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14 Mar Re: Possible Osprey [Nancy Roberts ] 14 Mar Re: Winter Birding Highlights in Canada - 2009-2010 [Susann Myers ] 14 Mar raccoons ["V. Redden" ] 14 Mar Squirrls in the floor ha ["Peter Angus Mac Leod" ] 14 Mar Hi Winds ["Peter Angus Mac Leod" ] 14 Mar Grackles [] 14 Mar Possible Osprey [] 14 Mar Red-winged Blackbirds [Richard Stern ] 14 Mar black headed gull [John Nickerson ] 14 Mar Re: advice for Canning area [Richard Stern ] 14 Mar advice for Canning area [Andrew Stadnyk ] 13 Mar Sullivan Pond ["Elizabeth Doull" ] 13 Mar RE: A Terrible Screaming From Under the Dock [Helene Van Doninck ] 13 Mar Re: property ownership [Douglas Guptill ] 13 Mar Re: Purple finches [Eleanor Lindsay ] 13 Mar Common Grackle [Bruce Stevens ] 13 Mar Birds from Mar. 11 [James Hirtle ] 13 Mar Re: Purple finches ["Peter Angus Mac Leod" ] 13 Mar Re: Purple finches ["Jeannie Shermerhorn" ] 13 Mar Re: Purple finches ["Jeannie Shermerhorn" ] 13 Mar RE: Purple finches [Ken MacAulay ] 13 Mar Re: Purple finches [Randy Lauff ] 13 Mar Grackle [Lois Codling ] 13 Mar Re: Siskins [Lois Codling ] 13 Mar RE: Re: Help unsubscribe ["joan waldron" ] 13 Mar Re: property ownership ["P.L. Chalmers" ] 13 Mar Golden-crowned Kinglet at suet ["bernard burke" ] 13 Mar Re: Purple finches [Ken McKenna ] 13 Mar RE: property ownership [Terry Boswell ] 13 Mar Red-wing Blackbird. [Terry Boswell ] 13 Mar Re: Purple finches [] 13 Mar Re: Falcon in Halifax (belated report) [Gayle MacLean ] 12 Mar Re: Purple Sandpiper - PPP ["Elizabeth Doull" ] 12 Mar Re: Re: Help unsubscribe [Christopher Majka ] 12 Mar Falcon in Halifax (belated report) ["P.L. Chalmers" ] 12 Mar Re: Help unsubscribe [] 12 Mar Re: Purple Sandpiper - PPP [Tuma Young ] 12 Mar Purple Sandpiper - PPP ["Elizabeth Doull" ] 12 Mar Climate change "makes birds shrink" in North America. [Ken MacAulay ] 12 Mar Re: Signs of Spring around Windsor [Angela Joudrey ] 12 Mar Re: Purple finches [Angela Joudrey ] 12 Mar FW: article for your use [Mary Macaulay ] 12 Mar March 12 Canada Geese, Mallards, Red-tailed Hawk [Patrick Giffin ] 12 Mar Bald eagle [Tuma ] 12 Mar Possible Golden Eagle [June Swift ] 12 Mar Signs of Spring around White's Lake [Blake Maybank ] 12 Mar Re: Gray Jay nesting [Brian Dalzell ] 12 Mar Gray Jay nesting ["John Kearney" ] 12 Mar Purple finches [Eleanor Lindsay ] 11 Mar Re: Glaucous X Great Black-backed Gull and Barred Owl [Richard Stern ] 11 Mar Glaucous X Great Black-backed Gull and Barred Owl [Hans Toom ] 11 Mar re brant & eelgrass in King's Co., NS, in Spring ["James W. Wolford" ] 11 Mar RE: brant [Lynne Perry ] 11 Mar Unidentified Hybrid Gull(or Thayer's Gull) and Barred Owl [Hans Toom ] 11 Mar property ownership [Randy Lauff ] 11 Mar Northern Flicker [Suzanne Townsend ] 11 Mar Re: brant ["Laurie Murison" ] 11 Mar Update: Dartmouth Orange-crowned Warbler [Gayle MacLean ] 11 Mar Update: Dartmouth Orange-crowned Warbler [Gayle MacLean ] 11 Mar Re: brant [Stern ] 10 Mar Re: brant ["andy dean" ] 10 Mar brant [John Nickerson ] 10 Mar A Terrible Screaming From Under the Dock [Hans Toom ] 9 Mar Canning geese [Richard Stern ] 9 Mar redhead and others [James Hirtle ] 09 Mar Birds of note - Sunday [Bob McDonald ] 09 Mar RE: photo ID's? ["Laviolette, Lance (EXP)" ] 9 Mar Re: attracting beaver [Randy Lauff ] 09 Mar Re: FW: photo ID's? [Angus MacLean ] 9 Mar Re: attracting beaver [Tuma Young ] 9 Mar Re: attracting beaver ["Dusan Soudek" ] 09 Mar Varied Thrush ["V. Redden" ] 09 Mar Re: attracting beaver [Peter Payzant ] 9 Mar Re: UK to use beetles to control Japanese Knotweed ["David & Alison Webster" ] 9 Mar Re: attracting beaver ["David & Alison Webster" ] 9 Mar attracting beaver [Randy Lauff ] Subject: Re: Possible Osprey From: Nancy Roberts <nancy.roberts AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:30:17 -0300 I could swear it was an osprey I saw at Lawrencetown Beach the last weekend in February. In a stiff wind, he was mainly flying along the shoreline near the bluff. The correct patterning seen from below, the osprey kink in the wing. Is THAT too early? Nancy Nancy Roberts Design Celebrating 17 years of making you look GOOD Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2X6 902 461-9488 On 14-Mar-10, at 5:03 PM, wrote: > > Hi All, > > I saw what I am sure was an Osprey at Mill Cove in Bedford this > afternoon. It was at a distance, and I didn't have my bino's, but it > hovered/dove and flew of just like our provincial bird. Seems kind > of early doesn't it? > > cheers, > Gary Murray > www.garymurray.ca > > Subject: Re: Winter Birding Highlights in Canada - 2009-2010 From: Susann Myers <myerss AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:22:53 -0300 Hi, Blake. Sorry, I should have been paying more attention to this. We did have Spruce Grouse on the Louisbourg Christmas Bird Count, after much hard searching. Cheers, Susann ----- Original Message ----- From: Blake Maybank To: BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU Cc: NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA ; naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 3:45 PM Subject: [NatureNS] Winter Birding Highlights in Canada - 2009-2010 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 Subject: raccoons From: "V. Redden" <Reddenville AT nncweb.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:23:56 -0300 I was awake in the night and got up to have a look outside to see who would be visiting the yard. In the area of the bird feeders I saw two raccoons happily making little raccoons. I turned on the yard light, they looked over but soon continued with their other activity. I saw two young bucks playing chase one summer (I videotaped it) and I saw a baby bear chasing a rabbit. I like to see animals enjoying (or so it seems to me) their life. Usually I see them eating or trying to get away from my presence. Birds are more apt to ignore me and continue their activity. We have a lot of snow here still and some pack ice along the shore. I haven't seen any seals or pups. Virginia Redden Port Howe Cumb Co Subject: Squirrls in the floor ha From: "Peter Angus Mac Leod" <macleod.grayjay AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:27:02 -0300 I have a pair of squirrels in between the floors of my place , They seem very firsky drove my dog nuts tring to get at them . well its that time of year also notince that all the female mallards have gone and I have 1 Stag Horne Sumack in leaf earily for that Peter in Shelburne Subject: Hi Winds From: "Peter Angus Mac Leod" <macleod.grayjay AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:59:19 -0300 Hi we are having very high winds here in Shelburne , and rain on its way my bring in some birds Peter Subject: Grackles From: <garymurray AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:06:11 -0300 Hi all, Forgot to mention in my last (Osprey) posting that I heard some Grackles on Rocky Lake Drive (outside Bedford) while out cycling Thursday after work. cheers, Gary. www.garymurray.ca Subject: Possible Osprey From: <garymurray AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:03:20 -0300 Hi All, I saw what I am sure was an Osprey at Mill Cove in Bedford this afternoon. It was at a distance, and I didn't have my bino's, but it hovered/dove and flew of just like our provincial bird. Seems kind of early doesn't it? cheers, Gary Murray www.garymurray.ca Subject: Red-winged Blackbirds From: Richard Stern <sternrichard AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:20:29 -0400 Hi, Signs of Spring -- There were 5 Red-winged Blackbirds here this morning - all breeding plumaged males, and singing. Richard -- ################# Richard Stern, 317 Middle Dyke Rd. Port Williams, NS, Canada B0P 1T0 sternrichard AT gmail.com ################### Subject: black headed gull From: John Nickerson <jonsannick AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:38:59 -0300 1 black headed gull across from franks resturant on c.s.i. 12.30 today a few brant at daniels head john AT sandra nickerson _________________________________________________________________ Stay in touch. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712959 Subject: Re: advice for Canning area From: Richard Stern <sternrichard AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:28:37 -0400 Hi, Drive around the dykes near Canning, and look for Canada geese and other waterfowl. Check the Habitant River in Canning itself - you can look over from a small parking lot behind the Legion, and there is also a small park at the east end of the village. Drive out to Kingsport at high tide and scope the Minas Basin. Look out for Bald eagles and Red-tails almost everywhere. Walk along the main street in Canning, and look into the tangles and bushes on the south side in particular for N.Cardinals and other birds that might visit feeders. Look at the large pond across from the Canning arena. Check the fields along the Canning to Port Williams Rd., and then around Saxon St. and Fred Thomas Road, near Maple Leaf Poultry, for odd gulls in amongst the flocks of Herring and GBB Gulls. Check the Port Williams sewage pond for Common and Barrow's Goldeneye. You're welcome to park in our driveway (address below) and look at our feeders - we often get Cardinals here, but at the moment we have some construction going on which might drive the birds away. Please let my wife/ son/ dog know who you are if you come. That should be a start. Richard On Sun, Mar 14, 2010 at 12:20 PM, Andrew Stadnyk wrote: > I am seeking some advice regarding birding in the Canning area. I will be > in > the area Monday (tomorrow) while my son participates in a sporting event, > and > will have the day to visit. I have I cannot expect to walk the Blomidin > trail > to the bluffs. I have found trails in Wolfville in the past. I keep > hearing > rumors of Northern Cardinals in NS but have not yet found it myself! > > Advice is appreciated, thanks. > > Andy > Lower Sackville > > -- ################# Richard Stern, 317 Middle Dyke Rd. Port Williams, NS, Canada B0P 1T0 sternrichard AT gmail.com ################### Subject: advice for Canning area From: Andrew Stadnyk <Andrew.Stadnyk AT Dal.Ca> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:20:21 -0300 I am seeking some advice regarding birding in the Canning area. I will be in the area Monday (tomorrow) while my son participates in a sporting event, and will have the day to visit. I have I cannot expect to walk the Blomidin trail to the bluffs. I have found trails in Wolfville in the past. I keep hearing rumors of Northern Cardinals in NS but have not yet found it myself! Advice is appreciated, thanks. Andy Lower Sackville Subject: Sullivan Pond From: "Elizabeth Doull" <edoull AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:49:40 -0400 Checked out Sullivan pond. Birds seen were: 2 adult Bald eagles soaring very high in the sky 4 Canada Geese 6 American wigeons, no sign of the Eurasian wigeon 1 Glaucous Gull no sign of the Peregrine Falcon Cheers, liz Subject: RE: A Terrible Screaming From Under the Dock From: Helene Van Doninck <hvandoninck AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:42:07 -0400 Hi Hans, I raised a mink 2 summers ago...their alarm call is indeed ear splitting..much like a high pitched air horn :) Helene Helene Van Doninck DVM Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre RR#1 Brookfield Nova Scotia Canada B0N1C0 hvandoninck AT eastlink.ca www.cwrc.net http://cwrcblog.blogspot.com/ 1-902-893-0253 CWRC 2010 Calendars now for sale, see www.cwrc.net -----Original Message----- From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca]On Behalf Of Hans Toom Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 6:27 AM To: Naturens AT Chebucto.Ns.Ca Subject: [NatureNS] A Terrible Screaming From Under the Dock I was skulking around the fishing boats at Sambro Harbour yesterday morning, looking for a Black Guillemot that was popping its head above water in various places when I heard this terrible screaming coming from under the dock. It sounded to me as I imagine a Terradacdyl would scream. I waited for a time when out came a Mink. I suspect it was talking, in its manner, to a family nesting under the dock. This morning I left my home in Portuguese Cove in bright sunshine heading for a hike on the Wetland's Trail, Mount Uniacke Museum Park. There is no snow in this area at all. By the time I arrived at my destination it was completely overcast and snowing and with a fair bit of snow still in the woods. I donned my ice cleats and ventured forth for a very enjoyable stroll. Lots of birds were singing. White-winged Crossbill, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet and Brown Creeper were the highlights. Thompson Lake is still frozen tight but Black Creek is open all the way from the lake to Highway #1. No woodpeckers were seen or heard. Hans http://www.hanstoom.com/Highlights/March2010/0100.html _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Re: property ownership From: Douglas Guptill <dguptill AT accesswave.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:07:20 -0400 On Sat, Mar 13, 2010 at 09:22:17AM -0400, Terry Boswell wrote: > This is the best site I know of. If you have a GPS you should be > able to work out your boundaries (after working out the site, that > is!). You might then have to contact the NS government for the owner > information, if they will give that out. > > > http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/land/GeoServices.asp Here is the response I got there: ====================================================================== Browser Not Supported Data Locator requires Microsoft Internet Explorer (Version 6 or Greater) Download Internet Explorer Here ====================================================================== So it is of no use to me. Douglas. Subject: Re: Purple finches From: Eleanor Lindsay <kelindsay AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:49:36 -0400 As with the p. finches, I did not see any siskins at all this winter at my feeders, but there were the usual red breasted nuthatches, chickadees, song and whitethroat sparrows, a few brief fox sparrow and flicker visits, goldfinches, juncos, pheasants, downy and hairy woodpeckers.mourning doves, bluejays, - and starlings! Eleanor Lindsay, St Margarets Bay On 13/03/2010 8:39 AM, bdigout AT seaside.ns.ca wrote: > We had a nice male at our feeder yesterday near St. Peter's , only the > second of the winter.. Did anyone have siskins this winter? > Billy > > >> I too noticed the first one at the feeder today. >> >> angela in Windsor >> >> >>> For the first time in 20+ years I did not see a single purple finch >>> at my feeders throughout the entire winter. This morning I was >>> delighted beyond measure to find a M/F pair quietly tucking in :-) >>> >>> Eleanor Lindsay >>> Seabright, St Margarets Bay >>> >> -- >> >> Angela Joudrey >> aljoudrey AT eastlink.ca >> >> >> >> > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2741 - Release Date: 03/12/10 05:42:00 > > Subject: Common Grackle From: Bruce Stevens <m.bruce.stevens AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:45:59 -0400 Hi All, We just saw our first Common Grackle of the year, a male singing away in my parents yard in Roslin, Cumberland County. Dad says he's seen or heard a grackle as long as 5-7 days ago. Also had a Pine Siskin singing just down the road. -- Bruce Stevens Maryvale, NS Subject: Birds from Mar. 11 From: James Hirtle <jrhbirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:44:36 +0000 Dorothy Poole and I took a run to Cape Sable Island, Port Clyde, Blanche and Bacarro on March 11. Of note: At Port Clyde there was a common grackle calling on territory. It was in the middle of an alder patch swampy area and as hard as we tried we could not see this bird. At Port Latour, a group of 14 common loons At Bacarro a peregrine falcon. This bird is easy to pick out if seen again as it was molting on the right wing and some feathers were missing. We saw 170 brant. James R. Hirtle Bayport _________________________________________________________________ Check your Hotmail from your phone. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712957 Subject: Re: Purple finches From: "Peter Angus Mac Leod" <macleod.grayjay AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:46:05 -0400 Hi all I not seen anytype of finches here this winter Peter ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jeannie Shermerhorn" To: Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 12:28 PM Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Purple finches > Lots of purple finch at the cottage now,along with goldfinch,black-capped > chickadees,gray jays,blue jays,mourning doves and a couple of red-breasted > nuthatch.No sparrows at all! > Jeannie. > Cape George Subject: Re: Purple finches From: "Jeannie Shermerhorn" <jeannies AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:28:43 -0400 Lots of purple finch at the cottage now,along with goldfinch,black-capped chickadees,gray jays,blue jays,mourning doves and a couple of red-breasted nuthatch.No sparrows at all! Jeannie. Cape George Subject: Re: Purple finches From: "Jeannie Shermerhorn" <jeannies AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:25:35 -0400 Billy,I had one mixed in with the goldfinch on the backyard bird count but didn't know where I was suppose to report to.Had it for a few days but it's not with them now.That was in Cape George. Jeannie Subject: RE: Purple finches From: Ken MacAulay <kenmacaulay AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:02:10 -0400 I saw my first purple finch this winter at my feeders a few minutes ago. A somewhat ragged male. Haven't seen any pine siskins since last year when they were quite scarce. Ken MacAulay Port Mouton, NS Subject: Re: Purple finches From: Randy Lauff <randy.lauff AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:52:35 -0400 I've had one to seven siskins every week for about two months on my weekly project feederwatch counts. None today yet though (no eagle either...must be a correlation). Randy On 13/03/2010, Ken McKenna wrote: > > Ken McKenna > Box 218 Stellarton NS > B0K 1S0 > 902 752-7644 > Hi Billy > I do not remember Siskins at feeders this winter other than 1 or 2 with > Goldfinches on one or two occasions, but there were good numbers in the wild > where the conifer cone crop was abundant throughout central nova- especailly > Trafalgar- Upper Musquodoboit area. This area is also abundant in > White-winged Crossbills and a few Red Crossbills. The atlas data has been > improved greatly for the Cobequid region as a result with 30+ squares now > reporting breeding evidence for WW Crossbills when only a handful were > reporting in early Jan. Check out this site and click on White-winged > Crossbills to see squares reporting. > http://www.mba-aom.ca/jsp/map.jsp?lang=en > cheers > ken > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: > To: > Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 8:39 AM > Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Purple finches > > >> We had a nice male at our feeder yesterday near St. Peter's , only the >> second of