Nature Moncton Nature News: Nov 13 2021

NATURE MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, Nov 13, 2021 (Saturday)

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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

** Brian Stone went for 2 short walks on Friday in the Irishtown area. Both areas were very quiet for wildlife with only BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES being seen, but not photographed. At the Tankville School trail Brian enjoyed the peaceful walk but would have appreciated having some interesting nature subject to record with camera but had to be satisfied with pictures of an weathered looking nest box filled to the opening with cone scale fragments. A MUSHROOM that had dropped a spore print on top of another of its brethren. (Editors note: this is a great way to get a clue of spore print colour when mushrooms grow in a clump by noting the colour of the spore print dropped on mushroom caps growing below others in the clump. The one in Brian’s photo appears to show some purple, which would be very helpful ID by checking out the rest of the clump of mushrooms) The old nest box at the Tankville School trail seems to be filled with spruce or pine cone scales. (Editors note: would seem suggestive of a Red Squirrel midden or winter nest) On the trail behind Irishtown Park Brian took some scenery pictures and managed to find one small MOTH fluttering about that perched and posed for an image. (Editors note: the Bruce Spanworm Moth (Operophtera bruceata) flies at this time of year and would have to be a rule out). Brian also sent some photos of a BEAVER LODGE and scenery at Wilson Marsh from last Tuesday's walk. (Editors note: note all the sticks in the construction to differentiate it from a Muskrat Lodge that would be mud construction)

**Some folks may have noted tight groups of mosquito sized insects flying about in circular masses in an erratic dancing type of motion. These are Winter Craneflies and this time of year is when they do their mating flights. Photography of them is very difficult to capture.

nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Nelson Poirier

Nature Moncton