Nature Moncton Nature News: June 26 2017

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, June 26, 2017 (Monday)

To view the photos mentioned in this edition go to http://nminfoline.blogspot.ca

To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor nelson@nb.sympatico.ca Please advise if any errors are noted in wording or photo labeling.

For more information on Nature Moncton, check the website at www.naturemoncton.com

Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelson@nb.sympatico.ca
Transcript by: David Christie maryspt@mac.com
Info Line # 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, June 26, 2017 (Monday)

To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor nelson@nb.sympatico.ca Please advise if any errors are noted in wording or photo labeling.

For more information on Nature Moncton, check the website at www.naturemoncton.com

Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelson@nb.sympatico.ca
Transcript by: David Christie maryspt@mac.com
Info Line # 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)

** Many thanks to Roger LeBlanc and Louise Nichols for making the many arrangements for the Nature Moncton field trip to Cocagne Island that the forecast allowed to take place on Sunday in pleasant sun and temperatures. Twenty-three sets of eyes missed little and saw lots, including birds, butterflies, dragonflies, plants, jellyfish and many more at this unique place. Things got started quickly when a GREAT EGRET [Grande Aigrette] flew over the second boatload waiting for their turn to head to the island.

En route to the island, Luc Robichaud stopped at their Oyster aquaculture setup to explain how it’s done for the participants, who were completely unaware of how technical it is and what a significant thing it is that is coming to the area. On the island, it was the sparrows that first caught everyone’s attention. The late-arriving NELSON'S SPARROWS [Bruant de Nelson] were very actively vocalizing, while SAVANNAH SPARROWS [Bruant des prés] and SWAMP SPARROWS [Bruant des marais] were carrying food to nests, along with some SONG SPARROWS [Bruant chanteur]. BEACH PEA [Pois de mer] covered the marsh area and many were able to experience the distinct pea flavour by tasting the blossoms. SEA-MILKWORT [Glaux maritime] was in full bloom and SEABEACH SANDWORT [Sabline faux-peplus] was in other areas, as well as SEA-ROCKET [Caquillier édentule], SEA-BLITE [Suéda maritime] and lots more expected coastal plants.

The island includes a few areas of oak [chêne] forest, one of which is home to approximately 250 GREAT BLUE HERONS [Grand Héron], the largest heron rookery in New Brunswick. That area was skirted by the group to avoid any disturbance; only a few nests were visible with binoculars and long-zoom cameras. The young herons are surprisingly large and standing erect in the nest.

A bird highlight was a GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER [Tyran huppé] that was calling and flew over the group. This bird is common in the Grand Lake area and uncommon in this area, but it is thought to nest on Cocagne Island. BLACK SWALLOWTAILS [Papillon du céleri] and CANADIAN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL [Papillon tigré du Canada] butterflies were flying. Although there have been no people living on the island for 50 years, remains of dwellings were seen.

Many things were photographed, some of which are added today; hopefully more will be shared in coming days. It was a day of pleasant memories, again with all appreciation to Louise Nichols and Roger LeBlanc for being the chief organizers, and Luc Robichaud for getting all participants safely there and back.

Aldo Dorio was able to catch a photo of a Black-billed Cuckoo at Hay Island on Monday morning. He also got a nice photo of a Viceroy Butterfly and a Chestnut-sided Warbler carrying food to nestlings.

nelson@nb.sympatico.ca
Nelson Poirier,
Nature Moncton