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3 Feb Re: Mystery Flocks [Mary Majka ] 3 Feb Robins and Hermit Thrush Today [Jim Wilson ] 3 Feb Mystery Flocks [Harry scarth ] 3 Feb Grand Manan birds [Roger Burrows ] 3 Feb Barrow's Goldeneye [ron m ] 3 Feb SAVANNAH SPARROW [Harry scarth ] 3 Feb Rusty Blackbirds [Harry scarth ] 3 Feb Weather Statistics Reformated [Bill Winsor ] 3 Feb NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, February 3, 2012 (Friday) [Bill Winsor ] 3 Feb Re: Bohemian Waxwings [Becky Stewart ] 3 Feb More WT Sparrows ["fundyhiking xplornet.ca" ] 3 Feb Re: Bohemian Waxwings [Vexus vexus ] 2 Feb FW: birds at feeder [Joan Pearce ] 2 Feb Re: Bohemian Waxwings [Todd Watts ] 2 Feb Bohemian Waxwings [Harry Scarth ] 2 Feb birds at feeder [Don Gibson ] 2 Feb Birds Around Saint John Today [Jim Wilson ] 2 Feb one Robin [Margaret Doyle ] 2 Feb Turkey Vulture [Joanne savage ] 2 Feb NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE February 2nd 2012 (Thursday) [Alma White ] 1 Feb Robins ["kathierodger xplornet.ca" ] 1 Feb Fw: NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE February 1, 2012. (Wednesday) [Nelson Poirier ] 1 Feb NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE February 1, 2012. (Wednesday) [Alma White ] 1 Feb Tonight's Maritimes Butterfly Atlas presentation in Fredericton cancelled [John Klymko ] 31 Jan Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert, Jan 23-29, 2012 [David Christie ] 31 Jan Grand Manan birds, inc. HORNED GREBE [Roger Burrows ] 30 Jan Maritimes Butterfly Atlas presentation - Fredericton February 1 [John Klymko ] 30 Jan Re: Southern Wolf Island protected [Jim Wilson ] 30 Jan Re: Purple Finches [Roger Burrows ] 30 Jan Purple Finches [Laraine Townsend ] 30 Jan Re: Signs of approaching spring [Roger Burrows ] 30 Jan Signs of approaching spring [Ian Cameron ] 30 Jan Re: new species for this winter [Roger Burrows ] 30 Jan new species for this winter [Joanne savage ] 30 Jan Two Carolina Wrens at feeder [Don Gibson ] 30 Jan Rusty Blackbirds [Joanne savage ] 30 Jan NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, January 30, 2012 (Monday) [Catherine ] 30 Jan Southern Wolf Island protected [Laurie Murison ] 29 Jan Sharp-shin [Laraine Townsend ] 29 Jan NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, January 29, 2012 (Sunday) [David Christie ] 28 Jan snow buntings [Dianne Mcfarlane ] 28 Jan photo of Towee [Irene Doyle ] 28 Jan EASTERN TOWEE [Margaret Doyle ] 28 Jan Castalia & Woodwards Cove birds, inc. HOODED MERGANSER [Roger Burrows ] 28 Jan NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, January 28, 2012 (Saturday) [David Christie ] 28 Jan at home today [Joanne savage ] 28 Jan Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert, Jan 16-22, 2012 [David Christie ] 27 Jan Re: Articles for the NB Naturalist [Janet MacMillan ] 27 Jan birders and the night sky [Joanne savage ] 27 Jan Return of WT Sparrows et al ["fundyhiking xplornet.ca" ] 27 Jan Re: Rusty Blackbird [Joanne savage ] 27 Jan Rusty Blackbird [Joanne savage ] 27 Jan Waxwings at Fredericton [Don Gibson ] 27 Jan NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, January 27, 2011 (Friday) [Bill Winsor ] 26 Jan Kouchibouguac birds and mammals [Deana Gadd ] 26 Jan Grand Manan & White Head birds, inc. AMERICAN WIGEON, HARLEQUIN DUCK, PURPLE SANDPIPER, THICK-BILLED MURRE, RAZORBILL & LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL [Roger Burrows ] 26 Jan birding in FNP and area [Catherine ] 26 Jan NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE [Alma White ] 26 Jan many skeins of alcids off Grand Manan [Laurie Murison ] 26 Jan update on chat [Joan Pearce ] 25 Jan Alcids and other waterbirds at Green's Point, Charlotte County [Stuart Tingley ] 25 Jan Red-bellied Woodpecker, Robins [Popma ] 25 Jan Need high quality images of Upper Salmon (Alma) River & Big Salmon River [Thomas Moffatt ] 25 Jan Castalia Marsh birds, inc. GREAT BLUE HERON & NORTHERN HARRIER [Roger Burrows ] 25 Jan NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE [Alma White ] 24 Jan Re: Yelllow-throated Warbler [Joanne savage ] 24 Jan NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, January 24, 2011 (Tuesday) [Bill Winsor ] 24 Jan Yelllow-throated Warbler [Merv Cormier ] 23 Jan Brown Thrasher Reappears at Quispamsis [Jim Wilson ] 23 Jan Red-tailed Hawk/Rusty Blackbirds [Joanne savage ] 23 Jan Mink at The Musguash Power Station [Paul Clark ] 23 Jan NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, January 23, 2012 (Monday) [Catherine ] 23 Jan thrush [Beverley Schneider ] 23 Jan WT Sparrow numbers ["fundyhiking xplornet.ca" ] 23 Jan Black Ducks [Irene Doyle ] 22 Jan Robins [Irene Doyle ] Subject: Re: Mystery Flocks From: Mary Majka <maryspt AT MAC.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 20:16:46 -0400 Hi Hank and Carolyn, " Off The cuff " I would suggest this is not a mystery ! The birds you observed were birds that are there usually in great numbers because very close to Penobsquis there is a huge "Composting Operation " !! We have observed great number of birds there every time we pass through this area (which is quite frequently). We see often big flocks of Gulls, Pigeons , Starlings, etc milling around especially since there are also quite a few Eagles present, also Crows and Ravens. My suspicion is that's what you observed ! Because of the recent snow, numbers of birds I am sure have increased and 1000 would not be unreasonable at all ! ,,,,Mary. .. Sent from my iPad 2 Mary Majka Mary's Point, Harvey, Albert Co., N.B. E4H 2M9 On 2012-02-03, at 4:35 PM, Harry scarth wrote: > This afternoon at about 2:30, we were driving north on the four lane between Penobsquis and Petitcodiac. Off to the west we observed an assemblage of flocks of birds in what, in any other season, would be clearly migration. > > The numbers of birds was extraordinary. We did our best to come up with a number but the sheer size of the flocks made that difficult. Wanting to avoid any risk of exageration, we will say there were at least 1,000. They were flying northward at a high enough altitude to suggest they weren't local flocks. They were in about 15-20 flocks in both tight and lose V formations and together stretched out for perhaps a kilometer (again, a modest estimate). > > Their size and wing beat cadence suggest they were not geese. Colouration was lightish. > > We were unable to get any closer and they quickly disappeared toward the north. > > We are mystified as to what we witnessed! Any suggestions? > > Naturalists in the Petitcodiac-Moncton-Shediac areas should keep an eye out! > > Hank and Carolyn Scarth > > Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network > > 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: Robins and Hermit Thrush Today From: Jim Wilson <jgw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 19:40:45 -0400 This morning I heard a ROBIN calling, just down the road from our property at Hammond River. This is the first one I've encountered in our area this winter. Yesterday I saw my first Bohemian Waxwings at Hammond River and today my first Robin. Perhaps some of the birds that have been feeding in southeast NB this winter are beginning to move in search of food and are finding what they want down here. Later this morning I found two more ROBINS and a HERMIT THRUSH feeding on barberries on Fisherman's Lane, on the west side of Saint John. There are many barberry bushes there, still laden with fruit. 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: Mystery Flocks From: Harry scarth <hhs AT rogers.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 20:35:49 +0000 This afternoon at about 2:30, we were driving north on the four lane between Penobsquis and Petitcodiac. Off to the west we observed an assemblage of flocks of birds in what, in any other season, would be clearly migration. The numbers of birds was extraordinary. We did our best to come up with a number but the sheer size of the flocks made that difficult. Wanting to avoid any risk of exageration, we will say there were at least 1,000. They were flying northward at a high enough altitude to suggest they weren't local flocks. They were in about 15-20 flocks in both tight and lose V formations and together stretched out for perhaps a kilometer (again, a modest estimate). Their size and wing beat cadence suggest they were not geese. Colouration was lightish. We were unable to get any closer and they quickly disappeared toward the north. We are mystified as to what we witnessed! Any suggestions? Naturalists in the Petitcodiac-Moncton-Shediac areas should keep an eye out! Hank and Carolyn Scarth Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network 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: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 15:29:06 -0400 February 3 Castalia Feeders 08:00-09:15 & 13:45-15:00 5 Mourning Doves, 25 American Goldfinches; no woodpeckers today. Grand Harbour 09:45-10:00 262 American Black Ducks, 7+ Mallards, 5+ Buffleheads Ragged Point 11:20-11:25 24 American Black Ducks, 140 Common Eiders, White-winged Scoter pair, male Long-tailed Duck, 4 Common Goldeneyes, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers Castalia Marsh 11:30-11:50 32 Brants, 257 American Black Ducks Roger Burrows Castalia 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: Barrow's Goldeneye From: ron m <ron_m321 AT yahoo.ca> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:39:23 -0800 There is a male Barrow's Goldeneye in the St. Stephen Sewage Lagoon and has apparently been there for a few weeks as Bill Nelson mentioned it back then.  You can access the lagoons during working hours Monday to Fridays and today he was in the lower lagoon furthest from the gate.  The lagoon is off the Old Bay Rd the same road as the golf course is on.  One does not need a scope as a pair of bins work great as he is close enough.   Ron McGuire Tower Hill, 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: SAVANNAH SPARROW From: Harry scarth <hhs AT rogers.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:19:47 +0000 Also just south of Sussex on Hwy 121 at the farm just south of civic number 3441 was a very chipper SAVANNAH SPARROW, a SONG SPARROW and above and close to the road perched in a maple, a RED-TAILED HAWK. Along this road this morning we have also seen SNOW BUNTINGS and BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS. Hank and Carolyn Scarth. Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Rusty Blackbirds From: Harry scarth <hhs AT rogers.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:43:09 +0000 At 1245 today, there were five RUSTY BLACKBIRDS feeding on corn stalks on hwy 121 just south of Sussex and just south of civic number 3252. Hank Scarth Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Weather Statistics Reformated From: Bill Winsor <bwinsor44 AT YAHOO.CA> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 07:31:29 -0800 The List Server has chosen to do its own version of formations today.  I will make a second attempt at presenting the weather statistics in Tabular Format: ( It looks okay when it was sent from the email editor.) ** Bob Blake compares some very interesting weather statistics to compare January, 2011 with January, 2012.  Bob takes morning temperatures daily from his Second North River location.  We all remember the harsh snow falls last year, however it is interesting to note the rainfall amounts and temperatures were quite similar for the two months even though many of us felt January this year was warmer, it really wasn’t, just much less snow. Weather Statistics January 2011 January 2012   Days at or below -10C 14 days 15 daysMinimum Daily Temperature -24 C         -21 CDays Above -10C 16 days 16 daysMaximum Daily Temperature +5 C         +3 C   Snow         147  cm 40 cmRain                 13 mm 16mm Nelson Poirier Nature Moncton   Please, 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: NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, February 3, 2012 (Friday) From: Bill Winsor <bwinsor44 AT YAHOO.CA> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 07:22:49 -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 the information line editor.   