Nature Moncton Nature News

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, March 18, 2021 (Thursday)

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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Transcript by: Brian Stone bjpstone@gmail.com

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

** Louise Nichols had a nice afternoon visiting some wharfs along the coast on Wednesday and was happy to find that the water was open in all of them. The wharves visited were Saint Thomas, Cormierville, and Cassie Cape and she also stopped at the Cocagne bridge. There were lots of sea ducks about and Louise could hear the BLACK SCOTERS [Macreuse noire] calling at the Saint Thomas wharf where there were probably several hundred gathered around. She saw 9 species of sea ducks all together. She sent some nice photos of the ducks, along with one BALD EAGLE [Pygargue à tête blanche] out on the ice (there were actually 2 present) at the Cocagne bridge. Louise comments “it was great to be out there on such a nice afternoon and to see some bird activity.”

(Editor’s note: Look closely at the 2 labelled AA Common Goldeneye as 1^st winter females. The forehead slant suggests Common Goldeneye and eye colour suggests immaturity. The bill colour match neither Common or Barrow’s Goldeneye in breeding state that should be in now if adult. Standing to be corrected!)

** Bill Winsor was strolling in his Salisbury neighborhood and got some beautiful photos of 2 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS [Jaseur boréal] that are still with us. Some of the clinging fruit still looks very appealing. Marguerite reports that the 100+ COMMON REDPOLLS [Sizerin flammé] they had as regulars to their feeder yard left last week except for a few stragglers. She comments “they certainly enjoyed them while they were with them.”

** The plumage of a male HOUSE FINCH [Roselin familier] can be considerably variable. Daryl Doucet sends a zoomed in photo of one that easily blended in with his COMMON REDPOLL [Sizerin flammé] patrons for momentary confusion.

**Ray Gauvin sends a video of action in his Pointe-du-Chene feeder yard. At least one and possibly more of the redpolls suggest HOARY REDPOLLS which one may have to freeze the video to look closer. The paler colour and stubby bills are consistent with Hoary Redpolls. This may be the last opportunity to see these birds as departure for northern breeding grounds is imminent. Check the activity at the attached link:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/91bxa59xcb63j8s/Ray%20Gauvin%20-%20Yard%20Life%20MVI_0265.MOV?dl=0

** Common Redpoll numbers have varied considerably this season with huge numbers at some feeders in the southeast of New Brunswick but less numerous in the more northerly areas. Aldo Dorio sends a photo of a lone COMMON REDPOLL [Sizerin flammé] that Isaie Comeau just was pleased to have in the Tabusintac area.

** I am attaching an announcement from Clara Thaysen from the New Brunswick Environmental Network of virtual Zoom presentations coming up including a presentation on Owls in NB next Tuesday night, March 24^th with the option of those interested to register.

The NBEN has three conferences coming up organized by our Biodiversity Collaborative, Children's Environmental Health Collaborative, and the Sustainability Education Alliance. Scroll down for more info on these conferences, a funding opportunity, and opportunities in the National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Biodiversity Conference - SAVE THE DATE!

The Biodiversity Collaborative is excited to announce their annual biodiversity conference "Protecting Biodiversity in a Time of Climate Crisis!"

Climate change is one of the top threats to species loss and ecosystem health. This conference will focus on the unique threats that New Brunswick ecosystems and species face, and what is being done to protect them.

Join us on April 13 for a bilingual afternoon of research talks, workshops, and networking. This conference will coincide with our public panel discussion on the state of biodiversity in New Brunswick, which will take place later that evening at 6:30 PM.

Click here for more information.

Resetting the Table: Food Sovereignty and Children's Environmental Health

The pandemic has brought to light many of the vulnerabilities in our systems in New Brunswick, including that of food security and food sovereignty. This has resulted in a growing interest in gardening and producing food at home and in knowing where our food comes from. But what does food sovereignty look like for New Brunswick? How can we have a positive impact on our food systems to help protect our children and communities?

Join us on March 24th and 25th to explore these questions and take part in a day filled with interesting presentations, workshops, strategies, and networking!

Click here for more information.

What Pandemics Teach Us About Teaching: SEA Conference 2021

This March (2021), the conference is moving online, but will still focus on social interaction, collaboration, networking, and education as we learn about all of the progress sustainability education in New Brunswick has experienced over the past year!

This year's conference will also feature bonus Great Minds Think Outside professional development sessions that offer educators the opportunity to learn and adapt new learning strategies intended to integrate curricular programs in the great outdoors, no matter the subject or age level.

Click here for more information.

The life and times of owls in New Brunswick

The bonus webinar in our Wildlife Webinar Series is all about the magnificent owls that call New Brunswick home! Learn about these mysterious critters from Nelson Poirier of Nature Moncton on March 24 at 6:30pm.

Click here for more information.

FUNDING & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Federal Gas Tax Fund

The Department of Environment and Local Government (DELG) continues to accept applications under the Federal Gas Tax Fund for eligible projects in local service districts of the Province until March 19, 2021. This may be of particular interest to NBEN members and associates engaged in land conservation, ecotourism, community energy systems, or capacity building for better environmental planning. Please click HERE to view the PDF info-sheet or HERE to visit the website.

GENERAL NEWS

National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk

Environment and Climate Change Canada is inviting Indigenous women, men, and gender-diverse individuals at the local community, regional, and national levels, to serve as a member of the National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk (NACOSAR) to submit expressions of interest until April 9th, 2021.

Click here for more information.