Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from New Brunswick > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Thursday, March 18 at 02:53 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Lark Bunting,©John Schmitt

18 Mar NATUREMONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE MARCH 18, 2010. (Thursday) [Alma White ] 18 Mar Fw: NATUREMONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE MARCH 18, 2010. (Thursday) [Nelson Poirier ] 18 Mar new arrivals [Joanne savage ] 18 Mar Grackles in the acadian peninsula [Steeve Miousse ] 18 Mar Yesterdays birds [Merv Cormier ] 18 Mar First Common Grackle in New Jersey, NB [Dave McLeod ] 17 Mar finches galore [Joanne savage ] 17 Mar The Infant moth [R&H Wilson ] 17 Mar Grand Manan & White Head birds [Roger Burrows ] 17 Mar Spring Arrivals [Irene Doyle ] 17 Mar Red-winged Blackbirds [Todd Watts ] 17 Mar NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, March 17, 2010 (Wednesday) [Catherine ] 17 Mar Mactaquac birds [John Rankin ] 17 Mar Re: Blackbirds, Gagetown [ron m ] 17 Mar Birds at Jemseg [Don Gibson ] 16 Mar GRACKLE [Margaret Doyle ] 16 Mar Woodcock [Todd Watts ] 16 Mar Blackbirds, Gagetown [K Gigeroff ] 16 Mar Spring arrivals at Mactaquac [John Rankin ] 16 Mar Purple Finch [Margie pacey ] 16 Mar NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, March 16, 2010 ( Tuesday ) [RICHARD MCCABE ] 16 Mar birds - Charlotte County [Don Gibson ] 15 Mar herring gulls starting to move [Laurie Murison ] 15 Mar Grackles [Vexus vexus ] 15 Mar Grackle and Red-wing Blackbirds [ron m ] 15 Mar NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, March 15, 2010 (Monday) [Bill Winsor ] 15 Mar Northern Hawk-Owl Returns ["Tutt, Kevin (ED)" ] 15 Mar Grackle and Purple Finch [Stella Johnson ] 15 Mar Area run [Irene Doyle ] 14 Mar More Spring Birds [Jim Wilson ] 14 Mar Gagetown's "A Celebration of Birds" Info Evenings [Bonnie Hamilton Bogart ] 14 Mar Black-legged Kittiwake - Mouette tridactyle [Frank Branch ] 14 Mar Winter Birding Highlights in Canada - 2009-2010 [Blake Maybank ] 14 Mar Re: grackles somewhat early [Nev Garrity ] 14 Mar Re: Milbert's Torotiseshell & Barred Owls [Richard Tarn ] 14 Mar Milbert's Torotiseshell & Barred Owls [Julie Singleton ] 14 Mar ducks [joan pearce ] 14 Mar grackles somewhat early [Popma ] 14 Mar NATUREMONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE March 14, 2010 (Sunday) [Alma White ] 14 Mar Tracey Dean: Woodcock [David Christie ] 13 Mar Fredericton to Lr. Jemseg/Gagetown [Linda Kneebone ] 13 Mar spring arrivals [Hugh Parks ] 13 Mar SAINT GEORGE REPORT [Ralph Eldridge ] 13 Mar other sightings today [Joanne savage ] 13 Mar Birds in Shediac [Rejean Godin ] 13 Mar vulture in the valley [Joanne savage ] 13 Mar Loutre de rivière / River Otter [Steeve Miousse ] 13 Mar skunk cabbage-Symplocarpus foetidus- in Oak Hill, Charlotte County [Judith Nelson ] 13 Mar Fw: NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, 13 MARCH 2010, (Saturday) [Nelson Poirier ] 13 Mar Swallow carcass [Vexus vexus ] 12 Mar Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert, Mar. 6-12, 2010 [David Christie ] 12 Mar Fwd: Climate change "makes birds shrink" in North America. [Brian Dalzell ] 12 Mar White Head birds, inc. DOVEKIE & new arrivals [Roger Burrows ] 12 Mar NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, March 12, 2010 (Friday) [Bill Winsor ] 12 Mar Red Winged Blackbirds [Vexus vexus ] 12 Mar Common Grackles and Arrival of Spring [Roy & Charlotte LaPointe ] 12 Mar Grackles [Vexus vexus ] 12 Mar Crossbills and more along the Renous Hwy [Roy & Charlotte LaPointe ] 11 Mar More Birds of Spring Today [Jim Wilson ] 11 Mar SAINT GEORGE REPORT [Ralph Eldridge ] 11 Mar Coyote & Squirrel [Stella Johnson ] 11 Mar No Subject [yolandeLeBlanc ] 11 Mar GRACKLE AT HAMPTON [Gina ] 11 Mar Grand Manan birds [Roger Burrows ] 11 Mar Migrating Turkey Vultures/ first Grackle [Todd Watts ] 11 Mar another sign of spring [Joanne savage ] 11 Mar Nature Moncton's Information Line March 11, 2010 (Thursday) [Alma White ] 11 Mar Hairy woodpecker [Karen Small ] 11 Mar Grackle Arrives at Hammond River [Jim Wilson ] 10 Mar Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert, Feb. 27-Mar. 5, 2010 [David Christie ] 10 Mar Re: Rock Doves [richard nelson ] 10 Mar Rock Doves [Margie pacey ] 10 Mar 1 Grackle [R&H Wilson ] 10 Mar White Head Ferry birds [Roger Burrows ] 10 Mar FW: First Purple Finch of Spring [Jim Wilson ] 10 Mar Grackle [Dwayne Biggar ] Subject: NATUREMONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE MARCH 18, 2010. (Thursday) From: Alma White <almaw AT nbnet.nb.ca> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:23:33 -0300 NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by : Nelson Poirier Transcript by : Alma White Info Line # : 384-NEWS (6397) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton, [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962] contact our Vice- President, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197, or visit our web site at http://naturemoncton.org . Thursday morning, March 18, 2010. **Jules Cormier leaves some observations from the Memramcook area. In follow up from the RIVER OTTER comments yesterday Jules recalls an encounter several years ago where he watched 2 RIVER OTTERS entering an ice-covered pond via entry holes and bring out AMERICAN EELS up to the surface and consume them. He watched the pair for some time and suspects between the two of them they brought up at least 3 dozen eels to the ice surface to feast on them. The AMERICAN EEL overwinters in mud bottom just under the surface of the mud so they must be easy pickings for RIVER OTTERS at that time of year. Jules comments on a few BALD EAGLES [Pygargue à tête blanche] seen frequently perched on utility towers in the marsh area not far from the Arthur St. lagoon in Memramcook this winter, to suggest a source of nearby food. Jules did note a GROUNDHOG scampering across the very snow-covered area below them recently, thinking the GROUNDHOG would be very vulnerable to the EAGLE. On GROUNDHOGS Pat and I saw a GROUNDHOG very much on a mission along a railway track aside Main Street in Moncton not far from the rail station on Wednesday. Jules also comments he is noting CANADA GEESE [Bernache du Canada] cementing their pair bonds at the moment and several groups flying in the Memramcook area. ** On WHITE-TAILED DEER which are getting popular mention at the moment as they come out into the warmness of the snow receding fields. Dale Gaskin was in the Lakeville area on Sunday. In one field they stopped counting at 200 animals. Another field hosted 53 and another 13. They then saw a COYOTE seemingly very interested in WHITE-TAILED DEER watching as well. They expect a WHITE-TAILED DEER could easily out-run a COYOTE with snow conditions as they are. Dale also comments his feeder yard seems very quiet except for the abundance of BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES [Mésange à tête noire]. They do not seem to have started to pair off seriously as yet. On route home on Tuesday night Dale noted MOTHS flying in two locations in the 9.30 to 10pm time window. We have several species of MOTHS that over-winter as adults in NB and are ready to fly at the first warm temperatures, especially when the tree sap starts to run. I was able to detain one for identification on Wednesday to find it to be the STRAIGHT-TAILED SALLOW MOTH (Eupsilia vinulenta). ** Yolande LeBlanc was visited by 4 CEDAR WAXWINGS [Jaseur d'Amérique] on Wednesday to visit the remnants of a high-bush cranberry bush to her Memramcook yard. A few weeks ago it was BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS [Jaseur boréal] that visited the same berry source so, a changing of the guard in progress. It seems the high-bush cranberry fruit area fruit of last resort for many birds and end up being chosen at this time of year when the more desirable fruit have disappeared. Yolande also reports on Thursday morning a troop of BLACKBIRDS with a blend of 3 COMMON GRACKLES [Quiscale bronzé], and 4 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS [Carouge à épaulettes] have moved into her Memramcook yard although a few COMMON GRACKLES did peruse the area a few days ago, and, the CEDAR WAXWINGS continued their visit on Thursday morning as well to glean on the high-bush cranberry fruit. **It looks like Bob and Sharon Blake don't have to check out the nearby fields to say hello to WHITE-TAILED DEER as they are finding their Second North River feeders quite attractive. They now have a troop of 7 coming by to sample the bird-feeding buffet set-up and finding cracked corn quite satisfactory to their taste buds. Nelson Poirier, Nature Moncton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Fw: NATUREMONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE MARCH 18, 2010. (Thursday) From: Nelson Poirier <nelson AT nb.sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:37:09 -0300 ----- Original Message ----- From: Alma White To: NatureNB Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2010 10:23 AM Subject: NATUREMONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE MARCH 18, 2010. (Thursday) NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by : Nelson Poirier Transcript by : Alma White Info Line # : 384-NEWS (6397) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton, [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962] contact our Vice- President, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197, or visit our web site at http://naturemoncton.org . Thursday morning, March 18, 2010. **Jules Cormier leaves some observations from the Memramcook area. In follow up from the RIVER OTTER comments yesterday Jules recalls an encounter several years ago where he watched 2 RIVER OTTERS entering an ice-covered pond via entry holes and bring out AMERICAN EELS up to the surface and consume them. He watched the pair for some time and suspects between the two of them they brought up at least 3 dozen eels to the ice surface to feast on them. The AMERICAN EEL overwinters in mud bottom just under the surface of the mud so they must be easy pickings for RIVER OTTERS at that time of year. Jules comments on a few BALD EAGLES [Pygargue à tête blanche] seen frequently perched on utility towers in the marsh area not far from the Arthur St. lagoon in Memramcook this winter, to suggest a source of nearby food. Jules did note a GROUNDHOG scampering across the very snow-covered area below them recently, thinking the GROUNDHOG would be very vulnerable to the EAGLE. On GROUNDHOGS Pat and I saw a GROUNDHOG very much on a mission along a railway track aside Main Street in Moncton not far from the rail station on Wednesday. Jules also comments he is noting CANADA GEESE [Bernache du Canada] cementing their pair bonds at the moment and several groups flying in the Memramcook area. ** On WHITE-TAILED DEER which are getting popular mention at the moment as they come out into the warmness of the snow receding fields. Dale Gaskin was in the Lakeville area on Sunday. In one field they stopped counting at 200 animals. Another field hosted 53 and another 13. They then saw a COYOTE seemingly very interested in WHITE-TAILED DEER watching as well. They expect a WHITE-TAILED DEER could easily out-run a COYOTE with snow conditions as they are. Dale also comments his feeder yard seems very quiet except for the abundance of BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES [Mésange à tête noire]. They do not seem to have started to pair off seriously as yet. On route home on Tuesday night Dale noted MOTHS flying in two locations in the 9.30 to 10pm time window. We have several species of MOTHS that over-winter as adults in NB and are ready to fly at the first warm temperatures, especially when the tree sap starts to run. I was able to detain one for identification on Wednesday to find it to be the STRAIGHT-TAILED SALLOW MOTH (Eupsilia vinulenta). ** Yolande LeBlanc was visited by 4 CEDAR WAXWINGS [Jaseur d'Amérique] on Wednesday to visit the remnants of a high-bush cranberry bush to her Memramcook yard. A few weeks ago it was BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS [Jaseur boréal] that visited the same berry source so, a changing of the guard in progress. It seems the high-bush cranberry fruit area fruit of last resort for many birds and end up being chosen at this time of year when the more desirable fruit have disappeared. Yolande also reports on Thursday morning a troop of BLACKBIRDS with a blend of 3 COMMON GRACKLES [Quiscale bronzé], and 4 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS [Carouge à épaulettes] have moved into her Memramcook yard although a few COMMON GRACKLES did peruse the area a few days ago, and, the CEDAR WAXWINGS continued their visit on Thursday morning as well to glean on the high-bush cranberry fruit. **It looks like Bob and Sharon Blake don't have to check out the nearby fields to say hello to WHITE-TAILED DEER as they are finding their Second North River feeders quite attractive. They now have a troop of 7 coming by to sample the bird-feeding buffet set-up and finding cracked corn quite satisfactory to their taste buds. Nelson Poirier, Nature Moncton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: new arrivals From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT rogers.com> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:07:56 -0300 New arrivals this morning : More AMERICAN GOLDFINCH , 2 JUNCO , 1 immature male RED-WING BLACKBIRD , 1 CHIPPING SPARROW and 1 GRACKLE . Birds are on the move !!! Joanne Savage Quispamsis NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grackles