NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, March, 22 2021 (Monday)
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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com
Transcript by Susan Richards susan_richards@rogers.com
Info Line #: 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)
**On Sunday
afternoon, Frank Branch spotted approximately 100 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES at
their nesting site (established several years ago) in Grand-Anse which is about
one kilometer east of the large church. A few Herring and Black-backed Gulls
were also present. There is still quite a bit of ice on this side of Chaleur Bay, but
the rest is all clear to the Quebec coast. The picture had to be taken at full
zoom.
This is a very special nesting site on the side of a land based cliff
situated so it is difficult for humans, etc to get to yet very close to human
habitation and the colony has done very well.
**Daniel Leblanc got a photo of the insect called the
MASKED HUNTER as it paid a visit to his finished basement. Daniel’s photo is the nymph stage that is not
frequently seen but not uncommon and readily recognized by its appearance and
thumb-size. It is considered a curious
oddity of a bug. Both adults and nymphs
are predators that feed on other insects, including flies, carpet beetles,
mealworms and bedbugs. The nymphs or
immatures are covered with microscopic hairs that catch and hold dust, lint and
other small particles of debris. This
camouflage helps the nymph to ambush prey hence the common name ‘Masked Hunter’. If threatened or handled roughly these
insects can bite people with their needle-like mouth parts. The bite is painful and can result in
localized swelling. This insect prefers
dry habitat and therefore is usually found only indoors and other protected
sites. They are not usually found in the
living area of the house but it is possible they find a way in from attics and
crawl spaces where their prey (other insects) may be plentiful. Normally they occur in very low numbers when
found in homes. Control measures beyond
a 'squish' are really not needed.
**Andrew Darcy
took a trip down the coast today from St. Thomas Wharf to Shediac and the
waters were very productive. Lots of sea ducks around, mainly BLACK SCOTER but
also saw quite a few RED-BREASTED MERGANSER and BARROW'S GOLDENEYE. Also saw
COMMON MERGANSER, COMMON GOLDENEYE, female KING EIDER, (Editor’s note: sure
wish that had of been close enough for a photo) COMMON EIDER, SURF SCOTER, LONG-TAILED DUCK,
and AMERICAN BLACK DUCK. Encountered several BALD EAGLES and a MERLIN as well. Andrew
comments it was a fantastic day for birding, and he observed the BLACK SCOTER
at St. Thomas consuming razor clams whole like other observers have also
witnessed. It was quite amazing to see!
The highlight of the day was most definitely when he returned home to notice a
very pale and unique looking COMMON REDPOLL in the Spruce tree next to his
feeder. He soon realized it was a fully LEUCISTIC bird and it came down to feed.
The picture with a regular COMMON REDPOLL in the background illustrates how
pale this bird was. He wondered if it was possibly the same bird that was
reported earlier this year assuming there are too many of these around. This
bird was completely white on tail coverts and wing feathers with little to no
dark streaking. It was an amazing sight to see and a truly gorgeous bird! He is
hoping that it returns but realizes these birds are most likely on their way
north very soon. Any thoughts or comments on this bird are welcomed.
**Ethel Douglas found a BROWN CREEPER on her home
deck. She picked it up and it
immediately flew off so, hopefully it will be able to continue on its seasonal
mission. The BROWN CREEPER [Grimpereau brun] is a year-round native of New Brunswick and easily
overlooked as is so cryptic against tree bark where it forages and is a very
small bird.
**Pat Gibbs comments the Petitcodiac River seems to be
ice-free at the bend but still patches of snow on the banks. Ducks and Rock Pigeons are finding it a
warmer place for their naps and easier foraging.
**Brian Stone made a coastal run from Bouctouche to
Shediac and Rue Niles in Cap Pele. He
found the now wide-open water harder to get photos but did see the LESSER SCAUP [Petit Fuligule] and female RING-NECKED
DUCK [Fuligule à collier] still at
Bouctouche lagoon, along with a pair comprised of a male Mallard X Black Hybrid with a female
Mallard. A few SURF SCOTER [Macreuse à front blanc] were still at Pointe-du-chene wharf but keeping very distant
but identifiable and seemingly wary.
Brian also noted that BARROW'S
GOLDENEYE [Garrot d'Islande] seemed to
be in less abundance. It might be that these birds are beginning to migrate
from the area.
**Pat and I
paid a visit to Port Elgin and Baie Verte on Sunday afternoon. The impoundment at Port Elgin was still
frozen over and whole general area seemed quiet including Tormentine but expect
that will all change soon. Birding may
not have been great but the SKUNK CABBAGE sure were. There is the usual big crop, in very specific
sites and looking so much like lobster claws sticking up, which is the spathe.
The business end, the spadix inside the spathe was just starting to peek out so
assume the next few days will become prime. These plants generate enough heat to melt the
snow around them to give them a ‘stovepipe’ look in the deeper snow.
The RED OSIER DOGWOOD plants were lining parts of the
road in Upper Cape to make a brilliant red show in the sun.
I came across a large cluster of green leaves I
thought was going to be Trailing Arbutus but on closer examination, it was not.
A consult with Gart Bishop pointed out it was COMMON SPEEDWELL (Veronica officinalis). I was not aware this was an evergreen plant showing up bright green
in the receding snow.
Nelson Poirier,
Nature Moncton
