Nature Moncton Nature News: July 29 2024

NATURE MONCTON NATURE NEWS

July 29, 2024

Nature Moncton members, as well as any naturalist in New Brunswick or beyond, are invited to share their photos and descriptions of recent nature sightings to build a fresh (almost) daily edition of Nature News

To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor, nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com .

Please advise both the editor at nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com and the proofreader nicholsl@eastlink.ca if any errors are noted in wording or photo labelling.

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Proofreading courtesy of Louise Nichols at nicholsl@eastlink.ca

**This week’s Nature Moncton Wednesday evening walk is written up at the end of this edition.

**Maureen Girvan photographed a buck White-tailed Deer on the Humphrey Brook trail within the city. Buck deer are usually much more coy than females and loners, but this one seemed quite cooperative to stand for a photo. Possibly it is a young animal that has not read the hunting guide that only males can be harvested; or it is a young animal with a few of life’s lessons yet to learn; or is quite aware of the advantages of the safety of living near dwellings where firearms are not legal.

**Georges Brun noted 60+ shorebirds making a flyby Sunday afternoon just west of Halls Creek over the Petitcodiac River. Species recognition was not possible.

Georges also saw what appeared to be the oldest of the Peregrine Falcons (assuming a female) dive-bombing a young gull in the same area. Georges comments he has not seen any of the other Peregrine Falcons for over a week now.

**Leon Gagnon sends comments and reports from Miscou Island. Leon comments that the first 10 years of their stay on Miscou Island had not exceeded 25° C but this summer 30° C is not unusual to make sunrise his time to sleuth nature.

Leon notes he is having many observations of immature Bald Eagles (eight individuals over three days). and also a Merlin being consistently observed at Wilson Point that is chasing Tree Swallows gathering before their migration departure. The swallows defend themselves and attack the Merlin in return. Sharp-shinned Hawks are present and Red-winged Blackbirds are busy harassing them.

Groups of shorebirds are arriving as anticipated.

**Brian Stone came across a very interesting news article on that narrow 24 km strip of land the joins Nova Scotia to New Brunswick, the Isthmus of Chignecto, that we’ve been hearing a lot more news reports about with climate change. Review the article at the attached link below:

https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7271500

**The New Brunswick Botany Club sponsored a field trip to Escuminac Point Lighthouse area and the surrounding bogs and seashore area. Part of this area includes an intensely harvested peat site and a large portion is under the control and ownership of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, so it will never be disturbed.

This is a very rich and diverse area to much wildlife specific to such a habitat.

A large group participated in a wonderful day led by Gart Bishop and Liz Mills in very warm weather that a beautiful sea breeze made much more comfortable.

Several Nature Moncton members participated and many photographs were taken, some of which will appear today with more to follow in tomorrow's edition

** JULY 31^th WEDNESDAY EVENING WALK

Location: Ducks Unlimited Compound (Upper Coverdale)

Start time: 6:30

Host: Gordon Rattray

Starting Location: The compounds are found in Upper Coverdale at the end of Tucker Street. Tucker Street is located at approximately 1569 Coverdale Road - Route 112; this is 9.3 km on Coverdale Road starting from the intersection of Buckingham Street and Coverdale Road; there is a large Shoppers Drug Mart at this corner. Coming from Salisbury it is 11.1 Km on Rte. 112 from the intersection with Rte. 106. Go to the very end of Tucker and where is ample space to park.

This walk must be classified as difficult because of the extremely steep and long hill that is the access road. The trails around the compounds are flat and mowed. We can expect to see some returning shorebirds with the usual contingent of ducks.

Bug spray and protective clothing are recommended. Don’t forget to wear your name tag too!

All are welcome, Nature Moncton members or not.

Nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Nature Moncton