Nature Moncton Nature News: May 12 2020

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, Tuesday, May 12, 2020

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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Info Line #: 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)

**The Wood Thrush has become an uncommon bird that was formerly in good number. Louise Nichols got a photo of one in a private yard in the Sackville area. Louise was hoping to hear it sing but unfortunately did not while she was there. It is suggested to take close note of this bird and learn its vocalization to be able to recognize it.

**At Miramichi Marsh on Monday, the cavity nesting birds were very busy. Peter Gadd was able to capture some of the action zooming in for some great photos without disturbing the housekeeping projects. The Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers seem to be checking out a cavity, the attached sequence of photos were taken one right after the other. The male enters the cavity and a female comes along looking as if she wants to know how he made out!

At the same time, just a few feet away, a pair of Northern Flickers were excavating a cavity in another decaying tree.

A female Hooded Merganser was enjoying the sun this evening also seemingly checking out a potential nest site. Over the years on two or three occasions Peter thought he had seen a female "Hoody" enter this box, or leave it, but it happened so quickly he never has been certain about what he thought he saw. Finally a convincing sighting!

With patience and the ability to zoom in from a distance, Peter has captured some beautiful photographs!

**Jane LeBlanc spotted her first of the year Red Admiral Butterfly at the St. George Marsh on Monday.

Jane was also able to get some great photos of a Virginia Rail at that site with a coordinated effort with Jim Carroll who was visiting the marsh as well. Rail photos can be hard to come by but before the vegetation comes on is an excellent time to see these secretive species.

**Lynda Leclerc went along Humphrey Brook trail west from the lake on Monday to see one of our violet species in bloom as well as Trailing Arbutus a.k.a. Mayflower in more profuse bloom. Lynda also photographed a Yellow-spotted Salamander egg mass in a good sized puddle beside the trail. Many birds were loudly vocalizing enjoying the pleasant sun.

**Debbie Batog got some photos of a Chipping Sparrow enjoying her offerings on Monday. The Chipping Sparrows have now returned in good numbers.

**The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are really starting to move in at the moment. Wendy Sullivan’s Dad had had his first arrivals on Monday, May 11 to Birch Hill Crescent off McLaughlan Road.

**Brian Stone had a small group of Yellow-rumped Warblers drop by his Moncton yard on Monday. They were not impressed with Brian’s photography efforts but his resident chipmunk did provide a portrait.

Brian also comments on taking note of the emerging Horse Tail plants mentioned in yesterday’s edition and was able to get excellent photos of the spore producing shoot that appears first followed by the sterile shoot that will end up sending out long needle-like leaves.

**The Yellow-rumped Warblers and a single Pine Warbler were back to our camp feeder yard on Monday but not near the numbers that were present the day post snowstorm. They did however discover the bird pie and added it to their menu.

nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Nature Moncton