the winter.. Did anyone have siskins this winter? >> Billy >> >>> I too noticed the first one at the feeder today. >>> >>> angela in Windsor >>> >>>>For the first time in 20+ years I did not see a single purple finch >>>>at my feeders throughout the entire winter. This morning I was >>>>delighted beyond measure to find a M/F pair quietly tucking in :-) >>>> >>>>Eleanor Lindsay >>>>Seabright, St Margarets Bay >>> >>> -- >>> >>> Angela Joudrey >>> aljoudrey AT eastlink.ca >>> >>> >>> >> >> > > -- _________________________________ RF Lauff Way in the boonies of Antigonish County, NS. Subject: Grackle From: Lois Codling <loiscodling AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:51:50 -0400 Yesterday, Mar 12, Don saw a Comm. Grackle in our yard. This is a real sign of spring! Lois Codling L. Sackville Subject: Re: Siskins From: Lois Codling <loiscodling AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:50:24 -0400 We had a few Pine Siskins over the winter rarely, though I kept looking for them. Dec. 16 - 1 Jan 1 - 1 Jan. 3 - heard 1 Jan. 5, 6, 9, 11 - 1 each day Lois Codling L. Sackville On 13/03/2010 8:39 AM, bdigout AT seaside.ns.ca wrote: > We had a nice male at our feeder yesterday near St. Peter's , only the > second of the winter.. Did anyone have siskins this winter? > Billy > > >> I too noticed the first one at the feeder today. >> >> angela in Windsor >> >> >>> For the first time in 20+ years I did not see a single purple finch >>> at my feeders throughout the entire winter. This morning I was >>> delighted beyond measure to find a M/F pair quietly tucking in :-) >>> >>> Eleanor Lindsay >>> Seabright, St Margarets Bay >>> >> -- >> >> Angela Joudrey >> aljoudrey AT eastlink.ca >> >> >> >> > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2742 - Release Date: 03/12/10 15:33:00 > > Subject: RE: Re: Help unsubscribe From: "joan waldron" <waldrojo AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:49:48 -0400 Joan send message to majordomo AT chebucto.ns.ca. Put unsubscribe naturens in message area. Have a wonderful trip JoanW -----Original Message----- From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca] On Behalf Of joancz AT ns.sympatico.ca Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 10:41 PM To: NatureNS Subject: [NatureNS] Re: Help unsubscribe Could someone please help me unsubscribe naturens? I cannot access the commands from my webmail. Thanks! Joan Subject: Re: property ownership From: "P.L. Chalmers" <plchalmers AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:49:10 -0400 Hi Randy, I'm not sure about an online resource, but you should be able to find this out in person from your county's Land Registration Office. Land Registration Office Antigonish County Antigonish Mall Annex, Suite 3 149 Church St. Antigonish, NS B2G 2E2 Cheers, Patricia L. Chalmers At 10:10 AM 11/03/2010, you wrote: >All, > >I want to put up a duck nest box on a nearby beaver pond, but I'd >like to get the owner's permission first. Is there an on-line >resource to find out ownership of land here in NS? > >Thanks, >Randy >_________________________________ >RF Lauff >Way in the boonies of >Antigonish County, NS. Subject: Golden-crowned Kinglet at suet From: "bernard burke" <blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:43:57 -0400 Rita sent me this pic of a kinglet, one of two apparently, thats recently been showing up at their suet in Lower Sackville. She says the two never feed at the same one together, and when they do show, they are only there for about a minute, but show up several times a day. We are wondering if anyone else has seen anything similiar when it comes to Kinglets. Here's her photo: http://bernieb.smugmug.com/Other/recent-pics/916397_ynXPk/22/809000417_bM3Ko/Medium Bernard Burke blburke AT ns.sympatico.ca Dartmouth Subject: Re: Purple finches From: Ken McKenna <kenmcken AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:37:30 -0400 Ken McKenna Box 218 Stellarton NS B0K 1S0 902 752-7644 Hi Billy I do not remember Siskins at feeders this winter other than 1 or 2 with Goldfinches on one or two occasions, but there were good numbers in the wild where the conifer cone crop was abundant throughout central nova- especailly Trafalgar- Upper Musquodoboit area. This area is also abundant in White-winged Crossbills and a few Red Crossbills. The atlas data has been improved greatly for the Cobequid region as a result with 30+ squares now reporting breeding evidence for WW Crossbills when only a handful were reporting in early Jan. Check out this site and click on White-winged Crossbills to see squares reporting. http://www.mba-aom.ca/jsp/map.jsp?lang=en cheers ken ----- Original Message ----- From: To: Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 8:39 AM Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Purple finches > We had a nice male at our feeder yesterday near St. Peter's , only the > second of the winter.. Did anyone have siskins this winter? > Billy > >> I too noticed the first one at the feeder today. >> >> angela in Windsor >> >>>For the first time in 20+ years I did not see a single purple finch >>>at my feeders throughout the entire winter. This morning I was >>>delighted beyond measure to find a M/F pair quietly tucking in :-) >>> >>>Eleanor Lindsay >>>Seabright, St Margarets Bay >> >> -- >> >> Angela Joudrey >> aljoudrey AT eastlink.ca >> >> >> > > Subject: RE: property ownership From: Terry Boswell <ta_boz AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:22:17 -0400 Randy, This is the best site I know of. If you have a GPS you should be able to work out your boundaries (after working out the site, that is!). You might then have to contact the NS government for the owner information, if they will give that out. http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/land/GeoServices.asp Terry Boswell From: randy.lauff AT gmail.com Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:10:12 -0400 Subject: [NatureNS] property ownership To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca All, I want to put up a duck nest box on a nearby beaver pond, but I'd like to get the owner's permission first. Is there an on-line resource to find out ownership of land here in NS? Thanks, Randy _________________________________ RF Lauff Way in the boonies of Antigonish County, NS. _________________________________________________________________ Check your Hotmail from your phone. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712957 Subject: Red-wing Blackbird. From: Terry Boswell <ta_boz AT hotmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:42:27 -0400 Driving along the 103, on my way to work in Bridgewater, I saw my first Red-wing Blackbird for this year. It was flying over the marshy area between Whynot's Settlement and the highway. Terry Boswell Cork St., Halifax _________________________________________________________________ Stay in touch. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712959 Subject: Re: Purple finches From: bdigout AT seaside.ns.ca Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:39:52 -0400 (AST) We had a nice male at our feeder yesterday near St. Peter's , only the second of the winter.. Did anyone have siskins this winter? Billy > I too noticed the first one at the feeder today. > > angela in Windsor > >>For the first time in 20+ years I did not see a single purple finch >>at my feeders throughout the entire winter. This morning I was >>delighted beyond measure to find a M/F pair quietly tucking in :-) >> >>Eleanor Lindsay >>Seabright, St Margarets Bay > > -- > > Angela Joudrey > aljoudrey AT eastlink.ca > > > Subject: Re: Falcon in Halifax (belated report) From: Gayle MacLean <duartess2003 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 03:08:23 -0800 (PST) Maybe an adult male Northern Harrier? I know Bernard Burke posted a photo of one (sometime in Feb., I think) that he saw over Sullivan's Pond in Dartmouth and it was pale grey. Just a thought.   Gayle MacLean Dartmouth --- On Fri, 3/12/10, P.L. Chalmers wrote: From: P.L. Chalmers Subject: [NatureNS] Falcon in Halifax (belated report) To: "NatureNS" Received: Friday, March 12, 2010, 9:48 PM     An acquaintance who lives on Waegwoltic Avenue in south end Halifax told me recently that he saw a large pale grey falcon fly fast over his house, travelling east from the harbour towards the west (Northwest Arm). This sighting was in mid/late February.   He saw the angular wings of a falcon and was impressed by the size and powerful build of the bird.  He was convinced that he saw a Gyrfalcon, and didn't think it was a Peregrine.  He is interested in birds and we share sightings, but I think he was a more active observer while growing up in England than he has been here.  I would think Goshawk would be a more likely ID, given that they are occasionally seen in the Fleming Park/Williams Lake area, which is just across the Arm from his neighbourhood.     Have there been any sightings of Gyrfalcons in the Halifax area this winter?   Any thoughts?     