Nature Moncton Nature News: Dec 19 2022

NATURE MONCTON NATURE NEWS

Dec 19, 2022

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Edited by Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

**Birder excitement again rose to the pinnacle on Sunday when the Green-tailed Towhee was still where it was originally found on Saturday. Fortunately, Louise Nichols and Andrew Darcy captured some of the very special moments and every one of their photos is being shared today to make it ‘just like being there’!

**Louise Nichols went to check out the Green-tailed Towhee that was found yesterday by John Klymko during the Sackville Christmas bird count. Unusual luck for Louise in that the bird was right there when she arrived, performing for about a dozen birders who had come to watch. The towhee seemed content to forage in the grass while it was admired and photographed. The light was dim, and the bird was a bit distanced (as no one wanted to get too close), but Louise got some photos which are attached. (Editor’s note: I believe this is only the second appearance of this bird species in New Brunswick when one paid a visit to a Saint John feeder yard in the winter of 2002 when many now ‘elder’ birders were afforded excellent observations).

It is a long way from home with its breeding range in the western US and winter range into Mexico.

**Andrew Darcy comments he went to bed Saturday night after the CBC dreaming of birds and one special visitor in particular! Woke up early and headed to Sackville to try and gain an audience with the GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE that was found yesterday during the Sackville CBC by John Klymko, Beth MacDonald and Gianco Emanuel Angelozzi. Andrew first saw it in flight quickly as it flew from the field side of trail to the wetland side. It was a large chunky sparrow-like bird with a large head and long tail. He watched the bird work its way through shrubs and grasses along the wetland side of the trail. Eventually, the bird once again ended up on the field side of the trail in the field area and gave great views to many observers. The bird demonstrated the classic towhee kick and sweep foraging method as it moved through the grasses. Eventually, it disappeared again. A few lucky and persistent birders got to witness quite the spectacle as an all-white winter coat Short-tailed Weasel suddenly appeared right next to where the bird was seen entering the grasses and ended up flushing the towhee having it fly and perch on a small shrub and dead tree after narrowly avoiding capture by the weasel. Fantastic views and photo opportunities thanks to this sneaky little predator. What a sighting!! MEGA lifer!!

Andrew also includes a link to some video he got of the towhee.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/r3jp831dan1t412/20221218_093022.mp4?dl=0

**Catherine Hamilton in Anagance was pleased to have a Carolina Wren arrive at her feeder yard on Sunday. The Carolina Wren is an uncommon but regular visitor to New Brunswick with several breeding records. When it arrives at a feeder yard in winter, it is often faithful to that yard for the winter.

Catherine also has 50 + Evening Grosbeaks (the most she has had in years) and Hairy Woodpeckers (male and female).
Catherine keeps a 'senior' cavity-filled snag laden with suet that seems to be a hit with the Blue jays, woodpeckers, and now a seemingly content with the idea, Carolina Wren. (Editor’s note: a great idea to augment a feeder yard which the editor is going to copy).

**Shannon Inman photographed some fungi earlier in the season that are busy recycling a hardwood tree. The yellow fungus is suspected to be Witches Butter with the brown fungal growth above it having the common name Brain Jelly.

**Georges Brun tallied approximately 78 Mallard Ducks on Saturday that were in the water edge of the Petitcodiac River downriver of Halls Creek. (estimate distance 1 Km). When these ducks are not in the pond behind Shoppers Drug Mart, they are either on the flat between the walking trail or on the parking lot between the two little malls.