NATURE
MONCTON NATURE NEWS
March 10,
2022 (Thursday)
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Edited by:
Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com
**Brian Stone joined Nelson Poirier on a drive across Caledonia Mountain Road on Wednesday in search for some specifically targeted birds. The weather was mostly cool but occasionally cold when the wind picked up in certain high spots on the mountain. The road was clear, but the winter weather had contributed to the growth of potholes and so driving was a bit bouncy whenever evasive action was not taken. Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches were the most common birds along the road and Pine Siskins were also present in several areas. Purple Finches were being very vocal in at least one spot.
The target
birds hoping to be spotted were the Boreal Chickadee and Red
Crossbill and both were kind enough to appear and give great photo
opportunities. The Red Crossbills flew across the road in small groups several
times in different areas and a few of them perched in the tops of trees briefly
to produce distant, backlit pictures. Other Red Crossbills were more
cooperative and nonchalantly foraged grit from the road just a few meters from
the photographers. A pair of White-winged Crossbills also gathered grit
from the road at another spot but would not let the observers get as close as
their Red Crossbill cousins did.
A very
rewarding day even if the target species were at times rather coy to end up
with the Red Crossbills finally seemingly most welcoming even if earlier troupes
seemed like they had no interest in getting us on their day list!
(Editor’s
note: take note of one of the Red Crossbills that is showing a plumage blend of
red and yellow. This bird closely matches an image in Sibley of the 1st
year male. I would assume this is during its 1st year of molt as the
species can nest any time of year that food is abundant as it is this year.
This could mean the amount of red in the plumage could vary somewhat within
individual birds)
** A Nature
Moncton event that is expected to interest a lot of folks is coming up soon on
Saturday, March 19 with the write-up attached below and folks requested
register ASAP to make arrangements. A second visit may be arranged if
indicated.
NATURE
MONCTON OUTING
TOUR OF AN
EARTHSHIP INSPIRED HOUSE
DATE: Saturday March 19, 2022
PLACE:
Memramcook (see address below)
TIME: 1:30 pm
Have you ever wondered if it would be
rough to live off the grid in harmony with nature? No water main? No Hydro? Well, wonder no longer. Come out on Saturday March 19, 2022 at 1:30
for a guided tour of a wonderful off grid, sustainable, green home designed and
built according to the Earthship inspired model -- a passive solar home built with
natural and upcycled materials. If time
permits, we can go for a walk in the area following the tour. This new home is located at 16 Rockland No. 1
Road, Taylor Village. NB. There will be a limit of 20 people (two
groups of 10). If you would like to come
to this activity please contact fredrichards@rogers.com , susan_richards@rogers.com or phone 506-334-0100 to reserve a
spot.
(The map photo would not attach here so is attached as first photo in photo line up so note address in write-up)
**The NB
Nature Trust is sponsoring the attached notice on an upcoming webinar next
Wednesday evening to get us all ready for the arrival of spring flowers. One
can register to sit in on the webinar at the link attached to the message below:
**Webinar: Identifying Spring
Wildflowers
- WEDNESDAY,
MARCH 16, 2022
- 7:00
P.M. 8:00 P.M.
PLACE: Online
COST: Free
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: All levels, suitable for children
Naturalist
and friend of the Foundation for the Protection of Natural Sites, Dr. Jim
Goltz, will give a presentation on emerging spring flowers, using personal
photographs and stories from his time in nature. Learn where and when you can
spot New Brunswick's beautiful spring flowers – perfect after a long winter!
Places are limited, so please register by clicking on the registration link.
This
webinar is part of our Digital
Nature Passport,
a series of educational webinars and videos created with you in mind, whether
you're an outdoor novice or an avid explorer.
*If you are unable to attend this
live webinar, please register to receive a recorded copy after the webinar.
** Anita Cannon alerts us to a report of
Avian Influenza in the Moncton area and it is attached below:
News
Release
Natural Resources and Energy
Development
REVISED / Case of avian influenza confirmed
09 March 2022
FREDERICTON (GNB) – A positive case of avian influenza
has been detected in New Brunswick.
The Canadian Wildlife Service confirmed on Monday that
a greater black-backed gull in the Riverview area tested
positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1).
Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread
easily and quickly among birds. There are several types of avian influenza.
Some wild bird species, such as ducks, can carry the virus and infect other
birds without getting sick themselves. Other wild or domestic bird species are
more likely to become severely ill and die when infected with some types of
avian influenza.
Although the chances of people getting sick from avian
influenza are extremely low, people who work around birds should take extra
care. As a general precaution, people should not handle wild birds, dead or
alive. Should you discover a sick or dead bird, contact the Department of
Natural Resources and Energy Development at 1-833-301-0334.
More information on avian influenza is available online.
Nelson Poirier
Nature Moncton
