Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Nova Scotia > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Friday, July 3 at 06:13 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Least Sandpiper,©David Sibley

03 Jul Re: Spotting Scope [Don MacNeill ] 3 Jul RE: Spotting Scope [Fritz McEvoy ] 3 Jul Re: Spotting Scope [Richard Stern ] 3 Jul Re: Spotting Scope [Nancy Roberts ] 3 Jul Willow Flycatcher, Antigonish [Bruce Stevens ] 3 Jul Heron vs Herring - GULP! [Randy Lauff ] 3 Jul RE: Spotting Scope ["David&Jane Schlosberg" ] 3 Jul little egret [John Nickerson ] 3 Jul Re: Spotting Scope [Richard Stern ] 3 Jul Re: Spotting Scope [Gayle MacLean ] 03 Jul Re: Some photos from June [Phil Schappert ] 02 Jul Re: Spotting Scope ["Margaret E.Millard" ] 02 Jul Spotting Scope [Lois Codling ] 2 Jul Some Valley birds today [Richard Stern ] 2 Jul Re: A. Oystercatcher [] 2 Jul Some photos from June [Richard Stern ] 2 Jul Conrad's Beach Brass Buttons ( Cotula coronopifolia L. ) [Rick Ballard ] 2 Jul Re: 100++?? Middleton chimney swifts June 29/09 + summary [Rick Ballard ] 02 Jul Re: 100++?? Middleton chimney swifts June 29/09 + summary to date ["Margaret E.Millard" ] 02 Jul RE: 100++?? Middleton chimney swifts June 29/09 + summary to date [Noel Taussig ] 02 Jul Baby swallows and recalled beef products ["Margaret E.Millard" ] 02 Jul more on June 30/09 Nature Counts walk at Irving Ctr./Woodland Trails ["James W. Wolford" ] 2 Jul Breeding Bird Route [James Hirtle ] 1 Jul Further information on Tordon [James Hirtle ] 1 Jul Pacific Loon -Additional Details [Clarence Stevens ] 01 Jul re fir witch's broom fungus, from Nancy Nickerson ["James W. Wolford" ] 01 Jul all three LOCUST spp. in Wolfville in bloom ["James W. Wolford" ] 01 Jul beluga and pilot whale in PEI, CBC Radio News ["James W. Wolford" ] 01 Jul 100++?? Middleton chimney swifts June 29/09 + summary to date ["James W. Wolford" ] 1 Jul Prior notice in regards to spraying [James Hirtle ] 30 Jun Re: re questions about Brier Island ["Margaret E.Millard" ] 30 Jun re questions about Brier Island ["James W. Wolford" ] 30 Jun 13,17,14 Wolfville chimney swifts June 26,27,29/09 + summary to date ["James W. Wolford" ] 30 Jun Re: questions about Brier Island ["Margaret E.Millard" ] 30 Jun Re: questions about Brier Island ["Dave/Sharon" ] 30 Jun breeding E. Bluebirds [] 30 Jun Of interest to all [James Hirtle ] 29 Jun RE: A Canada Day for the birds [Dennis Hippern ] 29 Jun Re: A Canada Day for the birds [] 29 Jun Wild About Gardening ["Marian Fulton & Art Harding" ] 29 Jun A Canada Day for the birds [BSC NS Plovers ] 29 Jun Re: re Hans' wildflower and other photos ["Margaret E.Millard" ] 29 Jun Re: questions about Brier Island ["Margaret E.Millard" ] 29 Jun Fw: Mushroom Foray,Cape Breton. [Ken McKenna ] 29 Jun re "Wild Turkeys" in Nova Scotia ["James W. Wolford" ] 29 Jun Nova Scotia Migration Count 2009 [Hans Toom ] 29 Jun Re: questions about Brier Island [Laura Titus ] 29 Jun re Hans' wildflower and other photos ["James W. Wolford" ] 29 Jun RE: spring azure butterfly, sick? gannet, beached seal [Helene Van Doninck ] 29 Jun spring azure butterfly, sick? gannet, beached seal ["James W. Wolford" ] 29 Jun RE: Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers ["David&Jane Schlosberg" ] 29 Jun RE: Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers ["David&Jane Schlosberg" ] 29 Jun Re: Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers [Phil Schappert ] 29 Jun Re: Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers [Phil Schappert ] 29 Jun Re: Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers [Christopher Majka ] 29 Jun RE: Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers [Ken MacAulay ] 29 Jun Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers [Hans Toom ] 29 Jun Re: questions about Brier Island ["Dave/Sharon" ] 29 Jun nature notes: bird nests, flowers, lily beetle ["James W. Wolford" ] 29 Jun Today and yesterday [James Hirtle ] 28 Jun Wild turkeys in Nova Scotia [Patrick Kelly ] 28 Jun Frogs on the Herbert River Trail [Patrick Kelly ] 28 Jun Ode to June ["D W Bridgehouse" ] 28 Jun Cape Breton Birds [Kathleen MacAulay ] 28 Jun Gold River and Vireos [James Hirtle ] 28 Jun Re: Odonates at Belchers Marsh [Don MacNeill ] 28 Jun Odonates at Belchers Marsh [Bob McDonald ] 28 Jun Pacific Loon [Clarence Stevens ] 28 Jun Re: Halifax nighthawk(s) [Bob McDonald ] 28 Jun Halifax nighthawk(s) [Brian Bartlett ] 28 Jun Re: Nature Photos [Christopher Majka ] 28 Jun Re: Nature Photos [Hans Toom ] 27 Jun Re: Nature Photos [Christopher Majka ] 27 Jun Re: Nature Photos ["David Webster" ] 27 Jun New Glasgow chimney swifts update + summary to date for N.S. ["James W. Wolford" ] 27 Jun Nature Photos [Hans Toom ] Subject: Re: Spotting Scope From: Don MacNeill <donmacneill AT eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:09:15 -0300 I have used Lois's Bushnell for years. It has dropped off my window mount onto the pavement and the resulting damage to the metal means I can't screw the lense cap on any more. However, like Eveready, it just keep going. There has never been any deterioration in the optics. Great buy at $100. Don Don MacNeill donmacneill AT eastlink.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: Fritz McEvoy To: NS NATURE Sent: Friday, July 03, 2009 6:47 PM Subject: RE: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope Hi All, I've used Canon 12/36 IS bins for a number of years and as Richard said there are good and bad features. On the good side the IS feature works very well and is particularly good for hawk watching, observing birds from boats or in windy conditions. They would be my first choice for a whale watcher although they are only water resistant not waterproof. The biggest negative is the weight; they're heavy and on a long hike can put a groove in your neck. The optics are great although the FOV is not as good as some other models in the same price range. As to cost I would say they fall in the mid to high price range. They work OK for me (they are set up for my particular eye problems) but would caution that you should take them on a test drive before buying. All the best. Fritz McEvoy Sunrise Valley, CB (near Dingwall) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: sternrichard AT gmail.com Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 17:28:05 -0300 Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca There are indeed a few that have built in Image Stabilization, just like some cameras. Unfortunately they tend to have a lot of disadvantages, such as having relatively poor optical quality, or being very heavy, or expensive, or a narrow field of view. But if you have shaky hands and are willing to put up with all that, they can indeed be excellent. I think that a light weight high optical quality 7X or 8X power standard binocular would usually be a better bet for carrying around in the field. Image stabilized ones seem to be more popular with astronomers and boaters than with birders. Richard On Fri, Jul 3, 2009 at 3:55 PM, Nancy Roberts wrote: There are binoculars that compensate - somehow - for unsteadiness. My father loved his. Nancy Nancy Roberts Design Celebrating 17 years of making you look GOOD Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2X6 902 461-9488 On 3-Jul-09, at 2:40 PM, David&Jane Schlosberg wrote: I have a Vortex "Vanquish" 8X26 binocular. It was reasonably priced; and it's light, but it's not 100% waterproof. I haven't had any problems with it. My husband has Nikon 101793BP "Travelite EX" 8X25. It is totally waterproof, lightweight, and a fair bit more expensive. Both came from the Mahone Bay store. The optics are clear and sharp on both. The adjustments are a bit smoother on the Nikon. Please publish information on spotting scopes, if you receive any privately. Thanks. Jane p.s. If you have unsteady hands, as I do, a stronger powered binocular becomes more difficult to hold steady. -----Original Message----- From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca]On Behalf Of Gayle MacLean Sent: Friday, July 03, 2009 7:45 AM To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope And speaking of Spotting Scopes (what is the advantage of using them?) & binoculars in general, (& I apologize if this topic has been addressed before), where is a good place here in HRM, to find ones that: 1. birders love 2. are reasonably priced 3. and that don't weigh a ton. I got very nice binoculars for Christmas but they just get so darned heavy after a short time when I'm out peering up into the trees. So, for the lady birders out there, what are your favourites and where did you get them? Many thanks!! Gayle MacLean Dartmouth --- On Thu, 7/2/09, Margaret E.Millard wrote: From: Margaret E.Millard Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Received: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 10:59 PM Hello Lois. I could be interested in this. Where are you located? Marg Millard, White Point, Queens http://margmillard.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lois Codling" To: "Nature NS" Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 10:30 PM Subject: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope > Anyone interested in purchasing the following before it is advertised > more generally: > > Starter spotting telescope - $100 > > Used original pattern Bushnell Spacemaster II > > Optics in excellent condition, though the body is somewhat battered - > Objective lens cap will not go on. > > Including an extremely good 22x wide angle eyepiece, and a 40x eyepiece > which can be useful in good viewing conditions. > > please contact me at the above e-mail address. > > Lois Codling > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.374 / Virus Database: 270.13.2/2215 - Release Date: 07/02/09 18:06:00 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The new Internet Explorer® 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! -- ################# 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 ################### -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Create a cool, new character for your Windows Live™ Messenger. Check it out Subject: RE: Spotting Scope From: Fritz McEvoy <fritzmcevoy AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 18:47:06 -0300 Hi All, I've used Canon 12/36 IS bins for a number of years and as Richard said there are good and bad features. On the good side the IS feature works very well and is particularly good for hawk watching, observing birds from boats or in windy conditions. They would be my first choice for a whale watcher although they are only water resistant not waterproof. The biggest negative is the weight; they're heavy and on a long hike can put a groove in your neck. The optics are great although the FOV is not as good as some other models in the same price range. As to cost I would say they fall in the mid to high price range. They work OK for me (they are set up for my particular eye problems) but would caution that you should take them on a test drive before buying. All the best. Fritz McEvoy Sunrise Valley, CB (near Dingwall) From: sternrichard AT gmail.com Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 17:28:05 -0300 Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca There are indeed a few that have built in Image Stabilization, just like some cameras. Unfortunately they tend to have a lot of disadvantages, such as having relatively poor optical quality, or being very heavy, or expensive, or a narrow field of view. But if you have shaky hands and are willing to put up with all that, they can indeed be excellent. I think that a light weight high optical quality 7X or 8X power standard binocular would usually be a better bet for carrying around in the field. Image stabilized ones seem to be more popular with astronomers and boaters than with birders. Richard On Fri, Jul 3, 2009 at 3:55 PM, Nancy Roberts wrote: There are binoculars that compensate - somehow - for unsteadiness. My father loved his. Nancy Nancy Roberts Design Celebrating 17 years of making you look GOOD Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2X6 902 461-9488 On 3-Jul-09, at 2:40 PM, David&Jane Schlosberg wrote: I have a Vortex "Vanquish" 8X26 binocular. It was reasonably priced; and it's light, but it's not 100% waterproof. I haven't had any problems with it. My husband has Nikon 101793BP "Travelite EX" 8X25. It is totally waterproof, lightweight, and a fair bit more expensive. Both came from the Mahone Bay store. The optics are clear and sharp on both. The adjustments are a bit smoother on the Nikon. Please publish information on spotting scopes, if you receive any privately. Thanks. Jane p.s. If you have unsteady hands, as I do, a stronger powered binocular becomes more difficult to hold steady. -----Original Message----- From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca]On Behalf Of Gayle MacLean Sent: Friday, July 03, 2009 7:45 AM To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope And speaking of Spotting Scopes (what is the advantage of using them?) & binoculars in general, (& I apologize if this topic has been addressed before), where is a good place here in HRM, to find ones that: 1. birders love 2. are reasonably priced 3. and that don't weigh a ton. I got very nice binoculars for Christmas but they just get so darned heavy after a short time when I'm out peering up into the trees. So, for the lady birders out there, what are your favourites and where did you get them? Many thanks!! Gayle MacLean Dartmouth --- On Thu, 7/2/09, Margaret E.Millard wrote: From: Margaret E.Millard Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Received: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 10:59 PM Hello Lois. I could be interested in this. Where are you located? Marg Millard, White Point, Queens http://margmillard.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lois Codling" To: "Nature NS" Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 10:30 PM Subject: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope > Anyone interested in purchasing the following before it is advertised > more generally: > > Starter spotting telescope - $100 > > Used original pattern Bushnell Spacemaster II > > Optics in excellent condition, though the body is somewhat battered - > Objective lens cap will not go on. > > Including an extremely good 22x wide angle eyepiece, and a 40x eyepiece > which can be useful in good viewing conditions. > > please contact me at the above e-mail address. > > Lois Codling > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.374 / Virus Database: 270.13.2/2215 - Release Date: 07/02/09 18:06:00 The new Internet Explorer® 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! -- ################# 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 ################### _________________________________________________________________ Create a cool, new character for your Windows Live™ Messenger. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9656621 Subject: Re: Spotting Scope From: Richard Stern <sternrichard AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 17:28:05 -0300 There are indeed a few that have built in Image Stabilization, just like some cameras. Unfortunately they tend to have a lot of disadvantages, such as having relatively poor optical quality, or being very heavy, or expensive, or a narrow field of view. But if you have shaky hands and are willing to put up with all that, they can indeed be excellent. I think that a light weight high optical quality 7X or 8X power standard binocular would usually be a better bet for carrying around in the field. Image stabilized ones seem to be more popular with astronomers and boaters than with birders. Richard On Fri, Jul 3, 2009 at 3:55 PM, Nancy Roberts wrote: > There are binoculars that compensate - somehow - for unsteadiness. My > father loved his. > Nancy > > Nancy Roberts Design > Celebrating 17 years of making you look GOOD > > Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2X6 > 902 461-9488 > > > > On 3-Jul-09, at 2:40 PM, David&Jane Schlosberg wrote: > > I have a Vortex "Vanquish" 8X26 binocular. It was reasonably priced; and > it's light, but it's not 100% waterproof. I haven't had any problems with > it. My husband has Nikon 101793BP "Travelite EX" 8X25. It is totally > waterproof, lightweight, and a fair bit more expensive. Both came from the > Mahone Bay store. The optics are clear and sharp on both. The adjustments > are a bit smoother on the Nikon. Please publish information on spotting > scopes, if you receive any privately. > Thanks. > Jane > p.s. If you have unsteady hands, as I do, a stronger powered binocular > becomes more difficult to hold steady. > > -----Original Message----- > *From:* naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [ > mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca ]*On > Behalf Of *Gayle MacLean > *Sent:* Friday, July 03, 2009 7:45 AM > *To:* naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > *Subject:* Re: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope > > And speaking of Spotting Scopes (what is the advantage of using them?) & > binoculars in general, (& I apologize if this topic has been addressed > before), where is a good place here in HRM, to find ones that: > 1. birders love > 2. are reasonably priced > 3. and that don't weigh a ton. > > I got very nice binoculars for Christmas but they just get so darned heavy > after a short time when I'm out peering up into the trees. > So, for the lady birders out there, what are your favourites and where did > you get them? > > Many thanks!! > > Gayle MacLean > Dartmouth > > --- On *Thu, 7/2/09, Margaret E.Millard * wrote: > > > From: Margaret E.Millard > Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope > To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > Received: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 10:59 PM > > Hello Lois. I could be interested in this. Where are you located? > Marg Millard, White Point, Queens > http://margmillard.ca > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Lois Codling" > > > To: "Nature NS" > > > Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 10:30 PM > Subject: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope > > > > Anyone interested in purchasing the following before it is advertised > > more generally: > > > > Starter spotting telescope - $100 > > > > Used original pattern Bushnell Spacemaster II > > > > Optics in excellent condition, though the body is somewhat battered - > > Objective lens cap will not go on. > > > > Including an extremely good 22x wide angle eyepiece, and a 40x eyepiece > > which can be useful in good viewing conditions. > > > > please contact me at the above e-mail address. > > > > Lois Codling > > > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.374 / Virus Database: 270.13.2/2215 - Release Date: 07/02/09 > 18:06:00 > > > ------------------------------ > The new Internet Explorer® 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! > *Get it Now for Free!