Nature Moncton Nature News: May 27 2016

** Gordon Rattray paid a visit to Grey's Island Rd. in Hillsborough on Wednesday to get a nice photo of a female COMMON YELLOWTHROAT WARBLER [Paruline masquée] as well as NORTHERN WHITE VIOLET [Violette de Mackloskey]. He also got photos the massive storm clouds that developed over Moncton on Wednesday from 12:30 noon to late afternoon. Gordon also suggests folks check out the Fundy National Park Summer Bio-Blitz at the attached website.

Fundy National Park Bio-blitz 2016

** Richard Perron photographed a DRYAD’S SADDLE, aka PHEASANT BACK POLYPORE MUSHROOM recently. The photo does not show the underside to be more certain, but I suspect that it is that species. It does usually fruit in May and is classed as an edible, but I cannot speak from personal experience as to the flavour. The tender edge of the cap is what is used as an edible.

** Catherine Johnson attended the annual Mary Majka Hike on Sunday May 32rd to Ayers Lake. This is a very special area, and I'm adding Catherine's report on their day in her words. I have only been there once, but surely do second Catherine's enthusiasm for this special place. Catherine's report follows.

“On Sunday, May 23rd, Catherine Johnson attended the annual Mary Majka Memorial Hike on a day of wonder and learning to the Ayers Lake Acadian old-growth forest near Millville, NB. This property is owned by JDI as one of their "Unique Areas".

Barb Brown, who lives in the vicinity and visits the area frequently year-round, and Jim Goltz, were our guides for this fascinating old-growth forest outing. 45++ species of plants were identified including a Rattlesnake Fern (yay!) and Rattlesnake Plantain orchids - but no actual rattlesnakes! 25+ bird species welcomed us along our journey. One by one, Jim called out the species as they serendaded the group. And, if you know Jim, as he points out the features of a plant, he often provides anecdotal information about it, identifies a background bird song, and all the while, gently introduces even more features of the surrounding plants -all without skipping a beat. Talk about birding by ear!

I was in complete awe at the size, height, and diversity of the tree species in this magical old forest. We gazed up in amazement at a 99ft Balsam Fir, perhaps the tallest measured one in NB! One couldn't help but feel the history of this normally short-lived species. We just had to touch the bark of the 200++ year Red Spruces and Hemlocks and gaze in wonderment at their majestic beauty. Beech trees in abundance and Maples so tall that you needed Jim or Barb to identify which species by their ancient bark, some estimated at 200-300 years old. Imagine a grove of Ironwood, or 150-300 yr old Eastern Hemlocks reaching skywards, and so much more.

Sadly, Barb tells me that at one time, the whole county looked like this. For now at least, all who have had the opportunity to know the Ayers Lake forest are grateful that it still stands as it has for perhaps millenia.

If you'd like to visit this magical forest at any time of the year, Barb has kindly offered her time and expertise to help anyone experience this special place. Her email is: fergneil@nbnet.nb.ca .

Google Ayers Lake NB for additional info and to listen to "One Day in May".

May 23, 2016 may have been my first visit but I an tell you it definitely will not be my last!”

Thank you Catherine.

** The SMOOTH YELLOW VIOLET is not a common violet in New Brunswick, but I do have one plant at our Miramichi Camp that flowers each year at this time. The plant has never formed a patch. A photo Brian Stone took on Thursday is attached with the bloom inserted separately. Also attached is a brown morph of a REDBELLY SNAKE [Couleuvre à ventre rouge], several of which use the underside of black boot mats as cozy day rests. Some individuals are the darker slate- grey morph. A BEAVER [Castor] near the river bank tried to give Brian a good splash. Look for the big beaver tail in the midst of the flying droplets in his photo.

** Louise Nichols' photo of the EASTERN NEWT [Triton vert] was accidentally left off the photo series yesterday. It is added today.

** This week's Sky-at-a-Glance is added to today's transcription, courtesy of Curt Nason.

This Week in the Solar System
Saturday’s sunrise in Moncton is at 5:34 am and sunset will occur at
9:00 pm, giving 15 hours, 26 minutes of daylight (5:42 am and 9:02 pm in
Saint John). Next Saturday the Sun will rise at 5:30 am and set at 9:06
pm, giving 15 hours, 36 minutes of daylight (5:38 am and 9:08 pm in
Saint John).

The Moon is at third quarter on Sunday morning and new Moon occurs at
midnight the following Saturday evening. Jupiter is well placed for
observing throughout the evening. Although Mars was at opposition last
weekend, it is closest to Earth this Monday. Of the eight planets, only
Mercury has an orbit more eccentric or oval-shaped than that of Mars.
Have a look; its brightness might surprise you. Saturn is at opposition
on Friday, rising at sunset and trailing Mars by about 15 degrees. Also
next Friday, an early riser armed with binoculars might catch Mercury
near the slim crescent Moon as they rise about 45 minutes before the Sun.

The provincial astronomy club, RASC NB, meets at the Rockwood Park
Interpretation Centre in Saint John on Saturday, May 28 at 1 pm. The
Saint John Astronomy Club meets at the same location the following
Saturday at 7 pm. All are welcome to attend either at no charge.

Questions? Contact me at nasonc@nbnet.nb.ca.

nelson@nb.sympatico.ca

Nelson Poirier,

Nature Moncton