For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], visit the web site at http://naturemoncton.org or contact our president John Foster at 384-7212. For membership inquiries, contact Shirley Hunt .   Friday Morning, February 3, 2012   ** David and Anita Cannon who live on the Ammon Road near the Irishtown Road get visits from a WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH [Sittelle à poitrine blanche] intermittently to their feeders taking peanut flavoured suet and black-oil sunflower seeds.  The White-breasted Nuthatch is not a common feeder bird in the Moncton area; however, there is an area of large deciduous trees in the Cannons’ area that makes for suitable White-breasted Nuthatch habitat.  Kevin and Jean Renton have spotted a pair of White-breasted Nuthatch in the Sugar Bush area further up in this area towards Stilesville.  The Cannons’ get both RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHS [Sittelle à poitrine rousse] and White-breasted Nuthatch coming to their feeders, as some conifer tree areas are in their area as well which the Red-breasted Nuthatches use as habitat for their cone foraging preferences.   ** John Oldham joins the swelling group hosting yard AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique].  John had two Robins arrive to his Carroll Street yard, off McLaughlin Road as well as a flock of ten to twelve BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS [Jaseur boréal].  John also comments on lots of AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret jaune] tenets at the moment.   ** Great to hear from Rosemary MacAulay that the YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT [Paruline polyglotte] was still very much present and appearing content on Thursday morning in her 28 Bessborough Avenue yard.  It’s handled some very cold periods so hopefully it will continue during the present cold with some powdery insulating snow to help.  Rosemary comments the NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD [Moqueur polyglotte] has not been seen for the past few days, however it does have a circuit that it travels.  Rosemary still has a SONG SPARROW [Bruant chanteur] present, lots of BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE [Mésange à tête noire] and a raucous grout of Starlings that have started coming to demolish suet supplies that scares other birds away with their behaviour when they arrive.   ** Doreen Rossiter had six Waxwings arrive to her Alma yard on Wednesday Morning to glean clinging high-bush cranberry fruit.  She was surprised to find that all six were CEDAR WAXWINGS [Jaseur d'Amérique].  Doreen’s female EASTERN TOWHEE [Tohi à flancs roux] and female NORTHERN CARDINAL [Cardinal rouge] continue to be regular visitors and a half dozen AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique] have dropped by as well.   ** Norm Mulock comments on the abundance of bird visitors to his yard near Jones Lake near Moncton’s West End not far from Rosemary MacAulay and myself.  A cock RING-NECKED PHEASANT [Faisan de Colchide] visits, many AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret jaune] , a few BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu] and several BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES [Mésange à tête noire] with five AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique] visiting a yard Crab Tree.  The number of American Robins circulating in the Jones Lake area is quite notable at the moment.  Norm s that a neighbour on Westmount Boulevard had fifty American Robins quickly stripped a nearby mountain ash of its fruit.  Norm’s brother-in-law in Sussex has a pair of NORTHERN CARDINAL [Cardinal rouge] as daily regulars; hopefully part of a troop that is working their way to Moncton.   ** Bob Blake compares some very interesting weather statistics to compare January, 2011 with January, 2012.  Bob takes morning temperatures daily from his Second North River location.  We all remember the harsh snow falls last year, however it is interesting to note the rainfall amounts and temperatures were quite similar for the two months even though many of us felt January this year was warmer, it really wasn’t, just much less snow.   Weather Statistics January 2011 January 2012       Days at or below -10C 14 days 15 days Minimum Daily Temperature -24 C -21 C Days Above -10C 16 days 16 days Maximum Daily Temperature +5 C +3 C       Snow 147  cm 40 cm Rain 13 mm 16mm   ** Kevin Renton comments on a fluttering MOTH he noticed between two panes of glass of a house window on Wednesday.  Kevin has that specimen and is waiting for confirmation of its identification.   Kevin reports that the birds are in force this morning, already with SNOW BUNTINGS [Bruant des neiges], 15 EVENING GROSBEAKS [Gros-bec errant], DARK-EYED JUNCOS [Junco ardoisé] at ten, AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS [Bruant hudsonien] at eight and lots more regulars.   ** Nature Moncton Newsletter Editor Gilles Bourque advises that the deadline for the February 2012 Newsletter will be today, Friday February 3rd.  Gilles always also appreciates photo contributions and any notices or items of interest.  Send submissions to Gilles via email at: laverda AT nbnet.nb.ca or phone Gilles directly at 387-8372.   Nelson Poirier Nature Moncton   Please, 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: Bohemian Waxwings From: Becky Stewart <bstewart AT BSC-EOC.ORG> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 08:59:31 -0500 There was a small flock of Bohemian Waxwings in the Waterfowl Park at the beginning of the week (before we were snowed under). Becky Stewart Atlantic Program Manager/Gestionnaire des programmes atlantiques Bird Studies Canada/Études d'Oiseaux Canada P.O. Box/ B.P. 6227 17 Waterfowl Lane/ 17 ruelle Waterfowl Sackville, NB E4L 1G6 Phone/Tel: 506-364-5047 bstewart AT bsc-eoc.org www.birdscanada.org Many Chimney Swifts spend the night in school chimneys, thus creating a unique opportunity to engage children and educators in swift protection. Support BSC's project Students for a "swift" recovery.  Visit www.fuellingchange.com to find out more and VOTE for this important conservation initiative. -----Original Message----- From: NatureNB [mailto:NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA] On Behalf Of Todd Watts Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 6:25 PM To: NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA Subject: Re: Bohemian Waxwings I too have only seen one group of Bohemians(25) this year, but have not been out very much. These birds landed in the wind-brake next to my home. A group of 35 Snow Bunting are currently taking advantage of some new habitat along highway 1 in Bocabec. Todd Watts Bocabec, NB On 2-Feb-12, at 6:06 PM, Harry Scarth wrote: > At last, after a good number of days in the field since the turn of > the > year, we found four BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS on the Long Reach of the > Kingston > Peninsula. Also noted was a flock of some 65 SNOW BUNTINGS. > > > > > > Hank and Carolyn Scarth > > Rothesay, 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 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 WT Sparrows From: "fundyhiking xplornet.ca" <fundyhiking AT XPLORNET.CA> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 06:56:36 -0400 The troupe of White-throated Sparrow have swelled to over 30 birds, there are also many DE Junco mixed among them making it hard to get a definitive count. That and having two seperate feeding areas make it difficult. There was also a group of 20 Bohemian Waxwing that perused the yard yesterday but continued elsewhere. With all the sparrow activity I hear the first note or two of their song, just starting to warm up. Also BC Chickadees have been doing their spring 3 note call. Goldfinch, RB Nuthatch, GC Kinglet and 40+ Mourning Dove round out the feeder birds. Ted Sears St.Martins 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: Bohemian Waxwings From: Vexus vexus <epitetj AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 01:45:55 -0800 During the storm on Wednesday we had a flock of Bohemian Waxwings land in one of our maple trees, there looked to be around 20 to 30 of them, after they left I was washing dishes and was looking out the window and seen that the last of the Mountain ash berries were no longer there, they cleaned dry........ Man they are such a beautiful bird Mary Lower Shinimicas, NS ________________________________ From: Harry Scarth To: NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA Sent: Thursday, February 2, 2012 6:06:49 PM Subject: Bohemian Waxwings At last, after a good number of days in the field since the turn of the year, we found four BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS on the Long Reach of the Kingston Peninsula.  Also noted was a flock of some 65 SNOW BUNTINGS. Hank and Carolyn Scarth Rothesay, 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: FW: birds at feeder From: Joan Pearce <pearcer AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:51:58 -0400 Like Don Gibson, I had an absolutely almost perfect day to day birding in my yard in the comfort of my house. I looked out my kitchen window to see about a dozen robins doing great acrobatics trying to get tiny rose hips off my neighbour's (we share a yard) wild climbing rose. Getting out my binoculars I was surprised to see a Bohemian waxwing in the bush with them, almost completely upside down trying to get some food. Another scan and there was also a ruffed grouse feeding in the bush. Underneath my feeders and also at the feeders to-day were 4 blue jay, 15 juncos, 2 song sparrows, one white throated sparrow chicadees, 23 mourning doves, all three woodpeckers, female red-bellied, downey, hairy, 2pairs of cardinals, crows, 4 starlings a flock of American goldfinch and 3 red squirrels,. I left for the afternoon and on my return there were 3 ruffed grouse underneath my climbing rose that climbs through a pine tree. There was no sign of the yellow breasted chat to-day or yesterday but it was seen all day the 31st. There was a northern shrike on the 31st. no gray squirrels to-day but 5 yesterday in the storm. Joan Pearce 3452 Pelton Road, Saint John 652-1551 -----Original Message----- From: NatureNB [mailto:NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA] On Behalf Of Don Gibson Sent: February 2, 2012 5:38 PM To: NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA Subject: birds at feeder VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED For those of you who have had a disappointing winter at your feeder, you may wish to skip the following message. On Tuesday, January 31, 2012, the following birds were observed at my feeders at the same time: a male and female NORTHERN CARDINAL (Cardinal rouge), a male RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Pic à ventre roux) and two CAROLINA WRENS (Troglodyte de Caroline). 