NATURE
MONCTON NATURE INFORMATION LINE, Oct. 10, 2021 (Sunday)
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Edited by:
Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com
Info Line
# 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS)
**On Saturday, Suzanne and Yves
Poussart drove along the coast to enjoy the nice weather and the fall colors.
From a beach not far from the St-Thomas
wharf, Yves spotted several SURF SCOTERS (Macreuse à front blanc) and BLACK
SCOTERS (Macreuse noire). Both species were quite far out but Yves
attempted to take several photos to support his initial observations.
A group of about 20 resting female Black Scoters were later seen from
another location and were photographed at a closer distance. Considering
the far distance from these scoters, the quality of the attached
photos are just documentary (Yves
words) but they nevertheless show that the first individuals of these
species are already present in the region.
**So great to hear of the fall flocks of Eastern
Bluebirds. Stella and Jean-Paul LeBlanc report they’re still seeing them
about their Bouctouche yard.
Stella also
spotted a very healthy-looking Red Fox in their neighbour’s yard. It is
getting more noticeable how the Red Fox is more comfortable in urban
environments around humans and showing no aggression to make them more welcome
urbanites than the coyote.
**Jane
LeBlanc comments she had a movement of warblers go through her St. Martins yard
on late Friday that she was not able to photograph but a Blue-headed Vireo,
that often travels with warblers, did stop briefly in true vireo style for a
photo. Note those distinct white “spectacles” with the blue-grey head and wing
bars with a slight yellowish blush.
**Aldo
Dorio is now seeing Horned Larks at Hay Island and was able to get a few
photos on Saturday. There were 6 of them on the side of the roadway. Most of
the Horned Lark population breeds to the north of us and we will see more of
them now as they migrate with some still around well into winter.
**There’s
either a lot of Wilson’s Snipe around this season or they are posing
more for photos. Cathy Simon got a nice, reflected image of a Wilson’s Snipe at
the Sackville waterfowl Park on Saturday.
**** Brian Stone visited Petit Cap
on Friday at a very high tide and had difficulty walking the beach as the water
was almost up to the grass and there were spots that were difficult to get past
with dry feet. The wind was also intense and so both these things made for an
"interesting" outing. The tide was on the way out though and so
before long Brian made his way along the high edge of the beach and found a few
areas that were open to search for birds. At first there was only a group of
about two dozen SANDERLINGS present that were feeding right along the
edge of the water. They flew up and landed at new spots several times and Brian
did his best to photograph them as they flew past him multiple times. When
Brian sat down in the sand at the edge of the grass the Sanderlings felt more
confident and began walking and feeding right in front of him with no obvious
concern.
As the Sanderlings foraged close
to Brian he noticed a couple WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS mixed in with the
group. (interesting to spot the White-rumped Sandpiper buddying up with the Sanderlings in flight), At that close range the small rusty/reddish area at the base of the
lower mandible was easily seen and showed well in the photographs. In flight
the bright white rump was all that was needed for identification. A few RING-BILLED
GULLS soared overhead with no need to flap a wing in the high wind. One
nearly adult BALD EAGLE decided not to share the beach with Brian and
moved on to other hunting grounds. (This eagle appears to be in its final molt to adult plumage)
After a time, a small group of about 5 HORNED LARKS joined the crew on the beach but kept well away from Brian and were only photographed at the limit of his lens. A little photo post processing managed to bring out some of their details. (note the noticeably varying plumages to suggest gender/maturity possibilities)
Just before leaving
the beach a pair of SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS seemed to appear out of
nowhere but were nicely cooperative and joined the Sanderlings in feeding in
front of Brian to add their images to the photo lineup.
At the parking area just before
the beach Brian spent some time taking pictures of the many YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLERS that were foraging in the trees there. A Dickcissel had been
reported there by Gilles Belliveau earlier that day, but Brian had no luck in
seeing that elusive target.
(Sadly, no pirates, sea monsters,
or aliens were seen but Brian remains hopeful that he will add them to his list
one day.)
Nelson
Poirier
Nature
Moncton
FE
