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14 Mar Tracey Dean: Woodcock [David Christie ] 13 Mar Fredericton to Lr. Jemseg/Gagetown [Linda Kneebone ] 13 Mar spring arrivals [Hugh Parks ] 13 Mar SAINT GEORGE REPORT [Ralph Eldridge ] 13 Mar other sightings today [Joanne savage ] 13 Mar Birds in Shediac [Rejean Godin ] 13 Mar vulture in the valley [Joanne savage ] 13 Mar Loutre de rivière / River Otter [Steeve Miousse ] 13 Mar skunk cabbage-Symplocarpus foetidus- in Oak Hill, Charlotte County [Judith Nelson ] 13 Mar Fw: NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, 13 MARCH 2010, (Saturday) [Nelson Poirier ] 13 Mar Swallow carcass [Vexus vexus ] 12 Mar Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert, Mar. 6-12, 2010 [David Christie ] 12 Mar Fwd: Climate change "makes birds shrink" in North America. [Brian Dalzell ] 12 Mar White Head birds, inc. DOVEKIE & new arrivals [Roger Burrows ] 12 Mar NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, March 12, 2010 (Friday) [Bill Winsor ] 12 Mar Red Winged Blackbirds [Vexus vexus ] 12 Mar Common Grackles and Arrival of Spring [Roy & Charlotte LaPointe ] 12 Mar Grackles [Vexus vexus ] 12 Mar Crossbills and more along the Renous Hwy [Roy & Charlotte LaPointe ] 11 Mar More Birds of Spring Today [Jim Wilson ] 11 Mar SAINT GEORGE REPORT [Ralph Eldridge ] 11 Mar Coyote & Squirrel [Stella Johnson ] 11 Mar No Subject [yolandeLeBlanc ] 11 Mar GRACKLE AT HAMPTON [Gina ] 11 Mar Grand Manan birds [Roger Burrows ] 11 Mar Migrating Turkey Vultures/ first Grackle [Todd Watts ] 11 Mar another sign of spring [Joanne savage ] 11 Mar Nature Moncton's Information Line March 11, 2010 (Thursday) [Alma White ] 11 Mar Hairy woodpecker [Karen Small ] 11 Mar Grackle Arrives at Hammond River [Jim Wilson ] 10 Mar Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert, Feb. 27-Mar. 5, 2010 [David Christie ] 10 Mar Re: Rock Doves [richard nelson ] 10 Mar Rock Doves [Margie pacey ] 10 Mar 1 Grackle [R&H Wilson ] 10 Mar White Head Ferry birds [Roger Burrows ] 10 Mar FW: First Purple Finch of Spring [Jim Wilson ] 10 Mar Grackle [Dwayne Biggar ] 10 Mar Grand Manan birds [Roger Burrows ] 10 Mar NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, 10 March 2010 (Wednesday) [Catherine ] 10 Mar Purple Finch [Todd Watts ] 9 Mar PLBO Volunteer Opportunity ["E. Pike" ] 9 Mar Phoque à capuchon / Hooded Seal [Steeve Miousse ] 9 Mar Birds at Fredericton [Don Gibson ] 9 Mar first Male PURPLE FINCH [Margaret Doyle ] 9 Mar insects [Jim and Holly Edsall ] 8 Mar Sign of Spring? [Nev Garrity ] 8 Mar Grand Manan birds [Roger Burrows ] 8 Mar NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, March 8, 2010 (Monday) [Bill Winsor ] 7 Mar Spring fever [Joanne savage ] 7 Mar WHITE WING CROSBILLS and others SAW WHET OWL [Margaret Doyle ] 7 Mar Grand Manan birds [Roger Burrows ] 7 Mar Northern Flicker [Stella Johnson ] 7 Mar Early morning [Merv Cormier ] 7 Mar Purple Finch [Joanne savage ] 6 Mar Harfang des neiges / Snowy Owls [Steeve Miousse ] 6 Mar Today's sightings [Merv Cormier ] 6 Mar White Head birds [Roger Burrows ] 6 Mar NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, March 6, 2010 (Saturday) [Bill Winsor ] 6 Mar Re: Eurasian Collared-Dove or Ringed Turtle-Dove? Pictures [Roger Burrows ] 5 Mar Eurasian Collared-Dove or Ringed Turtle-Dove? Pictures [Dwayne Biggar ] 5 Mar Warbler Workshop in Saint John - Saturday, March 27th [Jim Wilson ] 5 Mar A BIRDY BREAKFAST [Gina ] 5 Mar lark sparrow [joan pearce ] 4 Mar hawk-owl update [Mike ] 4 Mar Tracking the Return of COMMON GRACKLES ["H.H. (Hank) Scarth" ] 4 Mar Re: ICE OUT, DUCKS IN ["J.Day-Elgee" ] 4 Mar Re: ICE OUT, DUCKS IN [Joanne savage ] 4 Mar Re: ICE OUT, DUCKS IN ["J.Day-Elgee" ] 4 Mar Blackbirds - late report [K Gigeroff ] 4 Mar ICE OUT, DUCKS IN [Gina ] 4 Mar Nature Moncton's Information Line 04 March, 2010 (Thursday)] [Alma White ] 4 Mar Crossbills and more in Northwest [Roy & Charlotte LaPointe ] 4 Mar Black-backed Woodpecker [Roger Burrows ] 4 Mar Recent observations [Merv Cormier ] 4 Mar Nature Moncton's Information Line 04 March, 2010 (Thursday) [Alma White ] 3 Mar Re: Nature Moncton's Information Line 03, March, 2010 (Wednesday) [Merv Cormier ] Subject: Tracey Dean: Woodcock From: David Christie <maryspt AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:18:20 -0400 The Woodcock have arrived! They are peeping from the field below the house this evening. Tracey Dean, Chamcook NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Fredericton to Lr. Jemseg/Gagetown From: Linda Kneebone <kneebone AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:38:03 -0400 Took a drive down river today, saw a number of Canada Geese just above Burton bridge along with a large number of Black ducks as well as Common Goldeneye. Further down across from Casey's just before McGowan's Corner we saw a few Common Goldeneye and one pair of Hooded Mergansers. Saw a total of 6 Bald Eagles in various locations and one Rough Legged Hawk in Sheffield. Small flock of Cedar Waxwings in Gagetown and one Male Purple Finch, first we have seen since last fall, have not had any at our feeder this year, also did not have any Redpolls this winter which surprised us since we had literally hundreds around the feeders last winter. Linda Kneebone Fredericton North NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: spring arrivals From: Hugh Parks <woodduck AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:53:46 -0400 Grackles and the purple finch have finally arrived at Breadalbane. Hugh Parks NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: SAINT GEORGE REPORT From: Ralph Eldridge <r.eldridge AT XPLORNET.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:40:55 -0400 At 10:00 today there were 4 Vultures soaring very high over town and drifting Eastward. Shortly thereafter another 4 passed in the same manner. Throughout the day an additional 12 were seen. Look out Sussex. The vanguard is coming. Also of note today: the first of the RED WINGED BLACKBIRDS and several small groups of mixed STARLINGS & GRACKLES. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: other sightings today From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:34:05 -0400 Susan Petrie and I did a loop from Quispamsis , across Gondola Pt ferry and back along the Lower Norton Shore Rd to Hampton and back having left at 9:30 AM . Along the way it's amazing how much water is open so early this year . We noted many SCAUP [ I'm trying to cement the difference between the species but based on numbers and local I'm willing to go with Lesser ]. COMMON GOLDENEYE , COMMON MERGANSER , MALLARDS and BLACK DUCK were found along the way as well as a lone NORTHERN SHOVELLER . On " the big rock " were 2 BALD EAGLES sitting close together on top of a high tree . When observing them we ran into a couple of other birders and had a chat [ notable because we meet others often on outings ; so nice ! ] . Further on [ into Hampton Town limits ] we watched 2 adult BALD EAGLES actively attempting to evict 2 immature B EAGLES from their area . Nothing in Hampton lagoon systems except a pair of BLACK DUCK [ only one body of water open there ] but the trail beside the lagoons turned up a CHIPPING SPARROW [ we tried to make this another species but it wasn't ; could it be an early arrival or one that has over-wintered ??? ] Notable as well is when we were looking at the TURKEY VULTURE we were sitting in front of a good little patch of COLT'S FOOT in full blossom . Joanne Savage Quispamsis NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Birds in Shediac From: Rejean Godin <godiduga AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:32:24 -0400 I saw my 2 first Common Grackle in Shediac today. While taking a walk near the Parlee beach info centre I came accross a Barred Owl that was being chased by at least American Crows. I also spotted 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet. At the Cap-Brulé lagoon there was nearly 30 Common Goldeneyes with a few American Black Ducks. The first Purple Finch of the year came to my feeder in addtion to the regular American Goldfinches. Other birds seen during the day were Black-capped chickedees, Blue Jays, Canada Geeses. A really nice day for birding. Réjean Godin Shediac NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: vulture in the valley From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:18:46 -0400 Susan Pertie and I noted a TURKEY VULTURE soaring over the Hammond River Road [ by the H R Bridge ] at 2:23 this afternoon . The earlist last year was March 15 and that was earlier than previous years . Joanne Savage Quispamsis NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Loutre de rivière / River Otter From: Steeve Miousse <s_miousse AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:06:54 -0400 Hi (English will follow) Bonjour à vous tous, En début d'après-midi, ma blonde et moi avons observé une Loutre de rivière qui prennait un bain de soleil près d'un trou d'eau sur la rivière Pokemouche. J'ai stationné la voiture non loin et je suis parti en sa direction. J'ai réussi quelques clichés photographique, mais pas extra dûe à la distance qui nous séparait! J'étais quand même très satisfait car c'étais la première fois que j'observais cette espèce dans la nature. Vous pouvez voir les clichés sur le lien suivant: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steevemiousse/4429949570/ Steeve Early this afternoon, my girlfriend and I observed a River Otter that was bathing in the sun near a water hole on the Pokemouche river. I had the chance to take a few snapshot wich you can check-out at the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steevemiousse/4429949570/ This River Otter is a first for us and hope its not not the last sighting of this beautyfull species. Regards, Steeve Miousse Shippagan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: skunk cabbage-Symplocarpus foetidus- in Oak Hill, Charlotte County From: Judith Nelson <heyjude4774 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:42:20 -0400 We found many skunk cabbage-Symplocarpus foetidus- on both sides of Route 745 just north of the intersection with Route 730 in Oak Hill, Charlotte County, in a wet area ditch, emerging through snow and gravel. We had seen the patch last summer when the leaves were fully emerged and so came back today to see if we could "catch" them emerging. Bill and Judy Nelson _________________________________________________________________ IM on the go with Messenger on your phone http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712960 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Fw: NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, 13 MARCH 2010, (Saturday) From: Nelson Poirier <nelson AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:05:08 -0400 ----- Original Message ----- From: RICHARD MCCABE To: Nelson Poirier Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 12:48 PM Subject: NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, 13 MARCH 2010, (Saturday) NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by: Nelson Poirier Transcribed by: Roberta McCabe Info Line #: 384-NEWS (6397) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor. For more information on the Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], contact our vice president, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197 or visit our web site at http://www.naturemoncton.org. Saturday morning, 13 March, 2010 ** Denis Doucet reports with close observations he is starting to see a variety of snow insects and they could be expected to be emerging from grasses to start climbing up on trees very soon. He is expecting to see the first emerging species of Lady Beetles to start any time now as he feels the 8 to 9 degrees centigrade temperatures may indeed be the trigger for that. Denis has observed two types of Springtails, one being the more expected dark black ones with powdery blue overtones; however he has also seen some that would sound to be the same coral red colour that Fred Dube reported and photos of which are on the Nature Moncton website under Hot Shots. Denis has also observed several Winter Stoneflies that he has tentatively keyed out as the species with the common name of Pygmy Stonefly. He has also noted three Least Beetles and four spiders; one of which he was able to identify as a Striped Fishing Spider of the Dolomedes Genus, as well as one Firefly of the non - lighting up species. Denis has also heard two PILEATED WOODPECKERS[Grand pic] loudly vocalizing with each other in two adjoining Bird Atlas Squares in his home Pellerin area where the above insect observations