Nature Moncton Nature
News
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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.
If you would like to share
observations/photos with Nature News, contact the editor, nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com
Please advise the editor
at nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com, as well as proofreader nicholsl@eastlink.ca, if any errors are noted in wording or photo
labelling.
Proofreading courtesy of
Louise Nichols at nicholsl@eastlink.ca
** This week’s Nature Moncton Wednesday
Walk is tonight with sunny skies as posted below:
As a bonus, Lois Budd will be
delivering strawberry shortcake at the end of the walk for those that
leave their name for delivery at the start of the walk. This is part of a fundraiser
for her local church. ($8).
Date: July 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM
Where: Salisbury Highland
Park – Braemar to Parkin Trail Extension
Meeting Place: Parking area at
the end of MacDonald Road.
Leaders: Paul & Rhonda
Langelaan
Directions: From the highway,
take the Salisbury exit by the Big Stop and head down Route 112 (Fredericton Road) toward the Town
of Salisbury. Turn right on Main Street and continue to the first road on the
left past the Pizza Mill (MacDonald Road). At the end of MacDonald Road there is an
unpaved section where we can park.
Description: Salisbury
Highland Park has a vast diversity of habitats harboring over 175 species of
birds over the years. This park is the perfect spot to nest for many species of
birds, most notably the Baltimore orioles, Eastern warbling vireos, and many
marsh species. Highland Park is a decommissioned water treatment lagoon that
runs along the Petitcodiac River. This walk will be guided by bird enthusiasts
Paul and Rhonda Langelaan. They will be leading us on approximately 2 KM of
fairly easy trails.
Bug spray and protective
clothing are recommended as we will be walking along wetlands. All are welcome,
Nature Moncton members or not. If you are a member, don’t forget to wear your
name tag.
**Brian
Stone sends his photos from the White Birch Ducks Unlimited marsh walk that he
joined Louise Nichols with on Monday. It was a 2 km walk along grassy dikes
through marsh wetlands in fairly warm weather. Many of Brian's photos are
copies of Louise's photos which were seen in yesterday's edition as they were standing together
trying to outshoot each other to gain all the glory. That type of activity made
for a fun and enjoyable outing, especially since their photos turned out equal
in quality. Brian spent an extra day processing images so he could send a
larger variety of items seen, but Louise has all the same photos as well, even
though she only sent the best ones for now.
Brian's
photos include the hoped-for target northern blue butterfly, the silvery blue
butterfly, Harris's checkerspot butterfly, silver-bordered
fritillary butterfly, bronze copper butterfly, tawny-edged skipper,
long dash skipper, European skipper, and a Canadian tiger
swallowtail butterfly. There was a large number of newly arrived meadowhawk
dragonflies of unknown species, one four-spotted skimmer dragonfly,
and a paper wasp resting on the entrance gate. A little string of mallard
ducklings swam through the marsh as a turkey vulture soared
overhead. Out in the bog the small bog orchids were plentiful, including grass
pink, arethusa, rose pogonia, and white-fringed orchids.
(Editor's note: it is a bit unusual that Louise and Brian were able to get 4 bog orchids in prime bloom at the same time, as they are frequently staggered at their peak bloom.)
Nelson Poirier
Nature Moncton
