the black crown and pale nape although the crown is not flattened like most Cooper’s. Mitch comments that it was a big bird to help call it Cooper’s.

** Mike Plourde uses a trail camera to monitor nature observations. A photo is attached showing how he covers the camera on a log in deep woods on Indian Mountain. He had a BARRED OWL [Chouette rayée] investigate on Dec. 9^th. He uses scents as attractants, using marten scent. It has attracted a weasel. Mike has agreed to give a presentation on members’ night on January 16^th on his use of a trail camera.

** Jules Cormier is another with RUSTY BLACKBIRDS [Quiscale rouilleux] at his Memramcook feeder yard with three individuals, as well as a COMMON GRACKLE [Quiscale bronzé]. Jules also has one WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH [Sittelle à poitrine blanche], three SONG SPARROWS [Bruant chanteur], and one HOUSE SPARROW [Moineau domestique]. The PINE WARBLER [Paruline des pins] he had has not returned recently.

** Gordon Rattray comments that December 31^st was a very busy day numbers-wise at his Lower Coverdale feeders. The AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret jaune] troop jumped from 20 to almost 50. Their first dining choice was the chipped sunflower, then niger seed, then the whole black-oil sunflower seeds. A SONG SPARROW [Bruant chanteur] also made its first winter visit along with other expected regulars.

nelson@nb.sympatico.ca

Nelson Poirier,

Nature Moncton