were made as well. ** An interesting observation I neglected to add from Jules Cormier in yesterday's edition, he spotted a groundhog out of its burrow wandering about a snow covered blueberry field a few days ago. It may be well aware of the warm days coming up that could well have that snow on the run. I saw a groundhog travelling over the snow last spring, but that was past mid April, when there was still lots of snow in our Mirimichi camp yard . Things are looking very different snow wise so far this winter. ** Pam Trenholm who lives in the Cape Spear area near Cape Tormentine is having visits from an unusually large and striking silver fox coloured grey squirrel that she has named Squirrel King. Pam is from Ontario where she has seen many grey squirrels and says this is by far the largest and with the most striking pelage that she has ever seen. ** The LARK SPARROW [Bruant à joues marron] continues to enjoy ts welcome mat at Janet MacMillian's 141 Churchill St yard. Janet was concerned about the CHIPPING SPARROW [Bruant familier], as she had not seen it in five days, however it rejoined its buddy on Friday. Janet notes it does not come to the feeders as it did before its injury but goes to the ground and tree branch placed millet seed . Its wing is showing apparent deformity but quite able to fly. As a parallel to Janet's comments I have had a resident WHITE-THROATED SPARROW [Bruant à gorge blanche] all winter with one wing that is obviously drooped, suggesting a healed injury but it too seems to be doing fine otherwise putting the run to AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS [Bruant hudsonien] and HOUSE FINCH [Roselin familier]. ** I was at the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Lab at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown on Friday. They reported it has been a very quiet winter with sick wild bird submissions, in fact the three submissions I dropped off from a collection depot at the Moncton Animal Clinic were the first three they had received in 2010. Please continue the vigil to watch for any dead or dying birds and refer to the write up on Bird Illness on the home page of http://www.naturemoncton.org. which outlines what to look for and where to submit specimens and how to collect them. ** As I drove along Route 16 just past the Cape Jourimain Nature Center towards Moncton on Friday evening near dusk, I noted a GREAT HORNED OWL [Grand-duc d'Amérique] perched atop a snag quite near an OSPREY [Balbuzard pêcheur] nest on a pole there. Several years ago Kathy Popma and I came across a Great Horned Owl sitting on that Osprey nest in apparent housekeeping, I couldn't help wonder if a pair of owls are planning the same thing this year. **This week's SKY AT A GLANCE: The Big Dipper glitters high in the northeast these evenings standing on it's handle. The two stars forming the front end of the Dippers bowl, currently the top two are the pointers; they point to Polaris, the North Star, which is currently to their left. If you follow the pointers backwards the opposite way you will land in Leo. Draw a line diagonally across the bowl where the handle is attached and continue on and you will find yourself in Gemini. Tomorrow, Sunday March 14 th Daylight Saving Time begins at 3 am Sunday morning, when the clocks spring ahead. A missing hour of sleep, but the bonus will come with the welcome longer light in the evening. On Monday, March the 15 th look for the Moon to go into its New Phase, meaning it that it will rise and go down with the sun. Next Saturday, March 20 th the Equinox occurs at1:32 pm, when the sun crosses the equator heading north for the year. Spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere, fall in the Southern Hemisphere. This week's PLANET ROUNDUP : Mercury is hidden in the glare of the sun. Venus at magnitude -3.9 is slowly emerging from the sunset. Look for it very due west about forty minutes after sundown, it is very striking these clear evenings and obvious. Mars now faded to magnitude -0.2, showing very high in the south east at dusk and toward the south around 10 pm. Jupiter is hidden in the glow of sunrise. Saturn at magnitude +0.5 is nearly at opposition which comes on the night March 21st. Saturn glows low in the east at night fall higher in the south east late in the evening and highest in the south around 3 am. In a birds scope Saturn's rings tilted only 3.4 degrees from edge on. They will narrow farther to 1.7 degrees in May. Nelson Poirier Nature Moncton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Swallow carcass From: Vexus vexus <epitetj AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:17:27 -0800 Good morning, I went out walking around my property and decided to take a look at my swallow houses, in one of them I seen something sticking up so I went to pick it out, thought from a distance that it was just a stick or something. But when I picked it out it was the carcass of a full grown swallow. Weird, Mary, Lower Shinimicas, NS __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert, Mar. 6-12, 2010 From: David Christie <maryspt AT MAC.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:46:31 -0800 From Maine Birds here are parts of Eric Hyne's transcript of the Maine Audubon Bird Alert. The entire transcript can be accessed at , and . -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert Reporting Period: March 6 - 12, 2010 Area: State of Maine Compilers: Eric Hynes, Stella Walsh Of Special Note Top birds this week are CANVASBACK [Yarmouth, Mar. 10-12] and NORTHERN HAWK OWL. Images can be viewed at: http://www.maineaudubon.org/nature/birdalert_gallery.php Other noteworthy species included: RAZORBILL, THICK-BILLED MURRE, PIPING PLOVER, NORTHERN SHRIKE, BOHEMIAN WAXWING, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL, and EVENING GROSBEAK. Spring migration is underway and was most evident in the southern half of the state this week. A conspicuous influx of waterfowl occurred led by AMERICAN WIGEON. RING-NECKED DUCKS and WOOD DUCKS were reported at multiple locations. TURKEY VULTURES, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, and COMMON GRACKLES have become widespread. The vanguard of several species was detected including PIPING PLOVER, KILLDEER, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, and BELTED KINGFISHER. After a notable absence this winter, PURPLE FINCHES are on the move. Resident and migratory owls, like NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL, have been vocalizing. [western areas omitted] Central Maine Birds found on the Stud Mill Road east of Sunkhaze Meadows NWR in Milford on March 6 included eight GRAY JAYS, five BOREAL CHICKADEES, and a NORTHERN SHRIKE. Downeast A THICK-BILLED MURRE was seen off Seawall Beach in Acadia National Park on March 6. Northern Maine WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were singing in Baxter State Park near Kidney Pond. CANADA GEESE arrived at Mars Hill on March 9 and a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS on March 11, both a couple of weeks ahead of schedule. The Blaine NORTHERN HAWK OWL was seen on the March 5. It continues on Pierce Road near the intersection with Old Houlton Road. Bill Sheehan's excellent summary can be found at www.northernmainebirds.blogspot.com. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Fwd: Climate change "makes birds shrink" in North America. From: Brian Dalzell <aythya AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:40:56 -0400 To interest to all birders, especially banders. ============================ > From: Ken MacAulay > To: "Naturens AT Chebucto.Ns.Ca" > Subject: [NatureNS] Climate change "makes birds shrink" in North America. > Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:40:54 -0400 > > I read this interesting article this morning. > http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8560000/8560694.stm > > Ken MacAulay > Port Mouton, NS NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: White Head birds, inc. DOVEKIE & new arrivals From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:46:39 -0400 March 12 Ingalls Head 08:00-08:15 Common Loon, male Surf & 25 Black Scoters, 4 Red-breasted Mergansers White Head Ferry 08:15-08:45 4 Common Loons, 3 Red-necked Grebes, 2 Great Cormorants, 5 Brants, 40 American Black Ducks, 26 Common Eiders, 5 White-winged Scoters, 16 Long-tailed Ducks, Common Goldeneye pair, 13 Red-breasted Mergansers, 6 Black Guillemots White Head: Village & Long Point Road 08:45-09:00 Canada Goose pair, Dark-eyed Junco White Head: Pebble Road & Long Point 09:00-09:35 3 Common Loons, Red-necked Grebe, 55 Brants (not usually in this location), 14 American Black Ducks, 3 Mallards, 24 Common Eiders, White-winged, 4 Surf & 11 Black Scoters, 38 Harlequin Ducks, 6 Red-breasted Mergansers, and an unidentified sparrow White Head: Pond & Outer Shoreline 09:35-10:05 2 Common Loons, Red-necked Grebe, 57 American Black Ducks, first female AMERICAN WIGEON of spring, 10 Common Eiders, 6 Harlequin Ducks, moulting DOVEKIE, Black Guillemot White Head: Interior Woods 10:05-10:30 2+ Boreal Chickadees, 4 Golden-crowned Kinglets, singing Winter Wren, Song Sparrow, 4+ Dark-eyed Juncos Langmaid Cove 10:30-11:05 6 adult & 1 immature Great Cormorants, 10 Common Eiders, 9 Harlequin Ducks, 4 Long-tailed Ducks, male Red-breasted Mergansers, Black Guillemot White Head: Main Road 11:05-11:55 2 American Black Ducks, male Mallard, Canada Goose pair, 2 male Common Eiders, Black Guillemot, 25 Mourning Doves, 12 Song Sparrows, 16 Dark-eyed Juncos, first immature male RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD of spring, 3 American Goldfinches White Head: Marsh & Flats 11:55-12:55 ca. 1225 BRANTS (a definite new arrival; fewer than 500 previously), Canada Goose pair, 27 American Black Ducks, 86 Common Eiders, 2 Song Sparrows White Head Ferry 13:00-13:30 2 Common Loons, 2 Red-necked Grebes, 67 Common Eiders, 11 White-winged, 12 Surf & 8 Black Scoters, 24 Long-tailed Ducks, subadult Bald Eagle, 21 Black Guillemots (all manner of plumages) Roger Burrows Ingalls Head Grand Manan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, March 12, 2010 (Friday) From: Bill Winsor <bwinsor44 AT YAHOO.CA> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:59:50 -0800 NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE   Edited by: Nelson Poirier Transcribed by: Bill Winsor Info Line #: 384-NEWS (6397)   To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor.   For more information on the Nature Moncton, contact our vice-president, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197 or visit our web site at http://www.naturemoncton.org.   Friday morning, March 12, 2010   *** With the warm spring days coming on, the snow insects are starting to appear.  This seems to be ideal conditions to see SPRINGTAILS, also known as SNOW FLEAS, sometime in incredible numbers, looking like masses of moving pepper on the snow; the ones normally seen are dark.  Fred Dubé has had springtails in huge numbers around his Niagara Road home property, around the woodpile and outbuildings.  The colour of these masses is rather unexpected; they are all reddish coral in colour.  Fred got some photos that show this colour clearly.  Webmaster Bob Childs has placed some photos at the Nature Moncton website under ‘Hot Shots’ and also on the insect page under Fred Dubé, check it out at http://www.naturemoncton.org .   I never seen springtails this colour until a sleuthing visit to see them on Wednesday at Fred’s place.  Sandy Hopi had sent pictures of springtails of this colour that he had photographed in Fundy National Park in the summer a few years ago, on the surface of dead water.   *** Judi Berry-Steeves comments that she had come to a full stop in the middle of the road on Assumption Boulevard on Thursday to let a very high stepping male RING-NECKED PHEASANT [Faisan de Colchide] strut across the road, seemingly in a very carefree spring mood.  Also Glenda Wright spotted a group of seven CANADA GEESE [Bernache du Canada] flying east over the Petticodiac River Causeway on Thursday.   *** Jules Cormier leaves an account of recent activity in the Memramcook area.  He noted the first flock of approximately 200 COMMON EIDER [Eider à duvet] that he has seen flying up the Memramcook River last week.  He has had a half dozen COMMON GRACKLES [Quiscale bronzé] arrive to his feeder yard this week.  His WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH [Sittelle à poitrine blanche] is visiting irregularly now.  AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS [Bruant hudsonien] are showing a strong presence and his overwintering SONG SPARROW [Bruant chanteur] is actively vocalizing.  