NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, Mar. 26, 2018 (Monday)
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editor nelson@nb.sympatico.ca
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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelson@nb.sympatico.ca
Transcript by: David Christie maryspt@mac.com
Info Line # 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)
** Lynne Greenblatt reports spotting a male EASTERN BLUEBIRD [Merlebleu
de l'Est] on Sunday in the Waterside area. This may seem early but the bluebird
does not migrate very far south and can be back in short order. Also, Vicki
Daley had sent photos of four Eastern Bluebirds in her Amherst yard, three males
and one female, approximately two weeks weeks ago [see March 12 Information
Line].
** Dave Christie reports the first FOX SPARROW [Bruant fauve] that I’m
aware of this spring, in his Mary’s Point feeder yard on Sunday. It was very
vigorously “working out” in true Fox Sparrow style, digging seeds in the snow.
The Fox Sparrow and later-arriving White-crowned Sparrow [Bruant à couronne
blanche] are always welcome spring drop-by visitors as they work their way to
their breeding grounds to the north of us. Dave says that his yard DARK-EYED
JUNCOS [Junco ardoisé], AMERICAN GOLDFINCH AND AM. TREE SPARROWS [Bruant
hudsonien] were also feeding heavily, as well as up to 5 PURPLE FINCH [Roselin
pourpré] now.
** Kathy Popma has had a GRAY CATBIRD [Moqueur chat] that overwintered in
her Sackville yard. She shares a few photos of it enjoying some grape jelly in a
hollowed-out orange half, along with some chilled blackberries.
** Several folks have asked about the suggestions for flea control in bird
nest-boxes that the Nature Moncton swallow nest box project is suggesting. I’m
attaching those suggestions below for anyone who may be interested. I’m also
attaching photos of a flea spray that has the right ingredients. This is
available at Petsmart. I’m not suggesting one name brand over an other as long
as the ingredients and concentration are correct.
Swallow Box Suggestions for Flea
Control
Fleas are serious to fledglings as they suck blood and
if in high numbers could weaken the fledglings or more serious damage. These
treatments may not eliminate 100% of the fleas but numbers will be dramatically
reduced if not completely eliminated.
The following are suggested as spring treatments preferably by
mid-April. Tree Swallows tend to choose boxes soon after they arrive and return
later to occupy them. Treatment is suggested by mid-April. Fleas can be a real
problem for fledglings and inspection of used boxes in the region has shown nest
boxes can harbour high numbers of fleas that can even survive our
winters.
Diatomaceous
earth (use fine granular to talcum-like
consistency)
Place a heaping tablespoon into the box.
This will kill young fleas after they hatch but will
not affect adult fleas. It is an inert product and will last for a long
time.
0.056%Pyrethrin/0.050% Permethrin
It is best used as an aerosol/spray and is available
at many pet stores but be certain it only contains these two ingredients at the
strength indicated. This product is not to be used around cats.
The pyrethrin is short-lived but will kill adult fleas
the birds arrive with. The permethrin will last approximately six
weeks.
Both of these products are considered very safe around
birds in light of present-day knowledge and have been used for a long
time.
Nelson Poirier
Nature Moncton
FLEA SPRAY SUGGESTED FOR NEST BOXES LABEL
FLEA SPRAY SUGGESTED FOR NEST BOXES
GRAY CATBIRD. KATHY POPMA. MARCH 25, 2018
GRAY CATBIRD. KATHY POPMA. MARCH 25, 2018
GRAY CATBIRD. KATHY POPMA. MARCH 25, 2018
