Nature Moncton Nature News: Oct 2 2020

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, October 2, 2020 (Friday)

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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Transcript by: Louise Nichols nicholsl@eastlink.ca

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

** Peter Gadd got a photo of a GREATER YELLOWLEGS [Grand Chevalier] and a LESSER YELLOWLEGS [Petit Chevalier] side by side at the Miramichi Marsh yesterday. It surely does show the Harley and the Scooter size differential scenario.

There is a lot to note in Peter’s photo:

• the Greater Yellowlegs is more boldly barred on the flanks with the Lesser Yellowlegs being more weakly barred on the flanks

• the Lesser Yellowlegs is slimmer, thinner necked and shorter billed with a smaller head, finer legs, and sometimes a more peak or angular crown with the Greater Yellowlegs more round headed.

• the bill of the Greater Yellowlegs is thicker at the base

• the black nostrils can be seen more readily on the Greater Yellowlegs where they are more difficult to see in the Lesser Yellowlegs.

the head tends to be nicely rounded on the crown and nape of the Greater Yellowlegs whereas the Lesser Yellowlegs has a steeper fore head and flat crown and sharp angle of the nape that creates a slight peak at the rear crown. The thick neck of the Greater Yellowlegs tends to have more of an S curve at the base rather than the straight or thinner neck of the Lesser Yellowlegs

- TThis may be more than most want to digest of this differential but this photo is a special opportunity.

Gilles Belliveau leaves some comments as to size perception affected by few things even though size differential is a significant factor.

The most significant thing though appears to be the depth of the water where both birds happen to be standing. The Greater Yellowlegs appears to be on higher ground in very shallow water as you can see most of the tarsus so the water level is just deep enough to cover its toes. The Lesser Yellowlegs is in much deeper water as the water level is up onto its tibia with the joint completely under water which drops the bird significantly lower in the frame and Gilles suspects that is creating an illusion that makes it seem even smaller in relation to the Greater Yellowlegs. There are a few other things like the angle of the birds which he thinks is also having an effect here that is making this illusion even more dramatic.

** Lots of berry-producing trees took a real hit with the cool spring followed by dry weather, to leave many Mountain Ash trees with few berries. Not so for Lynda Leclerc’s Moncton yard tree. It is loaded with berries and the AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique] have indeed found it. Lynda tried to photograph the flock through a window, but they were very skittish and camera-shy – but Lynda’s photo does show the fruit-laden tree and one brave Robin.

** Rheal Vienneau spotted one of our large DARNER DRAGONFLIES [Aeschne] soaking up the warmth on Sunday in his Dieppe garden. Unfortunately, the photo does not show the detail to identify it. The darners tend to be among the larger dragonflies, and it’s not unexpected to see them flying on warm days in October.

** Brian Stone shares some excellent photos of the very common SMOOTH LEPIOTA MUSHROOM in different stages in one photo to nicely show the partial veil separating from the cap as it expands, bulbous base, and all white. The second specimen from the left is a different species. The Smooth Lepiota is a totally harmless edible mushroom, but we do not use it as an edible due to its similarity to the deadly DESTROYING ANGEL which tends to grow in a different habitat, and there are very subtle differences to the observant eye. I hope we have these specimens to demonstrate at the mushroom event on Sunday afternoon. There is still room left for more participants, so start gathering fresh mushrooms you see and join us. No need to be a Nature Moncton member. Just follow the regulations and bring mushrooms. The write-up is repeated below.

Nature Moncton Wild Mushroom Field Trip

Sunday, October 4, 1:00 p.m.

Roger LeBlanc’s yard and woodlot at civic # 3764, Rte. 115 in Notre Dame

Nature Moncton will sponsor a Field Trip to give an overview of wild mushrooms, identification tips, which ones make good edibles, which ones do not, which ones are toxic, some culinary tips where applicable, or whatever participants want to hear more about or contribute to the exchange. The event will be led by Nelson Poirier.