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 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: Bohemian Waxwings From: Todd Watts <fishbird AT XPLORNET.CA> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:24:35 -0400 I too have only seen one group of Bohemians(25) this year, but have not been out very much. These birds landed in the wind-brake next to my home. A group of 35 Snow Bunting are currently taking advantage of some new habitat along highway 1 in Bocabec. Todd Watts Bocabec, NB On 2-Feb-12, at 6:06 PM, Harry Scarth wrote: > At last, after a good number of days in the field since the turn of > the > year, we found four BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS on the Long Reach of the > Kingston > Peninsula. Also noted was a flock of some 65 SNOW BUNTINGS. > > > > > > Hank and Carolyn Scarth > > Rothesay, 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: Bohemian Waxwings From: Harry Scarth <hhs AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:06:49 -0400 At last, after a good number of days in the field since the turn of the year, we found four BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS on the Long Reach of the Kingston Peninsula. Also noted was a flock of some 65 SNOW BUNTINGS. Hank and Carolyn Scarth Rothesay, 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: birds at feeder From: Don Gibson <gibsondg AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:37:53 -0400 VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED For those of you who have had a disappointing winter at your feeder, you may wish to skip the following message. On Tuesday, January 31, 2012, the following birds were observed at my feeders at the same time: a male and female NORTHERN CARDINAL (Cardinal rouge), a male RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER (Pic à ventre roux) and two CAROLINA WRENS (Troglodyte de Caroline). 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: Birds Around Saint John Today From: Jim Wilson <jgw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:04:08 -0400 Jean and I saw two TURKEY VULTURES this morning at about the same time as Joanne Savage saw hers. Ours were at nearby Nauwigewauk, just south of Hampton, soaring quite low over the road. I wonder just how many we have this winter locally - up to four have been seen together and perhaps this morning's three were a scattered part of that group. But I'll bet there are more. Anyway, a handful are apparently permanent residents now, here in Kings County. Jean and I also saw a large (female?) PEREGRINE FALCON this morning at Courtenay Bay in Saint John as well as a group of about 20 scaup (species?). There were another 30+ scaup near the Irving Paper Mill at Reversing Falls, several of them obviously GREATER SCAUP. I checked all the birds carefully for possible rarities (Tufted, Redhead, Canvasback) but no luck. On our drive home we found a flock of about 20 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS on the Hammond River Road near our home, the first I've seen anywhere this year. They've been pretty scarce in our area despite an abundance of berries and apples on many of our trees. A lone SONG SPARROW appeared at our feeders today. I had seen one very briefly on January 7th at the edge of our property but it never came in to the feeders. I expect the new snow has finally forced it here. Finally, our male CARDINAL was singing up a storm (not a real storm!) on the sunny side of our woodlot on the morning of January 30th, stimulated no doubt by the lengthening days. A report from the south, Jim Wilson -----Original Message----- From: NatureNB [mailto:NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA] On Behalf Of Joanne savage Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 11:24 AM To: NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA Subject: Turkey Vulture I noted a Turkey Vulture soaring very low as I drove up Roby's Rd at 10 AM. This bird represents 24 conecutive months of sightings of the species for me. 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 NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: one Robin From: Margaret Doyle <judo AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 13:14:16 -0400 Hello I was just looking outside a few minutes ago and I saw a ROBIN passing or flying from my back trees and out 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: Turkey Vulture From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:24:24 -0400 I noted a Turkey Vulture soaring very low as I drove up Roby's Rd at 10 AM. This bird represents 24 conecutive months of sightings of the species for me. 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 February 2nd 2012 (Thursday) From: Alma White <almaw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:15:09 -0400 Edited by : Nelson Poirier Transcript by : Alma White Info Line # : 384-NEWS (6397)> To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], visit the web site at http://naturemoncton.org or contact our president John Foster at 384-7212. For membership inquiries, contact Shirley Hunt at 386-8060. Thursday morning, February 2^nd **Susan Atkinson who lives on Courteney Street near the Pinehurst subdivision off Killam Drive behind the Coliseum had 30 to 40 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS [Jaseur boréal] arrive to start harvesting the clinging fruit on the yard crabapple tree on Wednesday. Susan expects them to return as the tree continues to be loaded with fruit. **Pearl Nowland joins the contented list of folks who are having AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique] drop by their yard. Pearl, who lives in Pleasant Vale, Albert Co. had 2 robins come by her yard on Wednesday to a crabapple tree. **We had our own robin surprise in our own Moncton yard. Five robins arrived to check out some very dried out winter-berry holly berries that had been used on the Christmas tree decorations. The fruit tray was right beside them but unfortunately was covered with snow when they arrived. I hope they check things again to day when the fruit selection is exposed. ** Bob and Sharon Blake had some unexpected seemingly spring behaviour in the midst of the day's snowstorm on Wednesday. Sharon heard the very sharp clear vocalizing of a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW [Bruant à gorge blanche] very much sounding like spring in the air. Bob also noted a HAIRY WOODPECKER [Pic chevelu] vocalizing and drumming a tree just as it would in early spring. Maybe these birds are aware of something that we are not. The days are getting longer. **Kevin Renton reports they had a pleasant new arrival at their Stilesville feeder yard with a flock of 20 SNOW BUNTINGS [Bruant des neiges] arriving to check the menu. What a nice sight that must have been to have the brilliant plumaged EVENING GROSBEAK [Gros-bec errant] flock in with equally striking snow buntings. **Anne Marsch had a NORTHERN GOSHAWK [Autour des palombes] come by her Lower Coverdale yard on Thursday and patiently waited before making an attempt on a MOURNING DOVE [Tourterelle triste] which it missed but returned back to the maple tree perch to patiently wait. Anne had 16 BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu] on Thursday which is 5 more than previous records at this time for her yard. The large flock of MALLARDS [Canard colvert] continues their visit. **Nature Moncton Newsletter editor Gilles Bourque advises the deadline for the February Newsletter will be tomorrow, Friday, February 3^rd . Gilles always appreciates some photo contributions and any notices or items of interest. Send submissions to Gilles via E-Mail at > or call Gilles directly at 387-8372. **Web master Bob Childs has placed a few items of interest on the Nature Moncton web-site. There are 2 close-up photos of the AMERICAN COOT [Foulque d'Amérique] that Jim Edsall and I saw close up in Dartmouth to show their tube-like extensions on the digits almost like looking like snow-shoes, the red eye and the markings of the shield and bill. Also there is a photo of one of Jim Edsall's carvings of a CHIMNEY SWIFT [Martinet ramoneur] which won 2^nd place in a world carving competition in the USA in the Decorative Life-size Wildfowl class at the advanced level. A beautiful piece of work that recently sold. Check out these photos at and click on "Hotshots". 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: Robins From: "kathierodger xplornet.ca" <kathierodger AT XPLORNET.CA> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 18:11:05 -0400 I went out at 4 this afternooon to start blowig snow and was greeted by a half dozen robins at the backyard feeder. They moved off down the lane to an apple tree with fruit still hanging but came back to the feeder as I passed by with the tractor. John Rodger Kiersteadville 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 February 1, 2012. (Wednesday) From: Nelson Poirier <nelson AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 10:43:37 -0400 The item below should be Dartmouth, not Douglas. Wish it was! Nelson > ** I spent some time with Jim Edsall checking out a few of the interesting > birds in the Douglas area at the moment on Monday. There is a COMMON > GALLINULE, formally called COMMON MOORHEN [Gallinule poule-d'eau] at the > Red Bridge Pond area. This bird seems to be contentedly overwintering in > the area adjacent a warm water outflow into a marshy area that is very > easily observed now with the vegetation died back. Some folks are putting > out food for it but it looks like it may do fine on its own by the way it > swims about. We also found an overwintering AMERICAN COOT [Foulque > d'Amérique] that sometimes is with the GALLINULE but on Monday was by the > dam at Lake Banook and cooperated by coming up on the land underneath > bridge we were on to see very clearly its unique tube-like projection on > its digits, the red on the facial shield and the bright red eye. Several > EURASIAN WIGEONS [Canard siffleur] were feeding on the grass banks of > Sullivan's Pond with AMERICAN WIGEONS [Canard d'Amérique], one we were > able to pick out as a female. A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT [Paruline polyglotte] > has been about the area near Sullivan's Pond as well but we were not able > to coax it out into view if it was indeed there. These spots are all > withing 5 minutes of each other and very worth checking out if in the > Dartmouth area. > > 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 > 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 February 1, 2012. (Wednesday) From: Alma White <almaw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 10:25:22 -0400 Edited by : Nelson Poirier Transcript by : Alma White Info Line # : 384-NEWS (6397)> To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], visit the web site at http://naturemoncton.org or contact our president John Foster at 384-7212. For membership inquiries, contact Shirley Hunt at 386-8060 Wednesday morning, February 1^st , 2012. ** An interesting AMERICAN ROBIN [Merle d'Amérique] observation from Bev Christie on the Isaiah Road. Bev had placed the berries from an asparagus bush in the yard lilac tree to decorate it and an American Robin arrived on Tuesday to sample them and has returned today for the same. Bev put out apples and oranges which so far the robin has turned its beak up at. **Kevin Renton advises a group of EVENING GROSBEAKS [Gros-bec errant] attending their Stilesville feeder yard remain faithful daily visitors. The evening grosbeak has been heard of very little this winter and this is the only feeder yard I am aware of that it is coming to regularly. The Rentons also had 5 robins drop by to glean the berries of a yard Canada Holly aka Winterberry holly bush. **It would appear like winter that seems to have basically held off for December and January will be arriving with February. Bird feeding yards could get quite lively over the next days. With February here a few Nature Moncton events are scheduled. Field Trip Coordinator Catherine Johnson has a bird feeder day scheduled for February 18^th , Saturday that is gaining lots of enthusiasm with the Nature Moncton monthly meeting to follow on Tuesday February 21.when retired RCMP member John Massey will share some eye-opener accounts of his career which included 8 years on wildlife conservation enforcement of the Migratory Bird Protection Act in the provinces of Quebec and NB. Other impromptu events and outings can happen at short notice and they will be announced on the Information Nature Line. ** I spent some time with Jim Edsall checking out a few of the interesting birds in the Douglas area at the moment on Monday. There is a COMMON GALLINULE, formally called COMMON MOORHEN [Gallinule poule-d'eau] at the Red Bridge Pond area. This bird seems to be contentedly overwintering in the area adjacent a warm water outflow into a marshy area that is very easily observed now with the vegetation died back. Some folks are putting out food for it but it looks like it may do fine on its own by the way it swims about. We also found an overwintering AMERICAN COOT [Foulque d'Amérique] that sometimes is with the GALLINULE but on Monday was by the dam at Lake Banook and cooperated by coming up on the land underneath bridge we were on to see very clearly its unique tube-like projection on its digits, the red on the facial shield and the bright red eye. Several EURASIAN WIGEONS [Canard siffleur] were feeding on the grass banks of Sullivan's Pond with AMERICAN WIGEONS [Canard d'Amérique], one we were able to pick out as a female. A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT [Paruline polyglotte] has been about the area near Sullivan's Pond as well but we were not able to coax it out into view if it was indeed there. These spots are all withing 5 minutes of each other and very worth checking out if in the Dartmouth area. 