Nature Moncton Nature News: Dec 31 2016

NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE – December 31, 2016 (Saturday)

Please advise editor at nelson@nb.sympatico.ca if any errors are noted in wording or photo labelling.

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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelson@nb.sympatico.ca

Transcript by: Catherine Clements

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

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**Shawn Cormier was able to capture some excellent photos of the female WOOD DUCK that is wintering with a male in the area of the creek flowing through Mapleton Park. Shawn was able to get these photos using a strong zoom camera, without disturbing the bird, which is so important – to be respectful of the subject without causing disturbance to them.

**Brittany Crossman again shares a few awesome photos of FOXES [Renard] that she has been able to capture in PEI, where pelage variation is much more common than in New Brunswick, and another of a RED FOX [Renard roux] making that leap for prey.

**Marlene Hickman forwards an account of recent activity around her Dorchester yard. Her words are too wise not to share, so I’m paraphrasing her comments below. It is important to share our interests with children, as well as their parents.

From Marlene

“My normal daily visitors include Blue Jays, European Starlings, Black Capped Chickadees, Mourning Doves, American Crows, Red- Breasted Nuthatches, American Goldfinches, Downey Woodpeckers and Hairy Woodpeckers - Most of them in significant numbers. I also have two male pheasants - one traditional colouring but one is that darker melanistic version found here in the Tantramar area. I consider myself very fortunate to have the variety and numbers easily visible from my windows.

Over Christmas weekend my grandchildren were visiting, ages 1 1/2 to 7 years old. I take delight in educating the little ones and they show a real interest. Even the youngest that is just starting to talk now points out the window and says "birds". My gifts included a felt ornament Bohemian Waxwing and a jigsaw puzzle featuring birds, proudly presented by my five year old granddaughter.

I woke to their squeals of delight when they spotted the Northern Flicker on my feeder, because they had never seen that particular bird in my yard previously and wanted me to identify it for them. My task is to educate their parents as well as the children. To keep things exciting, a large flock of mixed male and female Evening Grosbeaks spent hours every day this week at the feeders, charming everyone.

I had caught a glimpse of a Nuthatch that looked very white but I thought I must have been imagining it. I often have Red-breasted Nuthatches visit. Puffed up because of the cold, I thought, making it look white. I was so excited today with this White Breasted Nuthatch returned to my feeder and I could positively identify it. A lifer for me.”

nelson@nb.sympatico.ca

Nelson Poirier

Nature Moncton