NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, April
07, 2021 (Wednesday)
To respond by e-mail, please address
your message to the information line editor, nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com .
Please advise the editor at nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com if any
errors are noted in wording or photo labelling.
For more information on Nature Moncton, check the website at www.naturemoncton.com .
Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com
Transcript by: Brian Stone bjpstone@gmail.com
Info Line # 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)
** Louise Nichols took a hike in the
Tintamarre National Wildlife Area on Tuesday morning following the road to
Paunchy Lake. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS [Carouge à épaulettes] were back in the
area and there were lots of singing SONG SPARROWS [Bruant chanteur] as well as
a BALD EAGLE [Pygargue à tête blanche] and a NORTHERN HARRIER [Busard des
marais]. She also saw one WHITE-TAILED DEER [Cerf de Virginie] on the road.
The most interesting sighting of the
morning was a group of 8 scoters in one of the lakes, and when she looked at
them closely she realized that they represented all 3 species of scoters … 4 BLACK
SCOTERS [Macreuse noire], 3 SURF SCOTERS [Macreuse à front blanc], and 1 WHITE-WINGED
SCOTER [Macreuse brune]. Louise comments that she doesn’t know if she’s ever
seen it before with all 3 species so close together in one spot. It sure made
for a super photo of all 3 scoter species in one frame.
On her way out she spotted a ROUGH-LEGGED
HAWK [Buse pattue] sitting on a fence post in a field alongside Jolicure Rd.
** Marco Vachon has been checking the
lagoon at the end of Grand Pré St./Arthur St. in Memramcook every day
for the last 2 weeks and today, to his surprise, he observed a RED-NECKED GREBE
[Grèbe jougris] along with 3 scoter species, SURF SCOTER [Macreuse à front
blanc], BLACK SCOTER [Macreuse noire], and WHITE-WINGED SCOTER. Other species
seen were LONG-TAILED DUCK [Harelde kakawi], LESSER SCAUP [Petit Fuligule], RING-NECKED
DUCK [Fuligule à collier], NORTHERN SHOVELER [Canard souchet], MALLARD DUCK
[Canard colvert], AMERICAN BLACK DUCK [Canard noir], and a pair of RED-BREASTED
MERGANSERS [Harle huppé] arrived while he was there. So, as Marco comments, bad
weather is bringing in the migrants.
This is surely a coincidence to have 2
observers see all 3 scoter species in one area in one day.
Marco got a great photo of a RED-NECKED GREBE which is sure a special one as it is well on its way to full breeding plumage
which we are just not used to seeing here in New Brunswick, being only in the
short time window as they arrive in fall or leaving a bit later than most in
spring.
**Ray
Gauvin photographed RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS from the Pointe-du Chene Road at
the bridge looking in the direction of the old railway bridge. They were
quite busy chasing each other, being that time of year. Ray comments
that he and Penny, having lived most of their lives by the water and having
observed the ducks ritual every year always refer to the lively activity as ‘sea-duction’!
** Brian Stone walked a short distance
along the Wilson Marsh trail on Tuesday to check for incoming bird life. He
didn't see anything different than the last time he walked there on March 31st
but there was lots more of it. Many more CANADA GEESE [Bernaches du Canada]
were present along with more RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS [Carouge à épaulettes] and
MALLARD DUCKS [Canard colvert]. A group of 8 or 9 male Mallards were courting a
single female very energetically. A similar amount of SONG SPARROWS [Bruant
chanteur] were singing in the small trees and shrubs and one immature BALD
EAGLE [Pygargue à tête blanche] flew over at a distance. A single, lone
GREEN-WINGED TEAL [Sarcelle d'hiver] was still keeping his distance at the back
of the ponds.
Four large RED SQUIRREL [Ecureuil roux]
nests continue to be visible until the tree canopy leafs out. A colourful patch
of deep blue Crocus was blooming at the top of the trail. The most prevalent
sign of life was the ‘goose droppings’ on the trail and surrounding grass.
Trail walkers conscious of these little dangers must seem to be dancing a bit
as they navigate the safest path through them!
** Daryl Doucette got a rather amusing
photo of a COMMON GRACKLE taking a close look at an unconcerned CHIPMUNK
seemingly interested if the pouch-filling technique of foraging!
** Paula Lansdale in Alma had her first
NORTHERN FLICKER [Pic flamboyant] appear in her yard on Tuesday. She also has a
FOX SPARROW [Bruant fauve], 6 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret jaune] have been
regulars in her yard for about a month now, and she now has many DARK-EYED
JUNCOS [Junco ardoisé].
** Jane Leblanc also had her first NORTHERN
FLICKER [Pic flamboyant], a female, arrive to her St. Martins yard on Tuesday
and Jane got a nice photo to show the brilliant, spotted breast.
** Gordon Rattray reports that his
Weldon feeder has gotten very busy in the last few days with 18 species a day. COMMON
REDPOLLS [Sizerin flammé] are at 50 each day, EVENING GROSBEAKS [Gros-bec
errant] at 30 several times a day, a FOX SPARROW [Bruant fauve], 4 DARK-EYED
JUNCOS [Junco ardoisé], 4 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret jaune] have
returned, and 2 WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES [Sittelle à poitrine blanche] have
been present all winter.
Gordon reports that Gray Brook Marsh
did not have any ducks on Tuesday. Four days ago there were 3 HOODED MERGANSERS
[Harle couronné] and a pair of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS [Harle huppé].
Nelson Poirier,
Nature Moncton