Cheers,     Patricia L. Chalmers     Halifax __________________________________________________________________ The new Internet ExplorerŽ 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ Subject: Re: Purple Sandpiper - PPP From: "Elizabeth Doull" <edoull AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:17:48 -0400 Hi Tuma Those sandpipers were on the Black rock at a low tide Friday afternoon. Good luck. Liz Subject: Re: Re: Help unsubscribe From: Christopher Majka <c.majka AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:50:32 -0400 Hi Joan, On 12-Mar-10, at 10:41 PM, wrote: > Could someone please help me unsubscribe naturens? I cannot access > the commands from my webmail. Thanks! Joan Send a message to majordomo AT chebucto.ns.ca With the following text in the body of the email unsubscribe naturens end Cheers! Chris Christopher Majka 6252 Jubilee Rd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 2G5 c.majka AT ns.sympatico.ca In theory there's no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is. - Yogi Berra Subject: Falcon in Halifax (belated report) From: "P.L. Chalmers" <plchalmers AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:48:27 -0400 An acquaintance who lives on Waegwoltic Avenue in south end Halifax told me recently that he saw a large pale grey falcon fly fast over his house, travelling east from the harbour towards the west (Northwest Arm). This sighting was in mid/late February. He saw the angular wings of a falcon and was impressed by the size and powerful build of the bird. He was convinced that he saw a Gyrfalcon, and didn't think it was a Peregrine. He is interested in birds and we share sightings, but I think he was a more active observer while growing up in England than he has been here. I would think Goshawk would be a more likely ID, given that they are occasionally seen in the Fleming Park/Williams Lake area, which is just across the Arm from his neighbourhood. Have there been any sightings of Gyrfalcons in the Halifax area this winter? Any thoughts? Cheers, Patricia L. Chalmers Halifax Subject: Re: Help unsubscribe From: <joancz AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:41:25 -0400 Could someone please help me unsubscribe naturens? I cannot access the commands from my webmail. Thanks! Joan Subject: Re: Purple Sandpiper - PPP From: Tuma Young <tumayoung AT yahoo.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:02:27 -0800 (PST) Hi Everyone: Nick and I are back in Halifax and if the sandpipers are the same ones, I have some shots in my gallery: http://gallery.me.com/tumayoung under sandpipers But as always, I am game for more. Nick and I will head out there first thing tomorrow and if they are still there, will attempt to get some more shots. On our way down from Cape Breton this afternoon, we saw 10 Canada Geese at South Haven plus 8 Common Mergansers (4 males displaying their tails and actually fighting each other for the attention of the 4 females) at Waycobah First Nation. Spring is truly here because we seen some lawns being burned in Cape Breton. Tuma Young Halifax Koqwaqja'tekaq'tinej. (Let Us Choose The Correct Behaviour) ________________________________ From: Elizabeth Doull To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Sent: Fri, March 12, 2010 6:46:45 PM Subject: [NatureNS] Purple Sandpiper - PPP Friday, March 12, 2010 Ann Doull was really delighted to see 8 Purple Sandpipers up close on Black Rock - not far from the Point Pleasant Park parking lot. The birds just foraged there for a length of time so where were the bird photographers?? Cheers, Liz Doull __________________________________________________________________ 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 Subject: Purple Sandpiper - PPP From: "Elizabeth Doull" <edoull AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:46:45 -0400 Friday, March 12, 2010 Ann Doull was really delighted to see 8 Purple Sandpipers up close on Black Rock - not far from the Point Pleasant Park parking lot. The birds just foraged there for a length of time so where were the bird photographers?? Cheers, Liz Doull Subject: Climate change "makes birds shrink" in North America. From: Ken MacAulay <kenmacaulay AT eastlink.ca> 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 Subject: Re: Signs of Spring around Windsor From: Angela Joudrey <aljoudrey AT eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:29:06 -0400 I'm off to a really spring climate, the Dominican! Woo hoo!! I noticed today that there are crocus blooming in my lawn and pussywillows out when I walked the dog. AND my favourite sign of spring is when there's light in the sky when I walk the dog in the am. I HATE when I get back from a week of sun and heat, and it's dark and cold again because of the time change. Arggh. Angela in Windsor >12 March 2010 > >I love this time of year when one does not have to venture far for >signs of spring. Three nights ago a pair of Great Horned Owls >started up an early dawn duet behind our house -- we hope they'll >linger to set up a nest. > >Grackles appeared yesterday, the same day I was entertained by two >male Hairy Woodpeckers competing for the attention of an interested >female. The posturing, calls, and displays of bill fencing went on >for some time, before the victorious male flew off with a >prospective mate. > >The first Purple Finches appeared today, though they are not yet singing. > >I'm trying to not get lulled into a sense of warm relaxation, as I >know winter can return at any time, at least until mid-May. In the >meantime, I and the birds are enjoying the lovely spring-like >weather. > >Cheers, > >Blake > > >----------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Blake Maybank >maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca >902-852-2077 > >Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds" > http://nsbs.chebucto.org > >author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" > http://tinyurl.com/birdingns >Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: > http://tinyurl.com/mr627d > >White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada -- Angela Joudrey aljoudrey AT eastlink.ca Subject: Re: Purple finches From: Angela Joudrey <aljoudrey AT eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:24:17 -0400 I too noticed the first one at the feeder today. angela in Windsor >For the first time in 20+ years I did not see a single purple finch >at my feeders throughout the entire winter. This morning I was >delighted beyond measure to find a M/F pair quietly tucking in :-) > >Eleanor Lindsay >Seabright, St Margarets Bay -- Angela Joudrey aljoudrey AT eastlink.ca Subject: FW: article for your use From: Mary Macaulay <marymacaulay AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:15:27 -0400 > Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:44:35 -0400 > From: CAMERODS AT gov.ns.ca > To: CAMERODS AT gov.ns.ca > Subject: article for your use > > Woodland Conference open to all that are interested in our forests > > On Saturday, March 27 there will be a one day conference held in Stewiacke on a broad range of interesting topics pertaining to forests and forest management issues. The annual event, which is open to the public, is organized jointly by regional development agencies, Nova Forest Alliance and the Department of Natural Resources. It is one of three conferences being held across the province which rotate locations among counties each year. > > The central region conference this year will be held at the new Winding River Elementary School in Stewiacke from 9am to 3:30pm. Registration will begin at 8:30am. The Honourable John MacDonnell, Minister of the Department of Natural Resources, will open the conference. Former Woodlot Owner of the Year Award winner, Russell McNally of Truro, will talk about the many benefits, opportunities and responsibilities of owning and managing woodland. > > Over the last few months there has been considerable discussion and debate related to future protection of wetlands in Nova Scotia and possible restrictions that may limit future wetland uses. John Brazner of Nova Scotia Environment Department, as one of the chief architects, will discuss the direction of wetland protection in the province. He will speak about the new policies that are being developed for the province. > > Each year woodland owners express how valuable it is to hear about financial planning and tax tips that may pertain to them. Kelly Kolke, of Grant Thornton will provide useful and practical information on these topics. Another popular topic relates to common wildlife issues such as human interaction with black bears and coyotes. DNR regional biologist Doug Archibald will provide an update on these and other wildlife. > > From the academic world, participants will learn from Dr. Patricia Stoffyn-Egli of Dalhousie University about research conducted on wildlife use of riparian areas along watercourses. > Dr. Ralph Martin of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College will provide food for thought on the effect of climate change on forestry and agricultural land use. > > Well known CBC Radio call-in show guest and wildlife biologist, Bob Bancroft, will talk about woodlot ecology and managing for wildlife from a landowner's perspective. Peter DeMarsh, Chairman of the Canadian Federation of Woodland Owners, will present the latest developments related to the many ecological goods and services woodland owners provide to society and whether these values should be recognized in some manner financially via our taxation system or another means. > > Andrew West, a forest products buyer for HC Haynes, will review market trends and occurrences over the past year. He will then highlight what he sees as emerging opportunities for both timber and non-timber forest products. > > One of the more controversial topics to arise in forest circles in recent years is biomass harvesting. The conference agenda includes a panel presentation and discussion on biomass harvesting and utilization. Jim VerBoom of VerBoom Grinders and Jamie Simpson of the Ecology Action Centre will provide their perspectives on the topic and