in the acadian peninsula From: Steeve Miousse <s_miousse AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:23:36 -0300 Hello, Bonjour, Le Quiscale bronzé a été apercu aux mangeoirs de Mr Frank Branch dans l'ouest de la Péninsule acadienne le 16 mars; et aucunes autres observations pour cette espèces n'a été signalé jusqu'à présent. Hier, dans la Baie de Lamèque j'ai remarqué l'arrivée de Canard colvert et noirs. The Common Grackle has been reported by Mr Frank Branch on March 16th. The bird poped-up at Mr Branch's feeders along with with a Red-Winged Blackbird. No other observations were mentionned for this species until now. Yesterday I noticed a Mallard and 2 Black Ducks in the Bay of Lamèque. Signs of Spring are here and they are more than welcomed, loll Steeve Miousse Shippagan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Yesterdays birds From: Merv Cormier <mervcormier AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:09:57 -0300 From Merv in Saint John: Yesterday Suzie, Joanne and I at New River Beach trails saw 9 Boreals Chickadees, about 20 RBNUTHATCHES, 36 BC CHICKADEES, 7 GCKINGLETS, 7 RB MERGANSERS, EIDERS, JUNCOS, DOWNEY WPKRS, 1 SHSH HAWK, aT MACES BAY we saw at Least 18 Brants, more than 30 RED NECKED GREBES together off Welsh Cove, 7 Black Scoters, Horned Grebes, many gulls. _________________________________________________________________ Take your contacts everywhere http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712959 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: First Common Grackle in New Jersey, NB From: Dave McLeod <mcleodda AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:41:04 -0300 The first COMMON GRACKLE (Quiscale bronze) for 2010 arrived at our place at 4:35PM, Wednesday, March 17, four days later than the first reports from Miramichi, although we are only 35 km NE of there. This is 2 days later than the earliest record of March 15, 2006, for the 12 years I have been keeping records here. Although this species has been already reported farther north in the province in Campbellton this year, I haven't noticed any other 2010 NATURENB grackle reports yet from the Acadian Peninsula, so the northeastern extreme of the province seems to be the last area for them to reach in NB. Dave McLeod New Jersey, NB (on Route 11 in the Burnt Church / Neguac area) NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: finches galore From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:46:51 -0300 Our clotheline is our feeding station and is too high for deer to reach . On it hangs 1 upside down suet feeder , 2 cheap , [large ] plastic gazebo feeders and 1 feeder that consists of 2 cylinders approx 3 inches wide and 6 inches high each . All seed feeders contain black oil seed . I've been out all day , my husband has been home . The seed feeders that were full when I left this morning now contain only 1/4 of the seed they contained this morning . There have been no Grackles or R-w Black Birds ......only PURPLE FINCH , AMER GOLDFINCH and B-C CHICKADEES . The FINCHES outnumber the B-c C greatly and P FINCH are in much greater number than AMER GOLDFINCH . The back yard is a chorus of beautiful " twitters and trills " I've seen 1 JUNCO ground feeding since I returned home . W-b and R-B NUTHATCH remain . Hammond River TURKEY VULTURE numbers increased on Monday to 2 both of which were sailing when I came home at 4 PM . Joanne Savage Quispamsis NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: The Infant moth From: R&H Wilson <ron.wilson AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:55:05 -0700 Came home at 1:00pm today to find one The Infant moth flying around the front of my house. I hope I'm saying that right  - The Infant moth - I'm inclined to say an Infant moth. Ron Wilson F'ton NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grand Manan & White Head birds From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:57:00 -0300 March 17 Ox Head 08:50-09:25 8 Common Eiders, male White-winged Scoter, 5 Buffleheads, American Robin Ingalls Head 09:25-10:00 6 American Black Ducks, male Mallard, 4 Common Eiders, 10 Black Scoters, 6 Red-breasted Mergansers, 2 Song Sparrow, 2+ Dark-eyed Juncos White Head Ferry 13:30-14:30 Common Loon, 2 adult Great Cormorants, 85 Brants, Canada Goose, 28 Common Eiders, 11 White-winged & 10 Surf Scoters, 28+ Long-tailed Ducks, 14+ Black Guillemots And finally a decent close-up shot of White-winged Scoters after 5 months of frustration!!! Roger Burrows Ingalls Head Grand Manan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Spring Arrivals From: Irene Doyle <snobunting AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:51:41 +0000 Hi I received an email this morning from Lucette in Tide head and she says she had her first RED-WING BLACKBIRD on Sunday morning, he ate and left and she has not seen him since. She also says in Matapedia Gilberte has some Grackles. Looks like spring is springing into place, wonderful weather.. Happy St Paddy to any Irish on the list. Bonjour J'ai recu un courriel de Lucette hier de Tide Head, elle dit avoir eu un CAROUGE A EPAULETTE a ses mangeoirs dimanche matin. Elle ne l'a pas revu depuis. Elle dit aussi qu'a Matapedia Gilberte a des QUISCALES On dirait que le printemps est en plein elan, de la temperature merveilleuse. Joyeuse St Patrick a quiconque aurait des souches Irlandaise sur la liste. Irene -------------------------------------------------------- When you have a minute check out my websites http://www.restigouche.net www.restigouche1760.ca http://www.atholville.net http://www.restigouche.net/mysite http://stfidele.restigouche.net http://www.pierredamours.com http://www.montagnards.net http://www.xcski-nb.ca http://johanne.restigouche.net http://www.ristigouchesudest.ca http://www.irene-doyle-family.restigouche.net http://genealogy.restigouche.net http://gloucester.restigouche.net _________________________________________________________________ Take your contacts everywhere http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712959 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Red-winged Blackbirds From: Todd Watts <fishbird AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:50:37 -0300 Our first flock of Red-winged Blackbirds just arrived. Todd Watts Kerr's Ridge Bocabec, NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, March 17, 2010 (Wednesday) From: Catherine <johnson2 AT XPLORNET.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:42:00 -0300 NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE Edited by: Nelson Poirier Transcribed by: Catherine Johnson johnson2 AT xplornet.com Info line # 384-NEWS (6397) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor. For more information on the Nature Moncton, contact our vice-president, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197 or visit our web site at http://www.naturemoncton.org. Wednesday morning, March 17, 2010 A very big thank you to Kevin Craig for the very very interesting presentation he gave to Nature Moncton and many guests on BLACK BEARS in NB on Tuesday evening. His presentation was very geared to our NB population which has grown over the past 10-15 years. His comments on how to handle bear encounters and sightings was good helpful information to have to share our space with this common NB mammal. John Klymko also gave a short presentation to introduce the group to the 5 year Maritimes Butterfly Atlas that is about to start this year with the first butterfly observations to be expected very soon. It will be important to know exactly how to report butterfly observations to the atlas project which will be done by naturalist volunteers. John will be supplying nets and other equipment to atlas participants and lots more information will be coming in the near future. This Saturday’s Nature Moncton Butterfly workshop with Jim Edsall will no doubt be an incredible primer for the upcoming atlas. Denis Doucet leaves comments and recent observations. Denis was to Charlottetown PEI on Tuesday and on route took note of the expanding numbers of CANADA GEESE [Bernache du Canada] and RING-BILLED GULLS [Goéland à bec cerclé] in evidence that are returning. Denis comments that there is still lots of snow in his home Pellerin area however with weather conditions as they are it is a great time to look for over wintering insects emerging, especially at the base of trees where melt areas surround them are exposed to leaf litter. Denis expected to see his first LADY BEETLES of the season on Tuesday’s warmth but that did not happen. He did note many diurnal FIREFLY species, sometimes noting up to eight around a tree base and noted some ground beetles around a crack in a birch tree. Also smaller SPIDERS and SPRING TAILS aka SNOW FLEAS. He has been trying to identify the SPRING TAIL species and is noting several species are present. Denis had a RIVER OTTER come by his yard pond last week. An OTTER has appeared in recent years at that pond often noting it at this time of year. Denis wonders if it’s the presence of the OTTER that has prevented a BEAVER from moving into that pond. It’s that time of year when the WHITE-TAILED DEER are starting to appear in the open patches of fields areas. I’ve noted small groups on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and expect this will swell considerately in the coming days. Nelson Poirier, Nature Moncton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Mactaquac birds From: John Rankin <jrandjs AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:40:43 -0300 Three crazy Canada Geese arrived today, but there's hardly any open water of course. John Rankin NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Re: Blackbirds, Gagetown From: ron m <ron_m321 AT YAHOO.CA> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:50:02 -0700 You mention hearing Great Horned Owls at night, here on Tower Hill outside St. Stephen we seldom hear these owls at night around here they go all day long and have been for years.  They also move around during the day as they vocalize from different areas and directions.   Ron & Arlene McGuire Tower Hill, NB (outside St. Stephen) --- On Tue, 3/16/10, K Gigeroff wrote: From: K Gigeroff Subject: Blackbirds, Gagetown To: NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA Received: Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 5:59 PM 50+ Red-Winged Blackbirds in downtown Gagetown today. Also saw 2 Pileated Woodpeckers, a Northern Shrike (up Tilley Road), Brown Creepers are singing, Purple Finches in decent numbers have been singing for the past week, Goldfinches singing in good numbers, Andrew MacInnis had a Song Sparrow singing in Lower Jemseg. My father heard Geese yesterday. There are a few Goldeneye on the (mostly open) river, some Black Ducks, lots of Eagles hanging around up and downriver. A week or two ago I had a Rough-legged and a Red-tailed Hawk at the Stirling Apple Farm in Gagetown. 2 Great-horned Owls have been here more or less for a year and probably longer, you can hear them every night. Also saw (and later heard) a Barred Owl down the road a little ways. No Saw-whets though, haven't seen one in ages. Had a Ruffed-Grouse the other day, too. Lots of stuff around. Haven't seen a Woodcock yet, but any day now... Kier       __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ NatureNB guidelines  http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB  http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Birds at Jemseg From: Don Gibson <gibsondg AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:57:51 -0300 On Tuesday March 16, 2010 there was a pair of NORTHERN PINTAILS (Canard pilet) and four CANADA GEESE (Bernache du Canada) at Jemseg. Later I saw eight Canada Geese at Sheffield. One ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (Buse pattue) was seen at Jemseg. Don Gibson 50 Golf Club Road Fredericton NB E3B 5M4 506-454-3261 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: GRACKLE From: Margaret Doyle <judo AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:12:36 -0300 Hello at Dinner time I heard a Grackle and did not see it at all at supper time I saw a Grackle in my back yard and it was not the one with the lump in his throat it was a new one a fresh spring one that just arrived tomorrow maybe a few more A report from the North Margaret Doyle Campbellton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Woodcock From: Todd Watts <fishbird AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:59:52 -0300 Woodcock are calling on Kerr's Ridge. Todd Watts Bocabec, NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Blackbirds, Gagetown From: K Gigeroff <kgigeroff AT YAHOO.CA> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:59:00 -0700 50+ Red-Winged Blackbirds in downtown Gagetown today. Also saw 2 Pileated Woodpeckers, a Northern Shrike (up Tilley Road), Brown Creepers are singing, Purple Finches in decent numbers have been singing for the past week, Goldfinches singing in good numbers, Andrew MacInnis had a Song Sparrow singing in Lower Jemseg. My father heard Geese yesterday. There are a few Goldeneye on the (mostly open) river, some Black Ducks, lots of Eagles hanging around up and downriver. A week or two ago I had a Rough-legged and a Red-tailed Hawk at the Stirling Apple Farm in Gagetown. 