* > > > -- ################# 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: Re: Spotting Scope From: Nancy Roberts <nancy.roberts AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 15:55:50 -0300 There are binoculars that compensate - somehow - for unsteadiness. My father loved his. Nancy Nancy Roberts Design Celebrating 17 years of making you look GOOD Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2X6 902 461-9488 On 3-Jul-09, at 2:40 PM, David&Jane Schlosberg wrote: > I have a Vortex "Vanquish" 8X26 binocular. It was reasonably > priced; and it's light, but it's not 100% waterproof. I haven't had > any problems with it. My husband has Nikon 101793BP "Travelite EX" > 8X25. It is totally waterproof, lightweight, and a fair bit more > expensive. Both came from the Mahone Bay store. The optics are > clear and sharp on both. The adjustments are a bit smoother on the > Nikon. Please publish information on spotting scopes, if you > receive any privately. > Thanks. > Jane > p.s. If you have unsteady hands, as I do, a stronger powered > binocular becomes more difficult to hold steady. > -----Original Message----- > From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca > ]On Behalf Of Gayle MacLean > Sent: Friday, July 03, 2009 7:45 AM > To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope > > And speaking of Spotting Scopes (what is the advantage of using > them?) & binoculars in general, (& I apologize if this topic has > been addressed before), where is a good place here in HRM, to find > ones that: > 1. birders love > 2. are reasonably priced > 3. and that don't weigh a ton. > > I got very nice binoculars for Christmas but they just get so darned > heavy after a short time when I'm out peering up into the trees. > So, for the lady birders out there, what are your favourites and > where did you get them? > > Many thanks!! > > Gayle MacLean > Dartmouth > > --- On Thu, 7/2/09, Margaret E.Millard wrote: > > From: Margaret E.Millard > Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope > To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > Received: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 10:59 PM > > Hello Lois. I could be interested in this. Where are you located? > Marg Millard, White Point, Queens > http://margmillard.ca > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Lois Codling" > To: "Nature NS" > Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 10:30 PM > Subject: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope > > > > Anyone interested in purchasing the following before it is > advertised > > more generally: > > > > Starter spotting telescope - $100 > > > > Used original pattern Bushnell Spacemaster II > > > > Optics in excellent condition, though the body is somewhat > battered - > > Objective lens cap will not go on. > > > > Including an extremely good 22x wide angle eyepiece, and a 40x > eyepiece > > which can be useful in good viewing conditions. > > > > please contact me at the above e-mail address. > > > > Lois Codling > > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.374 / Virus Database: 270.13.2/2215 - Release Date: > 07/02/09 > 18:06:00 > > > The new Internet Explorer® 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for > Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! Subject: Willow Flycatcher, Antigonish From: Bruce Stevens <m.bruce.stevens AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 15:37:40 -0300 Randy Lauff and I heard a Willow Flycatcher singing this afternoon in about the same area as Ken McKenna reported one a couple of weeks ago (from the railroad tracks at the "2nd" bridge past the sewage treatment plant, Antigonish). We didn't get a visual, but the bird was singing loudly for several minutes. -- Bruce Stevens Maryvale, NS Subject: Heron vs Herring - GULP! From: Randy Lauff <randy.lauff AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 15:34:42 -0300 Bruce Stevens and I took an hour to see if we could track down the Willow Flycatcher that Ken reported earlier in the season (down the tracks from the Antigonish County Museum). Despite the lateness in the day, we had a few good sightings of birds, among them a Great Blue Heron with a Herring (I think), longer than the exposed part of its beak. The heron had the herring by the peduncle (the fleshy bit just before the tail fin itself), and walked to shore with it suspended from its beak. Only then did it manipulate the fish in its beak and swallowed it head first. I assume that because of its size, the fish was brought to the shoreline so if the heron did drop it, it could be easily retrieved. The fish flexed as it went down the heron's throat. I do wonder how long it takes for the fish to die in the bird's stomach...does it succumb to the acid wash...asphyxiation...? Randy _________________________________ RF Lauff Way in the boonies of Antigonish County, NS. Subject: RE: Spotting Scope From: "David&Jane Schlosberg" <dschlosb-g AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 14:40:30 -0300 I have a Vortex "Vanquish" 8X26 binocular. It was reasonably priced; and it's light, but it's not 100% waterproof. I haven't had any problems with it. My husband has Nikon 101793BP "Travelite EX" 8X25. It is totally waterproof, lightweight, and a fair bit more expensive. Both came from the Mahone Bay store. The optics are clear and sharp on both. The adjustments are a bit smoother on the Nikon. Please publish information on spotting scopes, if you receive any privately. Thanks. Jane p.s. If you have unsteady hands, as I do, a stronger powered binocular becomes more difficult to hold steady. -----Original Message----- From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca]On Behalf Of Gayle MacLean Sent: Friday, July 03, 2009 7:45 AM To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope And speaking of Spotting Scopes (what is the advantage of using them?) & binoculars in general, (& I apologize if this topic has been addressed before), where is a good place here in HRM, to find ones that: 1. birders love 2. are reasonably priced 3. and that don't weigh a ton. I got very nice binoculars for Christmas but they just get so darned heavy after a short time when I'm out peering up into the trees. So, for the lady birders out there, what are your favourites and where did you get them? Many thanks!! Gayle MacLean Dartmouth --- On Thu, 7/2/09, Margaret E.Millard wrote: From: Margaret E.Millard Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Received: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 10:59 PM Hello Lois. I could be interested in this. Where are you located? Marg Millard, White Point, Queens http://margmillard.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lois Codling" To: "Nature NS" Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 10:30 PM Subject: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope > Anyone interested in purchasing the following before it is advertised > more generally: > > Starter spotting telescope - $100 > > Used original pattern Bushnell Spacemaster II > > Optics in excellent condition, though the body is somewhat battered - > Objective lens cap will not go on. > > Including an extremely good 22x wide angle eyepiece, and a 40x eyepiece > which can be useful in good viewing conditions. > > please contact me at the above e-mail address. > > Lois Codling > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.374 / Virus Database: 270.13.2/2215 - Release Date: 07/02/09 18:06:00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- The new Internet Explorer® 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! Subject: little egret From: John Nickerson <jonsannick AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 11:22:17 -0300 a little egret has been at the guzzel at the hawk to day johnny _________________________________________________________________ Create a cool, new character for your Windows Live™ Messenger. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9656621 Subject: Re: Spotting Scope From: Richard Stern <sternrichard AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 09:28:04 -0300 Hi, The advantages of using a spotting scope are - -- Higher magnification than is possible with binoculars - particularly useful for distant shorebirds, perched raptors, seabirds etc., and for close appreciation of the plumages of not so distant birds. -- Ability to find a bird and then show it to others. (Anyone who has been on a bird tour will recognize the phrase "I've got it in the scope"). The disadvantages are - -- Has to be attached to a tripod, although I know one excellent birder that always uses his on a rifle mount, and therefore relatively heavy/ awkward to carry around. -- Yet more financial layout for equipment. Binocs and scopes are good examples of "you get what you pay for", although there is an exponential curve - i.e. gear that costs 3x the price of the mid-range stuff is usually moderately better, not 3x better. A good place in NS, although not in HRM, would be the For the Birds store, http://www.forthebirdsnatureshop.ca/, Mahone Bay, where they have a good inventory and excellent advice. Carsand Mosher usually have a few models in stock. Richard On Fri, Jul 3, 2009 at 7:44 AM, Gayle MacLean wrote: > And speaking of Spotting Scopes (what is the advantage of using them?) & > binoculars in general, (& I apologize if this topic has been addressed > before), where is a good place here in HRM, to find ones that: > 1. birders love > 2. are reasonably priced > 3. and that don't weigh a ton. > > I got very nice binoculars for Christmas but they just get so darned heavy > after a short time when I'm out peering up into the trees. > So, for the lady birders out there, what are your favourites and where did > you get them? > > Many thanks!! > > Gayle MacLean > Dartmouth > > --- On *Thu, 7/2/09, Margaret E.Millard * wrote: > ################### Richard Stern, 317 Middle Dyke Rd. Port Williams, NS, Canada B0P 1T0 sternrichard AT gmail.com ################### Subject: Re: Spotting Scope From: Gayle MacLean <duartess2003 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 03:44:45 -0700 (PDT) And speaking of Spotting Scopes (what is the advantage of using them?) & binoculars in general, (& I apologize if this topic has been addressed before), where is a good place here in HRM, to find ones that: 1. birders love 2. are reasonably priced 3. and that don't weigh a ton.   I got very nice binoculars for Christmas but they just get so darned heavy after a short time when I'm out peering up into the trees. So, for the lady birders out there, what are your favourites and where did you get them?   Many thanks!!   Gayle MacLean Dartmouth --- On Thu, 7/2/09, Margaret E.Millard wrote: From: Margaret E.Millard Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Received: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 10:59 PM Hello Lois. I could be interested in this. Where are you located? Marg Millard, White Point, Queens http://margmillard.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lois Codling" To: "Nature NS" Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 10:30 PM Subject: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope > Anyone interested in purchasing the following before it is advertised > more generally: > > Starter spotting telescope - $100 > > Used original pattern Bushnell Spacemaster II > > Optics in excellent condition, though the body is somewhat battered - > Objective lens cap will not go on. > > Including an extremely good 22x wide angle eyepiece, and a 40x eyepiece > which can be useful in good viewing conditions. > > please contact me at the above e-mail address. > > Lois Codling > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.374 / Virus Database: 270.13.2/2215 - Release Date: 07/02/09 18:06:00 __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ Subject: Re: Some photos from June From: Phil Schappert <philjs AT eastlink.ca> Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:29:25 -0300 At 9:49 PM -0300 7/2/09, Richard Stern wrote: >For nature people, if anyone can specifically ID the wasp or >butterfly, please let me know. Richard, The ragged butterfly is the Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui (note the row of 4 spots on the hindwing underside...the American Painted Lady, V. virginiana, has two eyespots instead). Not many realize that this, too, is a migratory butterfly -- yours appears to have had quite a journey! Hope Chris can help with the wasp... Phil -- Phil Schappert, PhD 27 Clovis Ave. Halifax, NS, B3P 1J3 902-404-5679 (home) 902-460-8343 (cell) www.philschappert.com www.aworldforbutterflies.com "Just let imagination lead, reality will follow through..." (Michael Hedges) Subject: Re: Spotting Scope From: "Margaret E.Millard" <mmillard AT eastlink.ca> Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:59:39 -0300 Hello Lois. I could be interested in this. Where are you located? Marg Millard, White Point, Queens http://margmillard.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lois Codling" To: "Nature NS" Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 10:30 PM Subject: [NatureNS] Spotting Scope > Anyone interested in purchasing the following before it is advertised > more generally: > > Starter spotting telescope - $100 > > Used original pattern Bushnell Spacemaster II > > Optics in excellent condition, though the body is somewhat battered - > Objective lens cap will not go on. > > Including an extremely good 22x wide angle eyepiece, and a 40x eyepiece > which can be useful in good viewing conditions. > > please contact me at the above e-mail address. > > Lois Codling > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.374 / Virus Database: 270.13.2/2215 - Release Date: 07/02/09 18:06:00 Subject: Spotting Scope From: Lois Codling <loiscodling AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:30:50 -0300 Anyone interested in purchasing the following before it is advertised more generally: Starter spotting telescope - $100 Used original pattern Bushnell Spacemaster II Optics in excellent condition, though the body is somewhat battered - Objective lens cap will not go on. Including an extremely good 22x wide angle eyepiece, and a 40x eyepiece which can be useful in good viewing conditions. please contact me at the above e-mail address. Lois Codling Subject: Some Valley birds today From: Richard Stern <sternrichard AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 22:04:07 -0300 Hi, I was told of a Pileated Woodpecker's nest not far from here, - there were 2 young visible, and there was a N.Cardinal singing loudly nearby this evening. A Flicker has taken to drumming loudly on our chimney at about 5:30 am for the last few days, and there are large numbers of baby Grackles appearing at the feeders now. After working in Middleton today I went in search of Clarence's Pacific Loon at Cottage Cove and Port George - no luck, but there were 4-5 Common Loons, including some adults in breeding plumage, lots of Eiders, and unusually, about a dozen Black-legged Kittiwakes roosting on the rocks with the Herring Gulls - presumably the remnants of the larger flock reported there a week or so ago. This evening I saw a sight that has been extremely unusual for King's Co. in the last 3 weeks or so - the sun - which appeared for about 15 minutes from behind a cloud, before the gloom and fog took over again. -- ################# Richard Stern, 317 Middle Dyke Rd. Port Williams, NS, Canada B0P 1T0 sternrichard AT gmail.com ################### Subject: Re: A. Oystercatcher From: <terri.crane AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 20:59:06 -0400 Hi All The A. Oystercatcher wasack on the bar again today! due to weather conditions I haven't been to the Island in several days and am not sure how long it's been back for! When I left the cove for the last time today ~ 4pm it was roosted on the bar with the flock of gulls. Tom K. Canso > From: "Terri Crane" > Date: 2009/06/25 Thu PM 12:49:48 EDT > To: , > Subject: [NatureNS] A. Oystercatcher > > Hi Gang > > Yesterday while departing squid cove (Grassy Island) I had a breif look at an A. Oystercatcher. It was present feeding all day and last evening I went across the harbour and photographed it. > > A few years ago I had a breif (my only) visit to Cape Sable Island but was unable to do any/much birding on foot. I left the area disapointed that I didn't get to see their Oystercatchers and who would think I'd find them in my own back yard. Well it's not on my yard list yet BUT it's in plain view. Heavy fog prevented it from being seen from home last night. > > Tom K. > Canso > > > > Subject: Some photos from June From: Richard Stern <sternrichard AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 21:49:25 -0300 Hi, Here are a few photos of birds, nature etc. in NS last month. http://www.pbase.com/rb_stern/ns_june_09 . As always, To view, click on thumbnail. To re-size for screen, use the menu below each image. For nature people, if anyone can specifically ID the wasp or butterfly, please let me know. For photo people, the pics with 420mm. listed as the focal length in the Exif data were with my new Nikon 300mm F/4.0 AF-S prime lens + Kenko Pro 1.4X TC (and Nikon D300) - a lovely, sharp lens that I'm very pleased with. The ones with a file name starting with P were digiscoped with a Panasonic ZS3 held up to a Kowa 773 spotting scope. Richard -- ################# Richard Stern, 317 Middle Dyke Rd. Port Williams, NS, Canada B0P 1T0 sternrichard AT gmail.com ################### Subject: Conrad's Beach Brass Buttons ( Cotula coronopifolia L. ) From: Rick Ballard <ideaphore AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 13:30:24 -0300 Here is a photo of Brass Buttons( *Cotula coronopifolia L. )*, taken at Conrad's Beach at the bottom of the stairs that exit on the left of the boardwalk. It has been growing there for at least 25 years. Interestingly, the plant is a native of South Africa. -- Rick Ballard Dartmouth,Nova Scotia, Canada http://www.ideaphore.com Subject: Re: 100++?? Middleton chimney swifts June 29/09 + summary From: Rick Ballard <ideaphore AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 12:53:32 -0300 Here are a few links regarding construction of Chimnet Swift towers: Book: Chimney Swift Towers , A Construction Guide Chimney Swift tower construction photo journal Chimney Swift Handout ( with tower construction plans ) On Thu, Jul 2, 2009 at 11:53 AM, Noel Taussig wrote: > Is there any work being done with building nesting “chimneys” for the > swifts? It is something I’d be interested in investigating; perhaps helping > with. -Noel > > > > -----Original Message----- > *From:* naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto: > naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca] *On Behalf Of *James W. Wolford > *Sent:* July 1, 2009 11:55 AM > *To:* naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca; Claire Diggins; Heather Killen; Wolfville > Tourist Bureau; Wendy Elliott; Jim Wolford; Ross & Linda Hall; Julie Paquet; > Gini Proulx; Peter Hope; Dorothy Poole; Karen [Dartmouth] Potter > *Subject:* [NatureNS] 100++?? Middleton chimney swifts June 29/09 + > summary to date > > > > THANKS, CLAIRE! from Jim et al. What a crazy "show" -- In all my years of > "experience", I can't think of anything similar that I have witnessed! You > didn't hear or see any reason for their mass departure? > > > > Begin forwarded message: > > > > *From: *Claire Diggins > > *Date: *June 29, 2009 10:03:24 PM ADT > > *To: *jim wolford > > *Subject: **swifts* > > > > Hi Jim, > I have been off-line while having painting and flooring done but am back > on. Tonight I went to count swifts. I arrived at 8:30 but the swifts began > drifting in at 9:00. I counted 47 birds entering and you can imagine my > shock when, at 9:24 they all began coming out again! They flew around for > about five minutes and then began entering again in the old pattern of the > vacume cleaner... this time I counted over 100. I am still confused but do > know not to add the first number to the last as the same birds must have > entered twice. Crazy! light wind, clear sky, temp 20* C Claire > > ------------------------------ > > 2009 CHIMNEY SWIFTS SUMMARY > > > > May 4/09 -- 0 -- Wolfville, Robie Tufts Nature Centre -- Jim Wolford, > Harold Forsyth > > May 9/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville, Robie Tufts Nature Centre -- Jim Wolford, > Carol Carpenter, Sean Timpa, Jean Timpa > > May 11/09 -- 20 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > May 11/09 -- 75 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 12/09 -- 81 -- Middleton Regional High School -- Claire Diggins > > May 13/09 -- 13 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > May 14/09 -- 44 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > May 14/09 -- 170 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 15/09 -- 287 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 15/09 -- 40 -- Upper Falmouth (old farmhouse) -- Cheryl Rutledge > > May 15/09 -- 17 -- Bible Hill, N.S. Agric. Coll. -- Linda & Ross Hall > > May 16/09 -- 116 -- McGowan Lake, old blacksmith shop chimney -- Peter Hope > > May 16/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill, NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall > > May 17/09 -- 48 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > May 19/09 -- 53+ -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen, Jim Wolford > > May 19/09 -- 424 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna, Rick Ferguson > > May 19/09 -- 121 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Helen Rodgers > > May 19/09 -- 95 -- old farmhouse chimney with 6 flues, Upper Falmouth, > north of Sangster Bridge -- Cheryl Rutledge & John Belbin > > May 19/09 -- 20 -- Oxford (free-standing ex-foundry big chimney) -- Julie > Paquet > > May 20/09 -- 207 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 20/09 -- 45+ -- Wolfville -- Elizabeth Doull & Ann Doull > > May 20/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill/Truro, 3 sites other than NSAC -- Linda & Ross > Hall > > May 21/09 -- 24 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford et al. > > May 22/09 -- 20 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > May 23/09 -- 24 -- Wolfville -- ??? > > May 24/09 -- 61 -- Wolfville -- Jacquie Roche, Chris Toplack, Jim Wolford > > May 24/09 -- 314 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 25/09 -- 367 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 26/09 -- 282 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Helen Rodgers > > May 26/09 -- 90 -- Wolfville -- Judy Tufts, Jim Wolford, et al. > > May 26/09 -- 45 -- Upper Falmouth -- John Belbin > > May 27/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill, NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall > > May 28/09 -- 228 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 28/09 - 96 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Brian Starzomski, Amy ?, Wendy > Elliott, Steve Slipp, et al. > > May 29/09 -- 100+ -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen > > May 30/09 -- 171 -- McGowan Lake, Queen's Co. -- Megan Crowley, Brad Toms > > May 31/09 -- 140 +or- 20 -- McGowan Lake -- Peter Hope > > May 31/09 -- 48 -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen > > June 1/09 -- 317 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins > > June 1/09 -- 52 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > June 2/09 -- 170 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > June 2/09 -- 28 -- Wolfville -- WG ?? > > June 3/09 -- 40 -- Wolfville -- JW,HF,NN,GW, and A.L.L. group > > June 3/09 -- 2 -- Bear River, Oakdene Centre -- Rebecca Ellis > > June 4/09 -- 157 -- McGowan Lake -- Randy Lauff, Lindsey Beals > > June 4/09 -- 77 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > June 5/09 -- 36 -- Wolfville -- Wendy Elliott, Steve Slipp, Jim Wolford, et > al. > > June 7/09 -- 45 -- Wolfville -- visitor from California et al. > > June 8/09 -- 54 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Gisela Westphalen, Yvette & > David Silverberg, et al. > > June 9/09 -- 44 -- Wolfville -- GF,HF (visitors) > > June 10/09 -- 29 (+?) -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Heather Killen > > June 11/09 -- 74 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Del & Mac MacInnes > > June 13/09 -- 129 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Paula & Tom Ross > > June 13/09 -- 39+ -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford + 20 naturalists from NSNT & > FNSN/NNS > > June 13/09 -- 20-25+? -- big St. Bernard church -- Pat Potter (fide Karen > Potter) > > June 16/09 -- 26 -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen, Jim Wolford > > June 17/09 -- 54 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > June 17/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park > > June 18/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park > > June 19/09 -- 19 -- Wolfville -- Esther & Graham Post, Lauren Park, Jim > Wolford > > June 20/09 -- 18 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park > > June 21/09 -- 3 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park + Nathan ? + Megan Thibeault > > June 22/09 -- 5+? -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > June 24/09 -- 26 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > June 24/09 -- 19+ -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park, Megan Thibeault, Jacob ?, > Jim Wolford > > June 25/09 -- 14 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park, Megan Thibeault, Ally Wade > > June 26/09 -- 13 -- Wolfville -- Hope Gillis & Tony Napoli > > June 27/09 -- 17 -- Wolfville -- Sylvia & Trevor (from U.K.) > > June 29/09 -- 100++?? -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins > > June 29/09 -- 14 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > -------------------------------- > > > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.13.2/2214 - Release Date: 07/02/09 > 05:54:00 > -- Rick Ballard Dartmouth,Nova Scotia, Canada http://www.ideaphore.com Subject: Re: 100++?? Middleton chimney swifts June 29/09 + summary to date From: "Margaret E.Millard" <mmillard AT eastlink.ca> Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:24:20 -0300 I looked up plans for some swift tower that maybe we could put up on a piece of woodland we have (I don't know the area would even be suitable) but when costs were worked up, I couldn't come close to affording it. I have no idea how one would clean it unless it was dismantable in sections. I would expect the birds left before the furnaces were turned on in the old factories and churches. Marg Millard, White Point, Queens http://margmillard.