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: Tonight's Maritimes Butterfly Atlas presentation in Fredericton cancelled From: John Klymko <klymko AT YAHOO.CA> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 05:42:51 -0800 Hello all,  Tonight's monthly meeting of the Fredericton Nature Club where I was giving a  presentation on the Maritimes Butterfly Atlas is cancelled due to the weather.  Cheers, John Klymko Director - Maritimes Butterfly Atlas jklymko AT mta.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: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert, Jan 23-29, 2012 From: David Christie <maryspt AT MAC.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:06:57 -0400 From Maine Birds here are parts of Doug Hitchcox's transcript of the Maine Audubon Bird Alert. The entire transcript can be accessed at , and . -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert Reporting Period: January 23 - 29, 2012 Area: State of Maine Compilers: Doug Hitchcox Some Highlight Species Mentioned: American Wigeon [see Downeast] King Eider [Pine Pt., Portland, Jan. 27] Red-shouldered Hawk [Rome, Jan. 28] Red-headed Woodpecker [imm., Cushing Cenetery, Warren, since early Dec.] Fish Crow [ontinuing at Rockland] [western areas omitted] Penobscot Bay An adult BLACK-HEADED GULL continues to be seen around the MV Monhegan dock in Rockland as of the 28th. Two FISH CROWS continue to be reported in downtown Rockland, near the RSU 13 Schools Central Office. Downeast A DOVEKIE was found in Manset, near the Hinckley Boat Yard, on the 23rd and continued until the 29th. Continuing for the 5th year, a hybrid HOODED MERGANSER x COMMON GOLDENEYE was seen again in Southwest Harbor on the 23rd. A NORTHERN PINTAIL was found below the bridge in downtown Blue Hill on the 24th. Three AMERICAN WIGEON continue to be seen at the Somesville Pond on Mount Desert Island. On the 29th a THICK-BILLED MURRE was photographed in the channel from the harbor in Eastport. 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, inc. HORNED GREBE From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:10:37 -0400 January 31 Castalia Feeders 09:50-11:00 & 14:00-14:45 10 Mourning Doves, male Northern Cardinal, 3 American Goldfinches Ox Head & Brownville Road 15:10-15:50 26 American Black Ducks, 5 Common Eiders, 2 White-winged & 4 Black Scoters, 20 Buffleheads, 3 female Common Goldeneyes, 6 Mourning Doves Bancroft Point 16:00-16:15 3 HORNED GREBES, 12 American Black Ducks, male Mallard (Likely a hybrid), 390 Common Eiders, 4+ White-winged Scoters, 16 Long-tailed Ducks, 13 Common Goldeneyes, 7 Red-breasted Mergansers, 3 immature Bald Eagles, 3 Black Guillemots Roger Burrows Castalia 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: Maritimes Butterfly Atlas presentation - Fredericton February 1 From: John Klymko <klymko AT YAHOO.CA> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:06 -0800 Hello everyone,  I am doing a presentation highlighting the findings of the first two years of the Maritimes Butterfly Atlas. For details on the presentation, and information on other upcoming talks, see the atlas blog at http://maritimesbutterflyatlas.wordpress.com/. Hopefully the forecast will ease up for Wednesday so I can make the drive from Sackville! Cheers, John Klymko Director - Maritimes Butterfly Atlas jklymko AT mta.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: Re: Southern Wolf Island protected From: Jim Wilson <jgw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:44:13 -0400 Hi Laurie, That's great news! Thanks for the update. Best regards, Jim -----Original Message----- From: NatureNB [mailto:NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA] On Behalf Of Laurie Murison Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 10:14 AM To: NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA Subject: Southern Wolf Island protected Connors Bros. has donated Southern Wolf Island to Nature Trust NB: http://www.naturetrust.nb.ca/en/node/667 A great addition to protected islands in the Bay of Fundy and an important seabird area (and just off its shores, a great place to watch whales). Laurie Murison Grand Manan, NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html 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: Purple Finches From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:31:05 -0400 Interesting...only one has made it over to Grand Manan since Christmas, so there must be plenty of food on the north shore of the Bay of Fundy. Roger Burrows Castalia Grand Manan On Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 7:12 PM, Laraine Townsend wrote: > A flock of 60-70 purple finches were feeding on the side of the Upper > Waweig Road (east of St. Stephen) on Monday morning. > > Laraine Townsend > Waweig > > 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: Purple Finches From: Laraine Townsend <larainet598 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:12:33 -0400 A flock of 60-70 purple finches were feeding on the side of the Upper Waweig Road (east of St. Stephen) on Monday morning. Laraine Townsend Waweig 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: Signs of approaching spring From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:38:34 -0400 The Cardinals and Starlings here on Grand Manan know better...I haven't heard a single song yet, and even the local Chickadees are refraining from refraining for the most part! Roger Burrows Castalia Grand Manan On Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 4:25 PM, Ian Cameron wrote: > Another sign of spring’s approach, in addition to Joanne’s goldfinches > starting to go yellow. This morning our local CARDINAL was rocketing around > the neighbourhood in full song. The starlings are also singing quite > vigorously. Spring is only about 7 weeks away! > > Ian Cameron > Quispamsis > > 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: Signs of approaching spring From: Ian Cameron <icameron AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:25:07 -0400 Another sign of spring’s approach, in addition to Joanne’s goldfinches starting to go yellow. This morning our local CARDINAL was rocketing around the neighbourhood in full song. The starlings are also singing quite vigorously. Spring is only about 7 weeks away! Ian Cameron 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: new species for this winter From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:58:11 -0400 I have noticed that my goldfinches are starting to turn yellow. One male has also sprouted some black tips on its forehead and crown feathers. while other birds are much yellower on the throat and neck than other birds. Roger Burrows Castalia Grand Manan On Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 1:37 PM, Joanne savage wrote: > A handful of Pine Sisken have just turned up. I sure hope some > Redpolls will follow. I've missed having both species this year. > > It's interesting to watch the American Goldfinch at present. As > my scope is set up and ponted toward the Forsythia I am getting > great views of all species feeding there. Amer Goldfinch are starting > moult to breeding colors already. It seems to start with changes in the > throat area. One male is sporting a few bright yellow feathers on the > shoulder. Might our mild temps have a hand in this ? > > 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 > NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: new species for this winter From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:37:09 -0400 A handful of Pine Sisken have just turned up. I sure hope some Redpolls will follow. I've missed having both species this year. It's interesting to watch the American Goldfinch at present. As my scope is set up and ponted toward the Forsythia I am getting great views of all species feeding there. Amer Goldfinch are starting moult to breeding colors already. It seems to start with changes in the throat area. One male is sporting a few bright yellow feathers on the shoulder. Might our mild temps have a hand in this ? 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: Two Carolina Wrens at feeder From: Don Gibson <gibsondg AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:07:42 -0400 About a 30 minutes ago (Jan. 30) I observed two CAROLINA WRENS (Troglodyte de Caroline) at my feeder. Last year on Feb. 5, two Carolina Wrens appeared at my feeder and one or both were tallied at the feeder through February and March. From April until early November one or more were seen or heard frequently in the neighbourhood however from Nov. 4, 2011 until today not one had been witnessed at my feeder. Although never actually confirmed, I have strong suspicions that a pair produced young nearby last summer. To add to the story, I know of two Carolina Wrens visiting a feeder within a kilometre of my place. The obvious question would be - are they the same birds? Well that has already been answered. I called the lady to tell of my good luck and when she checked her feeder she had two wrens there at the same time. Stay tuned for the next WREN-DITION! 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: Rusty Blackbirds From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:45:29 -0400 The 2 Rusty Blackbirds continue to visit the Forsythia at the base of a Birch Tree at the end of the driveway. They are best predicted to visit early-mid morning, noon, and mid-late afternoon. Other yard species remain; Brown Creeper and Pileated unpredictable. Prior to last week's rain and their leaving some folks were interested in seeing them. My best suggestion would be: enter the driveway, turn and drive slowly to within 20-15 feet of the Forsythia and wait. The birds are used to vehicles. If I am home, folks are welcome to come in. My scope is set up in the livingroom window. Joanne Savage 30 Roby's Rd [ off Hammond River Rd ] 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, January 30, 2012 (Monday) From: Catherine <johnson2 AT XPLORNET.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:46:39 -0400 NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by : Nelson Poirier Transcript by: Catherine Johnson Info Line # 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], visit the web site at http://naturemoncton.org or contact our president John Foster at 384-7212. For membership inquiries contact Shirley Hunt . Monday morning, January 30, 2012 Jean-Paul and Stella LeBlanc noticed their Bouctouche feeder yard population swell as well. Their SONG SPARROW [Bruant chanteur] continues to be present and was joined by a RING-NECKED PHEASANT [Faisan de Colchide], AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS[Bruant hudsonien], lots of AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret jaune] and yes COMMON REDPOLLS [Sizerin flammé] arrived as well. This surely was a REDPOLL arrival weekend to feeder yards. Yolande LeBlanc also noted a surge of activity in her Memramcook feeder yard with the storm. A female NORTHERN FLICKER [Pic flamboyant] and the male RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER [Pic à ventre roux] quickly returned after a few days absence. A flock of approximately 50 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS [Jaseur boréal] dropped by briefly. Yolande suspects that they were most interested in a neighbor’s apple tree with a good supply of clinging winter fruit. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES [Sittelle à poitrine rousse] appeared and a surprising number of DARK-EYED JUNCOS [Junco ardoisé] and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES [Mésange à tête noire] but only a few AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. Lots of activity for Anne Marsch in her Lower Coverdale yard with the recent storm. On Sunday morning 70+ ducks arrived to check out the menu, very predominately MALLARDS [Canard colvert] with 7 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS [Canard noir], however 1 GREEN-WINGED TEAL [Sarcelle d'hiver] was accompanying them. The whole troop came within 6ft of where Anne was sitting. At least 2 of the MALLARDS are sporting silver leg bands. Also coming in were 1 COMMON GRACKLE [Quiscale bronzé], 4 DARK-EYED JUNCOS and up to 7 AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS. The RING-NECKED PHEASANT troop has increased to 11 with 3 females of the group now. Other expected regulars swelled the client list to an impressive number. Clarence Cormier updates at his active Grand-Digue feeder yard. Clarence comments the AMERICAN ROBIN [Merle d'Amérique] numbers are dropping significantly now that fruit supply is dwindling around his home only seeing 2-5 daily. A roving EUROPEAN STARLING [Étourneau sansonnet] troop is moving about a flock of approximately 100 going mostly to local fields to forage. AMERICAN GOLDFINCH have dropped some from 40 to approximately 30 recently but AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS seem to continue be gradually increase a few every week up to about 15+ now. The adult NORTHERN GOSHAWK [Autour des palombes] continues to make its rounds with 15 sightings of it now. MOURNING DOVES [Tourterelle triste] are not at all impressed down to a brave 2-3 daily now from a high of 40+. A lone adult PINE SISKIN [Tarin des pins] has come by to nyjer seed the past days which is a new species for Clarence’s yard. 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: Southern Wolf Island protected From: Laurie Murison <gmwhale AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:13:55 -0400 Connors Bros. has donated Southern Wolf Island to Nature Trust NB: http://www.naturetrust.nb.ca/en/node/667 A great addition to protected islands in the Bay of Fundy and an important seabird area (and just off its shores, a great place to watch whales). Laurie Murison Grand Manan, NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Sharp-shin From: Laraine Townsend <larainet598 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:41:51 -0400 Sunday morning I had a Sharp-shinned Hawk in my lilac bush, which is usually the refuge for the little birds when the hawk is around. My feeders are in and beside the bush. Needless to say, there was no sign of any other birds. He was about 5 feet away from the window so I had a great view. I have my usual chickadees, blue jays, American goldfinches, and mourning doves. I had one dark-eyed junco yesterday. Laraine Townsend Waweig, NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE, January 29, 2012 (Sunday) From: David Christie <maryspt AT MAC.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:09:27 -0400 NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by : Nelson Poirier Transcript by : David Christie Info Line # : 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], visit the web site at http://naturemoncton.org or contact our president John Foster at 384-7212. For membership inquiries contact Shirley Hunt . Sunday morning, January 29, 2012 ** Norm Belliveau had a flock of approximately 100 COMMON REDPOLLS [Sizerin flammé] arrive in his Scoudouc feeder yard on Saturday morning, with one readily distinguishable HOARY REDPOLL [Sizerin blanchâtre] among them. This is the first I am aware of a full flock of redpolls coming by a feeder yard locally. From Christmas Bird Counts and feeder reports it just doesn't seem to be a redpoll winter. This was forecast by Ron Pittaway in his yearly forecast on winter bird movements. [Despite the general situation, a large movement of redpolls was observed last fall at the the mouth of the Saguenay River in Quebec. The total counted there had reach 14,000 by Oct. 31, and daily counts exceeded 5,000 on Nov. 4 and 7.] Norm also still has his faithful HERMIT THRUSH [Grive solitaire]. He went out to shovel off its feeding site on Saturday and had barely turned back to the house when the thrush that was obviously deep in the spruce tree dropped down for its fruit breakfast. Norm reports that he also has about 40 MOURNING DOVES [Tourterelle triste], lots of BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES [Mésange à tête noire] and BLUE JAYS [Geai bleu], two RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES [Sittelle à poitrine rousse], and HAIRY WOODPECKER [Pic chevelu] and DOWNY WOODPECKER [Pic mineur]. ** The fewer than normal number of redpolls we have are obviously thinking about feeder visits. There was a second report of redpolls on Saturday when Dave Christie had two COMMON REDPOLLS [Sizerin flammé], come to their Mary's Point feeders, joining 4 PINE SISKINS [Tarin des pins] that have been present than Jan. 21, and a flock of AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES [Chardonneret jaune] that have been regulars for a long time. [Transcriber's note: The redpolls have increased to about 25 this morning.] 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: snow buntings From: Dianne Mcfarlane <dianne.mcfarlane AT yahoo.ca> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:59:40 -0800     Seen my first flock of snow buntings on the Creek road in Waterford today. around 30 -40 Dianne McFarlane Waterford NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: photo of Towee From: Irene Doyle <snobunting AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:24:03 -0400 I've placed some photos of the Eastern Towee here : http://community.webshots.com/album/582133266MIfDAb Irene -------------------------------------------------------- When you have a minute check out my websites www.restimuse.org http://restigouche.net http://www.atholville.net http://www.restigouche.net/mysite http://stfidele.restigouche.net http://www.pierredamours.com http://johanne.restigouche.net http://www.ristigouchesudest.ca http://www.irene-doyle-family.restigouche.net http://genealogy.restigouche.net http://gloucester.restigouche.net NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: EASTERN TOWEE From: Margaret Doyle <judo AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:08:33 -0400 Hello Before Chrismax Anne a friend of mine had called me and said she had a OREGON JUNCO but we went the other day and we did see a junco but it landed and it flew right away and never came back today she had 3 juncos at her feeders. Today I called my sister Irene and said do you want to go and try to see that Oregon junco and I will bring my hunting tent camuflage with zippers on all sides and we sat in the little tent about 5x5 or 6x6 and we waited and a bird landed in the cedars and I said the rust on that bird and he landed on the ground and I said to Irene that is not a junco that is a TOWEE yes yes a TOWEE HOLY an EASTERN TOWEE it has more white on the side than in the books and I looked at the spotted towee but not as many white spots and there is the Pacific towee with very limited markings on wings and he has RED EYES Anne had that bird since the CBC started and she had called me but we did not put it on the birdcount as a TOWEE but a junco so there it is an other rare bird for our birdcount + the RED BELLIED WOODPECKER witch one are they going to tell us they have now WE ARE ON A ROLL ha ha ha never 2 without 3 lets go. 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: Castalia & Woodwards Cove birds, inc. HOODED MERGANSER From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:51:12 -0400 January 8 Castalia Feeders 11:00-13:00 8+ Mourning Doves, Northern Cardinal pair, 18 American Goldfinches Woodwards Cove: Shore Road 13:20-13:30 35 American Black Ducks, male Mallard, 3 female Common Eiders, 9 Common Goldeneyes, HOODED MERGANSER pair (Lobster Pound: likely the White Head Island birds) Ragged Point 1:40-1:45 Common Loon, 2 Red-necked Grebes, 92 American Black Ducks, male Mallard, 64 Common Eiders, 22 Long-tailed Ducks, male Bufflehead, 10 Common Goldeneyes, 4 Red-breasted Mergansers, 3 Black Guillemots Roger Burrows Castalia 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, January 28, 2012 (Saturday) From: David Christie <maryspt AT MAC.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:22:30 -0400 NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by : Nelson Poirier Transcript by : David Christie Info Line # : 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], visit the web site at http://naturemoncton.org or contact our president John Foster at 384-7212. For membership inquiries contact Shirley Hunt . Saturday morning, January 28, 2012 ** Alain Clavette reports spotting an adult male PEREGRINE FALCON [Faucon pèlerin] perched on a utility wire at the base of the hill near his Taylor Village home, noting it twice on Friday morning. It appeared to be eyeing some feeder yard birds or possibly a flock of a few hundred AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique] that have been circulating around the Memramcook area the past few weeks. The Robins stopped by a cache of apples that Alain puts out in his yard for them as part of their feeding circuit. Alain says that feeder activity has been fairly quiet in his yard but he expects that Friday's storm will change that. [Transcriber's note: Somewhat similar here, with low numbers of sparrows Monday through Friday morning, but up to 35 DARK-EYED JUNCOS [Junco ardoisé] and 5 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS [Bruant à gorge blanche] during the snow Friday afternoon. Surprisingly, it's not as busy with a heavy one-inch crust on the snow today, but birds are coming and going steadily.] The number of Peregrine Falcon sightings this winter in various areas seems quite significant. ** A very pleasant surprise for Doreen Rossiter in her Alma feeder yard, just as it started to snow on Friday. The female EASTERN TOWHEE [Tohi à flancs roux] re-appeared. It has been a week since Doreen had seen it. It obviously went on a bit of neighbourhood tour and realized where it should have stayed in the first place. ** Stella LeBlanc and Maria Gauvin found a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD [Moqueur polyglotte] in Bouctouche, exactly in the same area where they found it on the Bouctouche Christmas Bird Count. It obviously is sticking close to a food supply there, as one did last winter at nearby St-Jean-Baptiste Street. This one is located by taking the Indian Point Road just after la Ferme Michaud market, or at #836 Route 475. Stella and Maria also made a run to Cap-Lumiere from Bouctouche on Wednesday to come up with 26 species, including two NORTHERN SHRIKES [Pie-grièche grise] and a lot of AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique], some feeding on the ground. ** I was surprised at the sheer number of GULLS [goélands spp.] perched on and circling the roof of Walmart, across from the Trinity Power Centre at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday evening. The group had to be approaching a thousand, if not more. I have no idea what the object of their interest there would be. [Transcriber's note: Large