2 Great-horned Owls have been here more or less for a year and probably longer, you can hear them every night. Also saw (and later heard) a Barred Owl down the road a little ways. No Saw-whets though, haven't seen one in ages. Had a Ruffed-Grouse the other day, too. Lots of stuff around. Haven't seen a Woodcock yet, but any day now... Kier __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Spring arrivals at Mactaquac From: John Rankin <jrandjs AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:09:14 -0300 It seems like the Purple Finch is the key to defining Spring. I have had little but a cloud of Goldfinches all winter. Thursday last a pair of Purple Finches arrived at my feeders (near Woolastook Park). One day later a pair of Red Breasted Nuthatches arrived. One day later a second female Purple Finch. Today two White Breasted Nuthatches. Chickadees have been scarce all winter but now they are frequently seen. John Rankin, Upper Kingsclear. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Purple Finch From: Margie pacey <mpacey AT nb.sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:31:26 -0300 Yahoo!!! A PURPLE FINCH at my downtown Fredericton feeders. Sorry, I think I am going through bird withdrawal... Margie Pacey Fredericton __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 4949 (20100316) __________ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, March 16, 2010 ( Tuesday ) From: RICHARD MCCABE <ROMCCABE AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:28:16 -0300 NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by: Nelson Poirier Transcribed by: Roberta McCabe Info Line #: 384-NEWS (6397) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor. For more information on the Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], contact our vice president, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197 or visit our web site at http://www.naturemoncton.org. Tuesday morning, 16 March, 2010 ** Doreen Rossiter reports on activity in her Alma yard, which is surely sounding like spring has arrived there. There is no evidence of snow cover in Alma at all at the moment and AMERICAN ROBINS[Merle d'Amérique] are checking out grassy areas of lawn. Doreen noticed the first SONG SPARROW [Bruant chanteur] arrival on February 27th , and the number has swelled since then to twenty five or more. COMMON GRACKLES [Quiscale bronzé], RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS [Carouge à épaulettes] arrived rather suddenly on March 09 th, with a group approaching a hundred birds, that seems to be increasing daily. Doreen noticed the first female RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD with the group on Sunday. There are many AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret jaune] coming to the yard, one of which she noted was noticeably taking on more intense yellow plumage areas. ROCK PIGEONS [Pigeon biset] are mating; MOURNING DOVES [Tourterelle triste] are cooing and a pair of BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE S [Mésange à tête noire] is going in and out of a nest box they used successfully last year. ** Anne Marsch leaves some activity that she is noting in her Lower Coverdale yard, three CHIPMUNKS have become active; being first noted on Tuesday, March 09th a dozen MOURNING DOVES are cooing with abandon, four PURPLE FINCH [Roselin pourpré] who have been present each day for the past week. The first COMMON GRACKLE came by on Saturday, six AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS [Canard noir], two MALLARD [Canard colvert] are comingnas well as AMERICAN GOLDFINCH and BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu], however the DARK-EYED JUNCOS [Junco ardoisé] seem to have left. ** The March meeting of Nature Moncton will take place Tuesday night, March 16th . Kevin Craig from DNR in Fredericton will join us to give a presentation on BLACK BEAR [Ours noir] in NB. Kevin will have lots of information on the life and times of NB BLACK BEARS to share in his pleasant enthusiastic way. Kevin's presentation will start at 7:00 PM before the monthly business meeting so don't be late. As a value added bonus John Klymko from the ACDC in Sackville will give a very short introduction to the Maritimes Butterfly Atlas to get underway this summer. Nelson Poirier Nature Moncton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: birds - Charlotte County From: Don Gibson <gibsondg AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:58:26 -0300 Saw a mixed flock of COMMON GRACKLES (Quiscale bronzé) and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS (Carouge à épaulettes) at Brockway (York County) on Sunday March 14, 2010. At St. Andrews two TUFTED TITMICE (Mésange bicolore) were visiting feeders on Edward St. between Parr and Carleton. Forgot to check for leg bands. A male AMERICAN WIGEON (Canard d'Amérique) was seen with Black Ducks near the Glebe Road, Chamcook. Don Gibson 50 Golf Club Road Fredericton NB E3B 5M4 506-454-3261 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: herring gulls starting to move From: Laurie Murison <gmwhale AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:20:38 -0300 I see one of our tagged herring gulls is starting to head back this way. All three tagged gulls have spent the winter around Chesapeake Bay, in most years probably a nice place to spend the winter but ravaged by snow storms this winter. http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/index.shtml?project_id=428 We still have three greater shearwaters with tags working from last summer. All three are off Patagonia, Argentina. A fourth tag just stopped sending a signal from Inaccessible Island. It is assumed that the bird had died because the signal didn't change location for quite awhile, possibly a victim of a skua attack. http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/?project_id=436 All but three of the other shearwaters tagged on Gough and Inaccessible Island are still transmitting and are ranging widely from South America to South Africa. http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/index.shtml?project_id=452 Laurie Murison Grand Manan, NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grackles From: Vexus vexus <epitetj AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:51:46 -0700 Mary Lower Sh We had approx. 2 doz Grackles yesterday at our feeder. Mary Lower Shinimicas, NS __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grackle and Red-wing Blackbirds From: ron m <ron_m321 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:47:08 -0700 Saturday March 13th we had our first Grackle and 12 Red-wing Blackbirds at the feeders.  They did not return on Sunday and this was out only visit to the feeders we will see this year.  Each year we are visited by these 2 species at the feeders on one day only before they disperse to other areas.  We count for Project Feederwatch and this is only the second time they have returned on our count day for that project.  We now will only see the Red-wings on the cat-tail bogs.  Purple Finch numbers are up and we had a Junco.   Ron & Arlene McGuire Tower Hill, NB (outside St. Stephen, NB) __________________________________________________________________ Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo! Answers and share what you know at http://ca.answers.yahoo.com NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, March 15, 2010 (Monday) From: Bill Winsor <bwinsor44 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:38:42 -0700 NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE   Edited by: Nelson Poirier Transcribed by: Bill Winsor Info Line #: 384-NEWS (6397)   To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor.   For more information on the Nature Moncton, contact our vice-president, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197 or visit our web site at http://www.naturemoncton.org.   Monday morning, March 15, 2010   *** Gilles Burque paid a visit to Mapleton Park on Sunday afternoon to have a pleasant encounter with a BARRED OWL [Chouette rayée] in the 5:00 PM time window.  He heard the owl vocalize several times and saw it as it was moving about the area.  Gilles noted the bird approximately halfway between Mapleton Road and Gorge Road entry points.   *** Brian Dalzell took a walk around Jones Lake on Saturday and found 25 CEDAR WAXWINGS [Jaseur d'Amérique] and 20 AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique] on Westmont Boulevard finishing up the very desiccated MOUNTAIN ASH crop there.  He suspected the robins were overwintering birds as they were acting rather subdued; not quite as exuberance as he would have expected from spring arrivals.    On Sunday in Centennial Park, Brian found the nest of a COMMON RAVEN [Grand Corbeau] and they were already bringing in food for their young.  Brian comments this is about two weeks earlier than usual for this species to have young.  He also saw a RED FOX [Renard roux] eating the remains of a RUFFED GROUSE [Gélinotte huppée].   *** Four of us made a pilgrimage to the Upper Cape area on Sunday to check out the SKUNK CABBAGE to see if it might be emerging, after hearing Judy and Bill Nelson’s report of finding this plant emerging from the snow in the St. Stephen area.  The Upper Cape crop was indeed forming in open holes in the snow; quite looking like lobster claws poking out of the snow holes. Also, Sharon Blake spotted a BARRED OWL [Chouette rayée] on a utility wire in the same general area; it crisscrossed the road to give great observations at approximate 6:00 PM.  It did not vocalize seeming very intent on foraging the roadside ditches.  An adult RED-TAILED HAWK [Buse à queue rousse] was also monitoring roadside ditches in the Cape Jourimain area.   *** The March meeting of Nature Moncton will take place Tuesday night, March 16th.  Kevin Craig from DNR in Fredericton will join us to give a presentation on BLACK BEAR [Ours noir] in NB.  Kevin will have lots of information on the life and times of NB BLACK BEARS to share in his pleasant enthusiastic way.  Kevin's presentation will start at 7:00 PM before the monthly business meeting so don't be late. As a value added bonus John Klymko from the ACDC in Sackville will give a very short introduction to the Maritimes Butterfly Atlas to get underway this summer.   Nelson Poirier Nature Moncton   Please, consider the environment before printing this e-mail                                                                                                                              __________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Northern Hawk-Owl Returns From: "Tutt, Kevin (ED)" <Kevin.Tutt AT GNB.CA> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:14:44 -0300 Yesterday Christine Cornell and I took a run from Fredericton to Lower Jemseg. At 6:40 in the evening we relocated our elusive friend the Northern Hawk-Owl a few metres east of civic #2417 on Highway 105 in Sheffield perched on a utility wire surveying the area for supper. We saw much the same as Linda Kneebone reported on her trip Saturday with the addition of another pair of Hooded Mergansers and a groundhog at Lower Jemseg and a mollusk-eating Muskrat at the edge of the ice near Casey's diner. Cheers, Kevin NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grackle and Purple Finch From: Stella Johnson <botanicals AT WILDWOODPLANET.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:56:24 -0300 I went for a two-hour walk yesterday, down the Shore Road and back up the 530 to Chemin Des Lapins. A lively chorus of AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES at a backyard feeder station drew my attention, and that's when I saw them in my binoculars: a pair of PURPLE FINCHES, male and female, feeding amongst the others. Later when I visited my sister, the same pair were visiting her feeder as well. Earlier in the morning, we went to get a water refill from the neighbourhood overflow site and I finally saw my first COMMON GRACKLE sitting on a wire at the Cocagne Cape end of Chemin Des Lapins. The rest of the day's inventory comprised of the usual BLUE JAY, AMERICAN CROW, BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, DOWNY & HAIRY WOODPECKERS. I took some good shots of the Downy at the feeder, hacking away at the suet, while we stood about two metres away taking the water to the house. I'll post them on my Album soon. That's it for my Sunday outing. Cheers Stella Johnson NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Area run From: Irene Doyle <snobunting AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:39:14 +0000 Hi With the weather being as it is, it feels like this could be May instead of March, so Saturday I anxiously left home to go take a drive around the area hoping to see a sign that it may be May indeed. ;) What I found was open waters from Atholville on down the River Restigouche, Walker Brook wide opened also. Crows cawing all over the area, even saw one flying with a twig in its bill. I saw very few gulls where there usually are many such as the Water Treatment plant area, I found nothing but two lonely Herring Gulls, accompanied by about a 20 Blacks, one Mallard couple, a mix of about 20 Common Merganser and Common Goldeneyes. No Geese nor Cormorants yet. ;( Two Black Ducks flew over the open waters of Walker Brook. The Atholville Lagoon's open waters also revealed 2 Iceland Gulls, about a dozen Blacks and Mallards. Where in the spring, the sound of warblers, black birds, orioles and sparrows fill the air, nothing but the sound of the mill filled the air in the nearby marsh, although spots or open waters are present. And even though there weren't many birds around, the sun was shining, I was relaxing, hopeful that spring is just around the corner.. Happy St Pats to any Irish on the list :) Irene in Campbellton -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- When you have a minute check out my websites http://www.restigouche.net www.restigouche1760.ca http://www.atholville.net http://www.restigouche.net/mysite http://stfidele.restigouche.net http://www.pierredamours.com http://www.montagnards.net http://www.xcski-nb.ca http://johanne.restigouche.net http://www.ristigouchesudest.ca http://www.irene-doyle-family.restigouche.net http://genealogy.restigouche.net http://gloucester.restigouche.net _________________________________________________________________ Stay in touch. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712959 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: More Spring Birds From: Jim Wilson <jgw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:19:25 -0300 Yesterday, March 13th Jean and I drove from Perry Point on the Kennebecasis River to Hampton, along the Norton Shore Road which follows the river's western shore. The late afternoon light made viewing the waterfowl easy and it was a beautiful drive in +9C temperature and no wind. Like Joanne Savage and Susan Petrie, we saw our first GREATER SCAUP of the spring just east of Perry Point, a series of groups that totaled an estimated 200 individuals. At the Bob Woods farm at Nauwigewauk there were at least 127 CANADA GEESE feeding in the field and we saw a total of five BALD EAGLES during the drive - two pair of adults and one immature. This morning I found a rather reluctant TURKEY VULTURE perched in our woodlot, the first I've seen this spring. The bird had likely spent the night and had discovered the carcass of a Raccoon and was keeping very close watch over it as a competing RAVEN circled low overhead. We also have a single GRACKLE visiting our feeder regularly, possibly the one I saw a few days ago passing through our property. And finally, we have several CARDINALS singing frequently in the neighbourhood, drumming DOWNY and HAIRY WOODPECKERS, lusty MOURNING DOVES all over the place (males singing and chasing females) and our BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES are making spring two-syllable calls regularly. Spring... A report from the South. Jim Wilson NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Gagetown's "A Celebration of Birds" Info Evenings From: Bonnie Hamilton Bogart <bonniehb AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:59:37 -0300 Hello, all, Please take a look at our line-up of Information Evenings and Field Trips for 2010. (See file attached; also, text was added below the signature line). Our next event - March 24th - is a presentation titled, "The Bay of Fundy, a Global Hotspot for Seabirds", with Dr. Tony Diamond of the University of New Brunswick. And stay tuned for our upcoming announcement of Wings Over Queens County: A New Brunswick Festival of Nature, coming to the Villages of Gagetown and Cambridge-Narrows, and surrounding communities on the long weekend in May (May 21 - 23). This event has been funded in part by the Villages of Gagetown, Cambridge-Narrows and Nature NB ( our provincial federation of naturalist clubs.) A detailed schedule will follow shortly. Please reserve those dates in your calendar! See you on March 24th, I hope! Bonnie and Roberta, Co-Chairs Information Evenings and Field Trips Schedule for 2010 (Updated March 14, 2010) Feb. 10 (7- 8:30 pm) Video: "White Wings and Music" with Keith MacKenzie Mar 24 (7- 8:30 pm) "The Bay of Fundy, a Global Hotspot for Seabirds" with Dr. Tony Diamond of the University of New Brunswick Mar 26 (8-10 pm) "Owl Prowl" Andrew MacInnis and Kier Gigeroff Meet in front of the Post Office at 8 pm Apr 7 (7- 8:30 pm) "A Month in the Amazon: Bats, Birds and Bald Monkeys" Dr. Graham Forbes Apr 21 (7- 8:30 pm) "Marvelous Woodpeckers!" with Dorothy Diamond NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Black-legged Kittiwake - Mouette tridactyle From: Frank Branch <frankb AT NB.AIBN.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:57:59 -0400 Today at Grand - Anse at their breeding site I counted a little over 200 Black - legged Kittiwake ( Mouette tridactyle ) , last year on March 26 they were on the ice below the cliff but this year it is all open water.They were first seen around the Gaspe Rock across the bay around February 23. Good Spring Birding, Frank Branch Acadian Peninsula NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Winter Birding Highlights in Canada - 2009-2010 From: Blake Maybank <maybank AT NS.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:45:37 -0300 Winter Birding in Canada - 2009-10 - Final Summary 14 March 2010 The birding this past winter season in Canada was less exciting than normal. With two exceptions (see Manitoba and Quebec, below) every province recorded winter season species totals that were lower than average. Here are some possible reasons for this: - The active El Nino circulation in the Pacific caused Canada to experience its warmest and driest winter since 1948. Precipitation was down by nearly 25%, and the average temperatures were 4 degrees Celsius above normal. The Arctic had its warmest winter ever. - Wild food was easier for birds to access, and most feeder-watchers reported less activity at their feeding stations. - There were few irruptions of northern owls and finches. - Though twitchers did have good birds to chase, there were not as many rarities as a typical winter. - The first day of the winter birding season, Dec. 1, fell on a Monday, which meant that, in most areas, the concerted search for winter birds did not begin until the first Saturday of December, six days into the winter season, by which time an early cold snap had pushed waterfowl further south, and likely removed many “half-hard autumn lingerers”. - The first day of the Christmas Bird Count period also fell on a Monday, which meant that most counts were held later in December than is usual, reducing the number of species recorded. Here are the links to the Winter Birding web pages for all ten Canadian provinces, as well as the French islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon, and the country of Iceland. PROVINCES FROM EAST TO WEST: Newfoundland and Labrador: http://tinyurl.com/2jqo5p 129 species. Highlights: Northern Lapwing (3 separate birds); Yellow-legged Gull (2); Slaty-backed Gull; +++ Ivory Gulls; White-winged Dove (1st winter record); Redwing. There were sufficient gaps between winter storms to allow Newfoundland birders to locate a good variety of rare and regular species, though slightly fewer than in recent years. The province continues to offer superb gull watching in the St. John’s area, but that may change soon, and there are plans to stop pumping sewage in the harbour. And rumours are floating about that authorities might consider changing landfill practices at the famous St. John’s garbage dump. Both actions make sense environmentally, but would cause much anguish to gull-watchers. Nova Scotia: http://tinyurl.com/nswinter 181 species. (average = 195). Highlights: Red Phalarope (3rd winter record); Empidomax flycatcher sp.; Prairie Warbler (2nd winter record); Spotted Towhee (1st winter record, 2nd provincial record). Big Misses: Northern Fulmar, Spruce Grouse (resident), Red Knot, White-crowned Sparrow. We’ve been keeping track of Nova Scotia’s winter birds since 1996, and the total this past winter tied the lowest previous total, set in 1998/99. Almost every observer was complaining about the scarcity of birds. The mood was glum. Prince Edward Island: http://tinyurl.com/peiwinter 107 species (average = 113). Highlights: Cattle Egret (2nd winter record); Broad-winged Hawk (2nd winter record); Black-legged Kittiwake (1st winter record). Big Misses: Sharp-tailed Grouse (resident, introduced). A soft winter made it hard to find winter specialties, and kept the province’s total below the long-term average. New Brunswick: http://tinyurl.com/nbwinter (updated 12 Feb) 151 species (average = 162). Highlights: Virginia Rail (1st winter record); Marsh Wren (2nd winter record); Ovenbird (2nd winter record); Lark Sparrow (2nd winter record). Big Misses: Wilson’s Snipe; Carolina Wren; American Pipit. A dearth of rarities kept the province’s total well below the long-term average. Quebec: http://tinyurl.com/qcwinter 178 species (10 year average = 166, not including exotics). Highlights: Pacific Loon (1st winter record); Great Egret (2nd winter record); Black Vulture (1st winter record); Barnacle Goose (1st winter record); Rock Ptarmigan (1st winter record); Arctic Tern (1st winter record); White-winged Dove (1st winter record); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1st winter record). Quebec birders took advantage of the mild winter to really explore their large province, and ended up with one of their highest totals to date. They added seven species to their 10-year cumulative winter list. Ontario: http://tinyurl.com/onwinter 191 species. Highlights: Barnacle Goose (2nd winter record); Yellow-billed Loon (2nd winter record); Black-tailed Gull (2nd winter record); Ivory Gull; Phainopepla (2nd provincial and Canadian record, 1st Canadian winter record); Northern Waterthrush (2nd winter record). Big Misses: Eurasian Wigeon; Yellow-headed Blackbird. The province had fewer species than the previous two winters, but managed to surpass the Nova Scotia total for the first time. The Phainopepla took pride of place, of course, and attracted many admirers. Manitoba: http://tinyurl.com/mbwinter 109 species (average = 99). Highlights: Wood Duck (2nd winter record); Greater Scaup (1st winter record); Common Loon (2nd winter record); Western Grebe (1st winter record); Sora (1st winter record); Thayer’s Gull (1st winter record); Lincoln’s Sparrow (2nd winter record); Swamp Sparrow (2nd winter record); Yellow-headed Blackbird (2nd winter record); Brambling (1st winter record; 2nd provincial record). Manitoba birders pulled out all the stops in the first few days of December, and their diligence was rewarded when they achieved the highest total since they started keeping records nine years ago. And equally as important – for the first time they bettered the total of their provincial rival, Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan: http://tinyurl.com/skwinter 100 species (average = 111) - Highlights: Wood Duck (1st winter record); Sandhill Crane (2nd winter record); Rustic Bunting (1st provincial record, 2nd Canadian record); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2nd winter record); Baltimore Oriole (1st winter record). Big Miss: American Three-toed Woodpecker Perhaps if Saskatchewan birders knew how determined their Manitoba neighbours were they might have pushed harder in the first days of December. But, alas, they didn’t, and struggled to reach 100 species, the lowest total since they started winter listing 8 years ago. But there was a great consolation prize in one of the rarest birds across the country this winter. Alberta: http://tinyurl.com/abwinter 136 species (average = 142). Highlights: Cape May Warbler (3rd winter record); Green-tailed Towhee (1st Canadian winter record); Lincoln’s Sparrow (1st winter record). Big Miss: Red-breasted Merganser. Alberta turned in a slightly lower than normal performance, no doubt due to a paucity of rarities, though the Green-tailed Towhee was outstanding. British Columbia: http://tinyurl.com/bcwinter 237 species (average = 250). Highlights: Pectoral Sandpiper (2nd winter record); Oriental Turtle-Dove (1st Canadian record, if accepted); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1st winter record); Western Scrub-Jay; Nashville Warbler; Western Tanager (2nd winter record); Clay-colored Sparrow (3rd winter record); Brambling (3rd winter record). Big Misses: Least Sandpiper; Cassin’s Auklet. B.C. had a lower-than-average winter total, but the weather was mild, and there was the distraction of the Winter Olympics, at which winter birding was not a competition, more’s the pity. And there were no pelagic birding trips, so tubenoses were absent from the list. Several key Christmas Counts have not yet reported in, and there are rumours of a documented Jack Snipe on one of them, so the total could inch up later on. Other Reporting Regions: French Islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon: http://tinyurl.com/spmwinter2 83 species (average = 84, 14 years of data). Highlights: Hairy Woodpecker (1st winter record); Brown Creeper (3rd winter record); Meadowlark sp. (1st winter record). Big Misses: Purple Finch; Common Redpoll; Pine Siskin. SPM birders enjoyed a winter of above average temperatures, but only an average number of species, among which were only a few finches. Iceland: http://tinyurl.com/iceland-winter 98 species. (average = 91, 10 years of data) Highlights: Bean Goose (1st winter record); Northern Shoveler (1st winter record); Stellar’s Eider (1st winter record); Northern Lapwing (1st winter record); Bonaparte’s Gull (1st winter record); Ross’s Gull (1st winter record); Black Redstart (1st winter record); Brambling (2nd winter record) 30 species of waterfowl, 13 of shorebirds, 13 of gulls, and seven new winter species (in the past 10 years of data) helped Icelandic birders surpass their long-term average. Other Resources: Environment Canada’s Winter Seasonal Forecast: http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/saisons/index_e.html Reference: What is Winter Birding? In Canada, perhaps because of (or in spite of) experiencing a bit of weather during the winter, winter birding has become a very popular activity. The origins of this slightly insane behaviour apparently date from southern Ontario in the 50's and 60's, but the sport's appeal really took off with the promotion afforded it by Gerry Bennett in the 1980's, through his "Birdfinding in