invite questions. > > > Registration cost is $25 which covers a hearty lunch and chances to win door prizes and the grand prize - a new powersaw. There will also be a number of exhibitors and service providers available to participants. To register or learn more about the central conference or the eastern conference, which will be April 10 in Guysborough, call 888-375-2198 or register on-line at www.woodlotinfoshop.ca. All those that pre-register will be eligible to win a GPS unit. > > Don Cameron, RPF > March 11, 2010 > > > _________________________________________________________________ Take your contacts everywhere http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712959 Subject: March 12 Canada Geese, Mallards, Red-tailed Hawk From: Patrick Giffin <p_giffin AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:52:21 -0400 Hi: ~1030, 12Mar10 11 Canada Geese, 5 Mallard Ducks, a Red-tailed Hawk being escorted by an A. Crow, 4 Bluejays, 3 Black-capped Chickadees. We interviewed a resident who had for some years been familiar with the voice of owls near his property. We had sighted a Great Horned there about a year ago. It has been several months since he has heard any Owls at his home near the bridge that spans the Annapolis River on Bridge St Kingston and he was also very disappointed that there had not been any deer visiting the apple trees in their backyard, an experience that they had been taking for granted for several years. Cheers, Barbara and Pat _________________________________________________________________ IM on the go with Messenger on your phone http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712960 Subject: Bald eagle From: Tuma <tumayoung AT yahoo.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:41:58 -0800 (PST) We are driving back from Sydney on highway 105 just going down kellys mountain when a bald eagle flew over us with sticks in his talons. We presume nesting material. We also saw a red tailed hawk at north Sydney just before the exit to 105. Of course no pictures as our camera gear is packed away. Sent from my iPhone __________________________________________________________________ The new Internet ExplorerŽ 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ Subject: Possible Golden Eagle From: June Swift <brierisland AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:08:06 -0400 Hi Everyone I got a report from Carl Haycock about a possible Golden Eagle flying low over the village, so i grabbed my camera and binoculars and sighted it with Carl but by this time it was really high in the air. He said he got some good looks and it was a golden color on its head it had white underneath the wing tips and on the top. It was quite noticable. It was very large and dark and it glided off towards Northern Light. I then decided to hike to Pond Cove and sighted an Adult Bald Eagle and an Immature Bald Eagle. At pond cove a baby harbour seal was on the beach quite alive and it looked to be in good shape. Looked around for its mother but couldn't find her, sometimes they will leave their babies and return awhile later. WIll check on the seal a little later to see if he is gone.Along the beach i sighted 6 Snow Buntings. I also sighted lots of Black Ducks in the lower end of Big POnd along with 2 Canada Geese. Will post some pictures on my blog at: www.brierisland.blogspot.com June Swift Subject: Signs of Spring around White's Lake From: Blake Maybank <maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:13:50 -0400 12 March 2010 I love this time of year when one does not have to venture far for signs of spring. Three nights ago a pair of Great Horned Owls started up an early dawn duet behind our house -- we hope they'll linger to set up a nest. Grackles appeared yesterday, the same day I was entertained by two male Hairy Woodpeckers competing for the attention of an interested female. The posturing, calls, and displays of bill fencing went on for some time, before the victorious male flew off with a prospective mate. The first Purple Finches appeared today, though they are not yet singing. I'm trying to not get lulled into a sense of warm relaxation, as I know winter can return at any time, at least until mid-May. In the meantime, I and the birds are enjoying the lovely spring-like weather. Cheers, Blake ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blake Maybank maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca 902-852-2077 Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds" http://nsbs.chebucto.org author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia" http://tinyurl.com/birdingns Downloadable Nova Scotia Maps for inside front and back covers: http://tinyurl.com/mr627d White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada Subject: Re: Gray Jay nesting From: Brian Dalzell <aythya AT nb.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:34:09 -0400 I saw the same thing near Harcourt, NB yesterday afternoon, only this fellow was gathering dog hair in someone's dooryard, with a second bird on guard duty. ===================== ---- John Kearney wrote: > I saw a Gray Jay carrying nesting material yesterday, March 11 on the > Cloverville Road in Antigonish County. It was a cottony material, perhaps an > old cocoon. > > > > > Subject: Gray Jay nesting From: "John Kearney" <john.kearney AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:22:18 -0400 I saw a Gray Jay carrying nesting material yesterday, March 11 on the Cloverville Road in Antigonish County. It was a cottony material, perhaps an old cocoon. Subject: Purple finches From: Eleanor Lindsay <kelindsay AT eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:52:38 -0400 For the first time in 20+ years I did not see a single purple finch at my feeders throughout the entire winter. This morning I was delighted beyond measure to find a M/F pair quietly tucking in :-) Eleanor Lindsay Seabright, St Margarets Bay Subject: Re: Glaucous X Great Black-backed Gull and Barred Owl From: Richard Stern <sternrichard AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:36:37 -0400 Hi Hans, Very nice pictures. On all the ones of the gull, the 1st c. GBB pattern on the wings and undersides is quite apparent, and I should have noticed that more obviously on the 1st picture. I agree that 1st c. GLAG x GBBG is the most likely ID, but of course hybrids can be notoriously hard to sort out in terms of true parentage. There was some data published somewhere recently, and I forget exactly where, showing some warblers that looked perfectly typical of a given species, but DNA analysis showed that they were in fact hybrids, with phenotypic expressions of just 1 parent. Thanks for the thought-provoking observation. Richard On Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 7:52 PM, Hans Toom wrote: > At this point the consensus is that the mystery gull at Sambro Harbour is > a hybrid, *Glaucous X Great Black-backed Gull*. I've posted four more > photos including a close-up study of the primaries. The gull though not shy > just sat on a post and didn't move around much when I photographed it. I > confess to not noticing the dark spots under the tail. I should use a > checklist when I study a bird so I don't miss any clues and parts. > > I've also posted some photos of the *Barred Owl* from Oakfield Provincial > Park from this morning. All the photos are taken hand held which is another > lesson learned. I should have brought my tripod since I knew that I > was going to be photographing owls in the deep and shady forest. > > Hans > > http://www.hanstoom.com/Highlights/March2010/0121.html > _________________________________ > Hans Toom > Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada > Website: http://hanstoom.com > _________________________________ > -- ################# Dr.R.B.Stern, P.O. Box 300, Port Williams, N.S., Canada, B0P 1T0 Richard Stern, 317 Middle Dyke Rd. Port Williams, NS, Canada B0P 1T0 sternrichard AT gmail.com ################### Subject: Glaucous X Great Black-backed Gull and Barred Owl From: Hans Toom <Htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:52:03 -0400 At this point the consensus is that the mystery gull at Sambro Harbour is a hybrid, Glaucous X Great Black-backed Gull. I've posted four more photos including a close-up study of the primaries. The gull though not shy just sat on a post and didn't move around much when I photographed it. I confess to not noticing the dark spots under the tail. I should use a checklist when I study a bird so I don't miss any clues and parts. I've also posted some photos of the Barred Owl from Oakfield Provincial Park from this morning. All the photos are taken hand held which is another lesson learned. I should have brought my tripod since I knew that I was going to be photographing owls in the deep and shady forest. Hans http://www.hanstoom.com/Highlights/March2010/0121.html _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: re brant & eelgrass in King's Co., NS, in Spring From: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford AT eastlink.