Birdingonthe.Net

Recent Postings from
Nova Scotia

Updated on Tuesday, December 11 at 11:04 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.

I was about to follow up to the list re Carl's message this morning  
and my phone conversation with him this evening, but I see that Pat  
has covered that already.  Thanks Pat.

Pat Kelly, Larry Bogan and I are three that I know of who regularly  
receive the listserve messages of both NatureNS and Halifax RASCals.  
This was one occasion when an observation on one list, directly added  
to messages being exchanged on the other.   Carl Haycock observed ACT  
I (the rocket launch) and Roy Bishop and other RASCals observed ACT  
II (the fuel dump after the first orbit) of the same event, an event  
which ended up making the CBC NATIONAL this evening.

You may also be interested in this additional link shared by Dave  
Lane on the RASCal list: a link to a movie clip giving some idea  
about what ACT II looked like.

http://www.kfetter.com/satvideo/other/fuelvent.wmv

Unfortunately I missid all the excitement.  Near Windsor, just  
minutes before the event (ACT II) took place, a group of star  
watchers which I was assisting, were studying that very section of  
sky, we had just turned our backs to it and had gone inside to get  
warm (then about 7:45, we had been observing since shortly after  
seven). When we returned our gazing, about 35 minutes later,  the  
noticeable part was over.   Ahh, timing is everything!  You can  
imagine my disappointment when I arrived home to the RASCals email  
banter about the weird sighting in the sky, some were thinking that  
maybe Comet Holmes was acting up again!

Sherman Williams
shermw AT xcountry.tv



On 11-Dec-07, at 9:47 PM, Patrick Kelly wrote:

> Hello Carl:
>
> What you saw was actually a fuel dump from a rocket launch that   
> was putting a spy satellite into orbit. .Here is a note from the  
> RASC list.
>
>> Thanks to Sherman Williams, here is a report from a fellow who saw  
>> the initial launch (but did not realize what he was seeing), plus  
>> a website that describes the launch and subsequent events. In  
>> summary (all times AST):
>>
>> 18:05  Launch of Atlas 5 rocket carrying spy satellite.
>> 18:09  First stage separates from the Centaur hydrogen-burning  
>> second stage.
>> 18:15 (+/-)  Report from Westport NS (at the tip of Digby neck)  
>> (see below).
>> 19:40 (+/-)  After one orbit the Centaur second-stage dumps  
>> residual propellant.
>> 19:58  I spotted the fuel dump, and followed the spectacle for  
>> more than an hour.
>>
>> As was apparent from the motion of the satellite and the spent  
>> Centaur rocket last evening, the orbit is a high one. The website  
>> (below) states that it is highly elliptical, extending outward  
>> 25,000 miles.
>>
>> Rocket Launch site
>> http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av015/
>>
>
>
> On Dec 11, 2007, at 7:11 AM, Carl Haycock wrote:
>
>> Monday night ar app. 6:15p.m. I viewed a spectacular meteorite
>> (meteor,bollide?)event. From the Grand Passage(Westport harbour)  
>> on Brier
>> Island I saw 2 bright white lights falling from the sky to the  
>> southeast
>> over St. Mary's Bay. Then a 3rd huge orange ball following along  
>> with the
>> other 2. The sky lit up in an orange blaze for a few moments.  
>> Initially I
>> asssumed it was an Aurora aircraft from Greenwood doing search and  
>> rescue
>> operations and dropping flares (which I have seen in the past and  
>> this event
>> looked just like that). I was stunned for a moment, heard no  
>> aircraft and
>> then realized that it must have been a meteorite breaking up. It  
>> was quite
>> awesome.
>>
>> Carl Haycock
>> Westport
>>
>>
>
> ====================================================================== 
> ====
> Patrick Kelly
> Director of Computer Facilities
> ====================================================================== 
> ====
> Faculty of Architecture and Planning
> Dalhousie University
> ====================================================================== 
> ====
> PO Box 1000 Stn Central                5410 Spring Garden Road
> Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4           Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4
> Canada                                 Canada
> ====================================================================== 
> ====
> Phone:    FAX:   E- 
> mail:patrick.kelly AT dal.ca
> ====================================================================== 
> ====
>

Dec. 11, 2007 - I checked the Port Williams sewage ponds this afternoon, and
with the 30+ MALLARDS was a female or immature BUFFLEHEAD.

I also checked Helen and Fred Archibald�s feeders near Jawbone Corner
(Canard Rd.) in late afternoon, but no cowbirds were seen then.

At the west end of Wolfville, Paul Elderkin has been seeing about 3 REDPOLLS
for a few days, and Pat Pocklington in Wolfville off Sherwood Ave. saw a
mixed flock of goldfinces, PINE SISKINS, and REDPOLLS (a few of each) about
3 days ago.  Also there were a few other reports of REDPOLLS at the Blomidon
Naturalists meeting last night.

Cheers :-) from Jim in Wolfville, 
---------------------
Jim (James W.) Wolford
91 Wickwire Avenue 
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
B4P 1W3
phone  (home)
fax  (Acadia Univ. Biology Dept.)
e-mail 
----------------------
�...... the Earth .....belongs as much to those who come after us as to us;
and we have no right, by anything that we do, or neglect to do, to involve
them in unnecessary penalties, or to deprive them of benefits which are
theirs by right.�  - John Ruskin
----------------------
�In wildness is the preservation of the world.� -- Henry David Thoreau
----------------------

All of the pictures are nice but I think I like the picture of the  
harlequins looking towards the camera best. They look like they are  
trying to figure out what that big glass thing is that is pointing at  
them.

