April 20, 2023
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Edited by Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com
Proofreading
courtesy of Louise Nichols at nicholsl@eastlink.ca
**Wednesday evening’s
impromptu Salamander Outing led by Andrew Darcy was a success, with 6 die-hard
amphibian lovers showing up to participate despite the short notice and owl workshop
before.
The group was
treated to some great views of both YELLOW- SPOTTED SALAMANDER and BLUE-SPOTTED
SALAMANDER, as well as a brief audience of an adult EASTERN NEWT which
is fully aquatic, unlike the terrestrial immature "Eft" stage.
Background
music was supplied by a cacophony of SPRING PEEPER and WOOD FROG
chorus. Overall it was a great evening with some very enthusiastic members. WOOD FROG eggs (Note: similar to SPOTTED SALAMANDER egg masses, but in WOOD FROG egg
masses, you can make out individual eggs) and BLUE-SPOTTED SALAMANDER eggs
(Note: more linear and not as large as YELLOW-SPOTTED SALAMANDER egg masses)
were also observed in the pond, indicating that the breeding frenzy is indeed
almost over for the year already.
Andrew was able to get some live video
footage of the amphibian action, which hopefully I will be able to share in tomorrow’s
edition.
**John Massey was also out on Tuesday
night with the group to find some Yellow-spotted Salamanders as well
as a few wet feet!
**On the subject of salamanders at
this very appropriate time, Eric Wilson shares a very interesting and
informative news story he came across which is a must-read. This very worthwhile bit of information
is at the attached link:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/salamander-nova-scotia-volunteers-1.6422078
**The video recording that Louise Nichols was able to capture of the Winter Wren serenading her by her Aulac home is at the link below. It’s a great chance to cement the vocalization and see the bird at the same time. The Winter Wren is often heard well before it is seen.
**Daryl Doucette photographed the first Purple Finch that he has seen and heard vocalizing the season.
**Georges Brun reports his friend Melvin Perez told him that he saw a big Moose
a few days ago along the edge of the Petitcodiac River. Melvin lives in
Riverview, just south of Point Park.
Melvin was out surfing on the Petitcodiac River Tidal Bore, which is at level ‘3’ for the next couple of days. Melvin has surfed the Tidal Bore many, many, many times!
(Editor’s note: going to find out what Level 3
means!)
Last minute note “The height of the Tidal Bore plus
velocity. As well as the water level. Water elevation at Dover 43.7 ft, so
Moncton is probably in the 33 feet range. Government of Canada
Station is 00173 and for Moncton 00175”.
**Aldo Dorio photographed an Eastern Phoebe in his Neguac yard on Wednesday.
The Eastern Phoebe is one of the first
flycatchers to return in spring. The Empidonax flycatchers arrive later, noting
a recent comment from Jim Wilson saying he does not expect to see the Empidonax
flycatchers until mid-May.
Aldo also spotted 5 Turkey Vultures floating in the sky over Miramichi on Wednesday.
(Editor's note: white spot on the head of the bird photographed is open to interpretation!)
Nelson Poirier
Nature
Moncton
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