flat-roofed buildings are an enticing place for gulls to roost, or just to rest for a while. I have frequently seen flocks of gulls heading towards the Champlain Place mall in late afternoon in late fall and winter, although Champlain Place plays noises to discourage birds from landing on the roof. One late afternoon in mid-December 2011, while stopped at the nearby Kent Home warehouse on Champlain St., I was surprised when all of a sudden several hundred gulls took off from the roof of that building, circled for about 5 minutes, then mostly landed again.] ** Nice to get a comment from across "the big pond." Brian Coates, a former Nature Moncton member responds to Catherine Johnson's comments on yesterday's line, about the pairing of VENUS and the crescent moon in the evening sky that he as well has been enjoying the past few nights from his home in Kent, England. ** THIS WEEK'S SKY AT A GLANCE On Tuesday, Jan. 31, the MOON [Lune] goes into its first quarter phase, meaning that it will rise at noon and set at midnight. By 10:30 p.m., the BIG DIPPER [] is already standing vertically on its handle, well up in the north-east, an early sign of the approach of spring. On Saturday, Jan. 28, the SUN [Soleil] will rose at 7:47 a.m. and will set at 5:18 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 4, the SUN [Soleil] will rise at 7:39 a.m. and set at 5:28 p.m. The weekly changes in day length are really starting to show. This Week's Planet Roundup: MERCURY [Mercure] is hidden in the glare of the sun. VENUS [Vénus] at magnitude -4.0, is the brilliant "Evening Star" shining in the southwest during and after dusk. It doesn't set until more than one and a half hours after dark. Venus will continue to appear a bit brighter and stay up later all winter. MARS, at magnitude -0.5, rises in the east around 9 p.m. Mars is brightening rapidly now, as it approaches the earth. It shines highest in the south, in best view around 4 a.m. JUPITER, at magnitude -2.5, shines high in the SSW at dusk and moves lower towards the southwest as evening advances, and sets in the west around midnight. SATURN [Saturne], at magnitude +0.6, rises in the east around midnight and is highest in the south before dawn. SPICA, a bit fainter at magnitude +1.0 is 7 degrees to its right or upper right. 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: at home today From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:18:24 -0400 A small amt of snow with a frozen crust has resulted in busy activity here today. 18 species noted. Highlights: Male Red-bellied Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, 2 Rusty Blackbirds, fly through by a Pileated Woodpecker, 3 Chipping Sparrows . I've not seen the female R-b Woodpecker for a few days. This isn't unexpected;she seems not as "feeder dependent" as the male and reappears just as I think she's moved on. Near any place with birdseed one can note tunnels under the crust. Star-nosed Moles are the usual suspect around here. Joanne Savage 30 Roby's Rd 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: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert, Jan 16-22, 2012 From: David Christie <maryspt AT MAC.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:01:20 -0400 From Maine Birds here are parts of Doug Hitchcox's transcript of the Maine Audubon Bird Alert. The entire transcript can be accessed at , and . [I've been busy and didn't notice this when Doug poted it on the 23rd. -- DSC] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Maine Audubon Rare Bird Alert Reporting Period: January 16 - 22, 2012 Area: State of Maine Compiler: Doug Hitchcox [western areas omitted] Penobscot Bay Notable birds from Belfast Harbor on the 16th included: a late BELTED KINGFISHER, an adult PEREGRINE FALCON, and five BARROW'S GOLDENEYES. An adult BLACK-HEADED GULL was seen flying around the piling near the MV Monhegan dock in Rockland on the 17th, 18th, and 19th. Downeast Two AMERICAN WIGEONS have been lingering around Somesville Pond on Mount Desert Island. Northern Maine A pair of EVENING GROSBEAKS visited a feeder in New Sweden on the 21st. 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: Articles for the NB Naturalist From: Janet MacMillan <janetmac AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:15:25 -0400 Do you have a nature related story, an experience, some information or photographs you would like to share with others? The NB Naturalist magazine is a great way to do this. We will accept original articles in English or French, preferably between 200 and 500 words. To see an example of the magazine you can visit: http://www.naturenb.ca/Eng/documents/NBNatPreview.pdf Our next deadline is 31st January. Please send your submissions to: janetmac AT nbnet.nb.ca Avez-vous une histoire, une expérience, des informations ou des photos reliées à la nature que vous voulez partager avec d'autres? Le magazine le Naturaliste du NB est une super façon de le faire. Nous acceptons des articles originaux en anglais ou en français, de préférence entre 200 et 500 mots. Pour voir un exemple du magazine, vous pouvez visiter : http://www.naturenb.ca/Eng/documents/NBNatPreview.pdf Notre prochaine date limite est le 31 janvier. Prière d’envoyer vos soumissions à : janetmac AT nbnet.nb.ca Janet L. MacMillan, Moncton, N.B. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: birders and the night sky From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:54:18 -0400 I birded with Catherine Johnson yesterday fm Mechanic Lake through FNP, Alma to New Horton and back. Catherine posted that yesterday. Our adventure actually started with my arrival at her home the afternoon before; just in time to view a group of 12 Bohemian Waxwings visiting trees near her home. Our time together on such visits include night sky watch; a practice that we both much enjoy. Together we learn something every time. Cloudy skies on Jan 25 cleared nicely with darkness; the stars werebrilliant. We started with constellations Cepheus, Cassiopea, Andromeda, Perseus with [North Star] Polaris in the North. Big Dipper was obscured by trees. Turning toward the right, in the East we noted Castor and Pollux [ the Twins, constellation, Gemini] . Then we noted Procyon, a bright star in the South. We continued watching throughout the evening until Orion appeared in the South, followed by the star Serius . Then we could identify the Northern Triangle [ Betelgeuise, the star at the top of Orion towards the East, Serius below toward the East and Procyon above form the Northern Triangle ]. This world of Nature is amazing !! 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: Return of WT Sparrows et al From: "fundyhiking xplornet.ca" <fundyhiking AT XPLORNET.CA> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:19:38 -0400 Most everything left when the snow left but are now trickling back as the snow progresses. It shows that wild seed is certainly the prefered food. Ted Sears St.Martins 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: Rusty Blackbird From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:45:40 -0400 Actually both Rusty Blackbirds have returned !!! Joanne NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Rusty Blackbird From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:42:28 -0400 Here we are with some snow falling and I've been treated a view of a Rusty Blackbird feeding with Northern Cardinals and Chipping Sparrows under the Forsythia ! I did not expect the return of the Rusty. Joanne Savage NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Waxwings at Fredericton From: Don Gibson <gibsondg AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:49:33 -0400 On Wednesday (Jan. 25) about 20 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS (Jaseur boréal) visited my Mountain Ash tree. The following day there was a single waxwing there and on closer observation it was seen to be a CEDAR WAXWING (Jaseur d'Amérique). 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: NATURE MONCTON’S INFORMATION LINE, January 27, 2011 (Friday) From: Bill Winsor <bwinsor44 AT YAHOO.CA> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:37:55 -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 the information line editor.   For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], visit the web site at http://naturemoncton.org or contact our president John Foster at 384-7212. For membership inquiries, contact Shirley Hunt .   Friday Morning, January 27, 2011   ** In 2008 Sandy Hopi sent some photos of SPRINGTAILS (aka Snow Fleas) that had a very pronounced reddish cast.  I personally had never seen a Springtail that colour before but the literature indicated that they could be that colour; even though black is more expected.  Last winter Fred Dubé had masses of these reddish Springtails in his Niagara Road yard in Lower Coverdale.  On Wednesday of this week, Sandy Hopi saw them again; this time on a trail in the Irishtown Nature Park.  They were in very high numbers in masses just as they were in Fred Dubé’s yard last winter and very reddish.   ** Marcel Cassie and his son Sébastien spotted two BROWN CREEPERS [Grimpereau brun] near their home in Notre Dame on Wednesday.  Sébastien noticed that the Brown Creepers seemed to have a tendency to follow the BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES [Mésange à tête noire] and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHS [Sittelle à poitrine rousse] when they came to their yard feeder but the Creepers were not seen coming to the feeders.  I hope they have some bark smeared with peanut butter to attract these striking birds, the Brown Creeper.   ** Catherine Johnston comments on the very striking pairing of VENUS and the quarter MOON brightly shining in the western sky in the early evening on Thursday.  They will be there again tonight but the weather forecast suggests we may not be able to see them.   Nelson Poirier Nature Moncton   Please, 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: Kouchibouguac birds and mammals From: Deana Gadd <dhgadd AT NB.SYMPATICO.CA> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:50:20 -0400 Peter and I went to Kouchibouguac today- the skiing was reported to be fair to poor so we concentrated on driving and winter walking. We saw 3 ruffed grouse (2 in one area and 1 in another)- all were on the side of the road- maybe looking for grit. We saw a bald eagle fly overhead at Loggiecroft (the wharf area). Coming back on the road from Loggiecroft we saw a flock of songbirds which landed in a tree - about 30 Bohemian Waxwings!We got the camera out to get a photo but a school bus came by and they took off - we walked down the highway towards their next stop but then a transport came by and they went further afield. We also saw 2 red-breasted nuthatches and saw and heard a number of black-capped chickadees and saw and heard several red squirrels. NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Grand Manan & White Head birds, inc. AMERICAN WIGEON, HARLEQUIN DUCK, PURPLE SANDPIPER, THICK-BILLED MURRE, RAZORBILL & LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:09:46 -0400 January 26 Castalia Feeders 09:45-10:15 22 American Goldfinches Ingalls Head 11:25-11:40 Common Eider, female Long-tailed Duck (on lobster platform again), 12 Buffleheads White Head Ferry 11:40-12:10 2 Common Loons, Red-necked Grebe, 2 Common Eiders, 2 male Surf & 4 White-winged Scoters, 51 Long-tailed Ducks, THICK-BILLED MURRE, 2 RAZORBILLS, 4 Black Guillemots Langmaid Cove 12:25-12:40 adult Great & 3 Double-crested Cormorants, 35 Common Eiders, male Long-tailed Duck, 3 HARLEQUIN DUCKS, 2 Black Guillemots White Head: Sheep Rock Cove 12:454-12:55 Common Loon, 2 Great Cormorants, 10 Common Eiders, 15 HARLEQUIN DUCKS, 2 White-winged Scoters, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers, 4 Black Guillemots White Head: Marsh & Flats 13:00-13:10 4 AMERICAN WIGEONS (present for a month), 186 American Black Ducks, male Mallard White Head: Village & Long Point Road 13:15-13:45 Common Loon, 5 Cormorant spp., 8 American Black Ducks. 