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: "Noel Taussig" To: Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 11:53 AM Subject: RE: [NatureNS] 100++?? Middleton chimney swifts June 29/09 + summary to date > Is there any work being done with building nesting "chimneys" for the > swifts? It is something I'd be interested in investigating; perhaps > helping > with. -Noel > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca] > On Behalf Of James W. Wolford > Sent: July 1, 2009 11:55 AM > To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca; Claire Diggins; Heather Killen; Wolfville > Tourist Bureau; Wendy Elliott; Jim Wolford; Ross & Linda Hall; Julie > Paquet; > Gini Proulx; Peter Hope; Dorothy Poole; Karen [Dartmouth] Potter > Subject: [NatureNS] 100++?? Middleton chimney swifts June 29/09 + summary > to > date > > > > THANKS, CLAIRE! from Jim et al. What a crazy "show" -- In all my years of > "experience", I can't think of anything similar that I have witnessed! > You > didn't hear or see any reason for their mass departure? > > > > Begin forwarded message: > > > > > > From: Claire Diggins > > Date: June 29, 2009 10:03:24 PM ADT > > To: jim wolford > > Subject: swifts > > > > Hi Jim, > I have been off-line while having painting and flooring done but am back > on. > Tonight I went to count swifts. I arrived at 8:30 but the swifts began > drifting in at 9:00. I counted 47 birds entering and you can imagine my > shock when, at 9:24 they all began coming out again! They flew around for > about five minutes and then began entering again in the old pattern of the > vacume cleaner... this time I counted over 100. I am still confused but do > know not to add the first number to the last as the same birds must have > entered twice. Crazy! light wind, clear sky, temp 20* C Claire > > ------------------------------ > > 2009 CHIMNEY SWIFTS SUMMARY > > > > May 4/09 -- 0 -- Wolfville, Robie Tufts Nature Centre -- Jim Wolford, > Harold > Forsyth > > May 9/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville, Robie Tufts Nature Centre -- Jim Wolford, > Carol > Carpenter, Sean Timpa, Jean Timpa > > May 11/09 -- 20 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > May 11/09 -- 75 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 12/09 -- 81 -- Middleton Regional High School -- Claire Diggins > > May 13/09 -- 13 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > May 14/09 -- 44 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > May 14/09 -- 170 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 15/09 -- 287 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 15/09 -- 40 -- Upper Falmouth (old farmhouse) -- Cheryl Rutledge > > May 15/09 -- 17 -- Bible Hill, N.S. Agric. Coll. -- Linda & Ross Hall > > May 16/09 -- 116 -- McGowan Lake, old blacksmith shop chimney -- Peter > Hope > > May 16/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill, NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall > > May 17/09 -- 48 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > May 19/09 -- 53+ -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen, Jim Wolford > > May 19/09 -- 424 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna, Rick Ferguson > > May 19/09 -- 121 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Helen Rodgers > > May 19/09 -- 95 -- old farmhouse chimney with 6 flues, Upper Falmouth, > north > of Sangster Bridge -- Cheryl Rutledge & John Belbin > > May 19/09 -- 20 -- Oxford (free-standing ex-foundry big chimney) -- Julie > Paquet > > May 20/09 -- 207 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 20/09 -- 45+ -- Wolfville -- Elizabeth Doull & Ann Doull > > May 20/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill/Truro, 3 sites other than NSAC -- Linda & > Ross > Hall > > May 21/09 -- 24 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford et al. > > May 22/09 -- 20 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > May 23/09 -- 24 -- Wolfville -- ??? > > May 24/09 -- 61 -- Wolfville -- Jacquie Roche, Chris Toplack, Jim Wolford > > May 24/09 -- 314 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 25/09 -- 367 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 26/09 -- 282 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Helen Rodgers > > May 26/09 -- 90 -- Wolfville -- Judy Tufts, Jim Wolford, et al. > > May 26/09 -- 45 -- Upper Falmouth -- John Belbin > > May 27/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill, NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall > > May 28/09 -- 228 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > May 28/09 - 96 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Brian Starzomski, Amy ?, Wendy > Elliott, Steve Slipp, et al. > > May 29/09 -- 100+ -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen > > May 30/09 -- 171 -- McGowan Lake, Queen's Co. -- Megan Crowley, Brad Toms > > May 31/09 -- 140 +or- 20 -- McGowan Lake -- Peter Hope > > May 31/09 -- 48 -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen > > June 1/09 -- 317 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins > > June 1/09 -- 52 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > June 2/09 -- 170 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > June 2/09 -- 28 -- Wolfville -- WG ?? > > June 3/09 -- 40 -- Wolfville -- JW,HF,NN,GW, and A.L.L. group > > June 3/09 -- 2 -- Bear River, Oakdene Centre -- Rebecca Ellis > > June 4/09 -- 157 -- McGowan Lake -- Randy Lauff, Lindsey Beals > > June 4/09 -- 77 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > June 5/09 -- 36 -- Wolfville -- Wendy Elliott, Steve Slipp, Jim Wolford, > et > al. > > June 7/09 -- 45 -- Wolfville -- visitor from California et al. > > June 8/09 -- 54 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Gisela Westphalen, Yvette & > David Silverberg, et al. > > June 9/09 -- 44 -- Wolfville -- GF,HF (visitors) > > June 10/09 -- 29 (+?) -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Heather Killen > > June 11/09 -- 74 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Del & Mac MacInnes > > June 13/09 -- 129 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Paula & Tom Ross > > June 13/09 -- 39+ -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford + 20 naturalists from NSNT & > FNSN/NNS > > June 13/09 -- 20-25+? -- big St. Bernard church -- Pat Potter (fide Karen > Potter) > > June 16/09 -- 26 -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen, Jim Wolford > > June 17/09 -- 54 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > June 17/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park > > June 18/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park > > June 19/09 -- 19 -- Wolfville -- Esther & Graham Post, Lauren Park, Jim > Wolford > > June 20/09 -- 18 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park > > June 21/09 -- 3 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park + Nathan ? + Megan Thibeault > > June 22/09 -- 5+? -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > June 24/09 -- 26 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna > > June 24/09 -- 19+ -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park, Megan Thibeault, Jacob ?, > Jim > Wolford > > June 25/09 -- 14 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park, Megan Thibeault, Ally Wade > > June 26/09 -- 13 -- Wolfville -- Hope Gillis & Tony Napoli > > June 27/09 -- 17 -- Wolfville -- Sylvia & Trevor (from U.K.) > > June 29/09 -- 100++?? -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins > > June 29/09 -- 14 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford > > -------------------------------- > > > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.13.2/2214 - Release Date: 07/02/09 > 05:54:00 > > > Subject: RE: 100++?? Middleton chimney swifts June 29/09 + summary to date From: Noel Taussig <birdsareback AT ecologyaction.ca> Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:53:07 -0300 Is there any work being done with building nesting "chimneys" for the swifts? It is something I'd be interested in investigating; perhaps helping with. -Noel -----Original Message----- From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca] On Behalf Of James W. Wolford Sent: July 1, 2009 11:55 AM To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca; Claire Diggins; Heather Killen; Wolfville Tourist Bureau; Wendy Elliott; Jim Wolford; Ross & Linda Hall; Julie Paquet; Gini Proulx; Peter Hope; Dorothy Poole; Karen [Dartmouth] Potter Subject: [NatureNS] 100++?? Middleton chimney swifts June 29/09 + summary to date THANKS, CLAIRE! from Jim et al. What a crazy "show" -- In all my years of "experience", I can't think of anything similar that I have witnessed! You didn't hear or see any reason for their mass departure? Begin forwarded message: From: Claire Diggins Date: June 29, 2009 10:03:24 PM ADT To: jim wolford Subject: swifts Hi Jim, I have been off-line while having painting and flooring done but am back on. Tonight I went to count swifts. I arrived at 8:30 but the swifts began drifting in at 9:00. I counted 47 birds entering and you can imagine my shock when, at 9:24 they all began coming out again! They flew around for about five minutes and then began entering again in the old pattern of the vacume cleaner... this time I counted over 100. I am still confused but do know not to add the first number to the last as the same birds must have entered twice. Crazy! light wind, clear sky, temp 20* C Claire ------------------------------ 2009 CHIMNEY SWIFTS SUMMARY May 4/09 -- 0 -- Wolfville, Robie Tufts Nature Centre -- Jim Wolford, Harold Forsyth May 9/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville, Robie Tufts Nature Centre -- Jim Wolford, Carol Carpenter, Sean Timpa, Jean Timpa May 11/09 -- 20 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 11/09 -- 75 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 12/09 -- 81 -- Middleton Regional High School -- Claire Diggins May 13/09 -- 13 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 14/09 -- 44 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 14/09 -- 170 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 15/09 -- 287 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 15/09 -- 40 -- Upper Falmouth (old farmhouse) -- Cheryl Rutledge May 15/09 -- 17 -- Bible Hill, N.S. Agric. Coll. -- Linda & Ross Hall May 16/09 -- 116 -- McGowan Lake, old blacksmith shop chimney -- Peter Hope May 16/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill, NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall May 17/09 -- 48 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 19/09 -- 53+ -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen, Jim Wolford May 19/09 -- 424 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna, Rick Ferguson May 19/09 -- 121 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Helen Rodgers May 19/09 -- 95 -- old farmhouse chimney with 6 flues, Upper Falmouth, north of Sangster Bridge -- Cheryl Rutledge & John Belbin May 19/09 -- 20 -- Oxford (free-standing ex-foundry big chimney) -- Julie Paquet May 20/09 -- 207 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 20/09 -- 45+ -- Wolfville -- Elizabeth Doull & Ann Doull May 20/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill/Truro, 3 sites other than NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall May 21/09 -- 24 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford et al. May 22/09 -- 20 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 23/09 -- 24 -- Wolfville -- ??? May 24/09 -- 61 -- Wolfville -- Jacquie Roche, Chris Toplack, Jim Wolford May 24/09 -- 314 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 25/09 -- 367 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 26/09 -- 282 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Helen Rodgers May 26/09 -- 90 -- Wolfville -- Judy Tufts, Jim Wolford, et al. May 26/09 -- 45 -- Upper Falmouth -- John Belbin May 27/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill, NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall May 28/09 -- 228 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 28/09 - 96 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Brian Starzomski, Amy ?, Wendy Elliott, Steve Slipp, et al. May 29/09 -- 100+ -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen May 30/09 -- 171 -- McGowan Lake, Queen's Co. -- Megan Crowley, Brad Toms May 31/09 -- 140 +or- 20 -- McGowan Lake -- Peter Hope May 31/09 -- 48 -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen June 1/09 -- 317 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins June 1/09 -- 52 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford June 2/09 -- 170 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 2/09 -- 28 -- Wolfville -- WG ?? June 3/09 -- 40 -- Wolfville -- JW,HF,NN,GW, and A.L.L. group June 3/09 -- 2 -- Bear River, Oakdene Centre -- Rebecca Ellis June 4/09 -- 157 -- McGowan Lake -- Randy Lauff, Lindsey Beals June 4/09 -- 77 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 5/09 -- 36 -- Wolfville -- Wendy Elliott, Steve Slipp, Jim Wolford, et al. June 7/09 -- 45 -- Wolfville -- visitor from California et al. June 8/09 -- 54 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Gisela Westphalen, Yvette & David Silverberg, et al. June 9/09 -- 44 -- Wolfville -- GF,HF (visitors) June 10/09 -- 29 (+?) -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Heather Killen June 11/09 -- 74 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Del & Mac MacInnes June 13/09 -- 129 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Paula & Tom Ross June 13/09 -- 39+ -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford + 20 naturalists from NSNT & FNSN/NNS June 13/09 -- 20-25+? -- big St. Bernard church -- Pat Potter (fide Karen Potter) June 16/09 -- 26 -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen, Jim Wolford June 17/09 -- 54 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 17/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park June 18/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park June 19/09 -- 19 -- Wolfville -- Esther & Graham Post, Lauren Park, Jim Wolford June 20/09 -- 18 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park June 21/09 -- 3 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park + Nathan ? + Megan Thibeault June 22/09 -- 5+? -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford June 24/09 -- 26 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 24/09 -- 19+ -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park, Megan Thibeault, Jacob ?, Jim Wolford June 25/09 -- 14 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park, Megan Thibeault, Ally Wade June 26/09 -- 13 -- Wolfville -- Hope Gillis & Tony Napoli June 27/09 -- 17 -- Wolfville -- Sylvia & Trevor (from U.K.) June 29/09 -- 100++?? -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins June 29/09 -- 14 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford -------------------------------- Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.13.2/2214 - Release Date: 07/02/09 05:54:00 Subject: Baby swallows and recalled beef products From: "Margaret E.Millard" <mmillard AT eastlink.ca> Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:27:24 -0300 Our swallow house has gone terribly quiet. Yesterday right until 6 pm there were young ones squatting in the portal and leaning out further and further to reach the food the parent brought. I thought maybe it was being coaxed out. From what I could see the bird didn't look very clean. It would open this huge yellow pit and in would disappear the offerings; the cheeping would continue until the next visit. There were a number of birds feeding the babies through the week one time there were five delivering food one right after the other. As I was trying to get a photo of the emerging bird, I was at the window camera at the ready for some time. I had to leave briefly and wouldn't you know it, It was gone. When I went outside to see was it maybe on the ground, I could hear a peep from deep inside so there was at least one more there. I haven't seen anyone since, either receiving or delivering food so far this morning. Keep fingers crossed. Maybe there is one just snoozing... I make my seed cakes myself, mostly, from 'suet' and I have been getting it from the Superstore this spring. I get the fat trimmings from beef ground up and I render that, add just plain ground peanut butter and seeds and fruit. How does the recall of Superstore products affect birds. The timing could be right on. Do birds get adverse results from Ecoli? type creatures? Marg Millard in White Point, Queens http://margmillard.ca Subject: more on June 30/09 Nature Counts walk at Irving Ctr./Woodland Trails From: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford AT eastlink.ca> Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:45:28 -0300 Nancy Nickerson quickly added these notes to our previous notes. Thanks, Nancy! from Jim in Wolfville. Begin forwarded message: > From: Nancy Nickerson > Date: July 1, 2009 5:32:59 PM ADT > To: "'James W. Wolford'" , 'Melanie > Priesnitz' , 'Harold Forsyth' > > Subject: RE: June 30/09 Nature Counts walk at Irving Ctr./Woodland > Trails > > Additional notes on the fungi from the June 30/09 Nature Counts walk: > > The stalked polypore on the log was the Blackfoot Polypore or > Elegant Polypore (Polyporus varius). > The colony of erect tan fungal fingers on a log was the Clublike > Tuning Fork (Calocera cornea), a jelly fungus. > The flat white slime mold on wood was one of the two varieties of > the Coral Slime (Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa var.porioides). > I also collected an “oyster mushroom” on a poplar trunk, and > identified it as the Aspen Oyster (Pleurotus populinus). > According to my notes, these are the first records of Calocera > cornea, Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa var. porioides and Pleurotus > populinus in the Nature Counts database. The previous record of > Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa in the database was var. fruticulosa. > > During a visit to the Trails this morning (July 1) I saw a pair of > blue-headed vireos chasing a blue jay near the Norway spruce > forest. I’m not sure if blue-headed vireo is already in the > database. If not, it can be added. > > Cheers, > > Nancy > > From: James W. Wolford [mailto:jimwolford AT eastlink.ca] > Sent: July 1, 2009 3:58 PM > To: Melanie Priesnitz; Harold Forsyth; Nancy Nickerson; Jim Wolford > Subject: June 30/09 Nature Counts walk at Irving Ctr./Woodland Trails > > Please send along any additions or corrections to Melanie and the > rest of us. Thanks to Harold for the notes. Jim > ---------------------------- > > JUNE 30, 2009 - NATURE COUNTS weekly evening biodiversity walk at > the Irving Botanical Gardens (BG) and Woodland Trails (WT), Acadia > University. > > Sunny, partly cloudy, and warm and muggy -- 23 C. We had four > participants: Nancy Nickerson, Harold Forsyth, Karla Kuklis?, and > myself, Jim Wolford. Also Wade Coldwell joined us briefly. Noboday > led, and we just very slowly walked first in the Gardens and then > some of the Woodland Trails, with Harold volunteering to write down > some highlight notes. > > PLANTS IN BLOOM: bush honeysuckle (BG), Canada anemone(BG), wild > rose sp. (BG), multiflora rose(BG & WT), sheep laurel or lambkill > (BG & WT), partridgeberry (Mitchella repens)(BG), buttercup spp.? > (tall? buttercup and creeping? buttercup)(BG&WT), common speedwell > (Veronica officinalis)(BG&WT), raspberry (BG), mouse-eared? > hawkweed (BG), narrow-leaved cattail (shedding pollen)(BG), blue or > cow vetch (BG&WT), another vetch (slender vetch?) with tiny bluish > flowers (BG), common bedstraw (WT), garden lupine (BG&WT), three- > toothed cinquefoil (BG), large bog cranberry (BG), harebell (BG), > yellow hop clover (BG), oxeye daisy (BG&WT), blue-eyed grass (BG), > an unknown species of Penstemon? (gray? or hairy?)