NATURE MONCTON NATURE NEWS
October 17, 2024
Nature
Moncton members as well as any naturalist in New Brunswick or beyond are invited to share their photos and
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** Heads-up on this coming Saturday’s Nature Moncton
Field Trip. The write-up is at the end of this edition.
** Anita and David Cannon saw a Hermit Thrush jumping from a fence down
onto their lawn and back up again, and again, and again.
David took some documentary photos through a window
and some light rain to show the rufus back and tail. The Hermit Thrush tends to
flick its tail frequently as an ID clue. It is our latest departing thrush, and
the occasional one will overwinter in New Brunswick favouring clinging berries.
**Along with the Yellow-rumped Warbler and White-throated Sparrow and other regular guests, Jane LeBlanc had two new arrivals today. One was a Common Grackle, but the star was a male Northern Cardinal. She hasn't had one there since spring, so it was nice to see it back. It must be the 'magic' suet.
(Editor’s note: not to let the cat out of the bag,
but Jane’s suet is from Dollarama, and no special flavour.)
Nature Moncton
Outing – Shorebirds and Waterfowl!
Location: Sackville
Water Retention Ponds and Waterfowl Park
Start
time: 10:00 AM; Saturday, Oct 19, 2024
Host: Louise
Nichols
Starting
Location: Parking is available
along the side of Charles St. in Sackville.
Driving the TransCanada, take Sackville exit #504. Go through the lights and continue along Main
St. (Rte 940) as it veers to the left.
You will reach a 2nd set of lights at the intersection of Main and
Bridge St. Turn left on Bridge St. Follow Bridge St. past Lorne St, past the
Marshlands Inn, and then turn right on Charles St. Drive until you pass St. James St. (on the
right) and then park anywhere along the side of the road.
The Sackville
Retention Ponds were created in the heart of Sackville to divert rainwater
through a series of ponds connected by culverts and ditches out to the
Tantramar River. Not only does the
system provide flood protection to the town, but it is also a significant area
for waterfowl and shorebirds. This fall,
a group of shorebirds has been frequenting the ponds and this group has
included occasional Stilt Sandpipers and Long-billed Dowitchers which are not
as often seen. Pectoral Sandpipers are
also often among the group along with the usual yellowlegs and occasional
smaller sandpipers.
We will visit the
ponds and look for the shorebirds in the morning. After a brief picnic lunch, we will walk
through the town’s Waterfowl Park in the afternoon to observe the ducks who are
by now finished their summer molt and are once again sporting their beautiful
bright plumages.
Bring a snack and
lunch (if you forget a lunch, there are several fast-food places close to the
waterfowl park).
Don’t forget to
wear your name tag! All are welcome,
Nature Moncton members or not.
Nelson Poirier
Nature Moncton
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