Participants are asked to start gathering specimens up to 4 days in advance to bring to display on set-up show-and-tell tables where specimens can be identified and discussed. Try to gather fresh specimens where possible, place them in damp moss in a flat container or place in a paper bag, and refrigerate with a large felt marker label "Do Not Eat". Do not store them in plastic bags. The collections participants bring in will be an important part of the event as we will get to see a much greater variety of specimens this way than an outing to just one habitat.

Please take note that some Covid-19 protocols will apply. Participants who bring specimens will be asked to place them on a set-up table themselves. Nelson will point out features and commentary using plastic gloves and then all will go into a garbage can to be disposed of unless photos are wanted first, but no touching a second time. Physical distancing will apply except for participants within their bubble. Participants will have to be limited to 20 to help observe restrictions. The walk through Roger LeBlanc’s woodlot afterward will require similar restrictions which by now we are getting used to.

Please register with Activities Committee Chairperson Louise Nichols at nicholsl@eastlink.ca as soon as possible due to the limit on participants to observe Covid-19 restrictions.

As always all are welcome, Nature Moncton member or not. Just bring your enthusiasm and mushrooms!

**After sunset on Thursday Brian took a few pictures of the rising full HARVEST MOON. The Moon was close to the planet Mars but the planet was a bit below and the clouds rolled in before the pair rose high enough for a portrait.

Brian got up early Friday morning to see if the sky was clear to get a photo of the Harvest Moon and Mars setting in the morning sky if it was not cloudy. He also noticed the planet Venus was clear and bright and very close to the bright star Regulus in the constellation of Leo. There seems to be a dimmer star near Regulus that he was not sure of identify.

Tonight (Friday) the Moon will be much closer to Mars and if the sky is clear it will make for a much more interesting sight.

** It’s Friday and time to review the next week’s Sky-at-a-Glace, courtesy of sky-guru Curt Nason. We may be losing the evening light, but that does give more opportunity for observing the night sky.

This Week’s Sky at a Glance, 2020 October 3 – October 10
This is a good time of year to double your sky observing time. For the next few weeks, before we return to Standard Time, the sky is dark and the stars are blazing when most people are up to start their day. And it is not bitterly cold or snowbound. Orion and his dogs are prominent to the south, with Taurus, Auriga and Gemini arching over them.

In early evening you can see the 4th, 5th and 6th brightest stars. Look for yellow Arcturus sinking to the west, blue-white Vega overhead and Capella in Auriga rising in the northeast. Later, notice the positions of the circumpolar Big Dipper, Little Dipper and Cassiopeia. The next morning go outside and see how they have changed. Sometimes it is nice to have a little assurance that the world keeps right on turning.

This Week in the Solar System
Saturday’s sunrise in Moncton is at 7:20 am and sunset will occur at 6:54 pm, giving 11 hours, 34 minutes of daylight (7:25 am and 6:59 pm in Saint John). Next Saturday the Sun will rise at 7:30 am and set at 6:41 pm, giving 11 hours, 11 minutes of daylight (7:34 am and 6:46 pm in Saint John).

The Moon is at third quarter next Friday, setting at 3 pm and rising at 11:30 that evening. Jupiter and Saturn are at their highest for observing an hour after sunset. Telescope users might catch Jupiter’s stormy Red Spot around 10:30 pm Sunday and 9:30 next Friday. Mars will dominate the sky over the next two months. On Tuesday it is closest to Earth, one week before it reaches opposition. A telescope is required to see any of its features, but its brightness and ruddy colour are an awesome naked eye sight. Binoculars will show a yellow-orange disc. Mercury is a difficult binocular target, setting just 35 minutes after sunset. Venus will be just below Regulus this Saturday morning. On Wednesday evening and Thursday morning you might see a few extra shooting stars from the Draconid meteor shower (formerly called the Giacobinids).

With astronomy meetings and outreach activities on hold, you can watch the local Sunday Night Astronomy Show at 8 pm, and view archived shows, on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAEHfOWyL-kNH7dBVHK8spg

Questions? Contact Curt Nason at nasonc@nbnet.nb.ca.