(BG) > (Scrophulariaceae)(has been blooming for over a week or perhaps two > weeks?), ragged Robin (just a few left now)(BG), tall meadow rue > (BG), common yarrow (BG&WT), stitchwort (chickweed)(BG), water > hemlock (BG), garden valerian or wild heliotrope (BG&WT), showy > lady's-slippers still with a few old flowers (BG), red clover > (BG&WT), white clover (BG&WT), spreading dogbane (BG), a tall > fleabane sp. (BG), bog huckleberry (at its best)(BG), swamp candles > (BG), common elderberry (BG), goutweed (the variegated form along > the Woodland Trails is not in bloom or much less so than the > ordinary goutweed)(WT), nipplewort (WT), prickly wild lettuce (with > yellow flowers)(thistle-like leaves)(WT), dock sp. (Rumex)(WT), > moneywort (WT), privet (WT), Montague? lily (one plant, almost in > flower)(WT), orange hawkweed (WT), blackberry (WT)(not many flowers > left), bittersweet or nightshade (WT), glossy buckthorn (WT), black > knapweed (WT) (newly in flower), common bedstraw (WT), bulrush sp. > (WT)(Scirpus), wild radish (WT)(just one seen). > > ROADSIDE PLANTS (Univ. Ave.): bristly locust in bloom, common St. > John's-wort in bloom, white sweet clover in bloom, goat's-beard > (mature fruits), bird's-foot trefoil in bloom, rabbit's-foot clover > in bloom, heal-all in bloom, Timothy grass (Phleum) in bloom, > orchard grass (Dactylis) in bloom, other grasses unidentifiable, > evening primrose (just a few in bloom), pineappleweed in bloom. > > PLANTS WITH FLOWER-BUDS: white Joe-Pye-weed (with something eating > the leaves)(BG), jewelweed or touch-me-not (Impatiens)(BG), swamp > milkweed (BG), shinleaf or whitish-flowered pyrola (WT)(almost in > flower). > > PLANTS IN FRUIT: "shadbush" (Amelanchier sp.)(BG), bayberry with > very young fruits (BG), Am.? fly-honeysuckle with ripe red fruits > (BG), red-berried baneberry with ripe red tempting berries (BG), > roseroot (Sedum) with very young fruits (BG), red elderberry with > ripe-looking berries (again tempting)(BG). > > OTHER PLANTS: ground nut vines more prevalent this year than in > past years and giving herbaceous plants a hard time (BG), water > plantain leaves noted along stream (BG). > > FERNS (all in BG): Christmas fern rich in sporangia, same for wood > or spinulose fern, same for lady fern, maidenhair fern (we didn't > look for sporangia), ostrich fern (no fertile fronds yet), same for > sensitive fern. > > FUNGI (WT): Nancy collected a stalked polypore for identification > (one of many on a fallen log), also a very tiny colony of erect tan > fungal fingers on a log, colonies of a flat white slime mold on wood, > > GARDENS BIRDS: n. flicker, chimney swift, Am. goldfinch, song > sparrow, red-breasted nuthatch, Am. crow, black-capped chickadee. > > WOODLAND TRAILS BIRDS: n. cardinal (2 seen), downy woodpecker (one > was a newly fledged juvenile), red-eyed vireo, bl.-c. chickadees, > Am. robins, r.-n. pheasant crowing repeatedly, Am. crows, blue > jays, cedar waxwings, yellow-rumped warbler singing, white-throated > sparrow, raven (flew over). > > INSECTS (all in BG): spangle galls on red and sugar maple leaves > (caused by a midge), multi-spotted Asian lady beetle (one seen on > foliage), an unidentified but cooperative basking skipper > (Lepidoptera), one huge gray horse fly. > > OTHER INVERTEBRATES: two kinds of gall mite galls on red maple > leaves (one is like upright pimples, other is flat and red-coloured) > (BG), a small jumping spider found on Nancy's jacket (BG), a small > orb-web spider found without a web and feeding on a prey item (WT), > land snails abundant on foliage (BG&WT). > ------------------------------ > Subject: Breeding Bird Route From: James Hirtle <jrhbirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:06:59 +0000 Hi all: I ran my Breeding Bird route today for the Canadian Wildlife Service, which goes from Jordan Falls to Welshtown and inland. The loop road comes back out in Port Clyde. Dorothy Poole accompanied me. Of note were 52 hermit thrushes in 50 stops. There were at least 15-20 birds in-between stops. We had black-throated blue warbler at only one stop, but they were present at five other locations between stops. An olive-sided flycatcher and gray jays were nice finds, but not during the count or in the count area. There were lots of warblers feeding young birds today as well as other species. A good day for collecting data for the Breeding Bird Atlas also. James R. Hirtle Bayport _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live helps you keep up with all your friends, in one place. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9660826 Subject: Further information on Tordon From: James Hirtle <jrhbirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 23:21:41 +0000 This came to me from someone else who researched the herbicide. Tordon has a complex history. The product as used in Gagetown had another ingredient which is no longer there. However, if you read the instructions which come with the product they do emphasize how critical it is not to get it into the acquifer and water supply. The person on our end who spoke to the Nova Scotia Power Corporation said that Picloram gets into the groundwater, but he didn't address that issue, but tried to steer her back to talking about 24D, and how Tordon - which has both chemicals - doesn't kill grass "(no wonder, it's a broad-leaf herbicide!)" James R. Hirtle Rose Bay _________________________________________________________________ We are your photos. Share us now with Windows Live Photos. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9666047 Subject: Pacific Loon -Additional Details From: Clarence Stevens <birder_ca AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 13:38:09 -0700 (PDT) Hi all, here is the follow up report to the posting I made earlier in the week on the Pacific Loon, Dad, Fulton and I observed last weekend at the rocky point to the right of Port George. - All the Best in Birding - Clarence ........................................................................... Viewing Conditions ................................................. Lighting: Soft light conditions under partially overcast skies. Sun located over left shoulders of viewers, providing nice fill light on the subject and a lack of silhouetting, or in other words a front lit not back lit subject. Tidal Conditions: Two and a half hours after low tide. Interference: There was a very light haze over the water, visible through scope. No precipitation. Light winds. Surface Conditions: Calm to partially calm surface, with most waves heights being under a half meter allowing the bird to be visible at all times. Behavior of the Bird: On surface at all times, sitting and preening. Distance to Bird: Over 500 meters and under a kilometer, barely visible to naked eye, field marks discernible through binoculars, additional details visible though scope. Description ....................................................... Size: Size of a small loon, Red-throated Loon size, much smaller than a Common Loon. Notable Structural Features: Head & Neck: Head was well rounded. Neck widest at midpoint. Bill: bill length shorter than head, bill straight not upturned. Behavior: Held head and bill level when not preening. Age: Suspected Second Summer Plumaged Bird: It is difficult to find pictures of second summer plumaged Pacific Loons but a reference to fact that they exist is inferred by Kenn Kaufman on page 21 of his “Advanced Birdingâ€� guide when he talks about the ‘Second Winter’ plumage of the immatures. Plumage Features & Details: - Crown and neck gray, palest on nape. - Throat & Foreneck -black. - Breast -white. - Demarcation between throat and breast was curved. - Flanks/Sides - dark. - Back - black. There have been a slightly pale area near mid-back. Note: On page 21 of the Kaufman he states. “ Adults also have white spots on the upperwing coverts, lacking in juveniles but on a swimming loon the coverts are usually hidden by overlapping scapulars and side feathers.â€� Experiences of Observers with this Species............................ Clarence Stevens Senior - Lifer and Nova Scotia Lifer Clarence Stevens II - Studied this species during multiple visits to British Columbia. Second individual observed in Nova Scotia. Fulton Lavender - Studied this species on its breeding grounds in northern Quebec. Observed during seabird surveys for Canadian Wildlife Service. Third individual observed in Nova Scotia. __________________________________________________________________ Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new Yahoo! Mail. Click on Options in Mail and switch to New Mail today or register for free at http://mail.yahoo.ca Subject: re fir witch's broom fungus, from Nancy Nickerson From: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford AT eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:46:51 -0300 Nancy has provided the identity of the fir broom rust, as well as its alternate host, namely chickweed. Thanks, Nancy!, from Jim in Wolfville. Begin forwarded message: > From: Nancy Nickerson > Date: June 30, 2009 5:27:20 PM ADT > To: "'James W. Wolford'" > Subject: RE: re Hans' wildflower and other photos > > Hi Jim. The witch’s broom is fir broom rust, caused by the fungus > Melampsorella caryophyllacearum. Chickweed is the alternate host. I > added a comment on this to Hans’ photo. > > Cheers, > > Nancy > > From: James W. Wolford [mailto:jimwolford AT eastlink.ca] > Sent: June 29, 2009 3:28 PM > To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca; Nancy Nickerson; Jim Wolford > Subject: re Hans' wildflower and other photos > > In addition to everyone's "great pictures as usual, Hans!", I have > just a few comments regarding Hans' photos: (a) in the ANGELICA, > note that each umbel of flowers shows larger individual flowers at > the periphery, showing a bit of division of labour in being > modified for attraction of pollinators (think of other examples > here, like wild carrot, some Viburnum species like hobblebush and > highbush cranberry, and even daisies and other composites); (b) > "DEADLY NIGHTSHADE" really should just be called "nightshade" or, > better?, "bittersweet", since it is not really deadly, just nasty > to eat; (c) Hans' shot of the CHOKEBERRY sp. is detailed enough to > show the row of dark dots along the leaf midrib, an important way > to distinguish Aronia spp. at other times of year; I agree with > everyone that Hans' "SNAPDRAGON SPECIES" is really YELLOW RATTLE; > and for the "WITCH'S BROOM", calling it a "parasite" needs a bit of > embellishment, I think -- a specific RUST FUNGUS has infected this > balsam fir host, and the fungus, which indeed is a parasite, > induces the deformed growth of dense branches we call a witch's > broom, which then forms the fungus' spore-producing organs on the > needles of these deformed growths, and the spores are shed (looking > like pollen) at this time of year, in mid to late June -- most rust > fungi also have complicated life cycles that alternate with a > totally different but specific host plant, and perhaps Nancy > Nickerson can tell us what it is in this case? The witch's broom is > a type of gall or deformed growth which I liken to having a benign > cancer -- the damage to the plant is real and perhaps chronic but > limited when compared to an uncontrolled type of cancer. > > Cheers from Jim in Wolfville > > Begin forwarded message: > > > From: Hans Toom > Date: June 29, 2009 8:00:57 AM ADT > To: "Naturens AT Chebucto.Ns.Ca" > Subject: [NatureNS] Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers > Reply-To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > > Laura and I visited Smiley's Provincial Park yesterday, taking > advantage of the small break in the weather. The conditions were > cloudy bright, ideal for photography except in the darker closeted > woods where the Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid resides. It was a > spectacular display, the best we've seen over the years. MNR should > take charge of this place before it is irreparably damaged. > Boardwalks with railings and interpretative signage would keep > folks from wandering and tramping the ground all over the place and > also afford a superb educational opportunity. I've always > maintained that our parks should be managed by the Department of > the Environment and not the Ministry of Natural Resources but I'm a > just a voice from the wilderness. > We spotted a Cedar Waxwing nest in the park but couldn't tell > whether the adult birds were tending young or still building the > nest. The usual Eastern Phoebe's at the bridge were not in sight > but the crowd of picnickers at the nearby picnic bench may have > kept them hunkered down. > I've posted several pictures taken on route and some from yesterday > at Sandy Cove Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia. There's a Snap Dragon > species we can't identify, marked as such, so if anyone knows what > it is let me know so I can caption the photo correctly. > Hans > http://www.pbase.com/snahmoot/image/114409363 > _________________________________ > Hans Toom > Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada > Website: http://hanstoom.com > _________________________________ > Subject: all three LOCUST spp. in Wolfville in bloom From: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford AT eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:06:09 -0300 July 1/09 - Yesterday I checked in Wolfville on all three species of LOCUST, and indeed all are in bloom now, as advertised a couple of days ago. BLACK LOCUST has still got some flowers along Elm Ave. CLAMMY LOCUST is in bloom just east to and adjacent to the Atlantic Theatre Festival theatre on the north side of Main St. And BRISTLY LOCUST is the hardest of them to notice, along the east side of University Ave. just south of the Acadia University campus. The latter is probably easiest to find by parking your car at the Physical Plant building (last univ. bldg.) and then walking along the east side of the street toward the south. Look adjacent to the ditch for the pink flowers and bristly stems. Cheers from Jim in Wolfville Subject: beluga and pilot whale in PEI, CBC Radio News From: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford AT eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:08:32 -0300 JULY 1, 2009 - I heard on CBC Radio News this morning that a BELUGA WHALE has been being sighted in the Hillsborough River in Prince Edward Island, and, also in PEI, a PILOT WHALE was found alive and beached at the west? end of the island but was towed away from shore and released. Cheers from Jim in Wolfville Subject: 100++?? Middleton chimney swifts June 29/09 + summary to date From: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford AT eastlink.ca> Date: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:55:26 -0300 THANKS, CLAIRE! from Jim et al. What a crazy "show" -- In all my years of "experience", I can't think of anything similar that I have witnessed! You didn't hear or see any reason for their mass departure? Begin forwarded message: > From: Claire Diggins > Date: June 29, 2009 10:03:24 PM ADT > To: jim wolford > Subject: swifts > > Hi Jim, > I have been off-line while having painting and flooring done but am > back on. Tonight I went to count swifts. I arrived at 8:30 but the > swifts began drifting in at 9:00. I counted 47 birds entering and > you can imagine my shock when, at 9:24 they all began coming out > again! They flew around for about five minutes and then began > entering again in the old pattern of the vacume cleaner... this > time I counted over 100. I am still confused but do know not to add > the first number to the last as the same birds must have entered > twice. Crazy! light wind, clear sky, temp 20* C Claire ------------------------------ 2009 CHIMNEY SWIFTS SUMMARY May 4/09 -- 0 -- Wolfville, Robie Tufts Nature Centre -- Jim Wolford, Harold Forsyth May 9/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville, Robie Tufts Nature Centre -- Jim Wolford, Carol Carpenter, Sean Timpa, Jean Timpa May 11/09 -- 20 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 11/09 -- 75 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 12/09 -- 81 -- Middleton Regional High School -- Claire Diggins May 13/09 -- 13 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 14/09 -- 44 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 14/09 -- 170 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 15/09 -- 287 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 15/09 -- 40 -- Upper Falmouth (old farmhouse) -- Cheryl Rutledge May 15/09 -- 17 -- Bible Hill, N.S. Agric. Coll. -- Linda & Ross Hall May 16/09 -- 116 -- McGowan Lake, old blacksmith shop chimney -- Peter Hope May 16/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill, NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall May 17/09 -- 48 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 19/09 -- 53+ -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen, Jim Wolford May 19/09 -- 424 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna, Rick Ferguson May 19/09 -- 121 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Helen Rodgers May 19/09 -- 95 -- old farmhouse chimney with 6 flues, Upper Falmouth, north of Sangster Bridge -- Cheryl Rutledge & John Belbin May 19/09 -- 20 -- Oxford (free-standing ex-foundry big chimney) -- Julie Paquet May 20/09 -- 207 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 20/09 -- 45+ -- Wolfville -- Elizabeth Doull & Ann Doull May 20/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill/Truro, 3 sites other than NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall May 21/09 -- 24 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford et al. May 22/09 -- 20 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 23/09 -- 24 -- Wolfville -- ??? May 24/09 -- 61 -- Wolfville -- Jacquie Roche, Chris Toplack, Jim Wolford May 24/09 -- 314 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 25/09 -- 367 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 26/09 -- 282 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Helen Rodgers May 26/09 -- 90 -- Wolfville -- Judy Tufts, Jim Wolford, et al. May 26/09 -- 45 -- Upper Falmouth -- John Belbin May 27/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill, NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall May 28/09 -- 228 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 28/09 - 96 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Brian Starzomski, Amy ?, Wendy Elliott, Steve Slipp, et al. May 29/09 -- 100+ -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen May 30/09 -- 171 -- McGowan Lake, Queen's Co. -- Megan Crowley, Brad Toms May 31/09 -- 140 +or- 20 -- McGowan Lake -- Peter Hope May 31/09 -- 48 -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen June 1/09 -- 317 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins June 1/09 -- 52 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford June 2/09 -- 170 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 2/09 -- 28 -- Wolfville -- WG ?? June 3/09 -- 40 -- Wolfville -- JW,HF,NN,GW, and A.L.L. group June 3/09 -- 2 -- Bear River, Oakdene Centre -- Rebecca Ellis June 4/09 -- 157 -- McGowan Lake -- Randy Lauff, Lindsey Beals June 4/09 -- 77 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 5/09 -- 36 -- Wolfville -- Wendy Elliott, Steve Slipp, Jim Wolford, et al. June 7/09 -- 45 -- Wolfville -- visitor from California et al. June 8/09 -- 54 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Gisela Westphalen, Yvette & David Silverberg, et al. June 9/09 -- 44 -- Wolfville -- GF,HF (visitors) June 10/09 -- 29 (+?) -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Heather Killen June 11/09 -- 74 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Del & Mac MacInnes June 13/09 -- 129 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Paula & Tom Ross June 13/09 -- 39+ -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford + 20 naturalists from NSNT & FNSN/NNS June 13/09 -- 20-25+? -- big St. Bernard church -- Pat Potter (fide Karen Potter) June 16/09 -- 26 -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen, Jim Wolford June 17/09 -- 54 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 17/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park June 18/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park June 19/09 -- 19 -- Wolfville -- Esther & Graham Post, Lauren Park, Jim Wolford June 20/09 -- 18 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park June 21/09 -- 3 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park + Nathan ? + Megan Thibeault June 22/09 -- 5+? -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford June 24/09 -- 26 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 24/09 -- 19+ -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park, Megan Thibeault, Jacob ?, Jim Wolford June 25/09 -- 14 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park, Megan Thibeault, Ally Wade June 26/09 -- 13 -- Wolfville -- Hope Gillis & Tony Napoli June 27/09 -- 17 -- Wolfville -- Sylvia & Trevor (from U.K.) June 29/09 -- 100++?? -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins June 29/09 -- 14 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford -------------------------------- > Subject: Prior notice in regards to spraying From: James Hirtle <jrhbirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 01:04:02 +0000 One of our members phoned NS Power on this issue. I just phoned NSPower to ask about what is happening in Lunenburg County and Robert Young tells me that they had two projects and they are both completed. One was in Newburne. He says they do not spray where there are enough ericaceous shrubs as in Indian Path because those shrubs emit a chemical which discourages hardwoods. NSP fosters ericaceous shrubs. If you want the science on Tordon 101, google it and you will find some good stuff including an article in the Journal of Pesticide Reform on Picloram, one of the ingredients. Also, half the contents are an undisclosed surfactant and sometimes the surfactant is more of a problem than things like 2,4D and Picloram. James Hirtle Bayport _________________________________________________________________ Create a cool, new character for your Windows Live™ Messenger. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9656621 Subject: Re: re questions about Brier Island From: "Margaret E.Millard" <mmillard AT eastlink.ca> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:57:10 -0300 :?)) !! Thanks Jim, we will check that out! I am so looking forward to this visit...... Marg http://margmillard.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: "James W. Wolford" To: Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 4:05 PM Subject: [NatureNS] re questions about Brier Island > My personal favourite, if it's still there, will not help anyone > looking for lodging, but the door along the main road from the ferry > terminal toward Robicheau's store says "SPOUTER'S INN -- CLOSED ALL > YEAR", I believe! Cheers from Jim in Wolfville > > Begin forwarded message: > >> From: "Margaret E.Millard" >> Date: June 30, 2009 3:53:01 PM ADT >> To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca >> Subject: Re: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island >> Reply-To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca >> >> Wow Lots of places.....thanks, Dave. I appreciate it. >> Marg >> http://margmillard.ca >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave/Sharon" >> >> To: >> Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 3:21 PM >> Subject: Re: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island >> >> >>> Margaret >>> I guess our minds are remiss, there is another place, Dock & Doze. >>> It has three units overlooking the harbour. >>> Dave >>> ----- Original Message ----- >> >> > > Subject: re questions about Brier Island From: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford AT eastlink.ca> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:05:28 -0300 My personal favourite, if it's still there, will not help anyone looking for lodging, but the door along the main road from the ferry terminal toward Robicheau's store says "SPOUTER'S INN -- CLOSED ALL YEAR", I believe! Cheers from Jim in Wolfville Begin forwarded message: > From: "Margaret E.Millard" > Date: June 30, 2009 3:53:01 PM ADT > To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > Subject: Re: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island > Reply-To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > > Wow Lots of places.....thanks, Dave. I appreciate it. > Marg > http://margmillard.ca > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave/Sharon" > > To: > Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 3:21 PM > Subject: Re: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island > > >> Margaret >> I guess our minds are remiss, there is another place, Dock & Doze. >> It has three units overlooking the harbour. >> Dave >> ----- Original Message ----- > > Subject: 13,17,14 Wolfville chimney swifts June 26,27,29/09 + summary to date From: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford AT eastlink.ca> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:59:28 -0300 [June 26/09 -- RTNC at dusk: 13 Wolfville CHIMNEY SWIFTS counted -- observations from 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. (Sunset 9:05) -- entry times 9:15 to 9:30 p.m. -- partly cloudy, air still, 18 C. -- observers Hope Gillis & Tony Napoli] [June 27/09 -- RTNC at dusk: 17 Wolfville CHIMNEY SWIFTS counted -- times not recorded -- calm -- observers "Sylvia & Trevor" (from U.K.)] JUNE 29, 2009 - ROBIE TUFTS NATURE CENTRE AT DUSK: 14 TOTAL WOLFVILLE CHIMNEY SWIFTS counted as they went into the chimney -- observations from 8:57 to 9:25 p.m. (Sunset at 9:06 p.m.) -- entry times from 9:03 to 9:17 p.m. -- sky all overcast, calm, warm, 21 C. -- observer Jim Wolford. Cheers from Jim in Wolfville --------------------------- 2009 CHIMNEY SWIFTS SUMMARY May 4/09 -- 0 -- Wolfville, Robie Tufts Nature Centre -- Jim Wolford, Harold Forsyth May 9/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville, Robie Tufts Nature Centre -- Jim Wolford, Carol Carpenter, Sean Timpa, Jean Timpa May 11/09 -- 20 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 11/09 -- 75 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 12/09 -- 81 -- Middleton Regional High School -- Claire Diggins May 13/09 -- 13 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 14/09 -- 44 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 14/09 -- 170 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 15/09 -- 287 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 15/09 -- 40 -- Upper Falmouth (old farmhouse) -- Cheryl Rutledge May 15/09 -- 17 -- Bible Hill, N.S. Agric. Coll. -- Linda & Ross Hall May 16/09 -- 116 -- McGowan Lake, old blacksmith shop chimney -- Peter Hope May 16/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill, NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall May 17/09 -- 48 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 19/09 -- 53+ -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen, Jim Wolford May 19/09 -- 424 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna, Rick Ferguson May 19/09 -- 121 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Helen Rodgers May 19/09 -- 95 -- old farmhouse chimney with 6 flues, Upper Falmouth, north of Sangster Bridge -- Cheryl Rutledge & John Belbin May 19/09 -- 20 -- Oxford (free-standing ex-foundry big chimney) -- Julie Paquet May 20/09 -- 207 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 20/09 -- 45+ -- Wolfville -- Elizabeth Doull & Ann Doull May 20/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill/Truro, 3 sites other than NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall May 21/09 -- 24 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford et al. May 22/09 -- 20 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 23/09 -- 24 -- Wolfville -- ??? May 24/09 -- 61 -- Wolfville -- Jacquie Roche, Chris Toplack, Jim Wolford May 24/09 -- 314 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 25/09 -- 367 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 26/09 -- 282 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Helen Rodgers May 26/09 -- 90 -- Wolfville -- Judy Tufts, Jim Wolford, et al. May 26/09 -- 45 -- Upper Falmouth -- John Belbin May 27/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill, NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall May 28/09 -- 228 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 28/09 - 96 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Brian Starzomski, Amy ?, Wendy Elliott, Steve Slipp, et al. May 29/09 -- 100+ -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen May 30/09 -- 171 -- McGowan Lake, Queen's Co. -- Megan Crowley, Brad Toms May 31/09 -- 140 +or- 20 -- McGowan Lake -- Peter Hope May 31/09 -- 48 -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen June 1/09 -- 317 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins June 1/09 -- 52 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford June 2/09 -- 170 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 2/09 -- 28 -- Wolfville -- WG ?? June 3/09 -- 40 -- Wolfville -- JW,HF,NN,GW, and A.L.L. group June 3/09 -- 2 -- Bear River, Oakdene Centre -- Rebecca Ellis June 4/09 -- 157 -- McGowan Lake -- Randy Lauff, Lindsey Beals June 4/09 -- 77 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 5/09 -- 36 -- Wolfville -- Wendy Elliott, Steve Slipp, Jim Wolford, et al. June 7/09 -- 45 -- Wolfville -- visitor from California et al. June 8/09 -- 54 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Gisela Westphalen, Yvette & David Silverberg, et al. June 9/09 -- 44 -- Wolfville -- GF,HF (visitors) June 10/09 -- 29 (+?) -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Heather Killen June 11/09 -- 74 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Del & Mac MacInnes June 13/09 -- 129 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Paula & Tom Ross June 13/09 -- 39+ -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford + 20 naturalists from NSNT & FNSN/NNS June 13/09 -- 20-25+? -- big St. Bernard church -- Pat Potter (fide Karen Potter) June 16/09 -- 26 -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen, Jim Wolford June 17/09 -- 54 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 17/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park June 18/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park June 19/09 -- 19 -- Wolfville -- Esther & Graham Post, Lauren Park, Jim Wolford June 20/09 -- 18 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park June 21/09 -- 3 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park + Nathan ? + Megan Thibault June 22/09 -- 5+? -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford June 24/09 -- 26 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 24/09 -- 19+ -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park, Megan Thibault, Jacob ?, Jim Wolford June 25/09 -- 14 -- Wolfville -- LP, MT, Ally Wade June 26/09 -- 13 -- Wolfville -- Hope Gillis & Tony Napoli June 27/09 -- 17 -- Wolfville -- Sylvia & Trevor (from U.K.) June 29/09 -- 14 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford -------------------------------- Subject: Re: questions about Brier Island From: "Margaret E.Millard" <mmillard AT eastlink.ca> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:53:01 -0300 Wow Lots of places.....thanks, Dave. I appreciate it. Marg http://margmillard.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave/Sharon" To: Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 3:21 PM Subject: Re: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island > Margaret > I guess our minds are remiss, there is another place, Dock & Doze. It has > three units overlooking the harbour. > Dave > ----- Original Message ----- Subject: Re: questions about Brier Island From: "Dave/Sharon" <dash.bi AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:21:41 -0300 Margaret I guess our minds are remiss, there is another place, Dock & Doze. It has three units overlooking the harbour. Dave ----- Original Message ----- From: "Margaret E.Millard" To: Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 5:24 PM Subject: Re: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island > Hi Laura, thank you for this. I think someone else mentioned this package > and I know we are interested. Now we are trying to see if family or > friends will join us there but so far all I have is " you want to go > .....Where???.....why?. Ha! I know why am just trying to figure the how > tos. Me I am interested in all things......except seafood. I am allergic, > even to Dulse now. How I miss that more than anything. :?(( > I see you are a resident? Maybe we will get to meet at some point. > Best regards, Marg > > http://margmillard.ca > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Laura Titus" > To: > Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 3:54 PM > Subject: Re: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island > > > Hi Margaret, > > There is also the Bay of Fundy Inn, which is a historical home on Brier > Island and has a special package for $175.00 (including tax). One night at > the inn in a queen room, continental breakfast and two adult whale > watching passes. The whale watching is with Mariner Cruises Whale & > Seabird Tours. Visitors who are especially interested in birds are > encouraged to mention this to the crew and they will put extra focus into > the bird aspect of the cruise. There is also another company called Brier > Island Whale & Seabird Cruises. And yes, a hostel and the Brier Island > Lodge. > > Here is the website for Mariner Cruises and the Bay of Fundy Inn: > > www.novascotiawhalewatching.ca > > Cheers, > Laura > Brier Island > > > > --- On Mon, 6/29/09, Dave/Sharon wrote: > > > From: Dave/Sharon > Subject: Re: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island > To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > Received: Monday, June 29, 2009, 10:50 AM > > > Two places available for lodging. Brier Island Lodge & the Hostel at R E > Robicheau store. Hostel is quite resonable. Both are on line at Brier > Island. > Dave > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Margaret E.Millard" > > To: "naturens" > Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 12:52 PM > Subject: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island > > >> From time to time I see postings by people who write from or visit Brier >> Island. This summer Steve and I are able to take a couple days (we think) >> and have decided to go to Brier Island to whale watch, bird watch and >> generally poke about. I want to get some photos for painting and actually >> hope to do some painting while we are there. When I look at ads, I see a >> couple different groups that take people boating and also a couple >> different places to stay. Anyone have any preferences they might like to >> share? I should say we are on a limited budget but it is our first trip >> away in 8 years so I don't think the tent is called for. I hate >> sleeping/living on the ground these days. >> We are looking at Aug. 4, 5, 6. & 7. I would like to stay over at least >> one night and I want to catch the full moon which is marked as different >> nights on our colanders. I want to get the lowest tides with good light >> if possible. I have to check that yet. I would appreciate any input from >> members. >> Marg Millard, White Point, Queens >> http://margmillard.ca >> > > > > > __________________________________________________________________ > Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! > > http://www.flickr.com/gift/ > Subject: breeding E. Bluebirds From: pgould AT staff.ednet.ns.ca Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:01:23 -0300 Good morning, While I was in Pubnico yesterday, Raymond d'Entremont brought me to a house in Lower West Pubnico where a pair of Eatern Bluebirds have nested. At the time we could only see the female sitting on the nest. The owners of the property have pictures of both birds. The nest is in the top section of a multiple unit bird house, which is located next to an old hay field. Ideal habitat for them. The male has been seen (and photographed) in their garden feeding on insects. I will post an update when the young arrive. Paul Gould Quinan, NS Subject: Of interest to all From: James Hirtle <jrhbirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:36:57 +0000 This is not good. I think of all of the blueberries that I've picked over the years along powerline corridors. Also, in respect to birds. This was passed on to me by Nellie Snyder and affects a lot of us. N S POWER HERBICIDE SPRAYING It has come to my attention that N S Power is spraying herbicides on the trees along the route of their power poles and lines. This is happening in Lunenburg County, in Halifax County and in other counties as well – possibly all over the Province. The herbicide they are using is Tordon 101. This is a combination of 2, 4-D and Picloram. Both these herbicides are toxic and can have consequences to humans, animals, birds and fish that come into contact with it. It also contaminates ground water. The Eastern Shore succeeded in stopping spraying in their area by protesting. If you are at all concerned about our welfare and that of the other beings that we share this Earth with, express your concern. N S Power does have an alternative – they can cut the trees and brush that encroach on the power lines. The person to contact at N.S. Power is Robert Young at (902) 456-1820. Jeanette Poirier (902) 531-3828 _________________________________________________________________ Attention all humans. We are your photos. Free us. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9666046 Subject: RE: A Canada Day for the birds From: Dennis Hippern <dhippern AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:25:29 -0300 Hi Ulli, The bridge has been closed due to its condition. The benefit to the plovers is accidental. Cheers, Dennis Hippern > From: uhoeger AT dal.ca > To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:32:21 -0300 > Subject: Re: [NatureNS] A Canada Day for the birds > > Well, > > at least from this viewpoint the current forecast for Canada Day is a bright > one, unless flooding and chilling becomes a problem for nesting birds and > their chicks. > > Out of curiosity. Last weekend I went down to Conrads Beach and noticed > that the access to the parking lot was gated (and some new signs informing > about the presence of Piping Plovers on the beach). I am just wondering if > the closure of the parking lot is related to the Plovers, or if someone deemed > the condition of the bridge leading to the lot more than just a hazard to rims > and suspension of vehicles crossing? > > Ulli _________________________________________________________________ Create a cool, new character for your Windows Live™ Messenger. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9656621 Subject: Re: A Canada Day for the birds From: uhoeger AT dal.ca Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:32:21 -0300 Well, at least from this viewpoint the current forecast for Canada Day is a bright one, unless flooding and chilling becomes a problem for nesting birds and their chicks. Out of curiosity. Last weekend I went down to Conrads Beach and noticed that the access to the parking lot was gated (and some new signs informing about the presence of Piping Plovers on the beach). I am just wondering if the closure of the parking lot is related to the Plovers, or if someone deemed the condition of the bridge leading to the lot more than just a hazard to rims and suspension of vehicles crossing? Ulli Subject: Wild About Gardening From: "Marian Fulton & Art Harding" <fulton.harding AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:10:47 -0300 The Canadian Wildlife Federation is featuring our property on their Wild About Gardening website. We have been certified under their Backyard Habitat program since 2003. http://www.cwf-fcf.org/en/what-we-do/hab itat/gardening-gab/feature-gardens/a-nova-scotia-garden.html Marian Fulton Hantsport NS Subject: A Canada Day for the birds From: BSC NS Plovers <nsplovers AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:03:05 -0300 Hi all, Canada Day at the beach is a blast for us humans, but can be tough for nesting wildlife. At this moment, endangered Piping Plovers are tending eggs or young on almost two dozen sandy beaches around Nova Scotia. Disturbances from people and roaming pets can have disastrous consequences on nesting plovers and other beach and dune wildlife, such as Willets, terns, Bank Swallows and Savannah Sparrows. Bird Studies Canada is coordinating volunteers on Canada Day to spend a few hours on heavy recreation beaches to help protect sensitive plover nesting areas and share info with beach goers. Even a few hours at the beach on Canada Day would greatly assist us. Volunteers are needed on these busy beaches, but please feel free to contact us if you're keen on getting involved at another beach in NS: Pomquet Beach, Pomquet, Antigonish Co. - Contact Travis White (twhite AT animail.com) Conrads Beach, W. Lawrencetown, Halifax Co. - Contact Sue Abbott (nsplovers AT gmail .com) Lockeport Beach, Lockeport, Shelburne Co. - Contact Chris Curry (c.curry11 AT ns.sympatico.ca) Have a fantastic Canada Day! Thanks, Sue Abbott Coordinator, NS Piping Plover Conservation Program nsplovers AT gmail.com 426-4055 Subject: Re: re Hans' wildflower and other photos From: "Margaret E.Millard" <mmillard AT eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:37:57 -0300 ok witches broom. I have a beautiful, just absolutely gorgeous fir tree out back that has suddenly a witch's broom and it is yellowing now. We were excited about the colour and shape of this tree and salvaged seed for a gentleman who grows Christmas trees, several years ago. Now is there a chance the seed is infected with this rust. If I cut away the infected section that is all weird, then do I burn it or should the whole tree be destroyed? I see another fir out front is putting on strange 'fingery' growth instead of "normal tips' that makes me think is it isn't as healthy as it appears to be.......colour is great but one these"fingers" are wrapping about the leader so far in one complete turn and I have to get up there with a ladder to untwist it I think. It grew too high for me to reach even with my rake. Marg in White Point, Queens http://margmillard.