Nature Moncton Nature News: October 29 2023

NATURE MONCTON NATURE NEWS

October 29, 2023

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Edited by Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Proofreading courtesy of Louise Nichols at nicholsl@eastlink.ca

**The Nature Moncton field trip to the Jourimain Wildlife Area went off under pleasant, warm, sunny skies on Saturday. A large group of observant eyes found lots to share.

Several Red-throated Loons were very actively diving and flying offshore with Grey Seals popping up showing their rounded ‘horse-like’ heads.

A large group of Double-crested Cormorants was crowded onto the base of the first pillar of the Confederation Bridge which prompted the comment, “how many cormorants does it really take to hold up the first pillar of the bridge??”

The parking lot held some pleasant surprises when visiting Nature Miramichi member Matthieu Carroll heard and spotted at least 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers very actively moving about. While everyone was trying to get the best observations of them, it was realized a Field Sparrow was with them to add to the excitement. A few felt a Lark Sparrow was also spotted nearby, but no photos to be definitive.

The crop of Winterberry Holly that will be clinging to the leafless shrubs all winter is incredible and will most certainly be a draw for bird fruit connoisseurs. Abundant rosehips and Chokeberry will act as chasers! Bittersweet Nightshade berries were also present at their prime, which are reported as toxic in most literature but are consumed by birds with enthusiasm.

The lure of a Fork-tailed Flycatcher still present on the Tantramar Marsh High Marsh Road by the corral caused most of the group to head there to be rewarded by an outstanding show from this gem. To say the least, this bird ‘worked the crowd,’ seeming to enjoy the huge crowd gathering as much as they enjoyed its constant insect-catching antics.

Some of the group could not resist the possibility of a quadruple whammy by hitting the pond at the Amherst Point Bird Sanctuary to try to locate an Eared Grebe that had been reported there. Some of the more patient were reasonably sure they got distant but fairly certain observations of it.

Many thanks to all the photographers who have contributed their work to provide the special memories this day deserves.

** Jane LeBlanc was thrilled to see the pair of Northern Cardinals in her yard Friday morning and was able to get pleasant photos. She notes the female is almost the same colour as the fallen leaves, so excellent camouflage.

She and Ed have also been hearing a Pileated Woodpecker somewhere nearby.

**Nelson Poirier was also very pleased to arrive home late Saturday to find a pair of Northern Cardinals checking out the lone birdfeeder in his yard. More feeders were erected pronto!

Photos were not permitted in the ebbing light, but chances are.

(Editor’s note: I would assume the lucky folks who live in Quispamsis and Hampton who tune in May get tired of hearing our excitement about Northern Cardinals and suggest ‘we just get over it!’ And that just may happen.)

Nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Nelson Poirier

Nature Moncton