Canada" newsletter. Winter Birding remains popular today. The winter birding period comprises the three months of December through February, matching the reporting period of "North American Birds" journal. "For those who may be unfamiliar with the concept, it basically involves a frenzied search during the first couple of weeks to squeeze in as many late migrants as possible before the onslaught of usually more severe weather conditions. Christmas Bird Counts often jack up our total, as do normal winter activities. Plus, it gives us birders something to do for the three slowest birding months of the year other than sitting idle on our hands until March. To me, at least, a winter list is great for maintaining birding enthusiasm, and gets a person active and out of the house to ward off the winter doldrums that tend to creep up mid season." - Ryan Dudragne, Saskatchewan Good (winter) birding, ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blake Maybank maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds" author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm “A true Canadian loves the Winter, revels in it, especially in the North. . . .Winter is on, the air becomes like rich wine that strengthens and invigorates; pure, crisp and health-giving. Those who have not travelled in the vast, snowbound lake country of the North, or tramped on snowshoes in the Winter forest, where the brilliant sun, shining out of a sky that is pure, clear blue; those who have never witnessed the wild, majestic spectacle of a swiftly marching snowstorm—To them I will say that no matter what they may have seen and done, life still holds something for them that they should not miss. Not every country has these things and I, for one, say we are fortunate. ” - Grey Owl NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Re: grackles somewhat early From: Nev Garrity <nev.garrity AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:22:39 -0300 Hi Kathy and others, I also had my first first Grackles yesterday. A small flock of 5 but it was wonderful to walk outside and then immediately stopped hearing a Grackle then others vocalizing. What a joyful sound that is to me every year!!! Nev Garrity Sackville, NB On 14 March 2010 12:53, Popma wrote: > finally Grackles! after hearing reports from seemingly everywhere else, we > finally had Grackles arrive this morning in our yard in Sackvillle. For > those who keep records, this year's arrival is 5 days later than the > earliest I have on record (dating back to 1990) so not a record but > certainly very early. > > Kathy P > Sackville > > NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html > Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html > NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Re: Milbert's Torotiseshell & Barred Owls From: Richard Tarn <rtarn AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:59:51 -0300 We saw the same butterfly by our cottage at Chamcook, Charlotte County on March 11, 2010. Unfortunately my camera wasn't in my pocket! Jane Tarn -----Original Message----- From: NatureNB [mailto:NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA] On Behalf Of Julie Singleton Sent: March 14, 2010 2:13 PM To: NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA Subject: Milbert's Torotiseshell & Barred Owls I saw a Milbert's Tortoiseshell near my home in Taymouth, on Friday, March 12. I'm not sure if I've ever seen one this early before. My husband, Robert, heard two Barred Owls calling to each other last night around 5:00 pm. Julie Singleton English Settlement Road - near Taymouth NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Milbert's Torotiseshell & Barred Owls From: Julie Singleton <bowerbk AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:13:01 -0300 I saw a Milbert's Tortoiseshell near my home in Taymouth, on Friday, March 12. I'm not sure if I've ever seen one this early before. My husband, Robert, heard two Barred Owls calling to each other last night around 5:00 pm. Julie Singleton English Settlement Road - near Taymouth NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: ducks From: joan pearce <pearcer AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:10:32 -0400 Hi, First grackles were in my yard on March 11, earlier than usual, Still have a pair of Mallards visiting for seed under the feeders. The ice has gone from the river and today a flock of scaup were in front of the house. Still have chipping sparrow, song sparrow, chickadees, blue jays, purple finch, goldfinch, cardinals, mourning doves, juncos , downy and hairy woodpeckers and crows. Crows have started building nests in my atlas square-twig carrying seen on March 11. Joan Pearce Pelton Road, Saint John NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: grackles somewhat early From: Popma <popma AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:53:34 -0300 finally Grackles! after hearing reports from seemingly everywhere else, we finally had Grackles arrive this morning in our yard in Sackvillle. For those who keep records, this year's arrival is 5 days later than the earliest I have on record (dating back to 1990) so not a record but certainly very early. Kathy P Sackville NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: NATUREMONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE March 14, 2010 (Sunday) From: Alma White <almaw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:22:09 -0300 NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by : Nelson Poirier Transcript by : Alma White Info Line # : 384-NEWS (6397) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton, [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962] contact our Vice- President, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197, or visit our web site at http://naturemoncton.org . Sunday morning March14, 2010. **Bob Childs had a visit from 12 AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique] to his Court Street yard in Riverview on Saturday. Chances are these are spring arrivals although with robins this time of year that assumption can be a little more uncertain. **Janet MacMillan's LARK SPARROW [Bruant à joues marron] and CHIPPING SPARROW [Bruant familier] combo have caught the attention of "Project Feederwatch" and photos of them are at the Cornell University site. Go to the Cornell http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/ drop down on the left side and enter "View Rare Birds Report" and select "sparrows and juncos" They are at the end of some of the most recent posted. **Webmaster Bob Childs has placed more great snow insect photos under "Hotshots" along with Fred Dubé's coral reddish coloured SPRINGTAILS, photos of Denis Doucet's of PYGMY STONEFLIES and SPRINGTAILS in the same field, a FIREFLY species and a STRIPED FISHING SPIDER photograph by Denis a few days ago. Take a look at ** There are two events coming off this weekend at Naturemoncton. The March monthly meeting will take place on Tuesday evening. Kevin Craig from DNR Fredericton will join us to give a presentation on BLACK BEARS in NB. The BLACK BEAR may be hibernating at the moment but are not in deep sleep as we may think. The mother bears will be nursing their cubs at the moment and these warm days could bring a male or a non nursing female out for an early spring checkout. Kevin will have lots of information on th e life and times of NB BLACK BEARS to share in his pleasant enthusiastic way. Kevin's presentation will start at 7pm before the monthly business meeting so don't be late. As a value added bonus John Klymko from the ACDC in Sackville will give a very short introduction to the Maritimes Butterfly Atlas to get underway this summer. **This coming Saturday March 20^th will be the BUTTERFLY WORKSHOP with Jim Edsall to get everyone up the speed, primed and ready to go to call our NB BUTTERFLIES by their first names. Some early butterfly species could well be on the wing as soon as next month and if these temperatures continue several of these species that overwinter as adults just could start earlier. Next Saturday's workshop will run from 10am to 1pm at the Tankville School, 1665 Elmwood Drive. Registration is $10 per person, $15 per family. For registration call Catherine Johnson at 432-6478 or E-mail Catherine at >. Further details are on the website, > under "activities". Nelson Poirier, Nature Moncton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Tracey Dean: Woodcock From: David Christie <maryspt AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:18:20 -0400 The Woodcock have arrived! They are peeping from the field below the house this evening. Tracey Dean, Chamcook NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Fredericton to Lr. Jemseg/Gagetown From: Linda Kneebone <kneebone AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:38:03 -0400 Took a drive down river today, saw a number of Canada Geese just above Burton bridge along with a large number of Black ducks as well as Common Goldeneye. Further down across from Casey's just before McGowan's Corner we saw a few Common Goldeneye and one pair of Hooded Mergansers. Saw a total of 6 Bald Eagles in various locations and one Rough Legged Hawk in Sheffield. Small flock of Cedar Waxwings in Gagetown and one Male Purple Finch, first we have seen since last fall, have not had any at our feeder this year, also did not have any Redpolls this winter which surprised us since we had literally hundreds around the feeders last winter. Linda Kneebone Fredericton North NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: spring arrivals From: Hugh Parks <woodduck AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:53:46 -0400 Grackles and the purple finch have finally arrived at Breadalbane. Hugh Parks NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: SAINT GEORGE REPORT From: Ralph Eldridge <r.eldridge AT XPLORNET.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:40:55 -0400 At 10:00 today there were 4 Vultures soaring very high over town and drifting Eastward. Shortly thereafter another 4 passed in the same manner. Throughout the day an additional 12 were seen. Look out Sussex. The vanguard is coming. Also of note today: the first of the RED WINGED BLACKBIRDS and several small groups of mixed STARLINGS & GRACKLES. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: other sightings today From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:34:05 -0400 Susan Petrie and I did a loop from Quispamsis , across Gondola Pt ferry and back along the Lower Norton Shore Rd to Hampton and back having left at 9:30 AM . Along the way it's amazing how much water is open so early this year . We noted many SCAUP [ I'm trying to cement the difference between the species but based on numbers and local I'm willing to go with Lesser ]. COMMON GOLDENEYE , COMMON MERGANSER , MALLARDS and BLACK DUCK were found along the way as well as a lone NORTHERN SHOVELLER . On " the big rock " were 2 BALD EAGLES sitting close together on top of a high tree . When observing them we ran into a couple of other birders and had a chat [ notable because we meet others often on outings ; so nice ! ] . Further on [ into Hampton Town limits ] we watched 2 adult BALD EAGLES actively attempting to evict 2 immature B EAGLES from their area . Nothing in Hampton lagoon systems except a pair of BLACK DUCK [ only one body of water open there ] but the trail beside the lagoons turned up a CHIPPING SPARROW [ we tried to make this another species but it wasn't ; could it be an early arrival or one that has over-wintered ??? ] Notable as well is when we were looking at the TURKEY VULTURE we were sitting in front of a good little patch of COLT'S FOOT in full blossom . Joanne Savage Quispamsis NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Birds in Shediac From: Rejean Godin <godiduga AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:32:24 -0400 I saw my 2 first Common Grackle in Shediac today. While taking a walk near the Parlee beach info centre I came accross a Barred Owl that was being chased by at least American Crows. I also spotted 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet. At the Cap-Brulé lagoon there was nearly 30 Common Goldeneyes with a few American Black Ducks. The first Purple Finch of the year came to my feeder in addtion to the regular American Goldfinches. Other birds seen during the day were Black-capped chickedees, Blue Jays, Canada Geeses. A really nice day for birding. Réjean Godin Shediac NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: vulture in the valley From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:18:46 -0400 Susan Pertie and I noted a TURKEY VULTURE soaring over the Hammond River Road [ by the H R Bridge ] at 2:23 this afternoon . The earlist last year was March 15 and that was earlier than previous years . Joanne Savage Quispamsis NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Loutre de rivière / River Otter From: Steeve Miousse <s_miousse AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:06:54 -0400 Hi (English will follow) Bonjour à vous tous, En début d'après-midi, ma blonde et moi avons observé une Loutre de rivière qui prennait un bain de soleil près d'un trou d'eau sur la rivière Pokemouche. J'ai stationné la voiture non loin et je suis parti en sa direction. J'ai réussi quelques clichés photographique, mais pas extra dûe à la distance qui nous séparait! J'étais quand même très satisfait car c'étais la première fois que j'observais cette espèce dans la nature. Vous pouvez voir les clichés sur le lien suivant: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steevemiousse/4429949570/ Steeve