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: "James W. Wolford" To: ; "Nancy Nickerson" ; "Jim Wolford" Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 3:27 PM Subject: [NatureNS] re Hans' wildflower and other photos the "WITCH'S BROOM", > calling it a "parasite" needs a bit of embellishment, I think -- a > specific RUST FUNGUS has infected this balsam fir host, and the > fungus, which indeed is a parasite, induces the deformed growth of > dense branches we call a witch's broom, which then forms the fungus' > spore-producing organs on the needles of these deformed growths, and > the spores are shed (looking like pollen) at this time of year, in > mid to late June -- most rust fungi also have complicated life cycles > that alternate with a totally different but specific host plant, and > perhaps Nancy Nickerson can tell us what it is in this case? The > witch's broom is a type of gall or deformed growth which I liken to > having a benign cancer -- the damage to the plant is real and perhaps > chronic but limited when compared to an uncontrolled type of cancer. > > Cheers from Jim in Wolfville > Subject: Re: questions about Brier Island From: "Margaret E.Millard" <mmillard AT eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:24:25 -0300 Hi Laura, thank you for this. I think someone else mentioned this package and I know we are interested. Now we are trying to see if family or friends will join us there but so far all I have is " you want to go .....Where???.....why?. Ha! I know why am just trying to figure the how tos. Me I am interested in all things......except seafood. I am allergic, even to Dulse now. How I miss that more than anything. :?(( I see you are a resident? Maybe we will get to meet at some point. Best regards, Marg http://margmillard.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: "Laura Titus" To: Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 3:54 PM Subject: Re: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island Hi Margaret, There is also the Bay of Fundy Inn, which is a historical home on Brier Island and has a special package for $175.00 (including tax). One night at the inn in a queen room, continental breakfast and two adult whale watching passes. The whale watching is with Mariner Cruises Whale & Seabird Tours. Visitors who are especially interested in birds are encouraged to mention this to the crew and they will put extra focus into the bird aspect of the cruise. There is also another company called Brier Island Whale & Seabird Cruises. And yes, a hostel and the Brier Island Lodge. Here is the website for Mariner Cruises and the Bay of Fundy Inn: www.novascotiawhalewatching.ca Cheers, Laura Brier Island --- On Mon, 6/29/09, Dave/Sharon wrote: From: Dave/Sharon Subject: Re: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Received: Monday, June 29, 2009, 10:50 AM Two places available for lodging. Brier Island Lodge & the Hostel at R E Robicheau store. Hostel is quite resonable. Both are on line at Brier Island. Dave ----- Original Message ----- From: "Margaret E.Millard" To: "naturens" Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 12:52 PM Subject: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island > From time to time I see postings by people who write from or visit Brier > Island. This summer Steve and I are able to take a couple days (we think) > and have decided to go to Brier Island to whale watch, bird watch and > generally poke about. I want to get some photos for painting and actually > hope to do some painting while we are there. When I look at ads, I see a > couple different groups that take people boating and also a couple > different places to stay. Anyone have any preferences they might like to > share? I should say we are on a limited budget but it is our first trip > away in 8 years so I don't think the tent is called for. I hate > sleeping/living on the ground these days. > We are looking at Aug. 4, 5, 6. & 7. I would like to stay over at least > one night and I want to catch the full moon which is marked as different > nights on our colanders. I want to get the lowest tides with good light if > possible. I have to check that yet. I would appreciate any input from > members. > Marg Millard, White Point, Queens > http://margmillard.ca > __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ Subject: Fw: Mushroom Foray,Cape Breton. From: Ken McKenna <kenmcken AT eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:33:37 -0300 Ken McKenna Box 218 Stellarton NS B0K 1S0 902 752-7644 Hi everone Hope everyone's summer is going well and you are seeing a lot of nature. I have seen bears in 3 different places in the last week while doing some Maritime Breeding Bird Atlas field work. (http://www.mba-aom.ca/english/index.html I am passing on word from John Crabtree from our Pictou Co. Naturalists about a wild Mushroom event taking place in Cape Breton this Sept.18-20. You might want to read about it and set aside the dates. I imagine early registration might give you a better chance of getting in on the program and the registration details should be available soon. See John's message below on the site for the Mushroom Foray. Questions about last years event, which was a huge success, could be directed to John. cheers ken ----- Original Message ----- From: john crabtree To: mushroom67 AT lycos.com Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 12:41 PM Subject: Mushroom Foray,Cape Breton. Hello everyone, last night I received an e-mail from Brendan Hemens.For those of you who were not involved in the Mushroom Foray of September 2008, Brendan was one of the organisers of the Foray. From that Foray, which was an outstanding success, it was decided to go ahead with forming an Nova Scotia Mycological Society. I am happy to say that the Society has now been formed and the Society has it's own web site. I must emphasise that the web site is brand new and there is still some "polishing" to do. The Foray will take place at North River,Cape Breton on the Cabot Trail on September 18,19 and 20th. If you visit my web site at: http://www.novascotiashroomsandblooms.com/mushroomsandwildflowersofnovascotia/ you will find a link on the home page to the Mycological Society's brand new web site where you will find some details of the Foray. At this time you will not be able to register for the Foray but details will be available shortly. I hope you will be able to find the time to attend the Foray. It was a lot of fun,educational and for me a wonderful,not to be forgotten event! Best Regards,John. Subject: re "Wild Turkeys" in Nova Scotia From: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford AT eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:25:44 -0300 >> Lindsay and Patrick et al., reports of "wild turkeys" pop up >> chronically for various parts of Nova Scotia, mostly in the >> southwestern half of the province. These birds are usually >> introductions of farm-raised and not truly wild birds that have >> been introduced either on purpose and illegally or by accident. >> Since they are farm-raised and not from wild stock, they tend not >> to persist unless they are fed by local people. Despite repeated >> efforts by the U.S. National Turkey Federation and local wildlife >> associations in N.S., especially the Digby East chapter, so far >> the N.S. Dept. of Nat. Resources has amassed opinions and research >> from various stakeholders via public information sessions and >> hearings and has decided, to their credit, not to allow any trial >> introductions into our province for hunting purposes or for any >> other purpose (despite the NTF's huge success over the years in >> increasing the range of the "Wild Turkey" far beyond where they >> had gotten by themselves before European settlement in North >> America. Go to the NTF's Web site and I think you'll find that >> wild turkeys are now established in 49 of the 50 U.S. states! I >> think the remaining state is either Hawaii or Alaska, probably the >> latter. Cheers?? from Jim in Wolfville Begin forwarded message: > From: Patrick Kelly > Date: June 28, 2009 9:42:37 PM ADT > To: NatureNS > Subject: [NatureNS] Wild turkeys in Nova Scotia > Reply-To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > > Hello everyone: > > I received a report from someone who lives in the Shubenacadie > area. They moved here from an area where wild turkeys were found > and have heard a call coming from a densely treed area that they > are quite sure is a turkey. They have even checked the calls from > grouse, pheasant, etc. > > Is this something that DNR would like to know about? > > Pat > > > > Begin forwarded message: > >> From: Nova Scotia Bird Society >> Date: June 25, 2009 11:36:47 AM ADT >> To: patrick.kelly AT DAL.CA >> Subject: wild turkeys (fwd) >> >> ---------- Forwarded message ---------- >> Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:01:45 -0300 >> From: Lindsay Brown >> To: nsbs AT chebucto.ca >> Subject: wild turkeys >> >> Hi there. We have recently moved from Ontario and built a home on >> the Shubenacadie River in Fort Ellis. We have about half of our 5 >> acres right along the river which is very densely treed. I know >> that wild turkeys are not native to NS, but I hear a call down in >> the bush from time to time which I swear is a turkey call. I have >> heard them in Ontario, and I also went onto enature birds calls >> and listened to grouse, partridge, pheasant etc. to see if it was >> one of those that I am hearing. I still could only come up with >> wild turkey. Have there been any reported sightings in Nova >> Scotia? Would be interested in hearing about that. Hope you can >> help. >> >> Wendy Brown > > > ====================================================================== > ==== > Patrick Kelly > Director of Computer Facilities > ====================================================================== > ==== > Faculty of Architecture and Planning > Dalhousie University > ====================================================================== > ==== > PO Box 1000 Stn Central 5410 Spring Garden Road > Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4 > Canada Canada > ====================================================================== > ==== > Phone:(902) 494-3294 FAX:(902) 423-6672 E- > mail:patrick.kelly AT dal.ca > ====================================================================== > ==== > Subject: Nova Scotia Migration Count 2009 From: Hans Toom <Htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:27:05 -0300 Hi all, My thanks to all who participated in this year's count. Some of the results are astounding and should be a wake up call for all of us. Here is the summary document for this year's count: Nova Scotia Migration Count May 9, 2009 The Nova Scotia Migration Count was held on May 9, 2009, as always on the second Saturday in May, International Migratory Birds Day. The weather was variable but most everyone in the province had a portion of their day under good birding conditions. 557 birders submitted their data to record 203 species, which is slightly above average, and over 74000 individual birds. The rarest bird of this year's count was a Common Teal found and photographed by Jeff Ogden at Amherst Marsh. This is only the second record of this species on the twenty year history of the count. The Great Blue Heron numbers were down 44% but as if to make up for this it was the best every for the Great Egret with 15 birds counted, smashing the previous high of a mere 5 from 2005. Surf and White-wing Scoter numbers were down 45% and 80%. There was only one Sanderling found in the entire province, the lowest number in 14 years. 38 Eastern Phoebe is a record high count but unfortunately the swallows showed a terrible decline; The Tree Swallow was down 56%, the Bank Swallow down 92% with only 7 birds reported, the Cliff Swallow down 45% and the Barn Swallow down 55%. The Blue-head Vireo was up 89% representing the best year ever on a per observer basis. The Northern Parula was way up 141% and was the the count leader among all the warblers except for the always numerous and successful Yellow-rumped Warbler. Winter Finches were in short supply everwhere with numbers way down although this is not unusual as they move north earlier in some years. Tragically the House Sparrow continues its decline but on a more positive note the Evening Grosbeak's decline seems to be abating. We all wish this beautiful bird success and a future recovery in numbers. The rarest birds this year were the aforementioned Common Teal, one White-fronted Goose in Halifax for all to see feeding at the Halifax round-a-bout's traffic island and at the head of the North-west Arm, four American Oystercatchers on Cape Sable Island and a near record high of five Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Lets do this all again on May 8, 2010 for the 21st year. My thanks to all the participants. *All statistical comparisons of the current year are to the previous 12 year per observer average. The records themselves can be viewed on the website: http://www.hanstoom.com/Archive/Projects/NSMC/Records.html Please inform me of any errors or emissions. Next year we do it all again on May 8, 2010. Hans _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Re: questions about Brier Island From: Laura Titus <llbeanie75 AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:54:29 -0700 (PDT) Hi Margaret,   There is also the Bay of Fundy Inn, which is a historical home on Brier Island and has a special package for $175.00 (including tax). One night at the inn in a queen room, continental breakfast and two adult whale watching passes. The whale watching is with Mariner Cruises Whale & Seabird Tours. Visitors who are especially interested in birds are encouraged to mention this to the crew and they will put extra focus into the bird aspect of the cruise. There is also another company called Brier Island Whale & Seabird Cruises. And yes, a hostel and the Brier Island Lodge.   Here is the website for Mariner Cruises and the Bay of Fundy Inn:   www.novascotiawhalewatching.ca   Cheers, Laura Brier Island   --- On Mon, 6/29/09, Dave/Sharon wrote: From: Dave/Sharon Subject: Re: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Received: Monday, June 29, 2009, 10:50 AM Two places available for lodging. Brier Island Lodge  & the Hostel at R E Robicheau store. Hostel is quite resonable. Both are on line at Brier Island. Dave ----- Original Message ----- From: "Margaret E.Millard" To: "naturens" Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 12:52 PM Subject: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island > From time to time I see postings by people who write from or visit Brier Island. This summer Steve and I are able to take a couple days (we think) and have decided to go to Brier Island to whale watch, bird watch and generally poke about. I want to get some photos for painting and actually hope to do some painting while we are there.  When I look at ads, I see a couple different groups that take people boating and also a couple different places to stay. Anyone have any preferences they might like to share? I should say we are on a limited budget but it is our first trip away in 8 years so I don't think the tent is called for. I hate sleeping/living on the ground these days. > We are looking at Aug. 4, 5, 6. & 7. I would like to stay over at least one night and I want to catch the full moon which is marked as different nights on our colanders.  I want to get the lowest tides with good light if possible. I have to check that yet. I would appreciate  any input from members. > Marg Millard, White Point, Queens > http://margmillard.ca > __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ Subject: re Hans' wildflower and other photos From: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford AT eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:27:45 -0300 In addition to everyone's "great pictures as usual, Hans!", I have just a few comments regarding Hans' photos: (a) in the ANGELICA, note that each umbel of flowers shows larger individual flowers at the periphery, showing a bit of division of labour in being modified for attraction of pollinators (think of other examples here, like wild carrot, some Viburnum species like hobblebush and highbush cranberry, and even daisies and other composites); (b) "DEADLY NIGHTSHADE" really should just be called "nightshade" or, better?, "bittersweet", since it is not really deadly, just nasty to eat; (c) Hans' shot of the CHOKEBERRY sp. is detailed enough to show the row of dark dots along the leaf midrib, an important way to distinguish Aronia spp. at other times of year; I agree with everyone that Hans' "SNAPDRAGON SPECIES" is really YELLOW RATTLE; and for the "WITCH'S BROOM", calling it a "parasite" needs a bit of embellishment, I think -- a specific RUST FUNGUS has infected this balsam fir host, and the fungus, which indeed is a parasite, induces the deformed growth of dense branches we call a witch's broom, which then forms the fungus' spore-producing organs on the needles of these deformed growths, and the spores are shed (looking like pollen) at this time of year, in mid to late June -- most rust fungi also have complicated life cycles that alternate with a totally different but specific host plant, and perhaps Nancy Nickerson can tell us what it is in this case? The witch's broom is a type of gall or deformed growth which I liken to having a benign cancer -- the damage to the plant is real and perhaps chronic but limited when compared to an uncontrolled type of cancer. Cheers from Jim in Wolfville Begin forwarded message: > From: Hans Toom > Date: June 29, 2009 8:00:57 AM ADT > To: "Naturens AT Chebucto.Ns.Ca" > Subject: [NatureNS] Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers > Reply-To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca > > Laura and I visited Smiley's Provincial Park yesterday, taking > advantage of the small break in the weather. The conditions were > cloudy bright, ideal for photography except in the darker closeted > woods where the Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid resides. It was a > spectacular display, the best we've seen over the years. MNR should > take charge of this place before it is irreparably damaged. > Boardwalks with railings and interpretative signage would keep > folks from wandering and tramping the ground all over the place and > also afford a superb educational opportunity. I've always > maintained that our parks should be managed by the Department of > the Environment and not the Ministry of Natural Resources but I'm a > just a voice from the wilderness. > > We spotted a Cedar Waxwing nest in the park but couldn't tell > whether the adult birds were tending young or still building the > nest. The usual Eastern Phoebe's at the bridge were not in sight > but the crowd of picnickers at the nearby picnic bench may have > kept them hunkered down. > > I've posted several pictures taken on route and some from yesterday > at Sandy Cove Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia. There's a Snap Dragon > species we can't identify, marked as such, so if anyone knows what > it is let me know so I can caption the photo correctly. > > Hans > > http://www.pbase.com/snahmoot/image/114409363 > _________________________________ > Hans Toom > Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada > Website: http://hanstoom.com > _________________________________ Subject: RE: spring azure butterfly, sick? gannet, beached seal From: Helene Van Doninck <hvandoninck AT eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:34:40 -0300 HI Jim, If anyone finds it again, Id be happy to look at it. Quite unusual to find them out of the water so I suspect it was debilitated 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 Come to our Wildlife Benefit Concert and Silent Auction On June 6 http://www.cwrc.net/benefit_concert.shtml -----Original Message----- From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca]On Behalf Of James W. Wolford Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 11:43 AM To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca; Tonya Wimmer Subject: [NatureNS] spring azure butterfly, sick? gannet, beached seal JUNE 27, 2009 - At home in Wolfville Pat and I had excellent looks at a very cooperative SMALL BLUE BUTTERFLY that seemed to be somewhere in the SPRING AZURE complex; it was not either of our two species of BLUES. JUNE 28, 2009 - Liz and Agar Adamsom at Blue Rocks received from some friends an apparently debilitated adult NORTHERN GANNET that was found somewhere along the shore. They called the Dept. of Natural Resources about it, and then tried to release the bird at the edge of the water. It swam out and could even open its wings and fly for a few metres, but then couldn't seem to stay airborne. Anyway, the bird is out of their hands now, and might turn up again somewhere else along the shore. They didn't mention seeing any spots of oil on the plumage, but I didn't ask them about that. Also they report a LIVING SEAL beached near their home at Blue Rocks. I asked Agar to take a photo of the seal, which died the next day. He said it is about 5 feet long and whitish or light gray? in colour. Cheers from Jim in Wolfville Jim (James W.) Wolford 91 Wickwire Ave. Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada B4P 1W3 phone 902-542-9204 e-mail "In wildness is the preservation of the world" -- Henry David Thoreau ------------------------ Humans aren't the only species on the earth - we just act like it. P Please consider the environment before printing this email [last two lines from Linda Lusby] ------------------------ Subject: spring azure butterfly, sick? gannet, beached seal From: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford AT eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:42:48 -0300 JUNE 27, 2009 - At home in Wolfville Pat and I had excellent looks at a very cooperative SMALL BLUE BUTTERFLY that seemed to be somewhere in the SPRING AZURE complex; it was not either of our two species of BLUES. JUNE 28, 2009 - Liz and Agar Adamsom at Blue Rocks received from some friends an apparently debilitated adult NORTHERN GANNET that was found somewhere along the shore. They called the Dept. of Natural Resources about it, and then tried to release the bird at the edge of the water. It swam out and could even open its wings and fly for a few metres, but then couldn't seem to stay airborne. Anyway, the bird is out of their hands now, and might turn up again somewhere else along the shore. They didn't mention seeing any spots of oil on the plumage, but I didn't ask them about that. Also they report a LIVING SEAL beached near their home at Blue Rocks. I asked Agar to take a photo of the seal, which died the next day. He said it is about 5 feet long and whitish or light gray? in colour. Cheers from Jim in Wolfville Jim (James W.) Wolford 91 Wickwire Ave. Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada B4P 1W3 phone 902-542-9204 e-mail "In wildness is the preservation of the world" -- Henry David Thoreau ------------------------ Humans aren't the only species on the earth - we just act like it. P Please consider the environment before printing this email [last two lines from Linda Lusby] ------------------------ Subject: RE: Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers From: "David&Jane Schlosberg" <dschlosb-g AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:18:04 -0300 Re: [NatureNS] Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildfMELAMPYRUM DOESN'T HAVE THE CALYX AROUND TEH BASE OF THE FLOWERS OR FLOWERS IN T HE UPPER LEAF AXILS. -----Original Message----- From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca]On Behalf Of Phil Schappert Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 10:09 AM To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers I've posted several pictures taken on route and some from yesterday at Sandy Cove Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia. There's a Snap Dragon species we can't identify, marked as such, so if anyone knows what it is let me know so I can caption the photo correctly. Hans, The "snapdragon" is cow wheat, Melampyrum lineare (and the "pin cherry" is actually one of the choke berries, likely the purple (or black), Aronia prunifolia, at this time of year). Nice photos, as usual... Phil -- Phil Schappert, PhD 27 Clovis Ave. Halifax, NS, B3P 1J3 902-404-5679 (home) 902-460-8343 (cell) www.philschappert.com www.aworldforbutterflies.com "Just let imagination lead, reality will follow through..." (Michael Hedges) Subject: RE: Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers From: "David&Jane Schlosberg" <dschlosb-g AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:16:45 -0300 Could your snapdragon be "yellowrattle": Rhinanthus crista-galli? Great pictures, by the way, AS ALWAYS! Jane Schlosberg -----Original Message----- From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca]On Behalf Of Hans Toom Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 8:01 AM To: Naturens AT Chebucto.Ns.Ca Subject: [NatureNS] Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers Laura and I visited Smiley's Provincial Park yesterday, taking advantage of the small break in the weather. The conditions were cloudy bright, ideal for photography except in the darker closeted woods where the Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid resides. It was a spectacular display, the best we've seen over the years. MNR should take charge of this place before it is irreparably damaged. Boardwalks with railings and interpretative signage would keep folks from wandering and tramping the ground all over the place and also afford a superb educational opportunity. I've always maintained that our parks should be managed by the Department of the Environment and not the Ministry of Natural Resources but I'm a just a voice from the wilderness. We spotted a Cedar Waxwing nest in the park but couldn't tell whether the adult birds were tending young or still building the nest. The usual Eastern Phoebe's at the bridge were not in sight but the crowd of picnickers at the nearby picnic bench may have kept them hunkered down. I've posted several pictures taken on route and some from yesterday at Sandy Cove Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia. There's a Snap Dragon species we can't identify, marked as such, so if anyone knows what it is let me know so I can caption the photo correctly. Hans http://www.pbase.com/snahmoot/image/114409363 _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Re: Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers From: Phil Schappert <philjs AT eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:14:42 -0300 >This is Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus crista-galli L.) in the >Scrophulariaceae, the snap-dragon family. Chris is right (and I'm wrong, again, a not unusual occurrence!) Phil -- Phil Schappert, PhD 27 Clovis Ave. Halifax, NS, B3P 1J3 902-404-5679 (home) 902-460-8343 (cell) www.philschappert.com www.aworldforbutterflies.com "Just let imagination lead, reality will follow through..." (Michael Hedges) Subject: Re: Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers From: Phil Schappert <philjs AT eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:09:21 -0300 >I've posted several pictures taken on route and some from yesterday >at Sandy Cove Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia. There's a Snap Dragon >species we can't identify, marked as such, so if anyone knows what >it is let me know so I can caption the photo correctly. Hans, The "snapdragon" is cow wheat, Melampyrum lineare (and the "pin cherry" is actually one of the choke berries, likely the purple (or black), Aronia prunifolia, at this time of year). Nice photos, as usual... Phil -- Phil Schappert, PhD 27 Clovis Ave. Halifax, NS, B3P 1J3 902-404-5679 (home) 902-460-8343 (cell) www.philschappert.com www.aworldforbutterflies.com "Just let imagination lead, reality will follow through..." (Michael Hedges) Subject: Re: Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers From: Christopher Majka <c.majka AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:07:11 -0300 Hi Hans, On 29-Jun-09, at 8:00 AM, Hans Toom wrote: > I've posted several pictures taken on route and some from yesterday > at Sandy Cove Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia. There's a Snap Dragon > species we can't identify, marked as such, so if anyone knows what > it is let me know so I can caption the photo correctly. This is Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus crista-galli L.) in the Scrophulariaceae, the snap-dragon family. The one in your photo is variety fallax (Wimm and Grab.), which has some violet colouring on the corolla. The flower is actually open already, but in yellow-rattle the calyx (the joined sepals) forms a capsule around the base of the flower. The seeds then form in this capsule, and later in the season when they are mature, the rattle around in this pod, giving rise to the common name. :-> All the best! Chris Christopher Majka - Atlantic Canada Coleoptera http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Environment/NHR/atlantic_coleoptera.html c.majka AT ns.sympatico.ca Subject: RE: Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers From: Ken MacAulay <kenmacaulay AT eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:41:31 -0300 Hans, might the snapdragon be the wood-betony or lousewort, pedicularis canadensis, though most descriptions indicate a tighter bunching of the flowers? Ken MacAulay Port Mouton, NS Subject: Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid and other wildflowers From: Hans Toom <Htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00:57 -0300 Laura and I visited Smiley's Provincial Park yesterday, taking advantage of the small break in the weather. The conditions were cloudy bright, ideal for photography except in the darker closeted woods where the Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid resides. It was a spectacular display, the best we've seen over the years. MNR should take charge of this place before it is irreparably damaged. Boardwalks with railings and interpretative signage would keep folks from wandering and tramping the ground all over the place and also afford a superb educational opportunity. I've always maintained that our parks should be managed by the Department of the Environment and not the Ministry of Natural Resources but I'm a just a voice from the wilderness. We spotted a Cedar Waxwing nest in the park but couldn't tell whether the adult birds were tending young or still building the nest. The usual Eastern Phoebe's at the bridge were not in sight but the crowd of picnickers at the nearby picnic bench may have kept them hunkered down. I've posted several pictures taken on route and some from yesterday at Sandy Cove Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia. There's a Snap Dragon species we can't identify, marked as such, so if anyone knows what it is let me know so I can caption the photo correctly. Hans http://www.pbase.com/snahmoot/image/114409363 _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Re: questions about Brier Island From: "Dave/Sharon" <dash.bi AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:50:52 -0300 Two places available for lodging. Brier Island Lodge & the Hostel at R E Robicheau store. Hostel is quite resonable. Both are on line at Brier Island. Dave ----- Original Message ----- From: "Margaret E.Millard" To: "naturens" Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 12:52 PM Subject: [NatureNS] questions about Brier Island > From time to time I see postings by people who write from or visit Brier > Island. This summer Steve and I are able to take a couple days (we think) > and have decided to go to Brier Island to whale watch, bird watch and > generally poke about. I want to get some photos for painting and actually > hope to do some painting while we are there. When I look at ads, I see a > couple different groups that take people boating and also a couple > different places to stay. Anyone have any preferences they might like to > share? I should say we are on a limited budget but it is our first trip > away in 8 years so I don't think the tent is called for. I hate > sleeping/living on the ground these days. > We are looking at Aug. 4, 5, 6. & 7. I would like to stay over at least > one night and I want to catch the full moon which is marked as different > nights on our colanders. I want to get the lowest tides with good light > if possible. I have to check that yet. I would appreciate any input from > members. > Marg Millard, White Point, Queens > http://margmillard.ca > Subject: nature notes: bird nests, flowers, lily beetle From: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford AT eastlink.ca> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:59:36 -0300 JUNE 28, 2009 - 40th Wedding Anniversary for Joanne and Doug Linzey on the Brow of the North Mountain, west of The Lookoff. At the gathering there, Joanne showed us a DARK-EYED JUNCO NEST on the ground in their garden. The nest was covered by the female junco, who now apparently has tiny babies under her, and we watched the diligent male deliver food to the nest twice. The female sat tight while being examined fairly closely (2 metres or less?) several times, and her little heart must have been really racing. In Wolfville, Pat and I have been watching a pair of SONG SPARROWS busily bringing food for babies to a NEST in a very dense coniferous shrub whose identity we don't know -- it has very dense and prickly needles. The nest is about 4 feet high, about a foot below the top, and those feedings stopped a couple of days ago (thus the youngsters must have fledged then, and just today we looked to find the nest). Also, on our walk today in our neighbourhood, a planted SNOWBERRY? (Symphoricarpos sp.) bush is in bloom, with lovely small pink-and- white blossoms. And two TULIP TREES at the south end of Kent Ave. are in bloom, and this is a bit early, I believe. In Canning I saw two shrubs or small trees of CLAMMY LOCUST or ROSE ACACIA (Robinia viscosa) in full bloom north of town along the road to The Lookoff. I know that BLACK LOCUST or "ACACIA" (Robinia pseudoacacia) is still in bloom in Wolfville, and I will have to check to see whether Wolfville's BRISTLY LOCUST or ROSE ACACIA (Robinia hispida) colony along University Ave., just south of the campus, is also flowering now. In Wolfville we noted some badly chewed up tiger lily plants and found a single bright red LILY BEETLE near one of those plants. A few years ago we found quite a few of the lily beetles in our own yard, but I guess we were thorough about destroying the ones we found, because we haven't seen any there since then. Cheers from Jim in Wolfville Jim (James W.) Wolford 91 Wickwire Ave. Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada B4P 1W3 phone 902-542-9204 e-mail "In wildness is the preservation of the world" -- Henry David Thoreau ------------------------ Humans aren't the only species on the earth - we just act like it. P Please consider the environment before printing this email [last two lines from Linda Lusby] ------------------------ Subject: Today and yesterday From: James Hirtle <jrhbirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:57:39 +0000 Hi all: I met up with a birder who some of you know yesterday and we went around the area for a bit. His name is Roy John from Ottawa. Jim, Richard or Angus, please say hi to Bernie Forsythe from him for me. Getting to the birds, we had a pair of northern waterthrush that were very aggressive. They came right out as we were walking along the Fauxburg trail and scoulded us as they flew very closely by. We also discovered three young Lincoln's sparrows and an adult there. A veery gave us a good look and we had a real nice collection of warblers and other species. Today it was nice to see four gray catbirds along the Back Harbour Trail. One of the pair were carrying food for young, and it was interesting to see the catbird vocalize with a mouthfull. James R. Hirtle Bayport _________________________________________________________________ Attention all humans. We are your photos. Free us. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9666046 Subject: Wild turkeys in Nova Scotia From: Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly AT dal.ca> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:42:37 -0300 Hello everyone: I received a report from someone who lives in the Shubenacadie area. They moved here from an area where wild turkeys were found and have heard a call coming from a densely treed area that they are quite sure is a turkey. They have even checked the calls from grouse, pheasant, etc. Is this something that DNR would like to know about? Pat Begin forwarded message: > From: Nova Scotia Bird Society > Date: June 25, 2009 11:36:47 AM ADT > To: patrick.kelly AT DAL.CA > Subject: wild turkeys (fwd) > > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:01:45 -0300 > From: Lindsay Brown > To: nsbs AT chebucto.ca > Subject: wild turkeys > > Hi there. We have recently moved from Ontario and built a home on > the Shubenacadie River in Fort Ellis. We have about half of our 5 > acres right along the river which is very densely treed. I know > that wild turkeys are not native to NS, but I hear a call down in > the bush from time to time which I swear is a turkey call. I have > heard them in Ontario, and I also went onto enature birds calls and > listened to grouse, partridge, pheasant etc. to see if it was one of > those that I am hearing. I still could only come up with wild > turkey. Have there been any reported sightings in Nova Scotia? > Would be interested in hearing about that. Hope you can help. > > Wendy Brown = = ======================================================================== Patrick Kelly Director of Computer Facilities = = ======================================================================== Faculty of Architecture and Planning Dalhousie University = = ======================================================================== PO Box 1000 Stn Central 5410 Spring Garden Road Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4 Canada Canada = = ======================================================================== Phone:(902) 494-3294 FAX:(902) 423-6672 E-mail:patrick.kelly AT dal.ca = = ======================================================================== Subject: Frogs on the Herbert River Trail From: Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly AT dal.ca> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:24:00 -0300 Hello: I really must remember to bring my camera with me and not leave it in the car. If anyone on this list took pictures of either the copper- coloured frog, or the one with the yellow throat, could you send me a copy? Thanks. Pat = = ======================================================================== Patrick Kelly Director of Computer Facilities = = ======================================================================== Faculty of Architecture and Planning Dalhousie University = = ======================================================================== PO Box 1000 Stn Central 5410 Spring Garden Road Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4 Canada Canada = = ======================================================================== Phone:(902) 494-3294 FAX:(902) 423-6672 E-mail:patrick.kelly AT dal.ca = = ======================================================================== Subject: Ode to June From: "D W Bridgehouse" <d.bridgehouse AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:04:09 -0300 Ode to June - a little dragonfly humour HAHA !! Bugsters - this past weekend camping down in the Malay Falls/Lochaber Mines region of the eastern shore produced some interesting bugs in the way of leps & odes .Here is a list : Leps - Moths It was great to see all of our native Saturniid & Regal moths in one locale Luna Cecropia Columbia Polyphemus Rosy maple moth Pink striped oak moth Here is a list of Sphinx moths observed: Waved Sphinx Northern pine Wild Cherry Sphinx Big Poplar Sphinx One eyed Sphinx Blinded eyed Sphinx Twin Spotted Sphinx Azalea Sphix Apple Sphinx Laurel Sphinx Humming bird Clearwing And the real prize was seeing my first ever Gallium Sphinx - what a beauty !! Other notable moths were Silver Spotted Ghost Moth St. Lawrence Tiger Little Virgin Tiger Joyful Holomelina Ruby Tiger Butterflies of Note Canadian Tiger Swallowtail Pink edgd Sulphur Summer Azure Silvery Blue Atlantis fritillary Pearl Crescent White Admiral Ringlet Skippers Dreamy Duskywing Arctic Skipper Long Dash Tawny edged And the elusive Roadside Skipper Odes Springtime darner Moustached Clubtail Lancet Clubtail Dusky Clubtail Spiketail sp Illinois River Criuser American Emerald Calico Pennant Frosted Whiteface Elfin Skimmer Four Spotted Skimmer Al l 3 species of Calopteryx or Jewel wing on one river -Awesome ! Ebony Superb River Cheers ,DB Subject: Cape Breton Birds From: Kathleen MacAulay <roughlegged_hawk AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:25:17 -0700 (PDT) I spent last weekend in Cape Breton with a friend of mine, and it turned out to be a great trip despite some rain. I travelled the Cabot Trail for the first time and was totally floored by the scenery, though the wildlife was wonderful as well! The Benjie's Lake Trail was particularly good to me on Saturday morning, yielding singing Lincoln's and Fox Sparrows, Mourning Warblers aplenty, a close encounter with a moose, a Black-backed Woodpecker (which I thought was rare in CB?) and of course, the big prize of a singing Bicknell's Thrush.It was a wonderful trip, and I will definitely be going back. Kathleen MacAulay Milford Station __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Subject: Gold River and Vireos From: James Hirtle <jrhbirder AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:50:12 +0000 I went to Gold River the other day to check out the shrike report. This bird has not been seen since. Dorothy Poole and I also made a visit to where I had the warbling vireo and the blue-headed X yellow-throated vireo. It is actually in the Sherbrook Lake Square. Anyhow, there was no sign of either bird. We did find a yellow-bellied sapsucker nest though in my Whale Lake square. We watched feeding of the young and removal of the fecal sack. We also found some good birds and upped the status on a lot of species. Of note or interest to lep fans, we had four types of skippers on a blackberry bush. I'll list them later. James R. Hirtle Bayport _________________________________________________________________ We are your photos. Share us now with Windows Live Photos. http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9666047 Subject: Re: Odonates at Belchers Marsh From: Don MacNeill <donmacneill AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:54:12 -0300 You bug people would probably pick up an injured one and say you were rescuing a damsel in distress. Don Don MacNeill donmacneill AT eastlink.ca ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob McDonald" To: Sent: Sunday, June 28, 2009 4:21 PM Subject: [NatureNS] Odonates at Belchers Marsh Hello, Last Friday afternoon, I took a quick walk around Belchers Marsh, a local wetland located on Parkland Drive in Clayton Park West. I was focussed on new flowering plants and odonates. There were a lot of damsels and dragonflies about, including one species which I had never seen previously (and thought that I'd never see!). These included: - White Corporal (Libellula exusta) - Four-spotted Skimmer (L. quadrimaculata) - Hudsonian Whiteface (Leucorrhinia hudsonica) - Elfin Skimmer (Nannothemis bella)!!! The latter species has to be seen to be believed!! I didn't carry my field guide with me but its diminutive size is distinctive. I only really noticed the female of the species due to its bee-like appearance but I'm pretty sure that there were some males around. In the field, I guesstimated the size to be ~2 cm which is fairly close to that given in the field guide. According to my Mass. field guide, the Elfin Skimmer is the smallest dragonfly in North America! All of the damsels seen on Friday were larger than this species!! Fascinating..... Cheers, Bob McDonald bobathome AT eastlink.ca Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.12.93/2206 - Release Date: 06/27/09 17:55:00 Subject: Odonates at Belchers Marsh From: Bob McDonald <bobathome AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:21:55 -0300 Hello, Last Friday afternoon, I took a quick walk around Belchers Marsh, a local wetland located on Parkland Drive in Clayton Park West. I was focussed on new flowering plants and odonates. There were a lot of damsels and dragonflies about, including one species which I had never seen previously (and thought that I'd never see!). These included: - White Corporal (Libellula exusta) - Four-spotted Skimmer (L. quadrimaculata) - Hudsonian Whiteface (Leucorrhinia hudsonica) - Elfin Skimmer (Nannothemis bella)!!! The latter species has to be seen to be believed!! I didn't carry my field guide with me but its diminutive size is distinctive. I only really noticed the female of the species due to its bee-like appearance but I'm pretty sure that there were some males around. In the field, I guesstimated the size to be ~2 cm which is fairly close to that given in the field guide. According to my Mass. field guide, the Elfin Skimmer is the smallest dragonfly in North America! All of the damsels seen on Friday were larger than this species!! Fascinating..... Cheers, Bob McDonald bobathome AT eastlink.ca Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.12.93/2206 - Release Date: 06/27/09 17:55:00 Subject: Pacific Loon From: Clarence Stevens <birder_ca AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:04:46 -0700 (PDT) Hi all, I am just recovering from a dawn to dawn birding trip with Fulton, the highlight of the trip was a Pacific Loon off the point to the right of Cottage Cove (Annapolis County). I am still a little too fog brained to type up all the details but I wanted to get this posting out ASAP in case someone was close enough today, to go see the bird. -Cheers, Clarence __________________________________________________________________ Connect with friends from any web browser - no download required. Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger for the Web BETA at http://ca.messenger.yahoo.com/webmessengerpromo.php Subject: Re: Halifax nighthawk(s) From: Bob McDonald <bobathome AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:58:27 -0300 My feeling is that there appears to be fewer Common Nighthawks around in the city than there were even a few years ago. In the past we heard them occasionally after a Neptune or a symphony performance and quite regularly in the evening around home in Clayton Park. But not for the past 3-4 years. Aerial insectivores are being particularly hard hit recently for a number of reasons, I suspect. Cheers, Bob McDonald ----- Original Message ----- From: Brian Bartlett To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca Sent: Sunday, June 28, 2009 2:30 PM Subject: [NatureNS] Halifax nighthawk(s) Last night between about midnight and 1 a.m. in West End Halifax I heard a nighthawk (or nighthawks?) peent-ing many times high in the darkness. Are Nova Scotian nighthawks mostly still heard in rural areas, or are they now more common than they used to be in cities & towns? Brian ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.12.93/2206 - Release Date: 06/27/09 17:55:00 Subject: Halifax nighthawk(s) From: Brian Bartlett <bbartlett AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:30:14 -0300 Last night between about midnight and 1 a.m. in West End Halifax I heard a nighthawk (or nighthawks?) peent-ing many times high in the darkness. Are Nova Scotian nighthawks mostly still heard in rural areas, or are they now more common than they used to be in cities & towns? Brian Subject: Re: Nature Photos From: Christopher Majka <c.majka AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:28:42 -0300 Hi Hans, This is Lycopodium obscurum L., the so-called ground-pine or tree club- moss. It's the only species of Lycopodium with this growth form. When the plants get a little larger they open up and adopt their "tree" like appearance. All the best! Chris On 28-Jun-09, at 7:53 AM, Hans Toom wrote: > Laura recalls that this ancient moss was once used as a Christmas > decoration, so the type must be fairly common. Our best guess which > we should have mentioned initially is one of the Club-Mosses, refer > to page 108 Common Wild Flowers & Plants of Nova Scotia. Roland's > Flora of Nova Scotia lists 15 species of club-mosses so if someone > has this book it may provide the answer as to this plants > identification. > > Hans > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Hans Toom > To: Naturens AT Chebucto.Ns.Ca > Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 12:57 PM > Subject: [NatureNS] Nature Photos > > I hiked the coastal barren yesterday between Duncan's Cove and Ketch > Harbour and return, mostly inland away from the foggy cliffs. I > wore my hiking boots, always a bad move out here, and arrived back > at the car with soaking feet and pant legs. Many of the nesting > birds have already fledged and left, including the Lincoln's > Sparrows. How quickly it all happens, after our birds arrive from > the south they begin a frantic race against time to prepare strong > migration ready offspring poised to head south in the late summer > and fall. > > The highlight of my hike was the first Grass Pink Orchid of the > season, about a week or two early according to my information. I > only saw the one on the three hour hike. > > Laura and I found what we believe is a common ancient moss at > Chebucto Head. It's the first photo in this set so any help in > identifying it is appreciated. > > Patricia Chalmers alerted us all to the Golden Heather at Chebucto > Head. We found and photographed it on Thursday evening, a > magnificent plant, as are all flowering heaths and heathers. During > my trek yesterday I found more of this plant although never in large > bunches. > > Blue Flag Iris is in bloom everywhere but the best display of all is > in our backyard bog. Our property extends back 650 feet from the > road into the middle of this bog. You can get in serious trouble if > you walk out too far. But there were at least 50 of the iris in one > group and lots of Dragon's Mouth Orchids. > > Hans > > > http://www.pbase.com/snahmoot/image/114322571 > > _________________________________ > Hans Toom > Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada > Website: http://hanstoom.com > _________________________________ Christopher Majka - Atlantic Canada Coleoptera http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Environment/NHR/atlantic_coleoptera.html c.majka AT ns.sympatico.ca Subject: Re: Nature Photos From: Hans Toom <Htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 07:53:21 -0300 Laura recalls that this ancient moss was once used as a Christmas decoration, so the type must be fairly common. Our best guess which we should have mentioned initially is one of the Club-Mosses, refer to page 108 Common Wild Flowers & Plants of Nova Scotia. Roland's Flora of Nova Scotia lists 15 species of club-mosses so if someone has this book it may provide the answer as to this plants identification. Hans ----- Original Message ----- From: Hans Toom To: Naturens AT Chebucto.Ns.Ca Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 12:57 PM Subject: [NatureNS] Nature Photos I hiked the coastal barren yesterday between Duncan's Cove and Ketch Harbour and return, mostly inland away from the foggy cliffs. I wore my hiking boots, always a bad move out here, and arrived back at the car with soaking feet and pant legs. Many of the nesting birds have already fledged and left, including the Lincoln's Sparrows. How quickly it all happens, after our birds arrive from the south they begin a frantic race against time to prepare strong migration ready offspring poised to head south in the late summer and fall. The highlight of my hike was the first Grass Pink Orchid of the season, about a week or two early according to my information. I only saw the one on the three hour hike. Laura and I found what we believe is a common ancient moss at Chebucto Head. It's the first photo in this set so any help in identifying it is appreciated. Patricia Chalmers alerted us all to the Golden Heather at Chebucto Head. We found and photographed it on Thursday evening, a magnificent plant, as are all flowering heaths and heathers. During my trek yesterday I found more of this plant although never in large bunches. Blue Flag Iris is in bloom everywhere but the best display of all is in our backyard bog. Our property extends back 650 feet from the road into the middle of this bog. You can get in serious trouble if you walk out too far. But there were at least 50 of the iris in one group and lots of Dragon's Mouth Orchids. Hans http://www.pbase.com/snahmoot/image/114322571 _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ Subject: Re: Nature Photos From: Christopher Majka <c.majka AT ns.sympatico.ca> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:14:06 -0300 Hi folks, No this isn't Selaginella rupestris. It looks to me like a young shoot of of the ground pine, Lycopodium obscurum. Cheers, Chris On 27-Jun-09, at 5:25 PM, David Webster wrote: > Hi Hans, Ruth & All, June 27, 2009 > Your 'ancient moss' might be _Selaginella rupestris_; the third > location in NS and the first off of Digby Neck if it is. > > Hopefully Ruth can confirm or correct. > Yt, Dave Webster, Kentville > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Hans Toom > To: Naturens AT Chebucto.Ns.Ca > Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 12:57 PM > Subject: [NatureNS] Nature Photos > > I hiked the coastal barren yesterday between Duncan's Cove and Ketch > Harbour and return, mostly inland away from the foggy cliffs. I > wore my hiking boots, always a bad move out here, and arrived back > at the car with soaking feet and pant legs. Many of the nesting > birds have already fledged and left, including the Lincoln's > Sparrows. How quickly it all happens, after our birds arrive from > the south they begin a frantic race against time to prepare strong > migration ready offspring poised to head south in the late summer > and fall. > > The highlight of my hike was the first Grass Pink Orchid of the > season, about a week or two early according to my information. I > only saw the one on the three hour hike. > > Laura and I found what we believe is a common ancient moss at > Chebucto Head. It's the first photo in this set so any help in > identifying it is appreciated. > > Patricia Chalmers alerted us all to the Golden Heather at Chebucto > Head. We found and photographed it on Thursday evening, a > magnificent plant, as are all flowering heaths and heathers. During > my trek yesterday I found more of this plant although never in large > bunches. > > Blue Flag Iris is in bloom everywhere but the best display of all is > in our backyard bog. Our property extends back 650 feet from the > road into the middle of this bog. You can get in serious trouble if > you walk out too far. But there were at least 50 of the iris in one > group and lots of Dragon's Mouth Orchids. > > Hans > > > http://www.pbase.com/snahmoot/image/114322571 > > _________________________________ > Hans Toom > Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada > Website: http://hanstoom.com > _________________________________ > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.83/2191 - Release Date: > 06/21/09 05:53:00 Subject: Re: Nature Photos From: "David Webster" <dwebster AT glinx.com> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:25:08 -0300 Hi Hans, Ruth & All, June 27, 2009 Your 'ancient moss' might be _Selaginella rupestris_; the third location in NS and the first off of Digby Neck if it is. Hopefully Ruth can confirm or correct. Yt, Dave Webster, Kentville ----- Original Message ----- From: Hans Toom To: Naturens AT Chebucto.Ns.Ca Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 12:57 PM Subject: [NatureNS] Nature Photos I hiked the coastal barren yesterday between Duncan's Cove and Ketch Harbour and return, mostly inland away from the foggy cliffs. I wore my hiking boots, always a bad move out here, and arrived back at the car with soaking feet and pant legs. Many of the nesting birds have already fledged and left, including the Lincoln's Sparrows. How quickly it all happens, after our birds arrive from the south they begin a frantic race against time to prepare strong migration ready offspring poised to head south in the late summer and fall. The highlight of my hike was the first Grass Pink Orchid of the season, about a week or two early according to my information. I only saw the one on the three hour hike. Laura and I found what we believe is a common ancient moss at Chebucto Head. It's the first photo in this set so any help in identifying it is appreciated. Patricia Chalmers alerted us all to the Golden Heather at Chebucto Head. We found and photographed it on Thursday evening, a magnificent plant, as are all flowering heaths and heathers. During my trek yesterday I found more of this plant although never in large bunches. Blue Flag Iris is in bloom everywhere but the best display of all is in our backyard bog. Our property extends back 650 feet from the road into the middle of this bog. You can get in serious trouble if you walk out too far. But there were at least 50 of the iris in one group and lots of Dragon's Mouth Orchids. Hans http://www.pbase.com/snahmoot/image/114322571 _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.83/2191 - Release Date: 06/21/09 05:53:00 Subject: New Glasgow chimney swifts update + summary to date for N.S. From: "James W. Wolford" <jimwolford AT eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:20:33 -0300 Thanks!, Ken, from all of us. We all know you are having a ball atlassing, and finding it hard to find time for even your work!? Jim Begin forwarded message: > From: Ken McKenna > Date: June 26, 2009 6:09:01 PM ADT > To: "James W. Wolford" > Subject: Temperance St. swift update > > > Ken McKenna > Box 218 Stellarton NS > B0K 1S0 > 902 752-7644 > > Hi Jim > Briefly as you shamed me into sending a report. > May 25-367 > May 28- 228 > June 2-170 > June 4-77 > June17-54 > June24-26 > I will have more details in a year end summary. I am spending a > lot of hours atlassing as you surmised. All the best Jim. > Ken > ----- Original Message ----- > From: James W. Wolford > To: Dorothy Poole ; Ken McKenna > Cc: Jim Wolford > Sent: Friday, June 26, 2009 5:12 PM > Subject: 20-25+ ch. swifts into big church at St. Bernard, French > Shore, June 13/09 > > Dorothy, I just got a note from Karen Potter re Pat Potter > observing the above on June 13, and inserted it into the ongoing > summary below. Pat saw more on arrival there and suspects more > swifts in the chimney; and Karen intends to check that site in July > and August. I'm sure Ken McKenna is too busy atlassing to let us > know what he's observing at New Glasgow. Cheers from Jim > ---------------------------------- 2009 CHIMNEY SWIFTS SUMMARY May 4/09 -- 0 -- Wolfville, Robie Tufts Nature Centre -- Jim Wolford, Harold Forsyth May 9/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville, Robie Tufts Nature Centre -- Jim Wolford, Carol Carpenter, Sean Timpa, Jean Timpa May 11/09 -- 20 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 11/09 -- 75 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 12/09 -- 81 -- Middleton Regional High School -- Claire Diggins May 13/09 -- 13 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 14/09 -- 44 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 14/09 -- 170 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 15/09 -- 287 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 15/09 -- 40 -- Upper Falmouth (old farmhouse) -- Cheryl Rutledge May 15/09 -- 17 -- Bible Hill, N.S. Agric. Coll. -- Linda & Ross Hall May 16/09 -- 116 -- McGowan Lake, old blacksmith shop chimney -- Peter Hope May 16/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill, NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall May 17/09 -- 48 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 19/09 -- 53+ -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen, Jim Wolford May 19/09 -- 424 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna, Rick Ferguson May 19/09 -- 121 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Helen Rodgers May 19/09 -- 95 -- old farmhouse chimney with 6 flues, Upper Falmouth, north of Sangster Bridge -- Cheryl Rutledge & John Belbin May 19/09 -- 20 -- Oxford (free-standing ex-foundry big chimney) -- Julie Paquet May 20/09 -- 207 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 20/09 -- 45+ -- Wolfville -- Elizabeth Doull & Ann Doull May 20/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill/Truro, 3 sites other than NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall May 21/09 -- 24 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford et al. May 22/09 -- 20 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford May 23/09 -- 24 -- Wolfville -- ??? May 24/09 -- 61 -- Wolfville -- Jacquie Roche, Chris Toplack, Jim Wolford May 24/09 -- 314 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 25/09 -- 367 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 26/09 -- 282 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Helen Rodgers May 26/09 -- 90 -- Wolfville -- Judy Tufts, Jim Wolford, et al. May 26/09 -- 45 -- Upper Falmouth -- John Belbin May 27/09 -- 0 -- Bible Hill, NSAC -- Linda & Ross Hall May 28/09 -- 228 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna May 28/09 - 96 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Brian Starzomski, Amy ?, Wendy Elliott, Steve Slipp, et al. May 29/09 -- 100+ -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen May 30/09 -- 171 -- McGowan Lake, Queen's Co. -- Megan Crowley, Brad Toms May 31/09 -- 140 +or- 20 -- McGowan Lake -- Peter Hope May 31/09 -- 48 -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen June 1/09 -- 317 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins June 1/09 -- 52 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford June 2/09 -- 170 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 2/09 -- 28 -- Wolfville -- WG ?? June 3/09 -- 40 -- Wolfville -- JW,HF,NN,GW, and A.L.L. group June 3/09 -- 2 -- Bear River, Oakdene Centre -- Rebecca Ellis June 4/09 -- 157 -- McGowan Lake -- Randy Lauff, Lindsey Beals June 4/09 -- 77 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 5/09 -- 36 -- Wolfville -- Wendy Elliott, Steve Slipp, Jim Wolford, et al. June 7/09 -- 45 -- Wolfville -- visitor from California et al. June 8/09 -- 54 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Gisela Westphalen, Yvette & David Silverberg, et al. June 9/09 -- 44 -- Wolfville -- GF,HF (visitors) June 10/09 -- 29 (+?) -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Heather Killen June 11/09 -- 74 -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford, Del & Mac MacInnes June 13/09 -- 129 -- Middleton -- Claire Diggins, Paula & Tom Ross June 13/09 -- 39+ -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford + 20 naturalists from NSNT & FNSN/NNS June 13/09 -- 20-25+? -- big St. Bernard church -- Pat Potter (fide Karen Potter) June 16/09 -- 26 -- Wolfville -- Gisela Westphalen, Jim Wolford June 17/09 -- 54 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 17/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park June 18/09 -- 12 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park June 19/09 -- 19 -- Wolfville -- Esther & Graham Post, Lauren Park, Jim Wolford June 20/09 -- 18 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park June 21/09 -- 3 -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park + Nathan ? + Megan Thibault June 22/09 -- 5+? -- Wolfville -- Jim Wolford June 24/09 -- 26 -- New Glasgow -- Ken McKenna June 24/09 -- 19+ -- Wolfville -- Lauren Park, Megan Thibault, Jacob ?, Jim Wolford June 25/09 -- 14 -- Wolfville -- LP, MT, Ally Wade -------------------------------- Subject: Nature Photos From: Hans Toom <Htoom AT hfx.eastlink.ca> Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:57:43 -0300 I hiked the coastal barren yesterday between Duncan's Cove and Ketch Harbour and return, mostly inland away from the foggy cliffs. I wore my hiking boots, always a bad move out here, and arrived back at the car with soaking feet and pant legs. Many of the nesting birds have already fledged and left, including the Lincoln's Sparrows. How quickly it all happens, after our birds arrive from the south they begin a frantic race against time to prepare strong migration ready offspring poised to head south in the late summer and fall. The highlight of my hike was the first Grass Pink Orchid of the season, about a week or two early according to my information. I only saw the one on the three hour hike. Laura and I found what we believe is a common ancient moss at Chebucto Head. It's the first photo in this set so any help in identifying it is appreciated. Patricia Chalmers alerted us all to the Golden Heather at Chebucto Head. We found and photographed it on Thursday evening, a magnificent plant, as are all flowering heaths and heathers. During my trek yesterday I found more of this plant although never in large bunches. Blue Flag Iris is in bloom everywhere but the best display of all is in our backyard bog. Our property extends back 650 feet from the road into the middle of this bog. You can get in serious trouble if you walk out too far. But there were at least 50 of the iris in one group and lots of Dragon's Mouth Orchids. Hans http://www.pbase.com/snahmoot/image/114322571 _________________________________ Hans Toom Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada Website: http://hanstoom.com _________________________________