7 Common Eiders,White-winged & 8 Surf Scoters, 8 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Red-breasted Mergansers White Head Ferry 14:00-14:30 Common Loon, 7 Great Cormorants, 10 American Black Ducks, 3 Common Eiders, 9 Surf & 2 male White-winged Scoters, 19 Long-tailed Ducks, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers, 30 PURPLE SANDPIPERS, 14 Black Guillemots Ingalls Head 14:30-15:00 Common Loon, 6 Surf & 4 Black Scoters, 6 Buffleheads Grand Harbour 15:05-15:20 137+ American Black Ducks, 5 Mallards, 33 Buffleheads, 1st-winter LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL among 1700 Herring Gulls on water Roger Burrows Castalia 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: birding in FNP and area From: Catherine <johnson2 AT XPLORNET.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:26:32 -0400 Catherine Johnson and Joanne Savage enjoyed a pleasant day birding FNP, Alma and Waterside today, January 26. Several large flocks of white-winged crossbills were noted throughout the park with one smaller flock of red crossbills. A brilliant male put on a delightful show for us to enjoy. Boreal chickadees were frequently noted along with a few pine siskin and red-breasted nuthatches and other expected species. 3 robins were noted near McLarens pond. It was a very enjoyable -3 in Alma with lots of sunshine and no wind. On to Waterside where the killdeer previously reported from Normand Belliveau and Co. was located, appearing to be healthy as it fed near the bridge. A bald eagle was checking out the 3 black ducks in one of the ponds there. 20 species were noted throughout the very pleasant outing with lots of brilliant sunshine to enhance the day. 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 From: Alma White <almaw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:36:52 -0400 Edited by : Nelson Poirier Transcript by : Alma White Info Line # : 384-NEWS (6397)> To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], visit the web site at http://naturemoncton.org or contact our president John Foster at 384-7212. For membership inquiries, contact Shirley Hunt at 386-8060. Thursday morning, January 26, 2012. **Paul Lansdale in Alma spotted a BAT moving about their yard on Wednesday in the early noon period, flying about. It settled on a house screen door and remained there until dusk when it left. Several bats have been spotted flying over the past 3 weeks in the Alma-Fundy Park area. It is not good news as the chance of them being infected with the White-Nosed Syndrome is very likely. BATS should not be flying about this time of year and it suggests that they are being depleted of fat reserves and trying to come out to feed. **Norm Belliveau updates the HERMIT THRUSH [Grive solitaire] in his 54 Malakoff Road yard is very active and present on Wednesday, acting much like an AMERICAN ROBIN [Merle d'Amérique], feeding on the ground on ground invertebrates and blending that with the fruit buffet offered. Norm comments on a high number of MOURNING DOVES [Tourterelle triste] present this winter in his yard along with the other expected regulars. **Upcoming Nature Moncton events to jot on calendars. The annual and popular Feeder Tour will take place on Saturday,February 18^th . The day is well lined up with yards to visit and ideas to collect with a soup stop at noon at Jean Renton's in Stylesville and a chowder stop and social time at the end of the day at Pat Poirier's. **Mark off Saturday , March 17^th for a workshop on OWLS with Jim Goltz from 9.45am to 2pm at the Tankville School where Jim will share his knowledge base and enthusiasm about our NB owls that will be hooting up a storm by then. All the details on the website > and more announcements will be upcoming on the Information Line. 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: many skeins of alcids off Grand Manan From: Laurie Murison <gmwhale AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:28:53 -0400 There were skeins of 60-100 alcids (common murres and/or razorbills) with new skeins appearing from the southeast every 5 minutes or so yesterday, January 25, between 3 and 4 pm as I watched from Swallowtail while doing other work. I believe this often happens when vessels are working in an area disturbing the birds, or if they are moving in response to tidal conditions forming or dispersing food patches. I find it hard to tell the two species apart from a distance, without binoculars or scope, and both species can be here in large numbers in the winter (much larger than in the summer), but the birds stand out easily as they fly just above the surface of the water with their white feathers being predominantly seen as they fly. Laurie Murison Grand Manan, NB NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: update on chat From: Joan Pearce <pearcer AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:10:07 -0400 Hi all, The yellow breasted chat is still in my yard. This has been a month now. Today the ruffed grouse was also seen ( last time about 2 weeks ago) All the other usual birds continue to visit . Yesterday a waxwing appeared didn't stay long enough for me to identify and the red-bellied woodpecker is still coming to suet. Joan Pearce 352 Pelton Road Saint John NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Alcids and other waterbirds at Green's Point, Charlotte County From: Stuart Tingley <stubirdnb AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:53:54 -0400 On Monday (January 23) I had the opportunity to bird for a couple of hours around midday at Green's Point, Charlotte County. This small, picturesque headland, complete with lighthouse and associated buildings, separates Back Bay and Letete Passage and is located about a kilometer south of the ferry landing for the Deer Island ferry at Letete. It's been a couple of winters since I birded this spot but my Monday visit reminded me that this is perhaps the premiere New Brunswick mainland location in winter for seabirds. During my visit I saw about 80 RAZORBILLS and at least 5 THICK-BILLED MURRES both in flight and sitting on the rather turbulent waters off the lighthouse. Letete Passage to the west was dotted with BLACK GUILLEMOTS and GREAT CORMORANTS as well as hundreds of COMMON EIDERS, dozens of LONG-TAILED DUCKS and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, many COMMON LOONS and a few RED-THROATED LOONS and RED-NECKED GREBES. Offshore there were hundreds of BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES. Back Bay ! to the east held at least 70 RED-NECKED GREBES in three surprisingly tight flocks. Past mid-winter visits here have regularly produced Purple Sandpipers as well as several sightings of Dovekies, Common Murre and King Eider although none of those species were spotted on Monday. DIRECTIONS: From Route 1 follow the signs for St. George and the Deer Island ferry. Just before you reach the ferry landing you'll see the sign for Green's Point. Drive to the end of the road and park in the small pullout just below the gate. You could scope much of the area from here but much better viewing can be had by walking past the gate and up the hill and over to the lighthouse (maybe 150 meters). Use the lighthouse as a wind block and scan the waters south and west. Alcids often fly by close to the lighthouse but can also be sitting on the water just about anywhere. Check the offshore rocks (and the rocks directly below you) for Purple Sandpipers. In my limited experience here the period from two hours before high tide to two hours after high tide are the most productive and days with south or southwest winds may be best for seeing large alcids. It seems like it's always bitterly cold and windy here but if you dress warmly, and have patience, careful scanning around! here with a spotting scope is almost always rewarding! Good Birding, Stu Tingley Shediac, 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: Red-bellied Woodpecker, Robins From: Popma <popma AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:39:44 -0400 There was a female RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER on a tree in our yard yesterday, ignoring the suet feeders, and only staying briefly. We also had 21 ROBINS Kathy P Sackville NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Need high quality images of Upper Salmon (Alma) River & Big Salmon River From: Thomas Moffatt <asfweb AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:37:45 -0400 Barb Scott of the Fundy Model Forest is looking for high quality images that folks would be willing to donate the use of, depicting the UPPER SALMON (ALMA) RIVER, and the BIG SALMON RIVER. Uses would be for a slide show, and if the image owners were willing, possibly for an inner Bay of Fundy salmon-related website. Can anyone on the list help her? If so, email Barb at barb AT fundymodelforest.net Tom Moffatt NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Castalia Marsh birds, inc. GREAT BLUE HERON & NORTHERN HARRIER From: Roger Burrows <rtburrows AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:11:48 -0400 January 25 Castalia Beach & Roadside 09:15-09:30 11 American Black Ducks, ca.20 American Goldfinches Castalia Beach 09:30-10:15 GREAT BLUE HERON (first seen by Jim Leslie on January 24), 251 American Black Ducks, 5 Mallards, female NORTHERN HARRIER (very late bird) Roger Burrows Castalia 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 From: Alma White <almaw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:38:39 -0400 Edited by : Nelson Poirier Transcript by : Alma White Info Line # : 384-NEWS (6397)> To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], visit the web site at http://naturemoncton.org or contact our president John Foster at 384-7212. For membership inquiries, contact Shirley Hunt at 386-8060. ednesday morning, January 25, 2012. ** Rosemary MacAulay reports the YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT [Paruline polyglotte] and NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD [Moqueur polyglotte] continue to be regulars at her 28 Bessborough Avenue yard in Moncton. She saw them both at the 11am to noon time slot on Monday and saw the YELLOW BREASTED CHAT several times on Tuesday morning. Rosemary notes that it is feeding below a feeder at the far end of the yard as well now where she has put only nyger and black-oiled sunflower seed. The chat has certainly done fine surviving some very cold days. Rosemary also has a SONG SPARROW [Bruant chanteur] that seems to be a regular. **Norm Belliveau noted some interesting behaviour from his yard HERMIT THRUSH [Grive solitaire] tenant on Tuesday. In the warm melting conditions he noted that it was actively foraging on some type in invertebrate in the moist soil. The frost cannot be very deep to allow ground insects to get to the surface so quickly. ** A few observations from Jean-Paul and Stella Leblanc in Bouctouche. The SONG SPARROW that joined them in their yard on Sunday appears to have decided to stay, seeing it again on Monday and Tuesday. There continues to be a roving flock of approximately 100 AMERICAN ROBINS [Merle d'Amérique] being reported in the Bouctouche area with a few dropping by their own yard. On Tuesday Jean-Paul spotted a flock of 50 SNOW BUNTINGS [Bruant des neiges] on the outskirts of Bouctouche. 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: Re: Yelllow-throated Warbler From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:34:43 -0400 Merv,I'm so sorry the Y-t Warbler didn't make it . It is a species that one would cherish coming to feeders at any time of year . 50+ days in Winter is something to be celebrated . Here at home today I am having the result of opposite weather conditions . With rain and mild temps, snow is gone leaving lots of bare ground. As a result there are no Rusty Blackbirds and even the Red-bellied Woodpeckers have no reason to feed as often as on colder days . I'm sure the R-b Woodpeckers will return and as one of the Rustys especially enjoyed the menu,I am hoping for a return when there is colder weather and more snow. I did see 4 Turkey Vultures soaring together near the junction of Model Farm Rd and Hammond River Rd. this morning [ 10ish ]. 