Early this afternoon, my girlfriend and I observed a River Otter that was bathing in the sun near a water hole on the Pokemouche river. I had the chance to take a few snapshot wich you can check-out at the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steevemiousse/4429949570/ This River Otter is a first for us and hope its not not the last sighting of this beautyfull species. Regards, Steeve Miousse Shippagan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: skunk cabbage-Symplocarpus foetidus- in Oak Hill, Charlotte County From: Judith Nelson <heyjude4774 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:42:20 -0400 We found many skunk cabbage-Symplocarpus foetidus- on both sides of Route 745 just north of the intersection with Route 730 in Oak Hill, Charlotte County, in a wet area ditch, emerging through snow and gravel. We had seen the patch last summer when the leaves were fully emerged and so came back today to see if we could "catch" them emerging. Bill and Judy Nelson _________________________________________________________________ IM on the go with Messenger on your phone http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712960 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Fw: NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, 13 MARCH 2010, (Saturday) From: Nelson Poirier <nelson AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:05:08 -0400 ----- Original Message ----- From: RICHARD MCCABE To: Nelson Poirier Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 12:48 PM Subject: NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, 13 MARCH 2010, (Saturday) NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by: Nelson Poirier Transcribed by: Roberta McCabe Info Line #: 384-NEWS (6397) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor. For more information on the Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], contact our vice president, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197 or visit our web site at http://www.naturemoncton.org. Saturday morning, 13 March, 2010 ** Denis Doucet reports with close observations he is starting to see a variety of snow insects and they could be expected to be emerging from grasses to start climbing up on trees very soon. He is expecting to see the first emerging species of Lady Beetles to start any time now as he feels the 8 to 9 degrees centigrade temperatures may indeed be the trigger for that. Denis has observed two types of Springtails, one being the more expected dark black ones with powdery blue overtones; however he has also seen some that would sound to be the same coral red colour that Fred Dube reported and photos of which are on the Nature Moncton website under Hot Shots. Denis has also observed several Winter Stoneflies that he has tentatively keyed out as the species with the common name of Pygmy Stonefly. He has also noted three Least Beetles and four spiders; one of which he was able to identify as a Striped Fishing Spider of the Dolomedes Genus, as well as one Firefly of the non - lighting up species. Denis has also heard two PILEATED WOODPECKERS[Grand pic] loudly vocalizing with each other in two adjoining Bird Atlas Squares in his home Pellerin area where the above insect observations were made as well. ** An interesting observation I neglected to add from Jules Cormier in yesterday's edition, he spotted a groundhog out of its burrow wandering about a snow covered blueberry field a few days ago. It may be well aware of the warm days coming up that could well have that snow on the run. I saw a groundhog travelling over the snow last spring, but that was past mid April, when there was still lots of snow in our Mirimichi camp yard . Things are looking very different snow wise so far this winter. ** Pam Trenholm who lives in the Cape Spear area near Cape Tormentine is having visits from an unusually large and striking silver fox coloured grey squirrel that she has named Squirrel King. Pam is from Ontario where she has seen many grey squirrels and says this is by far the largest and with the most striking pelage that she has ever seen. ** The LARK SPARROW [Bruant à joues marron] continues to enjoy ts welcome mat at Janet MacMillian's 141 Churchill St yard. Janet was concerned about the CHIPPING SPARROW [Bruant familier], as she had not seen it in five days, however it rejoined its buddy on Friday. Janet notes it does not come to the feeders as it did before its injury but goes to the ground and tree branch placed millet seed . Its wing is showing apparent deformity but quite able to fly. As a parallel to Janet's comments I have had a resident WHITE-THROATED SPARROW [Bruant à gorge blanche] all winter with one wing that is obviously drooped, suggesting a healed injury but it too seems to be doing fine otherwise putting the run to AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS [Bruant hudsonien] and HOUSE FINCH [Roselin familier]. ** I was at the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Lab at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown on Friday. They reported it has been a very quiet winter with sick wild bird submissions, in fact the three submissions I dropped off from a collection depot at the Moncton Animal Clinic were the first three they had received in 2010. Please continue the vigil to watch for any dead or dying birds and refer to the write up on Bird Illness on the home page of http://www.naturemoncton.org. which outlines what to look for and where to submit specimens and how to collect them. ** As I drove along Route 16 just past the Cape Jourimain Nature Center towards Moncton on Friday evening near dusk, I noted a GREAT HORNED OWL [Grand-duc d'Amérique] perched atop a snag quite near an OSPREY [Balbuzard pêcheur] nest on a pole there. Several years ago Kathy Popma and I came across a Great Horned Owl sitting on that Osprey nest in apparent housekeeping, I couldn't help wonder if a pair of owls are planning the same thing this year. **This week's SKY AT A GLANCE: The Big Dipper glitters high in the northeast these evenings standing on it's handle. The two stars forming the front end of the Dippers bowl, currently the top two are the pointers; they point to Polaris, the North Star, which is currently to their left. If you follow the pointers backwards the opposite way you will land in Leo. Draw a line diagonally across the bowl where the handle is attached and continue on and you will find yourself in Gemini. Tomorrow, Sunday March 14 th Daylight Saving Time begins at 3 am Sunday morning, when the clocks spring ahead. A missing hour of sleep, but the bonus will come with the welcome longer light in the evening. On Monday, March the 15 th look for the Moon to go into its New Phase, meaning it that it will rise and go down with the sun. Next Saturday, March 20 th the Equinox occurs at1:32 pm, when the sun crosses the equator heading north for the year. Spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere, fall in the Southern Hemisphere. This week's PLANET ROUNDUP : Mercury is hidden in the glare of the sun. Venus at magnitude -3.9 is slowly emerging from the sunset. Look for it very due west about forty minutes after sundown, it is very striking these clear evenings and obvious. Mars now faded to magnitude -0.2, showing very high in the south east at dusk and toward the south around 10 pm. Jupiter is hidden in the glow of sunrise. Saturn at magnitude +0.5 is nearly at opposition which comes on the night March 21st. Saturn glows low in the east at night fall higher in the south east late in the evening and highest in the south around 3 am. In a birds scope Saturn's rings tilted only 3.4 degrees from edge on. They will narrow farther to 1.7 degrees in May. Nelson Poirier Nature Moncton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Swallow carcass From: Vexus vexus <epitetj AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:17:27 -0800 Good morning, I went out walking around my property and decided to take a look at my swallow houses, in one of them I seen something sticking up so I went to pick it out, thought from a distance that it was just a stick or something. But when I picked it out it was the carcass of a full grown swallow. Weird, Mary, Lower Shinimicas, NS __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert, Mar. 6-12, 2010 From: David Christie <maryspt AT MAC.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:46:31 -0800 From Maine Birds here are parts of Eric Hyne's transcript of the Maine Audubon Bird Alert. The entire transcript can be accessed at , and . -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert Reporting Period: March 6 - 12, 2010 Area: State of Maine Compilers: Eric Hynes, Stella Walsh Of Special Note Top birds this week are CANVASBACK [Yarmouth, Mar. 10-12] and NORTHERN HAWK OWL. Images can be viewed at: http://www.maineaudubon.org/nature/birdalert_gallery.php Other noteworthy species included: RAZORBILL, THICK-BILLED MURRE, PIPING PLOVER, NORTHERN SHRIKE, BOHEMIAN WAXWING, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL, and EVENING GROSBEAK. Spring migration is underway and was most evident in the southern half of the state this week. A conspicuous influx of waterfowl occurred led by AMERICAN WIGEON. RING-NECKED DUCKS and WOOD DUCKS were reported at multiple locations. TURKEY VULTURES, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, and COMMON GRACKLES have become widespread. The vanguard of several species was detected including PIPING PLOVER, KILLDEER, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, and BELTED KINGFISHER. After a notable absence this winter, PURPLE FINCHES are on the move. Resident and migratory owls, like NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL, have been vocalizing. [western areas omitted] Central Maine Birds found on the Stud Mill Road east of Sunkhaze Meadows NWR in Milford on March 6 included eight GRAY JAYS, five BOREAL CHICKADEES, and a NORTHERN SHRIKE. Downeast A THICK-BILLED MURRE was seen off Seawall Beach in Acadia National Park on March 6. Northern Maine WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were singing in Baxter State Park near Kidney Pond. CANADA GEESE arrived at Mars Hill on March 9 and a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS on March 11, both a couple of weeks ahead of schedule. The Blaine NORTHERN HAWK OWL was seen on the March 5. It continues on Pierce Road near the intersection with Old Houlton Road. Bill Sheehan's excellent summary can be found at www.northernmainebirds.blogspot.com. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Fwd: Climate change "makes birds shrink" in North America. From: Brian Dalzell <aythya AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:40:56 -0400 To interest to all birders, especially banders. ============================ > From: Ken MacAulay > To: "Naturens AT Chebucto.Ns.Ca" > Subject: [NatureNS] Climate change "makes birds shrink" in North America. > Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:40:54 -0400 > > I read this interesting article this morning. > http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8560000/8560694.stm > > Ken MacAulay > Port Mouton, NS NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: White Head birds, inc. DOVEKIE & new arrivals From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:46:39 -0400 March 12 Ingalls Head 08:00-08:15 Common Loon, male Surf & 25 Black Scoters, 4 Red-breasted Mergansers White Head Ferry 08:15-08:45 4 Common Loons, 3 Red-necked Grebes, 2 Great Cormorants, 5 Brants, 40 American Black Ducks, 26 Common Eiders, 5 White-winged Scoters, 16 Long-tailed Ducks, Common Goldeneye pair, 13 Red-breasted Mergansers, 6 Black Guillemots White Head: Village & Long Point Road 08:45-09:00 Canada Goose pair, Dark-eyed Junco White Head: Pebble Road & Long Point 09:00-09:35 3 Common Loons, Red-necked Grebe, 55 Brants (not usually in this location), 14 American Black Ducks, 3 Mallards, 24 Common Eiders, White-winged, 4 Surf & 11 Black Scoters, 38 Harlequin Ducks, 6 Red-breasted Mergansers, and an unidentified sparrow White Head: Pond & Outer Shoreline 09:35-10:05 2 Common Loons, Red-necked Grebe, 57 American Black Ducks, first female AMERICAN WIGEON of spring, 10 Common Eiders, 6 Harlequin Ducks, moulting DOVEKIE, Black Guillemot White Head: Interior Woods 10:05-10:30 2+ Boreal Chickadees, 4 Golden-crowned Kinglets, singing Winter Wren, Song Sparrow, 4+ Dark-eyed Juncos Langmaid Cove 10:30-11:05 6 adult & 1 immature Great Cormorants, 10 Common Eiders, 9 Harlequin Ducks, 4 Long-tailed Ducks, male Red-breasted Mergansers, Black Guillemot White Head: Main Road 11:05-11:55 2 American Black Ducks, male Mallard, Canada Goose pair, 2 male Common Eiders, Black Guillemot, 25 Mourning Doves, 12 Song Sparrows, 16 Dark-eyed Juncos, first immature male RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD of spring, 3 American Goldfinches White Head: Marsh & Flats 11:55-12:55 ca. 1225 BRANTS (a definite new arrival; fewer than 500 previously), Canada Goose pair, 27 American Black Ducks, 86 Common Eiders, 2 Song Sparrows White Head Ferry 13:00-13:30 2 Common Loons, 2 Red-necked Grebes, 67 Common Eiders, 11 White-winged, 12 Surf & 8 Black Scoters, 24 Long-tailed Ducks, subadult Bald Eagle, 21 Black Guillemots (all manner of plumages) Roger Burrows Ingalls Head Grand Manan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, March 12, 2010 (Friday) From: Bill Winsor <bwinsor44 AT YAHOO.CA> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:59:50 -0800 NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE   Edited by: Nelson Poirier Transcribed by: Bill Winsor Info Line #: 384-NEWS (6397)   To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor.   