He has noted small groups of AMERICAN ROBIN [Merle d'Amérique] in the Sackville and Memramcook areas recently.  A belated report of a SNOWY OWL [Harfang des neiges] in the Pré-d’en-Haut; this report from approximately three weeks ago, when two different people saw it over two consecutive days.  Jules has commented that he has not seen a snowy owl himself this winter.   Nelson Poirier Nature Moncton   Please, consider the environment before printing this e-mail                                                                                                                              __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Red Winged Blackbirds From: Vexus vexus <epitetj AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:44:39 -0800 mary Lower Shinimcas, NS We got Red winged Blackbirds too. mary Lower Shinimcas, NS __________________________________________________________________ The new Internet Explorer® 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Common Grackles and Arrival of Spring From: Roy & Charlotte LaPointe <birdyard AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:06:37 -0400 I've been tracking arrival dates of migrants since 2001, not really a long period but long enough to allow a rough guestimate of seasonal change. From my observbations, COMMON GRAKLES seem to be the harbingers of spring. If so it appears we're in for an early arrival of the season of rebirth. Grackles usually arrive here between 20 and 29 March. My earliest record was March 13, 2006 and the next earliest was last year, March 18. This year's arrival date of March 11 is now the earliest. Coupled with what is probably the shallowest snow cover for this date over the past ten years I, like Jim Wilson at the other end of the province, declare spring officially here. If you belive this I have a real good deal for you on a very nice bridge. Roy LaPointe St.Leonard, Madawaska Co., NB (506) 423-1900 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grackles From: Vexus vexus <epitetj AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:07:18 -0800 Our first Grackles showed up this morning. What a beautiful sound, SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!!!!!!!!Woooooo hoooooooo Mary Lower Shinimicas, NS __________________________________________________________________ Get a sneak peak at messages with a handy reading pane with All new Yahoo! Mail: http://ca.promos.yahoo.com/newmail/overview2/ NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Crossbills and more along the Renous Hwy From: Roy & Charlotte LaPointe <birdyard AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:42:45 -0400 Made a run along the Renous Hwy (Route 108) from Plaster Rock to Mc Graw on Wednesday, March 10, in search of crossbills. For those who aren't familiar with the Renous, this is a road that runs through the middle of the province in beautifull wilderness country. The road is a little rough but presently clear of snow and ice, unusual for this time of year. There was very little traffic which is good as there were lots of birds on the road. Just after passing Plaster Rock, heading east, I was greated by thousands (and that's no exageration) of PURPLE FINCHES singing in the early morning sun. Among them were a good number of GOLDFINCHES, PINE SISKINS and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS. Large numbers of all these species were also picking gravel along the road. In all I visited 11 Atlas squares and found White-winged Crossbills in every one including fledged young in 2 squares. I also had a pair of RED CROSSBILLS picking gravel off the bridge over the Renous River just west of McGraw Brook. I wanted to record the song of the Red Crossbills but they did not sing. Also along the route there were many BLACK-CAPPED CHICKDEES and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. There were also a few EVENING GROSBEAKS, BOREAL CHICKADEES, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, DOWNY WOODPECKERS, RAVENS and CROWS, 1 PILEATED WOODPECKER, 2 RUFFED GROUSE, 1 GRAY JAY. I also spotted my first of the year AMERICAN ROBIN in Plaster Rock. Yesterday morning, March 11, three COMMON GRACKLES made an appearance at our feeders. Roy LaPointe St.Leonard, Madawaska Co., NB (506) 423-1900 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: More Birds of Spring Today From: Jim Wilson <jgw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:24:06 -0400 This morning Merv Cormier, Harvey McLeod and I made a visit to Maces Bay and Point Lepreau and checked out the salt marshes between Dipper Harbour and Saint John on our return. It was an absolutely beautiful day - sunny and about +5C with no wind early and little wind throughout the day. We ate our lunch outside the observatory in the sunshine and the day could have been one at the end of April. At Maces Bay we found two singing SONG SPARROWS at the same location and seven BRANT swimming well out from shore. Ten BLACK SCOTERS fed with a large raft of COMMON EIDERS. At Point Lepreau we could find only five PURPLE SANDPIPERS for our Winter Shorebird Survey, but at least we weren't skunked. Three BALD EAGLES perched together on rocks at the western tip of the Point made us suspicious a carcass of some kind had washed up, but we couldn't find any sign of one. Perhaps they were like us - just enjoying the spring sunshine. As we searched for a carcass, a flock of about 50 CANADA GEESE went by well out in the Bay, headed east (north really). We searched but could not find an early Woodcock in the alders at the tip of the Point. In heavy snow years that location is often the first to produce one but woodcock can go pretty well anywhere in southern NB right now and find unfrozen ground and worms. All we flushed was a pair of RUFFED GROUSE. At Saint's Rest Lagoon in Saint John there was considerable open water and it yielded some early waterfowl migrants. A male NORTHERN PINTAIL swam with eight AMERICAN WIGEON, a male RING-NECKED DUCK and five GADWALLS. And finally, when I got home Jean announced that she had found 10 bright ROBINS this morning, hopping around a field here in Hammond River and searching for food. Their appearance and actions leave no doubt they were new spring migrants. Yes, I declare spring "arrived". Jim Wilson NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: SAINT GEORGE REPORT From: Ralph Eldridge <r.eldridge AT XPLORNET.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:11:02 -0400 Seven VULTURES over Saint George this afternoon. Not the first that I've seem this year but it's the first group. Also seeing groups of CANADA GEESE scattered along the river. This morning, at one point, there were 11 DOWNEY WOODPECKERS racing around my feeder tree, as well as 2 HAIRYS. As observed by others, the DOWNEY & HAIRY WOODPECKERS are very active at the moment : lots of chasing and squabbling and racing from tree to tree. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Coyote & Squirrel From: Stella Johnson <botanicals AT WILDWOODPLANET.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:45:06 -0400 I was surprised to see two visitors to our backyard this morning. An EASTERN GREY SQUIRREL (Sciurus carolinensis) hopped up to our bird feeder area but s/he didn't come up directly near the house, choosing instead to survey the place from a safe distance, poised halfway up a maple tree. We have had a resident RED SQUIRREL all Winter come to the feeders, too, but this one was unexpected. I've been here a year and this is the first time that I've seen this species here. I did see them at my sister's place in Bouctouche, though, a few years ago. While looking about to see where the squirrel went after it hopped away, I saw a full-grown, healthy-looking COYOTE stroll along the back of our property. I took several photos of the Coyote and placed two in my Picasa Web Album (Shellmist), along with shots of a PILEATED WOODPECKER hacking away at a dead softwood last Sunday, PUSSY WILLOWS of a Willow and Quaking Aspen, and a weird phenomenon I witnessed on the Maples in our back yard. They now display a vertical crack right down the middle of their bark, and I'm wondering if this is due to our cold/warm temperatures that we've been having. That's it from my neck of the woods. Stella Caissie Cape botanicals AT wildwoodplanet.com My Picasa Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/shellmist/BirderInAustraliaCanada# NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: No Subject From: yolandeLeBlanc <yolandeleb AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:31:14 -0400 Two Canada Geese flew over our house this morning. Went toTaylor Village to look for crossbills, again, this morning. Only heard them, not seen. Had gone Tuesday, same place, every stop had 2 or more Hairy or Downy woodpeckers, even Pileated. Yolande In Memramcook NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: GRACKLE AT HAMPTON From: Gina <lyons AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:07:00 -0400 Jim Wilson reported a Grackle at Hammond River yesterday and said it flew off upriver. It (or one just like it) arrived in Hampton and was calling from a tree on the bank of the river this morning. I forgot to mention a skein of Canada Geese over Hampton about noon on March 10. Still no reports of Turkey Vultures in the Turkey Vulture capital of New Brunswick. Harvey McLeod Hampton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grand Manan birds From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:30:27 -0400 March 11 Castalia Marsh 09:45-10:45 173 Brants, 29 Canada Geese, 361 American Black Ducks, 139 Common Eiders, male Common Goldeneye, 13 Red-breasted Mergansers, male Ring-necked Pheasant (by Grand Manan Motors) North Head 11:00-12:15 2 Common Loons, 4 American Black Ducks, 7 Common Eiders, 9 Red-breasted Mergansers, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco Whale Cove & Pond 12:25-12:40 5 Red-necked Grebes, 2 Mallard pairs, 5 Common Eiders, 11 Red-breasted Mergansers Roger Burrows Ingalls Head Grand Manan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Migrating Turkey Vultures/ first Grackle From: Todd Watts <fishbird AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:11:31 -0400 Today I spent an hour on a nearby coastal Charlotte County ridge-top looking for migrating hawks. During that hour, I observed 2 migrating Turkey Vultures, 1 Red-tailed Hawk that was migrating and quite a few Bald Eagles. Most of the eagles appeared to be locals. Two of the eagles were likely movers. The woods were very much alive with woodpecker activity. At home, I saw my first "backyard" Grackle of the season. Also observed were my first feeder Juncos of the year. Todd Watts Kerr's Ridge Bocabec, NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: another sign of spring From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:00:14 -0400 On a drive to Hampton a short while ago I noted a flock of 30 CANADA GEESE fly over the highway in Nauwigewauk . Another sign of Spring ! Here at home we're still hosting 12 - 15 very vocal PURPLE FINCH along with the numerous AMER GOLDFINCH , B-C CHICKADEES and MOURNING DOVES that over-wintered . DOWNEYS and HAIRYS are drumming ; PILEATED often seen and heard . Two WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES have remained all winter and there are 2 RED-BREASTED on occasion . We haven't noted the NORTHERN CARDINALS recently [ our neighbor has been doing some work on his Cedar hedge ; they might not have liked that ] . I'm hoping they return . Joanne Savage Quispamsis NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Nature Moncton's Information Line March 11, 2010 (Thursday) From: Alma White <almaw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:39:08 -0400 NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by : Nelson Poirier Transcript by : Alma White Info Line # : 384-NEWS (6397) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton, [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962] contact our Vice- President, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197, or visit our web site at http://naturemoncton.org . Thursday morning, March 11, 2010. **First a very big "Thank you" to Janet MacMillan for monitoring and updating the Information Line the past few weeks. Her efforts were very much appreciated. Janet did an interview on CBC radio at 5.45 pm on Wednesday afternoon on "Signs of Spring". **Kevin Renton reports they had their first 3 COMMON GRACKLES [Quiscale bronzé] arrive to their Stilesville feeder yard on Thursday morning. Also Kevin comments their overwintering WHITE-THROATED SPARROW [Bruant