Nature Moncton Nature News: March 25, 2015

Sean Blaney was travelling the trans Canada Highway late Monday afternoon near Penobsquis in the area of kilometre 209 & 210 and spotted a GOLDEN EAGLE fairly close to the highway, which is near the Cardwell Farms composting facility.

Dave Miller and I went to the Cardwell Farms site on Tuesday. On arrival at the site driveway, while looking at a RED-TAILED hawk, we were advised were not allowed to to go in. As luck would have it we met a group of photographers who had received permission to go in. When we told them what we were looking for they went right back in to get more photos so it was easy to blend in with the group and simply “forget to leave when they did”. The number of eagles floating on thermals was awesome with approximately 400 gulls doing the same and many RAVENS, CROWS, STARLINGS AND PIGEONS. It surely is one lively spot. We did not see a GOLDEN EAGLE ourselves but in reviewing some of the photos of the photographers from earlier in the day that they had taken one looked very suspicious of a golden eagle and hopefully we will get a copy of it to review.

A highlight for Dave and I was a BROAD-WINGED hawk soaring the sky for some time being closely followed by a raven to give a great size comparison. They are going to supply us with some of their photos that will hopefully have tomorrow to share.

Dave Miller got a documentary photo of the Red-tailed Hawk through the many branches and the bonus when Dave got back home was two very cooperative male PILEATED WOODPECKERS in his Salisbury yard. It seems odd the two males would be in such close proximity this time of year. There may be an explanation for that, possibly family connections. Comments please.

** Dave Christie made a round via Caledonia Mountain on Tuesday. He was able to tally twenty-two RED CROSSBILLS scattered at sites along the road. His previous high number seen on three recent visits there was eight. Dave also saw two red crossbills in Baltimore to the north of Caledonia Mtn. He did spot one bird only that may have been a WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL but he was suspicious not certain.

Dave also heard one of his resident DARK-EYED JUNCOS in full song on Tuesday. He had heard the same from a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and SONG SPARROW a few days ago but not yesterday in the brilliant sun. He is going to monitor for spring song today.

It sure does sound like Caledonia Mountain Rd. is a spot to visit to see RED CROSSBILLS.

>> Nelson Poirier,

>> Nature Moncton

nelson@nb.sympatico.ca