Nature Moncton Nature News: Jan 14 2019

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, 14 January 2019 (Monday)

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Edited by: Nelson Poirier

Transcript by: David Christie

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

** Jamie Burris had a flock of ten Bohemian Waxwings [Jaseur boreal] arrive in his Riverview yard on Sunday. They were attracted to Bittersweet Nightshade [Morelle Doucet-a mere] berries, which are clinging to a vine on a back fence. Jamie comments that this is the only species that he has ever seen foraging on these berries. They are classed as toxic to humans although I have not heard reports of poisoning from this commonly occurring berry. We had photos of House Finch [Roselin familier] feeding on this berry in the past.

Jamie reports that this year they have a record number of DARK-EYED JUNCOS [Junco ardoise] as regular patrons, numbering 11. He also says that woodpecker numbers are higher than normal. However, the only sparrow he has right now is a lone SONG SPARROW [Bruant chanteur].

** Daryl Doucet reports that he had a surprising number of MOURNING DOVES [Tourterelle triste], numbering 48 at one time in his Moncton yard on Sunday. He was amused at a HAIRY WOODPECKER [Pic chevelu] that decided the number was just too high and decided to put the beak to them, which it successfully did even though the doves held their ground to the last moment.

** Brian Stone captured some striking photos of a SUN PILLAR as it formed and disappeared over several minutes Sunday afternoon. A sun pillar is a vertical shaft of light, extending upward or downward from the sun that forms when sunlight reflects off the surfaces of falling ice crystals associated with thin, high level cloud. This phenomenon seldom lasts very long. It is typically seen during sunrise or sunset, when conditions are right.

Brian also photographed a Belted Galloway cow that was part of a herd at a farm in McNairn. We don’t often see this breed in NB, the black cow with a white belt that totally wraps around the mid-section of the body. The Belted Galloway are beef cattle, not milking cows.

** The Nature Moncton January meeting is on for tomorrow, Tuesday night, Jan. 15, at 7 o'clock at the Moncton Rotary Lodge.

It is members' night, the variety night of the year.

Presentations lined up at the moment include Roger LeBlanc on experiences with Saw-whet Owl nest boxes, Fred Richards on bird-pie feeder experience, Brian Stone on "it's a small world" showing photos of some very small members of Mother Nature's community, and Nelson Poirier will give a presentation on experience with Mason Bee housing, with a new and out he very strongly recommends. The write-up for the evening is attached below.

Nature Moncton January, 2019 meeting

January 15, 2019 at 7:00 PM

Moncton Rotary Lodge (across from former Cabela’s)

Members Night

Have you had an interesting encounter with nature in the past year? Have you taken some good photos of birds, insects, animals or anything else in the various habitats of New Brunswick? Have you taken a trip where you were able to experience aspects of nature different from what we have here? The January Nature Moncton meeting belongs to members like you who wish to share their nature photos and experiences in 15 to 30 minute presentations. It’s a special night when we get to hear from each other and perhaps learn some things from the everyday experiences of the nature enthusiasts who belong to the club.

Please advise President Gordon Rattray if you have a presentation to share at gordonr@nbnet.nb.ca or call Gordon at 874-6458, so we can line up the evening.

Nature Moncton is a very diverse group with an equal diversity of interests. Let’s share them on January 15, 2019!

As always, all are welcome Nature Moncton member or not.

Nelson Poirier,

Nature Moncton