à gorge blanche] is vocalizing very actively in the mornings now. ** Webmaster Bob Childs has done an incredible job of setting up a section of the Naturemoncton website devoted to BUTTERFLIES with guidance from Denis Doucet. This effort is one that will no doubt be referred to a lot this summer from the Information Line as well as being useful for the upcoming Maritimes Butterfly Atlas to begin this summer. Go to the home page and on the lower right hand corner click on "Butterflies of New Brunswick" which takes you to a page that will list the NB butterflies with English, French and scientific names and then clicking a blue "X" will open one or more photos of that species. This site is a work in progress and more will be added continually with notes on specific species and more photographs as they are submitted. While checking out the site check out also on the Butterfly Workshop on for Saturday March 20^th under "Activities" which will be mentioned tomorrow in the coming days. **Fred Dubé leaves a nice round-up of the action at their Niagara Road feeder yard which is off the Hillsborough Road in Lower Coverdale. They are seeing 50 to 75 AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret jaune],a few PINE SISKINS [Tarin des pins] are seen most days but only that few, a number of HAIRY WOODPECKERS [Pic chevelu] and DOWNY WOODPECKERS [Pic mineur], 4 of each species, DARK-EYED JUNCOS [Junco ardoisé] are appearing over the past week where they have not been seen for some time and on Saturday the first PURPLE FINCH [Roselin pourpré] appeared noting about a half dozen. BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu] are present but few in number, MOURNING DOVES [Tourterelle triste] are irregular, usually 10 to 15 when they do come by. Fred photographed a large SHARP-SHINNED HAWK [Épervier brun] on a MOURNING DOVE which is a regular. SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS nest across the road from him in the summer, and PILEATED WOODPECKERS [Grand pic] are a regular in that same woods working on dead aspen trees. Two male RING-NECKED PHEASANTS [Faisan de Colchide] have come by recently which is very uncommon in his wooded location, a few FLYING SQUIRRELS are seen regularly at night and a few GREY SQUIRRELS are starting to visit. RED ? Squirrels are numerous. Also Fred has noticed some very interesting SPRINGTAILS aka SNOWFLEAS around his yard which will be reported on when the photos get to the Naturemoncton website. Fred also comments they usually hear or sometimes see OWLS around the location at this time of year but have heard none this year as of yet. **Bob Blake leaves some weather stats to compare February 2009 with February of 2010. bob monitors morning temperatures from his Second North River home. This month's stats show some discrepancy as Bob was away for a week in February 2009 however the general trend is there to show that February of 2010 was milder than February of 2009 however precipitation with snow was similar, 69cms for February of 2009 and 64cms for February of 2010 however February of 2010 has 12mm of rain with no precipitation as rain recorded for February of 2009. The mornings recorded below -10ºC were quite similar for both months however the mornings at 0ºC and above were 8 for 2010 compared with 3 for 2009. The daily highs for the two months were quite similar with 2010 a bit warmer on average. **Pat and I had a great recess for a few weeks in Florida. We had heard lots of complaints about the cold there but 55ºF to 60ºF was fine with me. The birds and critters did not seem to mind and were very lively. Great to be among the HERON family variety, the 3 COMMON EGRETS were just that and a more rare REDDISH EGRET was a treat. Both BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON [Bihoreau gris] and YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON [Bihoreau violacé] were nesting with young. We saw only a few LITTLE BLUE HERONs [Aigrette bleue] and TRICOLORED HERON [Aigrette tricolore] and GREEN HERON [Héron vert]. It seemed odd to have a black headed gull species as the most common one with LAUGHING GULLs [Mouette atricille] so abundant. One LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL [Goéland brun] was staying in one area and although the RING-BILLED GULLs [Goéland à bec cerclé] and HERRING GULL [Goéland argenté] were present most of then were chowing down french fries at Disneyworld! The only shorebirds I saw were SANDERLING [Bécasseau sanderling] and they were quite common and RUDDY TURNSTONE [Tournepierre à collier] all still in their non-breeding plumage. EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE [ Tourterelle turque] are now very common there while MOURNING DOVE numbers are apparently going down. I did not spot one MOURNING DOVE. Apparently TURTLE DOVES are feral in certain park areas but I did not see any. COOPER'S HAWK [Épervier de Cooper] numbers are on the increase. Watching the ARMADILLOS at one of the Nature Preserve area was a real treat. A nice spot to visit but NB still has the best quality of nature hands down. Nelson Poirier, Nature Moncton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Hairy woodpecker From: Karen Small <ksmall AT FUNDYBAYNETWORKS.CA> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:20:01 -0400 We hung a suet cake..... a mixture of beef suet,peanut butter and corn and immediately a hairy woodpecker found it. Visitation again early this morning....beautiful bird. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grackle Arrives at Hammond River From: Jim Wilson <jgw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:58:44 -0400 Yesterday afternoon (March 9th) I was working in our yard when I heard the welcome sound of a spring GRACKLE. The bird was a brightly plumaged individual (presumably a male) and it was calling constantly from the tip of a nearby spruce on our neighbor's property. It soon landed on one of our trees, called and looked around for several minutes, then took flight and continued northeast, up the Kennebecasis Valley. We normally expect our first Grackles between March 20th and 25th and this is the earliest date ever here at our home. We're inland, so normally see our birds a bit later than people living near the coast. I took a quick check of my return dates 1995-2009 and find the previous earliest arrival at our yard was on March 11th in 2002. The average date during that 15-year interval was March 21st. My records go back to 1963 but I can confidently say there was never such an early Grackle during that period. I declare spring 2010 officially "arrived" - at least at Hammond River near Saint John. Jim Wilson NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert, Feb. 27-Mar. 5, 2010 From: David Christie <MarysPt AT MAC.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:22:49 -0800 From Maine Birds here are parts of Eric Hyne's transcript of the Maine Audubon Bird Alert. The entire transcript can be accessed at , and . -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert Reporting Period: February 27 - March 5, 2010 Area: State of Maine Compilers: Eric Hynes, Stella Walsh Of Special Note Top birds this week are: PACIFIC LOON [Phippsburg, Feb. 26], BLACK-HEADED GULL, and PAINTED BUNTING. Other standouts mentioned include: SNOW GOOSE, BARROW'S GOLDENEYE, SPRUCE GROUSE, BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE, RAZORBILL, NORTHERN SHRIKE, BOHEMIAN WAXWING, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, RED CROSSBILL, and EVENING GROSBEAK. Arriving TURKEY VULTURES have made it as far north as Hampden. A few RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and COMMON GRACKLES have begun to trickle back into southern and mid-coast Maine. [western areas omitted] Penobscot Bay A PAINTED BUNTING continues in a private yard in Blue Hill. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was at Weskeag Marsh in South Thomaston on February 28. BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES were seen from Owl's Head State Park and the Rockland Breakwater on February 28. The two BLACK-HEADED GULLS wintering at Owl's Head Harbor were not been reported this week. Downeast Sightings on Mount Desert Island on February 27 included a RUSTY BLACKBIRD near the KOA campground and a NORTHERN GANNET and a BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE from Sand Beach in Acadia National Park. On March 5, a BARROW'S GOLDENEYE flew in at Hadley Point. Three RED CROSSBILLS were feeding along Route 9, southwest of Wesley on the 3rd. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was hunting a blueberry barren on Station Road in Centerville on March 3. Two BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were seen at the Willow Street Bridge in East Machias on March 3. Northern Maine EVENING GROSBEAKS were in Castle Hill. For more details on Aroostook County bird sightings, please visit: www.northernmainebirds.blogspot.com. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Re: Rock Doves From: richard nelson <rnelson AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:42:05 -0400 I've had mourning doves doing the same in my back yard this week: puffing, strutting and chasing. Tis the season - I guess. Even the red squirrels have recognized it and are doing their thing too. Ngaire Nelson Saint John, NB ----- Original Message ----- From: "Margie pacey" To: Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 8:19 PM Subject: Rock Doves Two rock doves (aka pigeons) were at it on my neighbours roof this aft. The male was dancing and strutting and all puffed up in the neck area. His bright green foliage was sparkling in the sunshine... Sorry but the birding is different in town. I fill my feeders once every month instead of twice a week and I have only two feeders instead of five. Margie Pacey Downtown Fredericton __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 4933 (20100310) __________ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2734 - Release Date: 03/10/10 03:33:00 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Rock Doves From: Margie pacey <mpacey AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:19:13 -0400 Two rock doves (aka pigeons) were at it on my neighbours roof this aft. The male was dancing and strutting and all puffed up in the neck area. His bright green foliage was sparkling in the sunshine... Sorry but the birding is different in town. I fill my feeders once every month instead of twice a week and I have only two feeders instead of five. Margie Pacey Downtown Fredericton __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 4933 (20100310) __________ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: 1 Grackle From: R&H Wilson <ron.wilson AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:37:04 -0800 Ron Wilson One lone grackle showed up at my feeder today as well. Ron Wilson F'ton NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: White Head Ferry birds From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:56:07 -0400 March 10 White Head Ferry round trip 14:30-15:30 2 Common Loons, 4 Red-necked Grebes, 300+ Brants, American Black Duck, 50 Common Eiders, immature male Surf & 3 White-winged Scoters, 31 Long-tailed Ducks, male Red-breasted Merganser, 16 Black Guillemots (in various stages of plumage) Roger Burrows Ingalls Head Grand Manan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: FW: First Purple Finch of Spring From: Jim Wilson <jgw AT nbnet.nb.ca> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:14:50 -0400 Same thing here at our feeder in Hammond River. A male PURPLE FINCH was here for the first time as we were having lunch today. Jim Wilson -----Original Message----- From: NatureNB [mailto:NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA] On Behalf Of Todd Watts Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:11 AM To: NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA Subject: Purple Finch The first Purple Finch of the year has shown up at this location. Todd Watts Kerr's Ridge Bocabec, NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grackle From: Dwayne Biggar <dbiggar AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:21:58 -0400 One lone Grackle showed up at noon. Dwayne Biggar 3203 Rt 114 Edgett's Landing, NB 506 734 2489 www.thebirdgarden.ca NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grand Manan birds From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:54:01 -0400 March 10 Southwest Head 10:00-10:05 2 Black Guillemots, first Savannah Sparrow of spring (may have overwintered) Southern Head 11:05-11:50 Common Loon, 19 American Black Ducks, Mallard pair, 4 Red-breasted Mergansers, Black