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:01:16 -0400 In addition to what Richard Stern wrote and in answer to Andy's question below: In the 1970s and 1980s, but I think not predictably since then, there used to be small numbers of brant that passed through the Wolfville- to-Grand Pre area each Spring in May. In recent years a few have been seen, along with late purple sandpipers, by the Can. Wildlife Service personnel on their surveys of colonially nesting birds on Boot Island in early July every other year or so? Those sightings should be available from the CWS in Sackville, N.B. Richard mentioned eelgrass as an attractant, and I'm ashamed to not know whether we have ever had eelgrass in the southern bight of the Minas Basin. Perhaps Sherman Bleakney can comment on that, and on whether perhaps we used to have eelgrass here but do not any more? I have also copied this to Glenys Gibson and David Garbary, who might know some of this? I know that alien green crabs can be very hard on eelgrass, since they uproot it when foraging, and we have had green crabs here at least since the early 1970s if not much longer. Cheers from Jim in Wolfville Begin forwarded message: > From: Laurie Murison > Date: March 11, 2010 9:33:55 AM AST > To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > Subject: Re: [NatureNS] brant > Reply-To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > > Another area in the Bay of Fundy is the Grand Manan archipelago > with large numbers of brant stopping over. The numbers are > starting to swell now but some start showing up in early February > and remain well into the spring. > > Laurie Murison > Grand Manan, NB > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Stern > To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 7:19 AM > Subject: Re: [NatureNS] brant > > Hi, > > A very few show up in scattered locations, but they're very > particular about having eel-grass, and seem to be faithful to CSI > and Brier Island and Freeport in late winter and Spring in large > numbers. > > Richard > > Sent from my iPhone > > Richard Stern > Port Williams > NS > > sternrichard AT gmail. com > > On 2010-03-10, at 10:47 PM, "andy dean" > wrote: > >> Hi John, >> Your report has us curious....do brant show up on this side of the >> province.....i.e. The Fundy shores ? Anyone? >> >> Andy and Lelia Dean >> 86 Baden Powell Drive >> Kentville, N.S. >> (902) 678-6243 >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: John Nickerson >> To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca >> Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 2:31 PM >> Subject: [NatureNS] brant >> >> >> >> 1000 brant seen at the hawk flats today >> >> 45 brant at daniels head also 1 rough legged hawk >> >> >> >> johnny nickerson sandra >> nickerson >> >> Take your contacts everywhere. Try Messenger for mobile > > > > 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 Subject: RE: brant From: Lynne Perry <perry.lynne AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:01:06 -0300 Cape Sable Island has been named an IBA (Important Bird Area) because for five species of birds; the brant being one of them. They concentrate there to feed on eelgrass on their annual migration to the far North to the breeding grounds. It is one of the best places to see several hundred at one time. For a few years we in tourism industry held a 'brant festival' there as these small geese, who feed all around the island daily gather near the Hawk to fly together at dusk to their night roosting area. One year as dozens of folk watched they flew directly over our heads at the church on the hill at the Hawk. It was most impressive & we cheered when it was over. Well worth the trip to Cape Sable Island, Shelburne County - a great birdig area any time. From: aadean AT ns.sympatico.ca To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Subject: Re: [NatureNS] brant Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:47:45 -0400 Hi John, Your report has us curious....do brant show up on this side of the province.....i.e. The Fundy shores ? Anyone? Andy and Lelia Dean 86 Baden Powell Drive Kentville, N.S. (902) 678-6243 ----- Original Message ----- From: John Nickerson To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 2:31 PM Subject: [NatureNS] brant 1000 brant seen at the hawk flats today 45 brant at daniels head also 1 rough legged hawk johnny nickerson sandra nickerson Take your contacts everywhere. Try Messenger for mobile _________________________________________________________________ Check your Hotmail from your phone. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712957 Subject: Unidentified Hybrid Gull(or Thayer's Gull) and Barred Owl From: Hans Toom <Htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:53:01 -0400 I spotted an unusual gull at Sambro Harbour yesterday afternoon. The large all black bill should eliminate Glaucous Gull as a candidate, which was my first impression. The closest match I could find in my literature was a first winter Glaucous-winged Gull, due to its flat topped head(clearly visible in an unposted photo), dark brown or black eyes, large all black bill and primary extensions that appear to be the same colour as the body, a significant field mark for this species. The problem with colour in bright sunlight is that colours can be hard to match particularly greys and whites, so the primary extensions could actually be white. Only a colorimeter can tell for sure. I'll try some side by side comparisons between the primary extensions and the body to see if I can match, or missmatch the colours. Other expert opinons so far include mostly hybrids; Glaucous X Great Black-backed Gull, Glaucous X Herring Gull(Nelson's Gull), and Thayer's Gull. I'll try to post more photos this evening. I took a stroll at Oakfield Provincial Park this morning in search of the Barred Owl. I found one after 15 minutes and took a lot of photos, almost all in total or partial shade which is a challenge for image quality. I'll get some of these up this evening, as well. Hans http://www.hanstoom.com/Highlights/March2010/0115.html _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: property ownership From: Randy Lauff <randy.lauff AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:10:12 -0400 All, I want to put up a duck nest box on a nearby beaver pond, but I'd like to get the owner's permission first. Is there an on-line resource to find out ownership of land here in NS? Thanks, Randy _________________________________ RF Lauff Way in the boonies of Antigonish County, NS. Subject: Northern Flicker From: Suzanne Townsend <suzanne.townsend AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:46:32 -0400 Our neighbourhood Northern Flicker is announcing his presence again after many months of silence. I do not know if he migrates or if he's just quiet all winter. --Suzanne, Boutiliers Point Subject: Re: brant From: "Laurie Murison" <gmwhale AT nbnet.nb.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:33:55 -0400 Another area in the Bay of Fundy is the Grand Manan archipelago with large numbers of brant stopping over. The numbers are starting to swell now but some start showing up in early February and remain well into the spring. Laurie Murison Grand Manan, NB ----- Original Message ----- From: Stern To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 7:19 AM Subject: Re: [NatureNS] brant Hi, A very few show up in scattered locations, but they're very particular about having eel-grass, and seem to be faithful to CSI and Brier Island and Freeport in late winter and Spring in large numbers. Richard Sent from my iPhone Richard Stern Port Williams NS sternrichard AT gmail. com On 2010-03-10, at 10:47 PM, "andy dean" wrote: Hi John, Your report has us curious....do brant show up on this side of the province.....i.e. The Fundy shores ? Anyone? Andy and Lelia Dean 86 Baden Powell Drive Kentville, N.S. (902) 678-6243 ----- Original Message ----- From: John Nickerson To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 2:31 PM Subject: [NatureNS] brant 1000 brant seen at the hawk flats today 45 brant at daniels head also 1 rough legged hawk johnny nickerson sandra nickerson -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take your contacts everywhere. Try Messenger for mobile ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 Subject: Update: Dartmouth Orange-crowned Warbler From: Gayle MacLean <duartess2003 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:20:20 -0800 (PST) Hello All,   Had been experiencing some computer glitches and was off-line while my system was upgraded.   However, the over wintering OC Warbler that has called my backyard 'home' this winter since mid-Dec/09, is faring well, enjoying the daily offerings of live meal worms and plum pudding. With the longer periods of daylight and warmer temperatures, have noticed his appearances have been less so during the day as he ventures further afield. My neighbours are all aware of this charming visitor. The youngsters living near-by have all come down to watch him eat his evening worms, and know exactly what species he is.   Though this winter here in Dartmouth, really, has been relatively mild, there have been some periods of frigid temperatures and nasty weather. But this little bird has persevered, finding shelter from the elements and has been smart enough to avoid being eaten by the many cats roaming through the green-belt, not to mention, the patrolling Sharp-shinned Hawk/Merlin that is seen daily.   Also in the neighbourhood is a male Northern Cardinal that sings away every morning these last few weeks early in the morning, atop the same tree, across the street. He is truly a beautiful creature! There are both Hairy & Downy Woodpeckers visiting the suet feeders, song & White-throated Sparrows singing their Spring songs. A few Am. Goldfinches, BC Chickadees, some Blue-jays, lots of crows swooping around and of course, the ever present & way too many, Starlings. And a couple of red squirrels.   