NATURE MONCTON NATURE NEWS
January 29, 2025
Nature Moncton members as well as any
naturalist in New Brunswick or beyond are invited to share their photos
and descriptions of recent nature sightings to build a fresh (almost) daily
edition of Nature News
To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the
information line editor, nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com .
Please advise the editor at nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com
and proofreader Louise Nichols at Nicholsl@eastlink.ca if
any errors are noted in wording or photo labelling.
For more information on Nature Moncton, check the website
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Proofreading courtesy of Louise Nichols
**Louise Nichols has noticed three bird nests in the Norway
Maple tree just outside their front door. She finally photographed them
on Monday. Nest # 1 is the largest (about 5 or 6 inches across), and she
suspects that this is an American Robin nest. Nest # 2 (about 4 to 5
inches across) is likely Cedar Waxwing. Louise did see a Cedar Waxwing
occupying this nest back in August although she didn't see any outcome, i.e.
fledglings. Perhaps the nest was not successful, or perhaps they were all
very discreet. Nest # 3 is the smallest (about 3 inches across).
Louise suspects it belonged to a vireo? Any comments are welcome.
(Editor’s note: the structure of the Cedar Waxwing very
frequently includes the lichen Old Man’s Beard hanging from the exterior, which
Louise’s photo shows.
The suspected Vireo nest is very typical of this species
being pendulant between branches and shingled with lichens and spider webbing.)
**While snowshoeing in Kent County on Monday, Lisa Morris came across tracks/trail in the fresh snow. Tracks in the soft snow can be deceiving, but they do seem too far apart to be a mouse. They could be a Red Squirrel where the soft snow allows the imprint of the four feet to land together. It also fits the bounding track of the Weasel. It is very helpful to know the exact measurement between the tracks to decrease the possibilities.
Brian Coyle made a suggestion early today that he feels these tracks are suggestive of a Deer Mouse.
A cloth measuring tape like the one shown below should be standard equipment in all naturalist’s pockets at this time of year. It surely has a lot of other uses as well. The fabric tape is preferred as it is flexible and does not rust. They are probably available at many places, but Fabricville in Moncton carries them inexpensively.
.**David Lilly shares a video of a Sharp-shinned Hawk
preying on a sparrow. It is not uncommon for the Sharp-shinned Hawk to consume
its prey on the spot, whereas the similar Cooper’s Hawk is more likely to grab
and go.
Nelson Poirier
Nature Moncton