Guillemot, 6 newly-arrived American Robins Bradford Cove Road & Deep Cove 11:00-11:30 9 female Common Eiders, 4 Surf Scoters, male Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Boreal Chickadees, 3 Golden-crowned Kinglets Red Point 11:40-11:50 Common Loon, 4 Red-necked Grebes, 3 Surf & 2 Black Scoters, male Long-tailed Duck, 5 Common Goldeneyes Roger Burrows Ingalls Head Grand Manan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, 10 March 2010 (Wednesday) From: Catherine <johnson2 AT XPLORNET.COM> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:48:35 -0400 NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by : Janet MacMillan Transcript by : Catherine Johnson johnson2 AT xplornet.com 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], contact our vice-president, Dale Gaskin, at 734-2197, or visit our web site at http://naturemoncton.org . Wednesday morning, March 10,2010 Doreen Rossiter from Alma on Tuesday morning had a sign of spring. She had a visit, her first of this year, of a flock of 100+ mixed blackbirds. They were COMMON GRACKLES [Quiscale bronzé] and male RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS. [Carouge à épaulettes] Paul Langelon of Second North River was walking on Route 112 and at the top of Leamon Hill he spotted a male WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL [Bec-croisé bifascié] on the roadside. There was also a dead female there and after checking the bird Paul felt it was hit by a car. About 50 ft. further up the road he discovered another dead WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. Oscar Leblanc from Saint Marie de Kent observed three AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique] on a walkway feeding on sumac in Coates Mills. He also reports seeing a BALD EAGLE [Pygargue à tête blanche] picking up hay from an old hale bale left in a field and flying to its nest to do some repairs. Oscar reports that this EAGLES’ nest was used last year to raise its young. ** Janet MacMillan, Nature Moncton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Purple Finch From: Todd Watts <fishbird AT nb.sympatico.ca> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:11:00 -0400 The first Purple Finch of the year has shown up at this location. Todd Watts Kerr's Ridge Bocabec, NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: PLBO Volunteer Opportunity From: "E. Pike" <plbo AT saintjohnnaturalistsclub.org> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 20:02:03 -0800 Greetings naturalists:   Before we know it, the sea ducks  will be winging their way up the Bay of Fundy and we will be  ready to count them at the Point Lepreau Bird Observatory (PLBO).   This year, we will be participating in a special project  during the spring migration.  We formed a partnership with researchers at Acadia University who will be  comparing our visual counts at the PLBO  with radar counts during the same time periods.  This project may change our need for volunteers just a little bit. Our observation period will start on March 19 and end on May 13.  We will definitely need volunteers with security clearance from March 19 to April 8 and from May 1 to 13.    The early part of our observation period might be an interesting time to be at the PLBO if the  open bays and rivers encourage the scoters to migrate earlier this year.     Richard Blacquiere will be at the Observatory on week days from March 29 to April 8 to help you if you would like to improve your ability to count and identify  the birds we usually see from the Observatory.  If you would like to identify dates in these time periods,  your services will be needed and greatly appreciated. The radar project will  take place from   April 10  to April 30.   It is possible the radar operator and the radar equipment may be using  the Observatory during this time.    Therefore, space within the Observatory will  be limited to one volunteer.       When  the radar operator is at the Observatory, she may also  record Richard's observations.    At this time, it isn't clear whether she will remain at the Observatory for the entire period of the study.  As you can see, we have a few unknowns about our need for volunteers during the study period and we may not really know until the project begins. To increase consistence during the study,  Richard will call out his counts and the volunteers will  record  them.   The volunteers will act as spotters and recorders.  During the study period, volunteers must be able to begin recording with Richard at sunrise, approximately 7 am.  Therefore, you don't have to be able to identify seabirds or count accurately to participate during the study.  You just have  to be a quiet, recording secretary; a spotter; and an early riser.  If you would like to  volunteer on days before and after the radar project, send me a message at the above address and I will put your name on the volunteer calendar.    If you would like to volunteer during the radar project, send me the dates you prefer to volunteer to  the above address and I will confirm  the dates when we know more about the radar operator.  If you do not have security clearance, contact your local police force  and ask them to complete a  "Criminal Record Check Form".  When the form is ready, contact me  at the above address and I will give you the next steps in making sure your  name is on the list of volunteers with security clearance.    Good birding, Eileen Pike NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Phoque à capuchon / Hooded Seal From: Steeve Miousse <s_miousse AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 22:06:00 -0400 English will follow, Bonjour à tous, Cet après-midi sur la plage du village de Four-Road j'ai observé un Phoque à capuchon qui se reposait sur le haut de la plage. C'est une première pour moi, vous pouvez visionner les photos de celui-ci en cliquant sur le lien suivant: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steevemiousse/4420693961/ Hello everyones, This afternoon I observed a Hooded Seal that was resting high on the beach. This is a first for me. You can see the pictures by clicking on the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steevemiousse/4420693961/ Steeve Miousse Shippagan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Birds at Fredericton From: Don Gibson <gibsondg AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 21:02:13 -0400 Today, March 9, 2010, a flock of five CEDAR WAXWINGS (Jaseur d'Amérique) spent most of the day in my backyard. There were ten RING-BILLED GULLS (Goéland à bec cerclé) at Carleton Park - Gilles Belliveau reports that the gulls were also there yesterday. Don Murray found a single LONG-TAILED DUCK (Harelde kakawi) on the St. John River at Fredericton near the pedestrian bridge. The river is open from the Mactaquac Dam to McGowans Corner. Don Gibson 50 Golf Club Road Fredericton NB E3B 5M4 506-454-3261 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: first Male PURPLE FINCH From: Margaret Doyle <judo AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 14:44:56 -0400 Hello I came home today from work and what do I see, my first PURPLE FINCH male and signing away A report from the North Margaret Doyle NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: insects From: Jim and Holly Edsall <edsallj AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2010 13:54:38 -0400 The last couple of nice days have enticed a few insects to emerge. Last night a swarm of midges danced over my grapevine and today a stonefly landed on my front door.. Could spring really be close? NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Sign of Spring? From: Nev Garrity <nev.garrity AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 16:51:30 -0400 This winter has not provided the variety of species normally seen at my feeder. I have not seen even one Common Redpoll and did not see any American Goldfinches until about 6 weeks a go when two arrived and shortly thereafter, the number blossomed to six. In the past two weeks I have noticed two Pine Siskins but no more than that. So it was with great joy this morning when I looked out and saw my first male Red-winged Blackbird of the year. I have had no blackbirds this winter at all so this was an exciting observation. I only saw the bird briefly but got out the binoculars to have a closer look. I left the house shortly afterwards and have not seen it since I returned home but I am now looking forward to flocks of vocalizing Red wings and Grackles! Nev Garrity Sackville, NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grand Manan birds From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 13:26:05 -0400 March 8 Ox & Ingalls Heads 08:10-09:35 Red-necked Grebe, 5 Canada Geese, 33 American Black Ducks, Mallard, Common Eider, 5 White-winged & 19 Black Scoters, 3 male Long-tailed Ducks, Common Goldeneye pair, 3 male Buffleheads, 2 male Red-breasted Mergansers, adult Bald Eagle, adult Ring-billed Gull Long Eddy Point 11:00-11:05 immature Bald Eagle, Ring-billed & 6+ Iceland Gulls Castalia Marsh 11:20-11:50 2 Canada Geese, ca. 640 Brants, 64 American Black Ducks, 40 Common Eiders, male Common & 3 Red-breasted Mergansers Roger Burrows Ingalls Head Grand Manan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, March 8, 2010 (Monday) From: Bill Winsor <bwinsor44 AT YAHOO.CA> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 07:58:47 -0800 NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE   Edited by: Janet Macmillan < janetmac AT nbnet.nb.ca > Transcribed by: Bill Winsor Info Line #: 384-NEWS (6397)   To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor.   For more information on the Nature Moncton, contact our vice-president, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197 or visit our web site at http://www.naturemoncton.org.   Monday morning, March 8, 2010   *** With sunny days and mild temperatures on Saturday and Sunday it sure felt and looked like spring so I have some spring sightings today.  Bob Blake at his Second North River home had his first PURPLE FINCH [Roselin pourpré] of the New Year arrive at his feeders on Sunday.  This is a new bird to put on his checklist for his Bird Studies Canada, Project Feeder Watch for this season.  According to Bob’s records this species arrived on April 19th last year, a month later than this year.   Bob’s resident WHITE-TAILED DEER [Cerf de Virginie] put in a late night appearance on Saturday.  He comments that he usually sees the deer at suppertime but on Saturday there were two around his feeders at 11:15 PM, snacking on the corn.   *** Dale Gaskin reports that he saw a flock of three dozen or more AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique] on the bank at the Weldon Trestle Railroad Bridge on Dawson Settlement Road on Sunday afternoon.   Dale reports that he is seeing a lot of WHITE-TAILED DEER [Cerf de Virginie] on the highway towards and in and around Hillsborough.  Dale comments that you can see the paths that the deer have made when crossing the highway.  Dale cautions people to drive carefully when driving on this stretch of Route #114 and look out for deer crossing road.    *** Gilles Burque comments that he paid a visit to Mapleton Park on Sunday afternoon.  He reports that there were BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES [Mésange à tête noire], RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHS [Sittelle à poitrine rousse], DOWNY WOODPECKERS [Pic mineur], MOURNING DOVES [Tourterelle triste] and COMMON RAVENS [Grand Corbeau] active in the park.   He also noted a large flock of MALLARDS [Canard colvert].  These ducks were near the Gorge Road Entrance where there is a bridge and open water in the stream.  It is a favourite spot for people using the park to feed the ducks.  With the mallards there was one NORTHERN PINTAIL [Canard pilet] among them.  He also paid a visit to the Riverview Marsh and found it very quiet.  He did spot a RED FOX [Renard roux] in the marsh.   *** The LARK SPARROW [Bruant à joues marron] is still present along with its travelling companion the CHIPPING SPARROW [Bruant familier] at my house at 141  Churchill Street, Moncton.  Lots of people were able to see the birds on Saturday and Sunday.  Some were also to hear the bird sing.    As I was putting millet around on Saturday morning; a hawk came into the yard and perched on a blue spruce tree for a few minutes. Then it took off chasing a MOURNING DOVE [Tourterelle triste] up Noel Street.  I didn’t get a close enough look at it to see if it was a COOPER'S HAWK [Épervier de Cooper] or a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK [Épervier brun] or if it caught the mourning dove.  