Gayle MacLean Dartmouth     __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ Subject: Update: Dartmouth Orange-crowned Warbler From: Gayle MacLean <duartess2003 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:20:20 -0800 (PST) Hello All,   Had been experiencing some computer glitches and was off-line while my system was upgraded.   However, the over wintering OC Warbler that has called my backyard 'home' this winter since mid-Dec/09, is faring well, enjoying the daily offerings of live meal worms and plum pudding. With the longer periods of daylight and warmer temperatures, have noticed his appearances have been less so during the day as he ventures further afield. My neighbours are all aware of this charming visitor. The youngsters living near-by have all come down to watch him eat his evening worms, and know exactly what species he is.   Though this winter here in Dartmouth, really, has been relatively mild, there have been some periods of frigid temperatures and nasty weather. But this little bird has persevered, finding shelter from the elements and has been smart enough to avoid being eaten by the many cats roaming through the green-belt, not to mention, the patrolling Sharp-shinned Hawk/Merlin that is seen daily.   Also in the neighbourhood is a male Northern Cardinal that sings away every morning these last few weeks early in the morning, atop the same tree, across the street. He is truly a beautiful creature! There are both Hairy & Downy Woodpeckers visiting the suet feeders, song & White-throated Sparrows singing their Spring songs. A few Am. Goldfinches, BC Chickadees, some Blue-jays, lots of crows swooping around and of course, the ever present & way too many, Starlings. And a couple of red squirrels.   Gayle MacLean Dartmouth     __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ Subject: Re: brant From: Stern <sternrichard AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:19:16 -0400 Hi, A very few show up in scattered locations, but they're very particular about having eel-grass, and seem to be faithful to CSI and Brier Island and Freeport in late winter and Spring in large numbers. Richard Sent from my iPhone Richard Stern Port Williams NS sternrichard AT gmail. com On 2010-03-10, at 10:47 PM, "andy dean" wrote: > Hi John, > Your report has us curious....do brant show up on this side of the > province.....i.e. The Fundy shores ? Anyone? > > Andy and Lelia Dean > 86 Baden Powell Drive > Kentville, N.S. > (902) 678-6243 > ----- Original Message ----- > From: John Nickerson > To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 2:31 PM > Subject: [NatureNS] brant > > > > 1000 brant seen at the hawk flats today > > 45 brant at daniels head also 1 rough legged hawk > > > > johnny nickerson sandra > nickerson > > Take your contacts everywhere. Try Messenger for mobile Subject: Re: brant From: "andy dean" <aadean AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:47:45 -0400 Hi John, Your report has us curious....do brant show up on this side of the province.....i.e. The Fundy shores ? Anyone? Andy and Lelia Dean 86 Baden Powell Drive Kentville, N.S. (902) 678-6243 ----- Original Message ----- From: John Nickerson To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 2:31 PM Subject: [NatureNS] brant 1000 brant seen at the hawk flats today 45 brant at daniels head also 1 rough legged hawk johnny nickerson sandra nickerson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Take your contacts everywhere. Try Messenger for mobile Subject: brant From: John Nickerson <jonsannick AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:31:45 -0400 1000 brant seen at the hawk flats today 45 brant at daniels head also 1 rough legged hawk johnny nickerson sandra nickerson _________________________________________________________________ Live connected with Messenger on your phone http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712958 Subject: A Terrible Screaming From Under the Dock From: Hans Toom <Htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:27:22 -0400 I was skulking around the fishing boats at Sambro Harbour yesterday morning, looking for a Black Guillemot that was popping its head above water in various places when I heard this terrible screaming coming from under the dock. It sounded to me as I imagine a Terradacdyl would scream. I waited for a time when out came a Mink. I suspect it was talking, in its manner, to a family nesting under the dock. This morning I left my home in Portuguese Cove in bright sunshine heading for a hike on the Wetland's Trail, Mount Uniacke Museum Park. There is no snow in this area at all. By the time I arrived at my destination it was completely overcast and snowing and with a fair bit of snow still in the woods. I donned my ice cleats and ventured forth for a very enjoyable stroll. Lots of birds were singing. White-winged Crossbill, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet and Brown Creeper were the highlights. Thompson Lake is still frozen tight but Black Creek is open all the way from the lake to Highway #1. No woodpeckers were seen or heard. Hans http://www.hanstoom.com/Highlights/March2010/0100.html _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Canning geese From: Richard Stern <sternrichard AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 20:03:43 -0400 No, I don't mean putting goose meat in a can ......... I estimated about 1200 Canada geese in the stubble fields east and south of Canning, Kings Co. this afternoon. I couldn't find anything unusual amongst them. There have been 4 or 5 pairs of Common Mergansers around the Canning Aboiteau for a while, and they were there this afternoon. Richard -- ################# Richard Stern, 317 Middle Dyke Rd. Port Williams, NS, Canada B0P 1T0 sternrichard AT gmail.com ################### Subject: redhead and others From: James Hirtle <jrhbirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 22:55:24 +0000 Yesterday, I pulled off at First South for a second only as I did not have time to pan the ducks properly. Within a second I picked out the redhead from the scaup flock. Dorothy Poole and I went out for some birding today. The ducks were flying about in large groups, but did not settle much as there were many bald eagles about. At least nine to ten separate birds are hanging in the area. At First South there were 69 red-breasted mergansers. Two American wigeon were also there. At National Sea by the High Liner plant there were two yellow-rumped warblers. James R. Hirtle Bayport _________________________________________________________________ Live connected with Messenger on your phone http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712958 Subject: Birds of note - Sunday From: Bob McDonald <bobathome AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:24:29 -0400 Sorry for the late posting of this info. After attending an event on the Chebucto Peninsula on Sunday, Wendy and I did a couple of short walks on the Prospect Peninsula. On our return drive north along Prospect Bay Rd, we noted a pair of Hooded Mergansers, both with fully erect crests, close to shore opposite civic # 65. Slightly further north, opposite civic #250, were several pairs of Goldeneye, mostly Commons but with one Barrow's male. These birds were a bit too far away for me to ascertain whether his partner was a Common or Barrow's. I mention this since I cannot recall if a Barrow's has been previously reported from this location. Finally, just a bit north of this location where Prospect Bay is quite narrow, we came across a sizable group of predominantly Black Ducks along with a single female Red-breasted Merganser and another crazy, mixed-up duck resembling a cross between a Mallard and a Northern Pintail......? Anyone other than Ian into hybrids? Cheers, Bob McDonald bobathome AT eastlink.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: V. Redden To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 10:31 AM Subject: [NatureNS] Varied Thrush The Varied Thrush in Avonport was seen between Jan 30 and Feb 11, 2010. It was a male. It probably died, the weather was very cold in that period. I have an 'old-fashioned' film photo that I will scan and forward a copy to anyone interested if they contact me off list. Virginia Redden Port Howe Cumb Co Subject: RE: photo ID's? From: "Laviolette, Lance (EXP)" <lance.laviolette AT lmco.com> Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:25:21 -0500 Hi Fritz and Angus, Althought the angle is not great, on my monitor I'm seeing good contrast between the bird's reddish tail and the olive brown back/upper parts. I don't see anything in this photo that would make me think that this isn't a Hermit Thrush. All the best, Lance ==================== Lance Laviolette Glen Robertson, Ont. ==================== ________________________________ From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca] On Behalf Of Angus MacLean Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 10:57 AM To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Subject: Re: [NatureNS] FW: photo ID's? Fritz McEvoy wrote: Interesting shot of the thrush, Fritz, and good quality still taken from a video!! Likely someone has already I.D. it for you but it's quite a challenge especially since Bicknell's nest so close to you!! This bird is quite young and hasn't developed much of anything! No colour on the lower mandible, very little colour if any on the tail, face/cheeks are so gray it could be a Gray-cheeked, very light markings on the underside & an overall flat tone to the upperparts. The primary projection marks it as a Hermit but little else to go on. Perhaps Lance can offer a better analysis since he has