Nature Moncton Nature News: May 2 2019

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, May 2, 2019 (Thursday)

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

Please advise editor at nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com if any errors are noted in wording or photo labeling.

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

Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Transcript by: Louise Nichols nicholsl@eastlink.ca

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

To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com.

** Jamie and Karen Burris visited one of their favourite spots on Turtle Creek marsh to be entertained by RED FOX [Renard roux] hunting, and they were even able to catch a photo of one of those skillful Red Fox leaps. As they watched it, a NORTHERN HARRIER [Busard Saint-Martin] was hunting overhead for probably the same prey. Note the similarity of the face of the Harrier to the facial disc of some owls, as well as its distinctive white rump signature patch. Jamie was also lucky to have a PINE WARBLER [Paruline des pins] co-operate for 3 nice photos. This bird was in the woods doing its thing, not at a feeder. There seems to be a lot of Pine Warbler reports in the last few days that would suggest they are migrating back in at the moment.

More BRANT moving locally. Georges Brun spotted a dozen + flying up the Petitcodiac River at dusk on May 1 to get documentary photos. He also photographed a GREAT BLUE HERON at dusk that shows the black lateral crown stripe on the head as well is the dark plumes, both consistent with breeding plumage.

Dave Christie took a walk to the end of the islands of Mary’s Point on Wednesday and back through the woods. There were still lots of Coltsfoot in bloom that he had seen their first in early April, just lots more of them on Wednesday. He was hoping to find the early spring plant TROUT LILY but they had not emerged as of yet however Dave did find another of the early spring ephemerals, SPRING BEAUTY in full bloom to get a photo to share. He saw his FOY Hermit Thrush, a few Ruby-crowned Kinglets were loudly singing and a large number of sparrows were joining in with the White-throated Sparrows now in equal numbers with the Song Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos. He also had a Swamp Sparrow visit his yard for a few days which is unusual as they usually stay down in the marsh area.

Louise and Glen Nichols are getting established at their new at their Etter Ridge digs and getting the spring action with Tree Swallows checking out nest boxes, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Palm Warblers at the site, and heard a Hermit Thrush vibrantly singing on Wednesday evening.

Lori Joudrey comments on April action around their Upper Coverdale yard pond. On April 16, just as the ice without of the pond, three male and two female COMMON MERGANSERS immediately dropped into it and the next day it built up to seven males and three females. They then moved out on their spring mission the following day. On April 29 and April 30, she started to enjoy Purple Finch arrivals.

** Susan Richards was surprised to have a lone EVENING GROSBEAK [Gros-bec errant] visit her Taylor Village yard on Wednesday. I wonder if this suggests the flocks we have enjoyed this past winter are starting to break up for seasonal breeding.

** Aldo Dorio sends a photo of a sub-adult BALD EAGLE [Pygargue à tête blanche] that really shows the variation among juveniles of this species. The amount of yellow in the bill suggests it to be a 3 year old bird. Aldo also got a nice photo of a RUFFED GROUSE [Gélinotte huppée] that we should be hearing very soon, drumming to announce their territory. Aldo also spotted GREATER YELLOWLEGS [Grand Chevalier] at Tabusintac on Wednesday, along with a pair of GREEN-WINGED TEAL [Sarcelle d'hiver] in company with a female COMMON MERGANSER [Grand Harle].

** Brian Stone seems to always have an eye to the sky, sending a photo of a SOLAR HALO he spotted on Wednesday. He also revisited the adult male SCARLET TANAGER [Tangara écarlate] in breeding plumage that continues its stay at the same site in a Cow Bay yard outside of Dartmouth.

nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Nelson Poirier,

Nature Moncton