I walked around the neighbourhood but couldn’t relocate the bird.   On Sunday morning the LARK SPARROW [Bruant à joues marron] sang most of the morning in the cedar trees and was heard again in the middle of the afternoon from my cedar trees by several people visiting.  This morning both the lark sparrow and chipping sparrow are at my front yard feeders while I am making up this report.   *** Julie Pellerin at Cap Brûlé is seeing signs of spring as well.  She noted that the PUSSY WILLOWS have started to appear along the roadside.  A NORTHERN FLICKER [Pic flamboyant] is tapping on her house chimney and pipes.  COMMON RAVENS [Grand Corbeau] are carrying nesting materials.  She has a total of thirteen species of birds coming to her yard feeders, all the regular backyard feeder birds.  A pair of GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS [Roitelet à couronne dorée] are in her spruce tree.    A BALD EAGLE [Pygargue à tête blanche] was spotted at the back of her house.  She also had a visit from a large hawk which she feels was a COOPER'S HAWK [Épervier de Cooper].  The bird came to her yard chasing the birds at the feeders.   She also reports that a COYOTE [Coyote] is crossing the backyard of her house.   Janet MacMillan Nature Moncton     Please, consider the environment before printing this e-mail                                                                                                                                __________________________________________________________________ Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/gift/ NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Spring fever From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 20:59:07 -0400 OK ; earlier today with the arrival of the P FINCH and the wonderful weather I thought on more than one occasion that I'd developed Spring fever and have tried to tamp it down [ a bit ; after all I'm an optomist ! ] . This evening has only made matters worse as I was out on the back deck listening for owl calls when there came the high , eerie , wavery call of BLACK SCOTERS . Not in large numbers but the few sounded good ! Better yet they were going in the right direction ! Joanne Savage Hammond River area of Quispamsis NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: WHITE WING CROSBILLS and others SAW WHET OWL From: Margaret Doyle <judo AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 13:47:19 -0400 Hello yesterday Charly and I went up to our camp behind Kedgwick and when we were walking in a bit to the camp I heard and saw lots of WHITE WINGED CROSBILLS and last evening at 7:45 I went outside and what did I hear a SAW WHET OWL right beside the camp but I did not see it and ealry this morning I went in the woods to try to see it, but I did not see it at all 2 BLACK BACKED WOODPECKERS this morning beside the camp and lots of RED BREASTED NUTATCHES and chickadees and one raven and still lots of WHITE WINGED CROSBILLS on our way down from the camp we saw some EVENING GROSBEAKS and lots of PINE GROSBEAKS and about 8 SNOW BUNTINGS all still in the woods on the highway down I saw one GROUSE in a tree the temperature was great what a beautifull weekend A report from the North Margaret Doyle Campbellton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grand Manan birds From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 11:36:22 -0400 March 7 Red Point Trail & Red Point 08:45--09:55 3 Common Loons, 9 Red-necked Grebes, 13 American Black Ducks, 3 Common Eiders, male Surf & 9 Black Scoters, 14 Common Goldeneyes, 13 Red-breasted Mergansers, female Downy Woodpecker, singing WINTER WREN (first of spring), 2 American Tree Sparrows Anchorage Road & Grand Manan Bird Sanctuary 09:55-10:55 14 American Black Ducks, 30 Common Eiders, 2 Black Scoters, signs of recent BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER activity on Bagleys Trail but no sighting, American Robin Also the first rainbow of the year! Roger Burrows Ingalls Head Grand Manan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Northern Flicker From: Stella Johnson <botanicals AT WILDWOODPLANET.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 11:05:44 -0400 I was just looking out my kitchen window which faces the woods (North), and I saw a NORTHERN FLICKER (PIC FLAMBOYANT) fly between two trees. It's the very first one around here this year. If any over-wintered, I haven't seen them, and I've been looking every day. Another note of interest were 8 EUROPEAN STARLINGS (ETOURNEAU SANSONNET) at my feeder this morning, something I've never seen here before. We've been here in Caissie Cape for a year now and it's the first time I see Starlings at our feeder. I also keep track of my sister's feeder two houses up the road and there hasn't been any there, either. I've seen a lot more activity at my feeders this past week: MOURNING DOVES (TOURTERELL TRISTE), AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES (CHARDONNERET JAUNE), BLUE JAYS (GEAI BLEU), BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES (MESANGE A TETE NOIRE), a pair of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES (SITTELLE A POITRINE ROUSSE), and a pair each of the HAIRY (PIC CHEVELU), and DOWNY WOODPECKERS (PIC MINEUR). It was nice to see that Flicker, a sure sign that Spring is just around the corner. Stella Johnson Chemin Des Lapins Caissie Cape NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Early morning From: Merv Cormier <mervcormier AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 10:19:55 -0400 From Merv in Saint John: This morning I thought I would check my Black Beach square for Owls and Crossbills, no luck on either birds but the road is open and in very good shape right to Black Beach and the Burchill road is passable right to the #1 highway but it's full of potholes like last year being an unkept paved road. So go "AT YOUR OWN RISK". Coming back I went to Saints rest beach /Irving Nature park nothing there but saw a NORTHERN SHRIKE off Sand Cove on the way back, probably the same one that I have seen most days I go that way for the last 2-3 weeks. I also went to Bay Shore off Sea Street in West Saint John where I checked for anything interesting and I heard; then saw a SONG SPARROW, it sang about every 45-50 seconds while I was there; about 15 minutes.It just seemed so nice and so cheery to listen to it's song I just couldn't drive away. It's another great morning and if the weatherman is right it's going to be the same until the 20th of March. Spring is GREAT if you appreciate nature and take time to watch and listen. _________________________________________________________________ IM on the go with Messenger on your phone http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712960 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Purple Finch From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 09:55:57 -0400 An explosion of 20 -25 PURPLE FINCH at the feeders today ; the first I've had since last Fall . Sure is good to see and hear them . My Aunt in Mispec tells me she has 2 brightly colored AMER ROBINS coming to an apple tree as of this morning . Joanne Savage Quispamsis NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Harfang des neiges / Snowy Owls From: Steeve Miousse <s_miousse AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 22:09:34 -0400 Allo, Hello (English will follow), En fin d'après-midi je suis allé faire un tour sur l'île de Miscou pour observer 4 Harfang des neiges. J'étais un peu surpris car je pensait ne pas en voir du tout! Les deux premiers fut observés sur la tourbière du côté gauche juste avant Wilson's point. Le troisième fut observé dans le village de Wilson's point sur le côté droit du village. Le dernier Harfang observé sur la ligne électrique juste avant d'arriver au phare (approx. 300m du phare). Hier après-midi je suis allé faire les oiseaux dans la région de Tracadie pour observer une quarantaine de Garrot d'Islande dans la rivière de la Grande Tracadie. Sur le chemin du retour je suis arreter à la lagune no 1 pour y rencontrer une drôle de Gélinotte huppée. Celle-ci me suivait partout, j'ai même réussi à la faire monter sur ma main! Par la suite un certain Monsieur Fernand est arrivé sur les lieux pour m'expliquer qu'il avait apprivoiser cette Gélinotte avec de la nourriture la semaine dernière. Vous pouvez-voir cette Gélinotte sur le lien suivant: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steevemiousse/4409264315/ Late this afternoon, I've spotted 4 Snowy Owls on Miscou island. I was surprised because on our way to Miscou island, we were discussing my girlfriend and I that the probability of seeing Snowy's were weak. The first 2 Snowy Owls were on the peat bog (left hand side) just before arriving at Wilson's Point. The third one was in the community of Wilson's Point and the last one was near the lighthouse (north-side of Miscou island) perched on electrical wires. Yesterday at Tracadie-Sheila near the waste water lagoon (no 1) I came upon a strange Ruffed-Grouse. It was following me everywhere I went, it even jumped on my hand and I was able to raise her up high. After taking a few pictures a person came up to me and explained that he was feeding her since last week. You can see this strange Grouse by clicking on the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steevemiousse/4409264315/ I've also spotted approximitly fourty Barrow's Golden-eye on the Big Tracadie river. Steeve Miousse Shippagan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Today's sightings From: Merv Cormier <mervcormier AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 18:01:26 -0400 From Merv in Saint John: Today we did a round on Lower Norton Shore Road and Hampton, On the shore road we saw Many Downey Wpkrs 10+, and Chickadees 20+, a nice pair pf BROWN CREEPERS, Harry Wpkrs 3+, Many COMMOM GOLDENEYES, about a half dozen COMMON MERGANSERS, in the HAMPTON LAGOON there were two male RING NECKED DUCKS with 4 MALLARDS, on the DUTCH POINT TRAIL we heard a pair of PILEATED WOODPECKERS. The 1st bird seen this morning on the way to the Gondola Pt FERRY was a nice Red-tailed hawk. . _________________________________________________________________ Take your contacts everywhere http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712959 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: White Head birds From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 16:04:22 -0400 March 6 White Head Ferry 09:50-10:30 3 Common Loons, 2 Red-necked Grebes, Double-crested & 2 Great Cormorants, 4 American Black Ducks, 23 Common Eiders, 5 Surf & 10 White-winged Scoters, 36 Long-tailed Ducks, 7 Red-breasted Mergansers, 3 Black Guillemots White Head: Flats & Main Road 10:30-11:45 550 Brants, 55 American Black Ducks, 16 Common Eiders, Red-breasted Merganser, 12 Mourning Doves, 3 American Robins, 4+ American Goldfinches Gull & Langmaid Coves 11:55-12:15 American Black Duck, male Mallard, 130 Common Eiders, male Long-tailed Duck, 9 Red-breasted Meransers, 3 immature Bald Eagles White Head: Outer Shoreline 12:30-13:00 3 American Black Ducks, male Mallard, 42 Common Eiders, 7 male & 17 female Harlequin Ducks, 4 Red-breasted Mergansers, adult Peregrine Falcon, 2 Black Guillemots Long Point & Pebble Road 13:00-13:25 8 American Black Ducks, 2 Mallards, 5 Common Eiders, 11 Surf & 7 Black Scoters, 2 Long-tailed Ducks, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers, adult Iceland Gull White Head: Village & Long Point Road 13:25-13:55 2 Common Eiders, Black Guillemot White Head Ferry 14:00-14:30 2 Common Loons, 3 Red-necked Grebes, Great & Double-crested Cormorants, 15 Brantas, 33 Common Eiders, 4 White-winged Scoters, 39 Long-tailed Ducks, 2 male Red-breasted Mergansers, Bald Eagle pair, 3 Purple Sandpipers, 5 Black Guillemots Roger Burrows Ingalls Head Grand Manan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, March 6, 2010 (Saturday) From: Bill Winsor <bwinsor44 AT YAHOO.CA> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 06:07:08 -0800 NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE   Edited by: Janet Macmillan < janetmac AT nbnet.nb.ca > Transcribed by: Bill Winsor Info Line #: 384-NEWS (6397)   To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor.   For more information on the Nature Moncton, contact our vice-president, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197 or visit our web site at http://www.naturemoncton.org.   Saturday morning, March 6, 2010   *** Yolande LeBlanc in Memramcook on Thursday had seventeen BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS [Jaseur boréal] that spend most of the day during the day in her HIGH-BUSH CRANBERRY trees.  