undoubtedly banded such individuals. Angus Hi All, I'm catching up on some video editing and have some ID questions about two birds that I thought I'd throw out for confirmation. The first is a thrush that I'm pretty sure is a Hermit but has some marks of the Bicknell's or Gray-cheeked Thrush. It hit a window so looks a little stunned. The second is a Barn Swallow; probably 1st year; that has some features of the Eurasian subspecies. It looks a little unhappy as it was raining when it made the video. If anyone wants to have a look I've uploaded them on Picasa. http://picasaweb.google.com/atlasmaritimes26/ThrushSwallow# On another note; my local Sharpie seems to have got his hunting technique down pat. He's taken a Blue Jay on two successive days in almost the exact same location of my yard. Subject: Re: attracting beaver From: Randy Lauff <randy.lauff AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 12:06:13 -0400 Thanks all for your responses. On 9 March 2010 11:28, Tuma Young wrote: > Once the colony gets too big, the elders will give the order to have the > younger ones move on. The migrants will seek far and wide to find a > suitable place to establish a new colony. This is the time when they are > the most vulnerable to predation as often they have to move on land. > I have no problem with predation; bears and others have to eat too! > One approach is to ask DNR if they have any nuisance beavers (who dam up > culverts and undermine roads) that they can live trap and release into your > area. > I have a note in to our local office. I'll see what they have to say. Randy _________________________________ RF Lauff Way in the boonies of Antigonish County, NS. Subject: Re: FW: photo ID's? From: Angus MacLean <angusmcl AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:56:50 -0400 Subject: Re: attracting beaver From: Tuma Young <tumayoung AT yahoo.ca> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:28:51 -0800 (PST) Hi Randy etal: My family used to trap beavers and other fur bearing animals for the Hudson Bay Co in the 70's. As for attracting beavers, be careful of what you wish for or you might just get it. Once the colony gets too big, the elders will give the order to have the younger ones move on. The migrants will seek far and wide to find a suitable place to establish a new colony. This is the time when they are the most vulnerable to predation as often they have to move on land. Most often, the beavers will build a dam to change the ecology to suit it's purposes. Sometimes, it does not have to and if the water is fresh enough or brackish, it will establish itself without a dam. What shocked me once was finding out that some beavers do not build a lodge but may burrow deep in the mud banks of a river. The key is that the area has sufficient food for it-aspens, populars, maples, willows and birch. The sound of water will attract a beaver to the source and they will try to build a dam to stop the leak but I often thought that this was very stressful for them as they have to stop everything to try and repair the dam. Some predators, such as Bears, have learned this and will go to destroy part of the dam to lure the beavers to their deaths. One approach is to ask DNR if they have any nuisance beavers (who dam up culverts and undermine roads) that they can live trap and release into your area. Tuma Koqwaqja'tekaq'tinej. (Let Us Choose The Correct Behaviour) ________________________________ From: Randy Lauff To: NatureNS Sent: Tue, March 9, 2010 7:54:07 AM Subject: [NatureNS] attracting beaver All, Just down the road from me is a beaver pond. The stream feeding it comes off my land, and there, the stream is in a nice valley. It would be lovely to have the descendants of the colony down the road to move upstream instead of down to establish a colony on my land. I suspect this is dreaming, but does anyone know of a way to entice them to do this? Randy _________________________________ RF Lauff Way in the boonies of Antigonish County, NS. __________________________________________________________________ Get a sneak peak at messages with a handy reading pane with All new Yahoo! Mail: http://ca.promos.yahoo.com/newmail/overview2/ Subject: Re: attracting beaver From: "Dusan Soudek" <soudekd AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 10:44:33 -0400 Attracting beaver? I've heard or read somewhere that captive beavers will attempt to build a dam, given a supply of building materials, even if there is no running water in sight. What is necessary is only the sound of running water, such as that provided by a tape and a speaker. Apparently they try to build a dam around the source of the running water sounds. Why not buy one of those 'relaxation' tapes (or CDs) and rig a waterproof speaker at the appropriate site on your property. The only problem is that the resulting dam may be quite disorganized and therefore ineffectual.... Dusan Soudek Subject: Varied Thrush From: "V. Redden" <Reddenville AT nncweb.ca> Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:31:55 -0400 The Varied Thrush in Avonport was seen between Jan 30 and Feb 11, 2010. It was a male. It probably died, the weather was very cold in that period. I have an 'old-fashioned' film photo that I will scan and forward a copy to anyone interested if they contact me off list. Virginia Redden Port Howe Cumb Co Subject: Re: attracting beaver From: Peter Payzant <pce AT accesswave.ca> Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:28:57 -0400 Aren't they attracted to the sound of running water, which induces them to start a dam? If you could create a place where the stream moves noisily over the ground that might do it. Of course, you should be certain that you really do want a beaver pond upstream of this location. You might also want to investigate beaver territory sizes to see if two colonies could coexist in the space available. Peter Payzant > ----- Original Message ----- > *From:* Randy Lauff > *To:* NatureNS > *Sent:* Tuesday, March 09, 2010 7:54 AM > *Subject:* [NatureNS] attracting beaver > > All, > > Just down the road from me is a beaver pond. The stream feeding it > comes off my land, and there, the stream is in a nice valley. It > would be lovely to have the descendants of the colony down the > road to move upstream instead of down to establish a colony on my > land. I suspect this is dreaming, but does anyone know of a way to > entice them to do this? > > Randy > _________________________________ > RF Lauff > Way in the boonies of > Antigonish County, NS. > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Subject: Re: UK to use beetles to control Japanese Knotweed From: "David & Alison Webster" <dwebster AT glinx.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 10:22:45 -0400 UK to use beetles to control Japanese KnotweedHi Angela & All, Mar 9, 2010 It looks like the same Knotweed. Does anyone know first-hand how the project to control this in Cape Breton by injecting herbicides, one stalk at a time, turned out ? Contrary to rumors, it is readily controlled by mowing, e.g. with a hand scythe or anything else that will deplete the rhizomes of reserves. Yt, Dave Webster, Kentville ----- Original Message ----- From: Angela Joudrey To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 6:53 AM Subject: [NatureNS] UK to use beetles to control Japanese Knotweed http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8555378.stm Is this the same invasive plant we have around Nova Scotia? I believe there have been many discussions here regarding it. Angela in Windsor -- Angela Joudrey aljoudrey AT eastlink.ca ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.435 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2701 - Release Date: 02/21/10 07:34:00 Subject: Re: attracting beaver From: "David & Alison Webster" <dwebster AT glinx.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 09:51:21 -0400 Hi Randy & All, Mar 9, 2010 Just off of the top of my head, I would select some point in the stream that would be attractive (an alder swamp for dam building [alders, sphagnum moss & mud], young Poplar for food just above the probable water line) and then build a road using coarse gravel and a culvert across the stream at the logical site for a dam. Yt, Dave Webster ----- Original Message ----- From: Randy Lauff To: NatureNS Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 7:54 AM Subject: [NatureNS] attracting beaver All, Just down the road from me is a beaver pond. The stream feeding it comes off my land, and there, the stream is in a nice valley. It would be lovely to have the descendants of the colony down the road to move upstream instead of down to establish a colony on my land. I suspect this is dreaming, but does anyone know of a way to entice them to do this? Randy _________________________________ RF Lauff Way in the boonies of Antigonish County, NS. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.435 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2701 - Release Date: 02/21/10 07:34:00 Subject: attracting beaver From: Randy Lauff <randy.lauff AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:54:07 -0400 All, Just down the road from me is a beaver pond. The stream feeding it comes off my land, and there, the stream is in a nice valley. It would be lovely to have the descendants of the colony down the road to move upstream instead of down to establish a colony on my land. I suspect this is dreaming, but does anyone know of a way to entice them to do this? Randy _________________________________ RF Lauff Way in the boonies of Antigonish County, NS.