For more information on the Nature Moncton, contact our vice-president, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197 or visit our web site at http://www.naturemoncton.org.   Friday morning, March 12, 2010   *** With the warm spring days coming on, the snow insects are starting to appear.  This seems to be ideal conditions to see SPRINGTAILS, also known as SNOW FLEAS, sometime in incredible numbers, looking like masses of moving pepper on the snow; the ones normally seen are dark.  Fred Dubé has had springtails in huge numbers around his Niagara Road home property, around the woodpile and outbuildings.  The colour of these masses is rather unexpected; they are all reddish coral in colour.  Fred got some photos that show this colour clearly.  Webmaster Bob Childs has placed some photos at the Nature Moncton website under ‘Hot Shots’ and also on the insect page under Fred Dubé, check it out at http://www.naturemoncton.org .   I never seen springtails this colour until a sleuthing visit to see them on Wednesday at Fred’s place.  Sandy Hopi had sent pictures of springtails of this colour that he had photographed in Fundy National Park in the summer a few years ago, on the surface of dead water.   *** Judi Berry-Steeves comments that she had come to a full stop in the middle of the road on Assumption Boulevard on Thursday to let a very high stepping male RING-NECKED PHEASANT [Faisan de Colchide] strut across the road, seemingly in a very carefree spring mood.  Also Glenda Wright spotted a group of seven CANADA GEESE [Bernache du Canada] flying east over the Petticodiac River Causeway on Thursday.   *** Jules Cormier leaves an account of recent activity in the Memramcook area.  He noted the first flock of approximately 200 COMMON EIDER [Eider à duvet] that he has seen flying up the Memramcook River last week.  He has had a half dozen COMMON GRACKLES [Quiscale bronzé] arrive to his feeder yard this week.  His WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH [Sittelle à poitrine blanche] is visiting irregularly now.  AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS [Bruant hudsonien] are showing a strong presence and his overwintering SONG SPARROW [Bruant chanteur] is actively vocalizing.  He has noted small groups of AMERICAN ROBIN [Merle d'Amérique] in the Sackville and Memramcook areas recently.  A belated report of a SNOWY OWL [Harfang des neiges] in the Pré-d’en-Haut; this report from approximately three weeks ago, when two different people saw it over two consecutive days.  Jules has commented that he has not seen a snowy owl himself this winter.   Nelson Poirier Nature Moncton   Please, consider the environment before printing this e-mail                                                                                                                              __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Red Winged Blackbirds From: Vexus vexus <epitetj AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:44:39 -0800 mary Lower Shinimcas, NS We got Red winged Blackbirds too. mary Lower Shinimcas, NS __________________________________________________________________ The new Internet Explorer® 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Common Grackles and Arrival of Spring From: Roy & Charlotte LaPointe <birdyard AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:06:37 -0400 I've been tracking arrival dates of migrants since 2001, not really a long period but long enough to allow a rough guestimate of seasonal change. From my observbations, COMMON GRAKLES seem to be the harbingers of spring. If so it appears we're in for an early arrival of the season of rebirth. Grackles usually arrive here between 20 and 29 March. My earliest record was March 13, 2006 and the next earliest was last year, March 18. This year's arrival date of March 11 is now the earliest. Coupled with what is probably the shallowest snow cover for this date over the past ten years I, like Jim Wilson at the other end of the province, declare spring officially here. If you belive this I have a real good deal for you on a very nice bridge. Roy LaPointe St.Leonard, Madawaska Co., NB (506) 423-1900 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grackles From: Vexus vexus <epitetj AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:07:18 -0800 Our first Grackles showed up this morning. What a beautiful sound, SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!!!!!!!!Woooooo hoooooooo Mary Lower Shinimicas, NS __________________________________________________________________ Get a sneak peak at messages with a handy reading pane with All new Yahoo! Mail: http://ca.promos.yahoo.com/newmail/overview2/ NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Crossbills and more along the Renous Hwy From: Roy & Charlotte LaPointe <birdyard AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:42:45 -0400 Made a run along the Renous Hwy (Route 108) from Plaster Rock to Mc Graw on Wednesday, March 10, in search of crossbills. For those who aren't familiar with the Renous, this is a road that runs through the middle of the province in beautifull wilderness country. The road is a little rough but presently clear of snow and ice, unusual for this time of year. There was very little traffic which is good as there were lots of birds on the road. Just after passing Plaster Rock, heading east, I was greated by thousands (and that's no exageration) of PURPLE FINCHES singing in the early morning sun. Among them were a good number of GOLDFINCHES, PINE SISKINS and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS. Large numbers of all these species were also picking gravel along the road. In all I visited 11 Atlas squares and found White-winged Crossbills in every one including fledged young in 2 squares. I also had a pair of RED CROSSBILLS picking gravel off the bridge over the Renous River just west of McGraw Brook. I wanted to record the song of the Red Crossbills but they did not sing. Also along the route there were many BLACK-CAPPED CHICKDEES and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. There were also a few EVENING GROSBEAKS, BOREAL CHICKADEES, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, DOWNY WOODPECKERS, RAVENS and CROWS, 1 PILEATED WOODPECKER, 2 RUFFED GROUSE, 1 GRAY JAY. I also spotted my first of the year AMERICAN ROBIN in Plaster Rock. Yesterday morning, March 11, three COMMON GRACKLES made an appearance at our feeders. Roy LaPointe St.Leonard, Madawaska Co., NB (506) 423-1900 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: More Birds of Spring Today From: Jim Wilson <jgw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:24:06 -0400 This morning Merv Cormier, Harvey McLeod and I made a visit to Maces Bay and Point Lepreau and checked out the salt marshes between Dipper Harbour and Saint John on our return. It was an absolutely beautiful day - sunny and about +5C with no wind early and little wind throughout the day. We ate our lunch outside the observatory in the sunshine and the day could have been one at the end of April. At Maces Bay we found two singing SONG SPARROWS at the same location and seven BRANT swimming well out from shore. Ten BLACK SCOTERS fed with a large raft of COMMON EIDERS. At Point Lepreau we could find only five PURPLE SANDPIPERS for our Winter Shorebird Survey, but at least we weren't skunked. Three BALD EAGLES perched together on rocks at the western tip of the Point made us suspicious a carcass of some kind had washed up, but we couldn't find any sign of one. Perhaps they were like us - just enjoying the spring sunshine. As we searched for a carcass, a flock of about 50 CANADA GEESE went by well out in the Bay, headed east (north really). We searched but could not find an early Woodcock in the alders at the tip of the Point. In heavy snow years that location is often the first to produce one but woodcock can go pretty well anywhere in southern NB right now and find unfrozen ground and worms. All we flushed was a pair of RUFFED GROUSE. At Saint's Rest Lagoon in Saint John there was considerable open water and it yielded some early waterfowl migrants. A male NORTHERN PINTAIL swam with eight AMERICAN WIGEON, a male RING-NECKED DUCK and five GADWALLS. And finally, when I got home Jean announced that she had found 10 bright ROBINS this morning, hopping around a field here in Hammond River and searching for food. Their appearance and actions leave no doubt they were new spring migrants. Yes, I declare spring "arrived". Jim Wilson NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: SAINT GEORGE REPORT From: Ralph Eldridge <r.eldridge AT XPLORNET.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:11:02 -0400 Seven VULTURES over Saint George this afternoon. Not the first that I've seem this year but it's the first group. Also seeing groups of CANADA GEESE scattered along the river. This morning, at one point, there were 11 DOWNEY WOODPECKERS racing around my feeder tree, as well as 2 HAIRYS. As observed by others, the DOWNEY & HAIRY WOODPECKERS are very active at the moment : lots of chasing and squabbling and racing from tree to tree. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Coyote & Squirrel From: Stella Johnson <botanicals AT WILDWOODPLANET.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:45:06 -0400 I was surprised to see two visitors to our backyard this morning. An EASTERN GREY SQUIRREL (Sciurus carolinensis) hopped up to our bird feeder area but s/he didn't come up directly near the house, choosing instead to survey the place from a safe distance, poised halfway up a maple tree. We have had a resident RED SQUIRREL all Winter come to the feeders, too, but this one was unexpected. I've been here a year and this is the first time that I've seen this species here. I did see them at my sister's place in Bouctouche, though, a few years ago. While looking about to see where the squirrel went after it hopped away, I saw a full-grown, healthy-looking COYOTE stroll along the back of our property. I took several photos of the Coyote and placed two in my Picasa Web Album (Shellmist), along with shots of a PILEATED WOODPECKER hacking away at a dead softwood last Sunday, PUSSY WILLOWS of a Willow and Quaking Aspen, and a weird phenomenon I witnessed on the Maples in our back yard. They now display a vertical crack right down the middle of their bark, and I'm wondering if this is due to our cold/warm temperatures that we've been having. That's it from my neck of the woods. Stella Caissie Cape botanicals AT wildwoodplanet.com My Picasa Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/shellmist/BirderInAustraliaCanada# NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: No Subject From: yolandeLeBlanc <yolandeleb AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:31:14 -0400 Two Canada Geese flew over our house this morning. Went toTaylor Village to look for crossbills, again, this morning. Only heard them, not seen. Had gone Tuesday, same place, every stop had 2 or more Hairy or Downy woodpeckers, even Pileated. Yolande In Memramcook NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: GRACKLE AT HAMPTON From: Gina <lyons AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:07:00 -0400 Jim Wilson reported a Grackle at Hammond River yesterday and said it flew off upriver. It (or one just like it) arrived in Hampton and was calling from a tree on the bank of the river this morning. I forgot to mention a skein of Canada Geese over Hampton about noon on March 10. Still no reports of Turkey Vultures in the Turkey Vulture capital of New Brunswick. Harvey McLeod Hampton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grand Manan birds From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:30:27 -0400 March 11 Castalia Marsh 09:45-10:45 173 Brants, 29 Canada Geese, 361 American Black Ducks, 139 Common Eiders, male Common Goldeneye, 13 Red-breasted Mergansers, male Ring-necked Pheasant (by Grand Manan Motors) North Head 11:00-12:15 2 Common Loons, 4 American Black Ducks, 7 Common Eiders, 9 Red-breasted Mergansers, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco Whale Cove & Pond 12:25-12:40 5 Red-necked Grebes, 2 Mallard pairs, 5 Common Eiders, 11 Red-breasted Mergansers Roger Burrows Ingalls Head Grand Manan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Migrating Turkey Vultures/ first Grackle From: Todd Watts <fishbird AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:11:31 -0400 Today I spent an hour on a nearby coastal Charlotte County ridge-top looking for migrating hawks. During that hour, I observed 2 migrating Turkey Vultures, 1 Red-tailed Hawk that was migrating and quite a few Bald Eagles. Most of the eagles appeared to be locals. Two of the eagles were likely movers. The woods were very much alive with woodpecker activity. At home, I saw my first "backyard" Grackle of the season. Also observed were my first feeder Juncos of the year. Todd Watts Kerr's Ridge Bocabec, NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: another sign of spring From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:00:14 -0400 On a drive to Hampton a short while ago I noted a flock of 30 CANADA GEESE fly over the highway in Nauwigewauk . Another sign of Spring ! Here at home we're still hosting 12 - 15 very vocal PURPLE FINCH along with the numerous AMER GOLDFINCH , B-C CHICKADEES and MOURNING DOVES that over-wintered . DOWNEYS and HAIRYS are drumming ; PILEATED often seen and heard . Two WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES have remained all winter and there are 2 RED-BREASTED