Nature Moncton Nature News: July 16 2018

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, July 16, 2018 (Monday)

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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)

** Doreen Rossiter arrived home after the day away on Saturday, to find a WHITE-WINGED DOVE [Tourterelle à ailes blanches] sitting on top of a window feeder, with only the window glass between it and Doreen for a very close up meeting. She has had this species visit before, mostly in the spring or fall, this being the first in July. Anyone is welcome to stop by her 52 Foster Street home in Alma for a potential viewing if it remains, which this species often does for a bit at bird feeders. One would wonder if this may be the individual that visited John Inman’s Mary’s Point Road yard in June.

** Carmella Melanson was lucky to get a photo of a COMMON NIGHTHAWK [Engoulevent d’Amérique] in morning light at Memramcook on Saturday. We seem to be seeing less and less of this species. The long wings and brilliant white spots show nicely on Carmella’s photo. They are early migrants and we often see them in groups during the day in migration, but usually more so in August.

** Judy and Sterling Marsh got a photo of a very white bird in their neighbour’s Shediac Road yard on Sunday. From the shape it does appear to be a EUROPEAN STARLING [Étourneau sansonnet] but differing opinions are welcome. Judy felt the eye was dark, to make it a partial albino, even though it seems to totally lack any melanin otherwise. If the eye were red it would be an unusual complete albino, with iris colour melanin lacking as well. A very interesting specimen, and Judy will be on the watch for a closer photo for more detail. Am adding a photo Judy just got through a basement window that definitely shows the dark eye to make it a partial albino.

** Georges Brun watched an interesting CANADA GOOSE [Bernache du Canada] situation recently. We often see signs along trails that indicate a shared pathway. This was evident Sunday morning when 34+ Canada Geese made the walk along the Petitcodiac Trail, from the lighthouse near Moncton wharf to the Halls Creek walking bridge. They had a challenge determining the safety of using the bridge, and retreated towards the McMonagle Bridge on Main Street and got scared and retreated. A good Samaritan shewed them with hands and hats across, so they turned off towards the Main and Wheeler traffic light. Once there, they were guided by an elder towards the river edge, where the geese slipped and sloshed into the Petitcodiac River. The photo is of the group downriver. Most were in the 3-month of age range now, so they have that Canada Goose look.

** Brian Stone shares some insect photos from around his Moncton yard. The Speckled Alder [] is a plentiful shrub and lots of insects like foraging on it due to its high nitrogen content. The ALDER FLEA BEETLE [Altise de l’aulne] is a very common one that can surely do a number on alder foliage, as Brian’s photos show large numbers of them chowing down on the leaves. A very unwelcome guest to anyone who grows potatos, a COLORADO POTATO BEETLE [Doryphore de la pomme de terre] put in an appearance as well, as did an ALDER BORER (Saperda obliqua), a larger beetle. As usual, Brian could not resist a 22-degree solar halo.

** I was in the Stonehaven wharf area near Grande Anse on Friday. A few visiting ladies were at the other end of the wharf and from their excitement, it was obvious they were seeing something of interest on the water. A fast dash over to see the source of their interest was too late. It was interesting that they had just seen two whales out from the wharf. They only had a small camera with them at the time, but did capture some photos that are documentary. They saw one larger whale and one smaller one. The smaller seemed to almost try a breech at one point. Heather O’Shea’s photos are attached. In consultation with Laurie Murison, she feels the species spotted were MINKE WHALES [Petit Rorqual]. Thank you to Heather O’Shea for sharing her good fortune of being in the right place at the right time, with a camera.

** July is moving along very fast, and it’s time again to remind of Nature Moncton’s Grand Lake Meadows field trip, on July 28. There are still a few spaces open, but are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The write-up and instructions are attached.

Nature Moncton Field Trip

Date: Saturday, July 28, 2018

Time: 8:30 am start from Moncton, or 10:00 am start at location (for the day)

Location: Grand Lake Meadows

Leader: Gart Bishop

Gart Bishop kept a packed house audience in awe at the photos of unique flora in the Grand Lake Meadows area at a Nature Moncton meeting in April. The opportunity for a hands-on visit is waiting. Explore the flora of Grand Lake Meadows on Saturday, July 28 and get the chance to grab a handful of New Brunswick’s smallest plant. We will see two species of poison ivy, sweet flag, silver maples, many pond weeds, begger ticks, bryozoa, and potentially much more.

Those who are interested in participating in this field trip are asked to register with Louise Nichols at nicholsl@eastlink.ca. We would like to arrange as much car-pooling as possible which is good for the environment and good for socializing with fellow club members! When you register, could you also indicate whether you would be willing to drive others OR if you need a drive just so we can ensure we have enough vehicles.

Those who are joining others for car-pooling and leaving from Moncton will meet in the parking lot of the coliseum on July 28^th at 8:30. Otherwise, we will all meet with Gart at Turner’s One-stop store parking lot at 10:00 at Jemseg, located just south of the TransCanada Highway on Route 339.

Make sure to bring drinking water, lunch, insect repellent, raincoat if indicated, rubber boot footwear, binoculars, and magnifying lens (if you have a pair).

Please note that there will be a maximum of 20 participants for this trip. All are welcome, Nature Moncton member or not.

nelson@nb.sympatico.ca

Nelson Poirier,

Nature Moncton