Nature Moncton Nature News: Aug 11 2022

August 11, 2022

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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

**John Hamer’s family at the Bluff in Point du Chene are pleased to announce that shortly they will be grandma and grandpa of three beautiful Monarch Butterflies -- with thanks to those that supplied them with the milkweed plants.

John got some photos of the plump caterpillars going into J position readying for chrysalis formation. In approximately ten days, the birth announcement may be complete!

**Jamie Burris was able to get a time lapse video of their 6th Monarch Butterfly to emerge from its chrysalis. Look for it to break through the chrysalis at the 1min 26sec mark. It was a flag in the bag since 8am Wednesday morning and did not hatch until 1430 in the afternoon. Jamie had to charge his battery 4 times to capture this moment and was very lucky to get it as he comments he only had 9% battery left when it hatched.

Take a look at the beautifully captured action at at the link below:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/c1mmocvlq189dxq/Monarch%20Butterfly%20Eclosing.MP4?dl=0

**Brian Stone sends some photos from the Nature Moncton Wednesday Walk at the Tankville School and trail. After a very interesting historical talk and display given by the Tankville School Museum hosts the crew of 12 participants went outside and walked half of the Tankville School Trail to see some interesting items. (Editor’s note: some of the mature students look quite attentive!).

Perched high on a dead tree and observing us carefully was a Merlin. After scanning the group for a few minutes it flew off to find more interesting activities. Several fast Frogs and Darner Dragonflies were spotted but not photographed (due to the "fast" description) and an interesting Leaf Beetle and Spider were caught by the lens. Turtlehead and Broad-leaved Helleborine plants were noted, and some other as yet unidentified plants were discussed. Eastern Wood Pewee vocalization was heard, and Common Yellowthroat Warblers were seen. A small helicopter gave a flyby to finish off the evening.