Yolande was surprised because she still has apples on her trees but the birds preferred the fruit of the high-bush cranberry.  This morning, Saturday a PURPLE FINCH [Roselin pourpré] arrived at her feeders.   *** The LARK SPARROW [Bruant à joues marron] is still here and still travelling with the CHIPPING SPARROW [Bruant familier].  On Friday, my yard was very busy; there were DARK-EYED JUNCOS [Junco ardoisé], twelve to fifteen MOURNING DOVES  [Tourterelle triste], BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu], AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret jaune] and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES [Mésange à tête noire].  I also had a visit to my feeders of a very orangey HOUSE FINCH [Roselin familier] with a female.   *** There will be a Workshop on Butterflies on Saturday, March 20th at the Tankville School.  This workshop will be lead by Jim Edsall; Jim has spent many years observing, photographing and studying New Brunswick Butterflies.  Please pre-register with Catherine Johnson by email at johnson2 AT xplornet.com or phone Catherine 432-6478.  The registration fee for the Butterfly Workshop is $10.00 or $15.00 per family, all are welcome.   *** The regular Club Meeting will be held on Tuesday March 16th at 7:00 PM at the Church of the Nazarene on Fieldcrest Avenue.  The guest speaker will be Kevin Craig from the Department of Natural Resources.  Kevin will speak on the BLACK BEARS [Ours noir] in New Brunswick.   Janet MacMillan Nature Moncton   Please, consider the environment before printing this e-mail                                                                                                                              __________________________________________________________________ Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Re: Eurasian Collared-Dove or Ringed Turtle-Dove? Pictures From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 09:18:03 -0400 Hi Dwayne, The small head, Lack of contrast between the back and wings and, most of all, the large amount of white and little black in the tail and on the undertail coverts sugeests a Ringed Turtle-Dove. If so, it should have looked smaller than a Mourning Dove. I saw one on Cawston, BC, a few years back and was struck by the same features. Roger Burrows Ingalls Head Grand Manan On Fri, Mar 5, 2010 at 9:34 PM, Dwayne Biggar wrote: > Here is a link to several pictures of the bird, it was in Moncton last > summer. Any ideas which species, I have a feeling but not sure. > > > > http://thebirdgarden.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album09 > > Dwayne Biggar > Edgett's Landing, NB > 506 734 2489 > www.thebirdgarden.ca > > NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html > Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html > NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Eurasian Collared-Dove or Ringed Turtle-Dove? Pictures From: Dwayne Biggar <dbiggar AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 21:34:42 -0400 Here is a link to several pictures of the bird, it was in Moncton last summer. Any ideas which species, I have a feeling but not sure. http://thebirdgarden.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album09 Dwayne Biggar Edgett's Landing, NB 506 734 2489 www.thebirdgarden.ca NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Warbler Workshop in Saint John - Saturday, March 27th From: Jim Wilson <jgw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 21:33:15 -0400 Wood Warbler Workshop Date: Saturday, March 27, 2010 Registration: Beginning at 9:00 AM Start Time: 9:30 AM Location: Church of the Good Shepherd 668 Manawagonish Road, Saint John Presenter: Jim Wilson (847-4506) Jim Wilson of the Saint John Naturalists' Club will present a workshop on warbler identification and habits on Saturday, March 27th at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Manawagonish Road on the West Side in Saint John. Of the 50 species of warbler that regularly breed in North America, 39 have been documented at least once in New Brunswick and 23 can be expected to nest annually. It's a large family that produces both delight and frustration in birders as they attempt to identify them at different seasons. This workshop will discuss interesting features of the North American wood warblers, tips for finding them and hints to help with their identification in spring and fall. It will also touch on how to look for the warbler rarities that appear from time to time and what to expect. In addition to a lunch, bring a notebook, binoculars and your favorite warbler field guide. As usual, this workshop is open to interested birders from other clubs and areas as well. We've hosted other March workshops at the same location in past years and finding the Church of the Good Shepherd at 668 Manawagonish Road is pretty easy. Driving east or west through Saint John on Route 1 take exit 119. Exit 119 is the second exit west of the Saint John Harbour Bridge. After exiting Route 1 go west on Catherwood Street and proceed straight through the lights and on to the top of the hill where Catherwood intersects with Manawagonish Road. The church is then right in front of you. Turn right onto Manawagonish and immediately left, into the church parking lot. Registration with tea/coffee starts at 9:00 AM and the workshop will begin at 9:30. It should last until early afternoon, so it's recommended you bring a lunch. A $5.00 fee will be requested, to cover incidentals and a donation to the church. Please arrive in time to register and enable us to begin on time. Pre-booking isn't essential but would be appreciated so we can plan for space. We'll have a sign-up sheet at our March Club meeting, but if you plan to come from out of town please email me if possible, so we'll expect you. Hope to see you on Saturday, March 27th. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: A BIRDY BREAKFAST From: Gina <lyons AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 15:24:06 -0400 Had just sat down to breakfast this morning when a small flock of robins flew into the garden; the first we've seen in months. There were five - all males, four of which were pale winter-worn birds. The fifth was as bright and glossy as he could be. While he may just have had a good winter in the Maritimes, the difference in his plumage was so marked that I wonder whether he is a migrant from the south. He was also much more vigourous than the other birds, aggressively driving them away from old apples on the ground that didn't get picked up last fall. As we watched the robins we started listing the other birds in the garden and at the feeders. We had Dark-eyed Juncos, Tree Sparrows, our over-wintering Song Sparrow, Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons (of course), American Goldfinches, a pair of Cardinals - the male trying to chase his own image out of the rear-view mirror on the car, Starlings, White-Breasted Nuthatch, Blue Jays, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Chickadees and Crows in the compost. There are other birds around, but they didn't show up for their breakfasts during our breakfast. Harvey McLeod Hampton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: lark sparrow From: joan pearce <pearcer AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 14:58:36 -0400 Hi, Rick Peacock and I drove to Moncton this morning to try to see the lark sparrow. We arrived about 10:10 and Janet was just leaving the yard from putting out seed. There was a cat in the vicinity and the man next door was shovelling snow in the area where the sparrow hangs out. We waited and patience paid off. Had good looks of the sparrow which turned up at 10:40. Besides the lark sparrow we saw cedar waxwings, chipping sparrow, Bl. Capped chickadees, mourning doves, goldfinch, blue jays, house finch (new for me, besides the lark sparrow) and heard crows. We were back in Saint John by 2:15, great day even though it was bitter cold and windy. Many thanks to Janet for keeping the sparrow fed and graciously allowing us to use her yard. Joan Pearce NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: hawk-owl update From: Mike <mhlca AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 20:49:33 -0400 Hello, everyone This is just to inform you that the Charlo Hawk-owl is still present after nearly nine weeks. It may still be seen in or around the gravel pit complex just off the Craig Road, off Exit 385 and just past the Charlo Airport turnoff. On another note, the ice went out of the Restigouche estuary in mid February this year - at least six weeks earlier than the previous earliest date of March 18 - in 1936. The ice that brought in the large numbers of Harp seals and their pups was blown in from the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Mike Lushington NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Tracking the Return of COMMON GRACKLES From: "H.H. (Hank) Scarth" <hhs AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 16:50:37 -0800 With the help of fellow subscribers, I would like to plot the return dates of COMMON GRACKLES [Quiscale bronzé] in New Brunswick this spring. Each year, I am astounded with how, at least to my observations, these birds return to the same areas on the same dates.  Depending on where we have lived in NB or PEI, those dates seem to be between March 20 and March 28.  No doubt there is some weather or snow-cover affect but I am of the impression that these are not the main drivers.  Day length is evidently the key migration driver as they seem little deterred by snow cover in years of significant cover. I would be most grateful for reports of the first sightings around the province.   Based on returns received, I will attempt to plot the timing graphically and will share results with one-and-all. As such, could you please send me your initial sightings of flocks of returning grackles, noting the location and date?   For my purposes, I would like to hear principally about the first "flocks" as opposed to individual birds (although reports on these outliers will also inform my little study). Thank you in advance to all who send reports!   Hank Scarth 9 Goldie Court  Rothesay, NB  PPlease, consider the environment before printing this e-mail NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Re: ICE OUT, DUCKS IN From: "J.Day-Elgee" <kinglet AT XPLORNET.CA> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 20:17:16 -0400 I was down to check out the St. John River near Oak Point, but on the Long Reach side, yesterday afternoon, and I was amazed to find that a group of 3 or 4 dozen ducks had already moved in to the opened waters. Each spring many Greater Scaup, Common Golden-eye and (a few) Lesser Scaup gather here in March, sometimes numbering in the thousands, but this is also the earliest I have ever seen them start to arrive. Jennifer Day-Elgee, Kingston, NB Gina wrote: > The ice went mostly out in the Kennebecasis at Hampton last night (the > earliest I can remember), and already this morning, ducks had moved > in. A pair of Common Goldeneyes paddled among the ice chunks. I also > thought I could hear a loon calling through today's howling wind, but > it may only have been a disconsolate dog. > > Harvey McLeod > Hampton > > NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html > Foire aux questions de NatureNB > http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html > > NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Re: ICE OUT, DUCKS IN From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 18:12:31 -0400 A couple of GOLDENEYES on the Hammond as well although most of the Hammond next to the Hammond River Rd remains pretty well ice jammed . A few days ago there were MALLARDS there . I drove out the Neck Rd today and was surprised at the amt of open water along the Kennebecasis . Joanne Savage Quispamsis NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Re: ICE OUT, DUCKS IN From: "J.Day-Elgee" <kinglet AT XPLORNET.CA> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 17:48:40 -0400 I was down to check out the St. John River near Oak Point on the Long Reach side yesterday afternoon, and I was amazed to find a group of 3 or 4 dozen ducks had already moved in to the opened waters. Each spring, the Greater Scaup, Common Golden-eye and some Lesser Scaup gather here in March, sometimes in the thousands, but this is also the earliest I have ever seen them start to arrive. Jennifer Day-Elgee, Kingston, NB Gina wrote: > The ice went mostly out in the Kennebecasis at Hampton last night (the earliest I can remember), and already this morning, ducks had moved in. A pair of Common Goldeneyes