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, January 24, 2011 (Tuesday) From: Bill Winsor <bwinsor44 AT YAHOO.CA> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:56:33 -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 the information line editor.   For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], visit the web site at http://naturemoncton.org or contact our president John Foster at 384-7212. For membership inquiries, contact Shirley Hunt .   Tuesday, Morning, January 24, 2011   ** Julie Pellerin and Richard Légere made a very productive visit to the Tantramar Marsh on Monday and were successful in spotting a SNOWY OWL [Harfang des neiges] on a post off the Goose Lake Road.  They also spotted four mature BALD EAGLES [Pygargue à tête blanche], two on two separate towers and six ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS [Buse pattue], as well as one NORTHERN HARRIER [Busard Saint-Martin].   They topped the day off by successfully seeing the HERMIT THRUSH [Grive solitaire] having its last snack of the day at Norm Belliveau’s yard.   ** Doreen Rossiter reports that Monday was the fourth consecutive day that she has not spotted the female EASTERN TOWHEE [Tohi à flancs roux] that she has had for some time to her Alma feeder yard.  Unfortunately that coincides with the day a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK [Épervier brun] made its first appearance to her yard.  Doreen saw the Sharp-shinned Hawk attacked a Pigeon that easily escaped.  It then turned on a DARK-EYED JUNCO [Junco ardoisé] and was more successful.  The female NORTHERN CARDINAL [Cardinal rouge] is still present as is a NORTHERN SHRIKE [Pie-grièche grise] that drops by periodically.   ** Norm Belliveau was away on Saturday and Sunday, however the HERMIT THRUSH [Grive solitaire] he spotted on Friday that accepted the fruit offering obviously stayed near the buffet, since it was still present doing the same routine at Norm’s 54 Malakoff Road, Scoudouc feeder yard on Monday.  Again if you plan to visit the bird stay right in your vehicle to avoid alarming it.  It tends to stay in a spruce tree near a cloth-line pole with fruit scattered base.  Norm hopes it’s able to evade the SHARP-SHINNED HAWK [Épervier brun] and NORTHERN SHRIKE [Pie-grièche grise] that also likes Norm’s active yard and are expected regulars.  Three PILEATED WOODPECKERS [Grand pic] are also in the area with some loud vocalizations.   ** An error on Monday’s Information Line, Brent Renton lives at Civic #1255 Shediac River Road, that’s where the flock of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS [Bec-croisé bifascié] are foraging on spruce cones and Brent also has GREY JAYS [Mésangeai du Canada].  It’s a long driveway that courses some woods and folks are welcome to go down the driveway if they would like to look for these birds.   ** Jean Renton reports that the EVENING GROSBEAKS [Gros-bec errant] flock that they have been getting to their Stilesville feeder yard continue to be regular tenants and BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES [Mésange à tête noire] numbers are very high, counting 23 present at one time on Monday with lots of other expected regulars.   ** We spotted a PINE WARBLER [Paruline des pins] in our own feeder yard on Monday.  This bird was not brightly plumaged and I suspect it to be a female bird.  It tends to travel with the AMERICAN GOLDFINCH [Chardonneret jaune] and it can blend in with them very easily has it goes to the sunflower chip feeders but it visits the peanut butter that’s in a lobster wire enclosure that makes it easier to spot.  We’ve had a Pine Warbler each of the past few winters but this looks like a different bird.  The ones in previous years had much brighter yellow plumage.   Nelson Poirier Nature Moncton   Please, 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: Yelllow-throated Warbler From: Merv Cormier <mervcormier AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:19 -0400 From Merv in Saint John: The little bird has not been seen since the 21st of January, around 5PM, It could not take the wreckless manners of The European starlings, and the bitter cold of the 18th to the 21st of January. I just wish the EUST was on the Endangered list I'd make sure it did not make it NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Brown Thrasher Reappears at Quispamsis From: Jim Wilson <jgw AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:19:55 -0400 Back on December 25th a rufous Christmas gift appeared briefly at the feeders of Harvey and Betty Fleet here in Quispamsis. Harvey's description left no doubt in my mind that it was a BROWN THRASHER. I reported it to NatureNB with the results of our Christmas Bird Count, as "Seen during Count Period but not on Count Day". There was a bit of new snow on the ground on Christmas Day but it melted shortly afterward. The thrasher didn't come back but Harvey and I speculated that it might return when next it snowed. Well, the snow is back and so is the bird. It reappeared briefly yesterday late in the morning and today was present several times, allowing the Fleets to get a photo and some video. Anyone wishing to see the bird can email me and I can provide contact information. I'm not going down until a more regular pattern of visits is established. Harvey will keep me posted. 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: Red-tailed Hawk/Rusty Blackbirds From: Joanne savage <davidsavage AT ROGERS.COM> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:31:00 -0400 Alerted by Crows as I was going out with my dog ; looked up to see a lovely Red-tailed Hawk being mobbed by the Crows. My 104th yard species is presently perched high in a tree 2 properties down the street while Crows continue to noisily object . The day started off with 1 Rusty B'bird but there are 2 out there now . I was surprised yesterday to have a Red-bellied Woodpecker flanked by 2 R Bb in one scope view under the Forsythia . The great pleasure provided by the Rusty Blackbirds has been an opportunity to study the behavior of the species ; they are " turf scratchers " while feeding , enjoy a varied menu [ black oil s'flwr,crumbled home-made suet, cracked corn,mixed seed and blueberries . They tend to vocalize often with a much more pleasing call that many of their cousins and are " tail waggers ". A fortunate birder, Joanne Savage 30 Roby's Rd 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: Mink at The Musguash Power Station From: Paul Clark <pclark AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:05:45 -0400 I took a trip to the cottage in Charlotte county on Sunday. I stopped at the Musguash Power Station twice to see if anything interesting was there. The outbound trip to the cottage found nothing usual - bald eagle, 30+ mergansers, a and few gulls of the usual species. The trip home was different. Almost under the bridge on the power station side were a group of 8+ mallards. They flushed shortly after I looked down on them from the bridge. I thought I had spooked them but less than a minute later I saw a large mink running along the bank away from the spot where the duck were sitting. I am not sure if I spooked them or the mink. I tried to find the mink for pictures to no avail. I travel to the cottage once or twice a month. This is the second time I have seen a mink in the general area of Musguash in the past year. Paul Clark 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, January 23, 2012 (Monday) From: Catherine <johnson2 AT XPLORNET.COM> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:44:57 -0400 NATURE MONCTON'S INFORMATION LINE Edited by : Nelson Poirier Transcript by: Catherine Johnson Info Line # 506-384-6397 (384-NEWS) To respond by e-mail, please address your message to the information line editor. For more information on Nature Moncton [Moncton Naturalists' Club since 1962], visit the web site at http://naturemoncton.org or contact our president John Foster at 384-7212. For membership inquiries contact Shirley Hunt . Monday morning, January 23, 2012 Brent Renton spotted a flock of 30-40 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS [Bec-croisé bifascié] foraging spruce cones on trees around his 1225 Shediac River Rd. home. They seemed to be using the area as a feeding territory. This species is known to nest at any time of year, even winter is no exception, as long as food stores of spruce cones are adequate. I did see a female on a nest at this time of year with a blanket of snow on her back a few years ago. The male feeds the incubating female. I guess you could term it as “breakfast in bed.” Barb, a participant at the Bird Feeding Workshop commented she has 3 GRAY JAYS [Mésangeai du Canada] that are regulars at her Mechanic Lake feeder. She mixed her own batch of suet blend and was able to spirit them away from neighbor Catherine Johnson’s feeder promptly. It is very common to see a group of 3 at this time of year that consists of the 2 adults and the one of the clutch that is allowed to travel with the parents the first winter. 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: thrush From: Beverley Schneider <drbev AT NBNET.NB.CA> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:07:38 -0400 Would someone please post specifics about the Varied Thrush. Bev Schneider Buy only worker and bird-friendly coffee. Shade-grown/ fair trade/certified coffee protects coffee workers and our bird species. One acceptable local brand is "Just Us". NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: WT Sparrow numbers From: "fundyhiking xplornet.ca" <fundyhiking AT XPLORNET.CA> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:51:12 -0400 Was able to get a count of the White-throated Sparrow numbers this morning and came up with 22!!! Can you imagine, I would be lucky to have one this time of year. Where did they all come from? (retorical). There could be more as there are feeder areas on either side of the house. Ted Sears St.Martins 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 Ducks From: Irene Doyle <snobunting AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:17:41 -0400 Friday I checked the water sewage lagoon area here in Campbellton and found one lone male Mallard and about 60 American Black ducks. Irene -------------------------------------------------------- When you have a minute check out my websites www.restimuse.org http://restigouche.net http://www.atholville.net http://www.restigouche.net/mysite http://stfidele.restigouche.net http://www.pierredamours.com http://johanne.restigouche.net http://www.ristigouchesudest.ca http://www.irene-doyle-family.restigouche.net http://genealogy.restigouche.net http://gloucester.restigouche.net NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html Subject: Robins From: Irene Doyle <snobunting AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:14:57 -0400 I received a call tonite from a friend who found an American Robin near Dalhousie and another lady posted on my website tonite that she had seen another robin at her place in Tide Head today. Irene -------------------------------------------------------- When you have a minute check out my websites www.restimuse.org http://restigouche.net http://www.atholville.net http://www.restigouche.net/mysite http://stfidele.restigouche.net http://www.pierredamours.com http://johanne.restigouche.net http://www.ristigouchesudest.ca http://www.irene-doyle-family.restigouche.net http://genealogy.restigouche.net http://gloucester.restigouche.net NatureNB guidelines http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbe.html Foire aux questions de NatureNB http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/maryspt/nnbf.html