Nature Moncton Nature News: April 7 2022

NATURE MONCTON NATURE NEWS

April 7, 2022 (Thursday)

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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

**On Wednesday Gordon Rattray visited the Parson Road region near Sackville looking for the Sandhill Cranes which he located. There are 3 birds and it seems there is a pair plus a juvenile. While Gordon was photographing, the two larger birds made contact and it appears they mated.

(editor’s note: this would seem like a very significant observation Gordon has encountered. The literature suggests this is indeed the mating ritual. Sandhill Cranes mate for life and juveniles can stick by their parents for 9 to 10 months after hatching to make Gordon’s suggestion of a family unit a possibility. It is my understanding Sandhill Crane nesting has been verified in New Brunswick on very few occasions, although suspected. Sandhill Cranes have often been observed in this Jolicure area in recent years so chances are they are indeed nesting in that area).

On the return trip Gordon went across the High Marsh Road which he found to be dry until the Coles Island Road. From there to the bridge it was muddy, but easily traveled with his car. On the passage Gordon saw 3 Northern Harriers. They were at a distance but he was able to get documentary photos of one.

At the covered bridge, a Ground Hog was busy digging a burrow. A pair of American Black Ducks were in the river. Gordon went over to the Sackville Waterfowl Park and found all the ducks to be at a distance from the shore. He observed American Wigeons, Gadwalls, Canada Geese and 1 Eurasian Wigeon.

**Shannon and John Inman had a visit from a male Yellow- bellied Sapsucker on Wednesday and Shannon was able to get some lively action photos. They also comment the male Red-winged Blackbirds have become very vocal and displaying their brilliant red epaulets which John captured a photo of.

**The spring garden cultivars are surely putting on a striking show enjoying the beautiful sunshine we are experiencing at the moment.

Daryl Doucette shares some photos of the dazzling display of Crocus in his backyard. It has to be a spot some early emerging bees will soon locate.

nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Nelson Poirier

Nature Moncton