Nature Moncton Nature
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**While driving in St.
Martins, Jane LeBlanc saw a mink in the same area twice this week. It was
in/near the Mosher River, along Route 111. This river becomes salt water at
high tide, and there are rock doves that roost under the bridge. Jane is
wondering how big a mink's territory is. The site is not that far from Jane's
property, as the mink swims.
(Editor’s note: the mink
occupies a niche in the mustelidae group in between the terrestrial martin/ fisher
and the aquatic otter, with a preference for being near water for fishing but
including terrestrial prey when available. Their territory can be large, but they
can be quite content to stay near a consistent food source. It is that time of
year when mating in preparation for spring litters can alter normal routines, which include roaming about during the day. Although they are mainly nocturnal for the rest of the year, they become more active during this period. Observing a mink with its curious and bold attitude is
always special.)
**Brian Stone found a swamp
sparrow on Wednesday at Mapleton Park that offered Brian several
cooperative photographs to observe the many field marks that we don’t often get
to see due to the secretive nature of this sparrow when on breeding territory come spring.
The swamp sparrow normally
does not stay with us over the winter, but occasionally one does as Brian found.
Several photos are
attached to give the opportunity to see all those field marks.
Nelson Poirier
Nature Moncton
