NATURE MONCTON NATURE NEWS
September 18, 2025
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John
Inman had some bald-faced hornets on the hummingbird feeder when he went
to freshen it, which were not happy with John’s intrusion, so he wisely decided
to leave it until later.
A
sharp-shinned hawk was also checking out the menu in the yard.
(Editor’s note: Wasps and flies are very interested
in sweet items around humans in the fall, whereas the bees choose to gather
nectar and pollen on the abundant supply of fall flowers.)
**Jane LeBlanc heard, then saw a female pileated
woodpecker on top of the hydro pole in her yard before heading to work on
Wednesday.
**On Tuesday, Brian Stone took his daily outdoor
fresh air break at Highland Park in Salisbury. The water levels were still relatively
low, but the ducks and birds were enjoying the water and mud flats anyway.
Lots of yellowlegs
were present mixed in with the ducks, and a couple of great blue herons
were searching for fish to snatch. Brian wonders if the herons find it harder
or easier to catch their lunch in the shallow waters. A group of 4 young-looking
female wood ducks was hanging out together in the smaller side pond, along with
one of the herons. At the edge of the smaller side pond, a muskrat left
the water and travelled a short distance overland to grab an apple for its
desert. A bald eagle that had been calling frequently from the other
side of the river suddenly flew over and triggered some vertical photography.
On the far side of the pond, a red fox appeared
carrying what might possibly be a muskrat prey item. A cabbage white
butterfly, a honeybee, and an autumn meadowhawk dragonfly
also managed to get their photos taken.
Nelson Poirier
Nature Moncton