paddled among the ice chunks. I also thought I could hear a loon calling through today's howling wind, but it may only have been a disconsolate dog. > > Harvey McLeod > Hampton > > NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html > Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html > > NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Blackbirds - late report From: K Gigeroff <kgigeroff AT YAHOO.CA> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 13:45:16 -0800 I forgot to report two Red-winged Blackbirds seen here in Gagetown on Feb. 25th (thought I had emailed but obviously I didn't). They were near the special care home on Tilley Road and haven't been seen since as far as I know. Very early, I don't know if it's record early for here but still, I was very surprised. Kier __________________________________________________________________ The new Internet Explorer® 8 - Faster, safer, easier. Optimized for Yahoo! Get it Now for Free! at http://downloads.yahoo.com/ca/internetexplorer/ NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: ICE OUT, DUCKS IN From: Gina <lyons AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 17:37:15 -0400 The ice went mostly out in the Kennebecasis at Hampton last night (the earliest I can remember), and already this morning, ducks had moved in. A pair of Common Goldeneyes paddled among the ice chunks. I also thought I could hear a loon calling through today's howling wind, but it may only have been a disconsolate dog. Harvey McLeod Hampton NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Nature Moncton's Information Line 04 March, 2010 (Thursday)] From: Alma White <almaw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 15:21:17 -0400 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Alma I also have 1 sisken in a flock of 40 plus Gold finch!! Jim Brown Knightville ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alma White" To: Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 9:44 AM Subject: [NATURENB] Nature Moncton's Information Line 04 March, 2010 (Thursday) > NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE > Edited by :Janet MacMillan: > Transcript by : Alma White > Info Line # : 384-NEWS (6397) > > To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of > this transcript and to the information line editor. > > For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since > 1962], contact our Vice- President, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197, or visit our > web site at http://naturemoncton.org . > > Thursday morning,04 March, 2010 > > **Dale Gaskin reports that on Wednesday morning around 9.55 he was driving > on the Old Shediac Road at the corner of the Harrisville Blvd. and the Old > Shediac Road. To the E there is a small pond where Dale observed a group > of MALLARDS [Canard colvert] and a male LONG-TAILED DUCK (formerly > Oldsquaw) [Harelde kakawi]. > > **Doreen Rossiter in Alma leaves this report about some arrivals in her > yard. On Saturday a SONG SPARROW [Bruant chanteur] arrived, on Wednesday a > couple of AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique] appeared. Doreen comments > that on Wednesday a flock of 8 DOWNY WOODPECKERS [Pic mineur], mixed > female and male, came to her yard. Doreen had never seen or had a flock of > woodpeckers come like this. > > ** Roger Leblanc reports he is seeing some signs of spring around his > Henry Street home in Moncton. He is hearing the mournful song of the male > MOURNING DOVE [Tourterelle triste] and is getting BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES > [Mésange à tête noire]. A sure sign of spring for Roger was when he heard > the singing of a HOUSE FINCH [Roselin familier]. > > **Yolande Leblanc in Memramcook reports that on Wednesday she had one PINE > SISKIN [Tarin des pins] travelling with the AMERICAN GOLDFINCH > [Chardonneret jaune] in her yard. This is the first PINE SISKIN she has > had in her yard this winter. On Tuesday some BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu] > arrived. Yolande comments that she does not see BLUE JAYS very often at > her feeders. > > Janet MacMillan, > Naturemoncton. > > > > > > > NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html > Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Crossbills and more in Northwest From: Roy & Charlotte LaPointe <birdyard AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 12:11:37 -0400 I made a whirlwind tour around the block yesterday.... well kind of a large block from St.Leonard to Plaster Rock then northeast east along the Tobique River valley to Mount Carleton PP, west to St.Quentin then down Route 17 back home, a total distance of 249 km. No, not on foot but by pick-up. The aim of the trip was to find WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS in Atlas squares where they were still missing and maybe some Red Crossbills. Turned out to be a successfull venture resulting in WWCR being added to 7 squares and the breeding evidence increased in 3 other squares. This trapezoidal route cuts through 24 Atlas squares in 3 Atlas regions, regions 2, 4 and 5. I also added COMMON RAVEN to 1 square but found no RED CROSSBILLS. Along the way I also saw a few other species; hundreds of BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, PURPLE FINCHES, AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, a pair of WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, 2 BALD EAGLES, a few EUROPEAN STARLINGS and CROWS, 2 small groups of EVENING GROSBEAKS at feeders (the first I've seen all winter), 1 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, 1 GRAY JAY, 1 DOWNY WOODPECKER, 3 PINE GROSBEAKS and surprisingly, only 2 BOREAL CHICKADEES. It was a beautiful sunny day with very light winds. Snow cover in the Tobique Valley is patchy at best with some fields completely bare. At higher elevations the snow was no more than 2 feet deep (60cm). Unusual for this neck of the woods at this time of year. Roy LaPointe St.Leonard, Madawaska Co., NB (506) 423-1900 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Black-backed Woodpecker From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 11:10:20 -0400 March 3 Jim Leslie found evidence of ongoing winter feeding by a BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER in the Bancroft Road woods area of Grand Harbour. He could hear the bird calling but had a dog with him and did not see it. I was going to try to get photographs this morning, but it is way too windy so I will try tomorrow morning if the wind dies down. Roger Burrows Ingalls Head Grand Manan NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Recent observations From: Merv Cormier <mervcormier AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 10:48:47 -0400 From Merv in Saint John: On Tuesday while out birding with Sue, Joanne and Carol, I observed at least 4 Tufted Titmice; what was interesting was the fact they were out looking for a potential nesting hole checking out all right sized holes around the Maples and Oak trees along PARR and CARLETON, and EDWARD AND WILLIAM Streets they were also singing very heartily and showing signs of mating. LOOKING GOOD. Must not forget also that at BEAVER HARBOUR we saw 2 HARLEQUIN DUCKS flying in and landing, they stayed around until we left; also observed there was a RED NECKED GREBE in almost full Summer Plumage. Although it's early in March, birds are getting the itch. _________________________________________________________________ Take your contacts everywhere http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712959 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Nature Moncton's Information Line 04 March, 2010 (Thursday) From: Alma White <almaw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 09:44:44 -0400 NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by :Janet MacMillan: Transcript by : Alma White Info Line # : 384-NEWS (6397) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of this transcript and to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], contact our Vice- President, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197, or visit our web site at http://naturemoncton.org . Thursday morning,04 March, 2010 **Dale Gaskin reports that on Wednesday morning around 9.55 he was driving on the Old Shediac Road at the corner of the Harrisville Blvd. and the Old Shediac Road. To the E there is a small pond where Dale observed a group of MALLARDS [Canard colvert] and a male LONG-TAILED DUCK (formerly Oldsquaw) [Harelde kakawi]. **Doreen Rossiter in Alma leaves this report about some arrivals in her yard. On Saturday a SONG SPARROW [Bruant chanteur] arrived, on Wednesday a couple of AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique] appeared. Doreen comments that on Wednesday a flock of 8 DOWNY WOODPECKERS [Pic mineur], mixed female and male, came to her yard. Doreen had never seen or had a flock of woodpeckers come like this. ** Roger Leblanc reports he is seeing some signs of spring around his Henry Street home in Moncton. He is hearing the mournful song of the male MOURNING DOVE [Tourterelle triste] and is getting BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES [Mésange à tête noire]. A sure sign of spring for Roger was when he heard the singing of a HOUSE FINCH [Roselin familier]. **Yolande Leblanc in Memramcook reports that on Wednesday she had one PINE SISKIN [Tarin des pins] travelling with the AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret jaune] in her yard. This is the first PINE SISKIN she has had in her yard this winter. On Tuesday some BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu] arrived. Yolande comments that she does not see BLUE JAYS very often at her feeders. Janet MacMillan, Naturemoncton. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Re: Nature Moncton's Information Line 03, March, 2010 (Wednesday) From: Merv Cormier <mervcormier AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 14:11:12 -0400 From Merv in Saint John: I took a photo Sunday of a Mallard with an off-white leg band at Lilly lake in Saint John. for the record. > Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 13:49:31 -0400 > From: almaw AT NBNET.NB.CA > Subject: [NATURENB] Nature Moncton's Information Line 03, March, 2010 (Wednesday) > To: NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA > > NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE > Edited by :Janet MacMillan: > Transcript by : Alma White > Info Line # : 384-NEWS (6397) > > To respond by e-mail, please address your message to both the poster of > this transcript and to the information line editor. > > For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since > 1962], contact our Vice- President, Dale Gaskin at 734-2197, or visit > our web site at http://naturemoncton.org . > > Wednesday Afternoon, 03 March, 2010. > > **Dale Gaskin reports his Dawson Settlement yard feeders were a hub of > activity on Tuesday with lots of BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu] and BLACK-CAPPED > CHICKADEE [Mésange à tête noire], 100+ AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret > jaune] and many DARK-EYED JUNCOS [Junco ardoisé]. Dale comments that > this is the first time this winter that he has had the DARK-EYED JUNCOS > at the feeders. He has also seen a few RED CROSSBILLS [Bec-croisé des > sapins] and WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS [Bec-croisé bifascié] feeding on > grit along the roadsides on Route 114 between Dawson Settlement and > Hillsborough. > > ** Ann Marsch on Dryden Street in Lower Coverdale reports her yard has > been very busy. Paying a visit to the feeders are BLUE JAYS, > BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, MOURNING DOVES [Tourterelle > triste] 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH [Sittelle à poitrine rousse] and 1 SONG > SPARROW [Bruant chanteur] . She has a group of MALLARDS [Canard colvert] > coming to cracked corn on the ground. Some of these ducks have silver > leg bands but she isn't able to get any numbers from them. She wonders > who has banded them. Ann also has several GREY SQUIRRELS in the yard and > has also observed 3 juvenile BALD EAGLES [Pygargue à tête blanche] in > Lower Coverdale near the church. > > Janet MacMillan, > Naturemoncton. > > > > > > > NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html > Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html _________________________________________________________________ Take your contacts everywhere http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9712959 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html