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Editor: Nelson Poirier    Proofreader: Louise Nichols

Saturday 14 July 2018

July 14 2018




Nature Moncton Information Line – July 14, 2018 (Saturday)

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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelson@nb.sympatico.ca
Transcript by: Catherine Clements
Info Line #: 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)


**Carmella Melanson captured some great photos of an AMERICAN KESTREL [Crécerelle d'Amérique] family at their nest box, viewed directly from the blind at the Reid McManus Nature Park on La Vallée Road (Route 106) in Memramcook. The nest box is on the left side along the fence. It is interesting to note this is a Ducks Unlimited nest box that the Kestrels have used. Note the rodent prey being delivered to a nestling in one photo.

**The RIVER OTTER [Loutre de rivière] is not an uncommon native mammal, but is not often seen. Shaun O’Reilly was in the right place at the right time with a camera, to capture an Otter family enjoying their day at the Miramichi Marsh. When lucky enough to see a group of Otters together, they just seem to be enjoying life, rather like life “otter” be.

**Rhéal Vienneau got a photo of one of the large Fishing Spiders [Araignée pêcheuse] near the Pollett River in Parkindale. These large Spiders of the Dolomedes genus are usually found near water, and frequently on wharves. Rhéal also reports that MONARCH BUTTERFLIES [Monarque] have been around in small numbers for the past week. He has seen lots of eggs on MILKWEED [Herbe à coton], and first instar caterpillars should be in good numbers early starting next week.

**Judy Marsh photographed an unfamiliar grass on a trail at the former Keddy's Motor Inn on the Shediac Road recently. Sean Blaney feels it is SMOOTH BROMEGRASS [Brome  inerme]. Sean comments this was originally introduced for hay. It is now considered quite invasive in the Prairies, but not such an issue here in New Brunswick. Judy’s photo is attached.

**Aldo Dorio spotted more SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS [Bécassin roux] arriving to Hay Island on Friday. The shorebird migration seems to be starting more briskly, with more photos coming in. Aldo also forwards a photo of the plant of the day: SHEEP LAUREL [Crevard de mand boutons]. This attractive plant is toxic to livestock, to get the other common name of “Lambkill”. Aldo also got a photo of the Virginia Ctenucha moth AKA Smokey Moth. It frequently is seen flying during the day and easily confused to be a butterfly. Note the bright blue body and orange-yellow head area.


Nelson Poirier
Nature Moncton
 
AMERICAN KESTREL NEST BOX. July 11th 2018 CARMELLA MELANSON

AMERICAN KESTREL NEST BOX. July 11th 2018 CARMELLA MELANSON

AMERICAN KESTREL NEST BOX. July 11th 2018 CARMELLA MELANSON

FISHING SPIDER. JULY13, 2018.RHEAL VIENNEAU

RIVER OTTERS. JULY 7 2018.SHAUN O'REILLY 

RIVER OTTERS. JULY 7 2018.SHAUN O'REILLY 

RIVER OTTER. JULY 7 2018.SHAUN O'REILLY 

RIVER OTTERS. JULY 7 2018.SHAUN O'REILLY 

RIVER OTTER. JULY 7 2018.SHAUN O'REILLY 

SHEEP LAUREL. JULY 13, 2018. ALDO DORIO

SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER. JULY 13, 2018. ALDO DORIO

SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER. JULY 13, 2018. ALDO DORIO

SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS. JULY 13, 2018. ALDO DORIO

SMOOTH (AKA HUNGARIAN) BROME GRASS ( Bromus inermis).JULY, 2018. JUDY MARSH

VIRGINIA CTENUCHA MOTH. JULY 13, 2018. ALDO DORIO