Nature Moncton Nature News: Oct 24 2022

NATURE MONCTON NATURE NEWS

Oct 24, 2022

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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

** Brigitte Noel in Cambridge Narrows was able to capture some pleasant photos of the 4% illuminated waning crescent Moon on Sunday morning between 7:00-8:00 AM. The main section of the Moon is dimly illuminated by Earth shine (reflected light from the Earth). It happens twice every month, whenever the illuminated crescent of the Moon is small enough to let the larger, dimmer section show up, especially in photos. (Editor’s note: comments are Brian Stone approved!)

**Enjoying the very pleasant weather, Yves and Suzanne Poussart visited the Highland Park in Salisbury on Sunday afternoon. Yves captured some interesting photos of AMERICAN COOTS and COMMON GALLINULES.

They were often seen feeding on the underwater vegetation. Observations also included a good number of PIED-BILLED GREBES, GREEN-WINGED TEALS, BLUE-WINGED TEALS, and MALLARD DUCKS. Some large groups of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS were seen flying over the pond as were many dragonflies of different species along the trail. All the activity in the pond and around it proved to be interesting.

**Jane LeBlanc was riding her bike near her home in St. Martins and watched a bird fly across the road in front of her. It turned out to be a Northern Mockingbird, which posed for photos.

At home, Jane was treated to a female Northern Cardinal ground foraging on bits of suet dropped by other birds.

To top off a good day, Jane got an excellent photo of a fall edition Blackpoll Warbler that dropped by her yard. The backdrop of the photo includes Jane’s blooming Witch Hazel shrub.

**John and Shannon Inman had some pleasant observations in their Harvey, Albert County yard on Sunday.

Shannon was able to capture a photo of a beautiful fresh late-season Monarch Butterfly which hopefully will be able to get on its journey to Mexico safely. It appeared to be nectaring on a hawkweed bloom. Shannon also photographed Chanterelle Mushrooms still popping up.

John was able to photograph a young-of-the-year Northern Cardinal which seems to be doing well noting the parents seemed to leave the day he noted it. Looking closely at John’s photo, one can see the bill just starting to take on black tones as it matures. John also got a photo of a Chipping Sparrow in non-breeding plumage which could make it a young-of-the-year or an adult that has taken on basic plumage.

**On Sunday, Clarence Cormier had a pair of Evening Grosbeaks visit his Grande Digue yard for a first visit of the year. They enjoyed the clinging samaras of a maple tree.

The yearly Finch Forecast suggests Evening Grosbeaks will be in good numbers in New Brunswick this winter.

**Lisa Morris had a pleasant exchange with Black-capped Chickadees on Sunday. One chickadee kept landing on her in an attempt to do yoga (no feeders out/ no seed) so Lisa grabbed some sunflower seeds and the Chickadee did a downward dog. This one was the boldest but brought two shy friends later in the day who kept alighting on their heads, shoulders, legs and feet while working about the yard (even their dog). They normally have chickadees in the summer, but these ones were interested in humans (perhaps bored with the migratory departure of summer friends, or the loud Blue Jays of late feverishly collecting acorns.) Lots of insects, nuts, and berries are still present, plus little pools of rainwater, so Lisa was not concerned they were hungry.

**Verica LeBlanc visited Hay Island on Saturday, Oct. 22.

There were Canada Geese, American Black Ducks with a lone male Mallard Duck among them. Also noted were Double-crested Cormorants and a surprising number of Great Blue Herons on both sides of the Causeway. Verica could not photograph them all together but got a few from a distance. As they tried to get closer to the water it seemed to spook them. The Horned Larks are still there and quite active and a Red Squirrel was obviously looking for a treat along the walkway.

The ongoing improvements to the boardwalk are great and it is now raised with side railings.

Nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Nelson Poirier

Nature Moncton