NATURE
MONCTON NATURE NEWS
Feb 23, 2022 (Wednesday)
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Edited by:
Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com
** Elaine Gallant saw a pair of Peregrine Falcons
from Assomption Boulevard in Moncton at the nest box on top of the Assumption
Building on Tuesday.
Hope it’s
the sign of another successful year!
**Brian Stone was visiting family in Dartmouth for a few
days and on Tuesday he went for a short outing to Morash Pond in Dartmouth to photograph
some of the special ducks enjoying the open water still present there. Among
the hundred plus Mallard and American Black Ducks populating the
pond were a male Northern Pintail Duck and 2 females that were keeping
close together amidst the crowd. (Editors note: I suspect the side photo of the
female Northern Pintail is showing the rusty speculum. The speculum of the male
would be green if we could see it).
A few Mallard
Hybrid Ducks were spotted displaying different plumage variations. A pair
of Ring-necked Ducks were keeping to themselves near the iced-over edge
of the pond and seemed to have spikier hairdos than normal. The wildly
colourful domestic escapee Mandarin Duck was huddled among a group of
mallards on the far side of the pond and a short walk around the path led to some
reasonably close photos that the Mandarin Duck seemed to be completely used to
posing for. It opened its eyes occasionally but closed them frequently as it
rested on one leg. (Editors note: it has been a bit of a surprise how this
escapee Asian species seems to have become completely at home with its adopted kin
and no apparent problem with winter conditions, producing ‘eye candy’ for
photographers).
A Song Sparrow hopped among the shrubbery
lining the edge of the pond and also seemed to be used to photographers which
makes sense considering the small size of the pond.
**Thanks to
the courtesy of David Webster in Kentville, Nova Scotia, I transplanted some thornless Multiflora Rose root stock to my Moncton yard. It took, and
after 2 years, bloomed and produced a few hips this year. Nothing seemed to be
attracted to forage on the hips until Tuesday morning when an American Robin
started foraging on the few hips present. Another robin decided to do the
same and was promptly escorted away from the booty. A little later, a Ring-necked
Pheasant also came by to check out the rosehips. The robin let him have his
way. Size matters!
Usually, a
few male American Goldfinch retain a bit of bright yellow into winter. I
had not noted any of the flock patronizing my feeders to have any bright yellow
plumage until Wednesday. This may simply be a new visitor or a male with the
season ahead on its mind.
Nelson Poirier
Nature Moncton