on occasion . We haven't noted the NORTHERN CARDINALS recently [ our neighbor has been doing some work on his Cedar hedge ; they might not have liked that ] . I'm hoping they return . Joanne Savage Quispamsis NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Nature Moncton's Information Line March 11, 2010 (Thursday) From: Alma White <almaw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:39:08 -0400 NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by : Nelson Poirier Transcript by : Alma White Info Line # : 384-NEWS (6397) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton, [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962] contact our Vice- President, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197, or visit our web site at http://naturemoncton.org . Thursday morning, March 11, 2010. **First a very big "Thank you" to Janet MacMillan for monitoring and updating the Information Line the past few weeks. Her efforts were very much appreciated. Janet did an interview on CBC radio at 5.45 pm on Wednesday afternoon on "Signs of Spring". **Kevin Renton reports they had their first 3 COMMON GRACKLES [Quiscale bronzé] arrive to their Stilesville feeder yard on Thursday morning. Also Kevin comments their overwintering WHITE-THROATED SPARROW [Bruant à gorge blanche] is vocalizing very actively in the mornings now. ** Webmaster Bob Childs has done an incredible job of setting up a section of the Naturemoncton website devoted to BUTTERFLIES with guidance from Denis Doucet. This effort is one that will no doubt be referred to a lot this summer from the Information Line as well as being useful for the upcoming Maritimes Butterfly Atlas to begin this summer. Go to the home page and on the lower right hand corner click on "Butterflies of New Brunswick" which takes you to a page that will list the NB butterflies with English, French and scientific names and then clicking a blue "X" will open one or more photos of that species. This site is a work in progress and more will be added continually with notes on specific species and more photographs as they are submitted. While checking out the site check out also on the Butterfly Workshop on for Saturday March 20^th under "Activities" which will be mentioned tomorrow in the coming days. **Fred Dubé leaves a nice round-up of the action at their Niagara Road feeder yard which is off the Hillsborough Road in Lower Coverdale. They are seeing 50 to 75 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret jaune],a few PINE SISKINS [Tarin des pins] are seen most days but only that few, a number of HAIRY WOODPECKERS [Pic chevelu] and DOWNY WOODPECKERS [Pic mineur], 4 of each species, DARK-EYED JUNCOS [Junco ardoisé] are appearing over the past week where they have not been seen for some time and on Saturday the first PURPLE FINCH [Roselin pourpré] appeared noting about a half dozen. BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu] are present but few in number, MOURNING DOVES [Tourterelle triste] are irregular, usually 10 to 15 when they do come by. Fred photographed a large SHARP-SHINNED HAWK [Épervier brun] on a MOURNING DOVE which is a regular. SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS nest across the road from him in the summer, and PILEATED WOODPECKERS [Grand pic] are a regular in that same woods working on dead aspen trees. Two male RING-NECKED PHEASANTS [Faisan de Colchide] have come by recently which is very uncommon in his wooded location, a few FLYING SQUIRRELS are seen regularly at night and a few GREY SQUIRRELS are starting to visit. RED ? Squirrels are numerous. Also Fred has noticed some very interesting SPRINGTAILS aka SNOWFLEAS around his yard which will be reported on when the photos get to the Naturemoncton website. Fred also comments they usually hear or sometimes see OWLS around the location at this time of year but have heard none this year as of yet. **Bob Blake leaves some weather stats to compare February 2009 with February of 2010. bob monitors morning temperatures from his Second North River home. This month's stats show some discrepancy as Bob was away for a week in February 2009 however the general trend is there to show that February of 2010 was milder than February of 2009 however precipitation with snow was similar, 69cms for February of 2009 and 64cms for February of 2010 however February of 2010 has 12mm of rain with no precipitation as rain recorded for February of 2009. The mornings recorded below -10ºC were quite similar for both months however the mornings at 0ºC and above were 8 for 2010 compared with 3 for 2009. The daily highs for the two months were quite similar with 2010 a bit warmer on average. **Pat and I had a great recess for a few weeks in Florida. We had heard lots of complaints about the cold there but 55ºF to 60ºF was fine with me. The birds and critters did not seem to mind and were very lively. Great to be among the HERON family variety, the 3 COMMON EGRETS were just that and a more rare REDDISH EGRET was a treat. Both BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON [Bihoreau gris] and YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON [Bihoreau violacé] were nesting with young. We saw only a few LITTLE BLUE HERONs [Aigrette bleue] and TRICOLORED HERON [Aigrette tricolore] and GREEN HERON [Héron vert]. It seemed odd to have a black headed gull species as the most common one with LAUGHING GULLs [Mouette atricille] so abundant. One LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL [Goéland brun] was staying in one area and although the RING-BILLED GULLs [Goéland à bec cerclé] and HERRING GULL [Goéland argenté] were present most of then were chowing down french fries at Disneyworld! The only shorebirds I saw were SANDERLING [Bécasseau sanderling] and they were quite common and RUDDY TURNSTONE [Tournepierre à collier] all still in their non-breeding plumage. EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE [ Tourterelle turque] are now very common there while MOURNING DOVE numbers are apparently going down. I did not spot one MOURNING DOVE. Apparently TURTLE DOVES are feral in certain park areas but I did not see any. COOPER'S HAWK [Épervier de Cooper] numbers are on the increase. Watching the ARMADILLOS at one of the Nature Preserve area was a real treat. A nice spot to visit but NB still has the best quality of nature hands down. Nelson Poirier, Nature Moncton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Hairy woodpecker From: Karen Small <ksmall AT FUNDYBAYNETWORKS.CA> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:20:01 -0400 We hung a suet cake..... a mixture of beef suet,peanut butter and corn and immediately a hairy woodpecker found it. Visitation again early this morning....beautiful bird. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grackle Arrives at Hammond River From: Jim Wilson <jgw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:58:44 -0400 Yesterday afternoon (March 9th) I was working in our yard when I heard the welcome sound of a spring GRACKLE. The bird was a brightly plumaged individual (presumably a male) and it was calling constantly from the tip of a nearby spruce on our neighbor's property. It soon landed on one of our trees, called and looked around for several minutes, then took flight and continued northeast, up the Kennebecasis Valley. We normally expect our first Grackles between March 20th and 25th and this is the earliest date ever here at our home. We're inland, so normally see our birds a bit later than people living near the coast. I took a quick check of my return dates 1995-2009 and find the previous earliest arrival at our yard was on March 11th in 2002. The average date during that 15-year interval was March 21st. My records go back to 1963 but I can confidently say there was never such an early Grackle during that period. I declare spring 2010 officially "arrived" - at least at Hammond River near Saint John. Jim Wilson NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert, Feb. 27-Mar. 5, 2010 From: David Christie <MarysPt AT MAC.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:22:49 -0800 From Maine Birds here are parts of Eric Hyne's transcript of the Maine Audubon Bird Alert. The entire transcript can be accessed at , and . -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert Reporting Period: February 27 - March 5, 2010 Area: State of Maine Compilers: Eric Hynes, Stella Walsh Of Special Note Top birds this week are: PACIFIC LOON [Phippsburg, Feb. 26], BLACK-HEADED GULL, and PAINTED BUNTING. Other standouts mentioned include: SNOW GOOSE, BARROW'S GOLDENEYE, SPRUCE GROUSE, BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE, RAZORBILL, NORTHERN SHRIKE, BOHEMIAN WAXWING, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, RED CROSSBILL, and EVENING GROSBEAK. Arriving TURKEY VULTURES have made it as far north as Hampden. A few RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and COMMON GRACKLES have begun to trickle back into southern and mid-coast Maine. [western areas omitted] Penobscot Bay A PAINTED BUNTING continues in a private yard in Blue Hill. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was at Weskeag Marsh in South Thomaston on February 28. BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES were seen from Owl's Head State Park and the Rockland Breakwater on February 28. The two BLACK-HEADED GULLS wintering at Owl's Head Harbor were not been reported this week. Downeast Sightings on Mount Desert Island on February 27 included a RUSTY BLACKBIRD near the KOA campground and a NORTHERN GANNET and a BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE from Sand Beach in Acadia National Park. On March 5, a BARROW'S GOLDENEYE flew in at Hadley Point. Three RED CROSSBILLS were feeding along Route 9, southwest of Wesley on the 3rd. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was hunting a blueberry barren on Station Road in Centerville on March 3. Two BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were seen at the Willow Street Bridge in East Machias on March 3. Northern Maine EVENING GROSBEAKS were in Castle Hill. For more details on Aroostook County bird sightings, please visit: www.northernmainebirds.blogspot.com. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Re: Rock Doves From: richard nelson <rnelson AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:42:05 -0400 I've had mourning doves doing the same in my back yard this week: puffing, strutting and chasing. Tis the season - I guess. Even the red squirrels have recognized it and are doing their thing too. Ngaire Nelson Saint John, NB ----- Original Message ----- From: "Margie pacey" To: Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 8:19 PM Subject: Rock Doves Two rock doves (aka pigeons) were at it on my neighbours roof this aft. The male was dancing and strutting and all puffed up in the neck area. His bright green foliage was sparkling in the sunshine... Sorry but the birding is different in town. I fill my feeders once every month instead of twice a week and I have only two feeders instead of five. Margie Pacey Downtown Fredericton __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 4933 (20100310) __________ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2734 - Release Date: 03/10/10 03:33:00 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Rock Doves From: Margie pacey <mpacey AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:19:13 -0400 Two rock doves (aka pigeons) were at it on my neighbours roof this aft. The male was dancing and strutting and all puffed up in the neck area. His bright green foliage was sparkling in the sunshine... Sorry but the birding is different in town. I fill my feeders once every month instead of twice a week and I have only two feeders instead of five. Margie Pacey Downtown Fredericton __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 4933 (20100310) __________ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: 1 Grackle From: R&H Wilson <ron.wilson AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:37:04 -0800 Ron Wilson One lone grackle showed up at my feeder today as well. Ron Wilson F'ton NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: White Head Ferry birds From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:56:07 -0400 March 10 White Head Ferry round trip 14:30-15:30 2 Common Loons, 4 Red-necked Grebes, 300+ Brants, American Black Duck, 50 Common Eiders, immature male Surf & 3 White-winged Scoters, 31 Long-tailed Ducks, male Red-breasted Merganser, 16 Black Guillemots (in various stages of plumage) Roger Burrows Ingalls Head Grand Manan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: FW: First Purple Finch of Spring From: Jim Wilson <jgw AT nbnet.nb.ca> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:14:50 -0400 Same thing here at our feeder in Hammond River. A male PURPLE FINCH was here for the first time as we were having lunch today. Jim Wilson -----Original Message----- From: NatureNB [mailto:NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA] On Behalf Of Todd Watts Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:11 AM To: NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA Subject: Purple Finch The first Purple Finch of the year has shown up at this location. Todd Watts Kerr's Ridge Bocabec, NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grackle From: Dwayne Biggar <dbiggar AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:21:58 -0400 One lone Grackle showed up at noon. Dwayne Biggar 3203 Rt 114 Edgett's Landing, NB 506 734 2489 www.thebirdgarden.ca NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html