Pat


On Dec 11, 2007, at 11:27 AM, Richard Stern wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I have posted some new bird photos from NS in the last 6 weeks here -  
> http://www.pbase.com/rb_stern/ns_birds_novdec_07 . They are taken with  
> a variety of equipment - check the Exif data below each picture if  
> you're interested in the technicalities.
>
> Richard
>
> --  
> #################
> Richard Stern,
> 317 Middle Dyke Rd.
> Port Williams, NS, Canada
> B0P 1T0
>
> rbstern AT ns.sympatico.ca
> rbstern AT xcountry.tv
> sternrichard AT gmail.com
> ###################

======================================================================== 
==
Patrick Kelly
Director of Computer Facilities
======================================================================== 
==
Faculty of Architecture and Planning
Dalhousie University
======================================================================== 
==
PO Box 1000 Stn Central                5410 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4           Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4
Canada                                 Canada
======================================================================== 
==
Phone:    FAX:   E-mail:patrick.kelly AT dal.ca
======================================================================== 
==

ok..I'm still laughing at that...very funny Don :)

Helene

-----Original Message-----
From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca
[mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca]On Behalf Of Don MacNeill
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 9:24 AM
To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca
Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Aggressive Raccoons and feeders update


Another solution might be to take your vacuum cleaner out on to the deck.  I
know my cat hates it and runs away.  It must be bceause nature abhors a
vacuum.

Don

Don MacNeill
donmacneill AT eastlink.ca
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eleanor Lindsay" 
To: "NatureNS" 
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 8:47 AM
Subject: [NatureNS] Aggressive Raccoons and feeders update


On 13th November I promised an update on which of your many suggestions
solved my aggressive raccoon problem: it has not proved necessary to go
beyond Suzanne Borkowski's simple suggestion to throw a couple of
handfuls of seeds onto the ground when I find the raccoon already there
as I go to take the feeders in.  The result was instantaneous and
impressive; without a moment's hesitation it abandoned the feeders and,
with no fuss, further growling or other signs of aggression went
straight to the couple of handfuls I threw down for it (which is a lot
less than it would have taken from the feeders)!  I have consistently
had no problem since. If it gets to the feeders before I take them in
and I come out to get them without any seeds, it starts to growl, but if
I am carrying a supply of seeds it watches silently and the minute I
throw them onto the ground it instantly climbs down and tucks in,
leaving me to  take in the feeders at my leisure. (It also provides an
most efficient overnight deck cleaning service around the base of the
feeders, leaving the area spic and pan for the next morning!)
A wonderful example of the great value in taking the 'enemy's' point of
view into account before deciding on any action.........

Eleanor Lindsay

Hello Carl:

What you saw was actually a fuel dump from a rocket launch that  was  
putting a spy satellite into orbit. .Here is a note from the RASC list.

> Thanks to Sherman Williams, here is a report from a fellow who saw the  
> initial launch (but did not realize what he was seeing), plus a  
> website that describes the launch and subsequent events. In summary  
> (all times AST):
>
> 18:05� Launch of Atlas 5 rocket carrying spy satellite.
> 18:09� First stage separates from the Centaur hydrogen-burning second  
> stage.
> 18:15 (+/-)� Report from Westport NS (at the tip of Digby neck) (see  
> below).
> 19:40 (+/-)� After one orbit the Centaur second-stage dumps residual  
> propellant.
> 19:58� I spotted the fuel dump, and followed the spectacle for more  
> than an hour.
>
> As was apparent from the motion of the satellite and the spent Centaur  
> rocket last evening, the orbit is a high one. The website (below)  
> states that it is highly elliptical, extending outward 25,000 miles.
>
> Rocket Launch site
> http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av015/
>


On Dec 11, 2007, at 7:11 AM, Carl Haycock wrote:

> Monday night ar app. 6:15p.m. I viewed a spectacular meteorite
> (meteor,bollide?)event. From the Grand Passage(Westport harbour) on  
> Brier
> Island I saw 2 bright white lights falling from the sky to the  
> southeast
> over St. Mary's Bay. Then a 3rd huge orange ball following along with  
> the
> other 2. The sky lit up in an orange blaze for a few moments.  
> Initially I
> asssumed it was an Aurora aircraft from Greenwood doing search and  
> rescue
> operations and dropping flares (which I have seen in the past and this  
> event
> looked just like that). I was stunned for a moment, heard no aircraft  
> and
> then realized that it must have been a meteorite breaking up. It was  
> quite
> awesome.
>
> Carl Haycock
> Westport
>
>

======================================================================== 
==
Patrick Kelly
Director of Computer Facilities
======================================================================== 
==
Faculty of Architecture and Planning
Dalhousie University
======================================================================== 
==
PO Box 1000 Stn Central                5410 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4           Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4
Canada                                 Canada
======================================================================== 
==
Phone:    FAX:   E-mail:patrick.kelly AT dal.ca
======================================================================== 
==

I forgot to post that two fox sparrows showed up today in Garden Lots at the 
same location as the gray catbird and the northern cardinal. The house on the 
right heading from Lunenburg, just before you turn down to Heckman's Island, 
which is on the left and to the Upper Blue Rocks Cemetary on the right. The 
same place where a lot of people will remember a clay-colored sparrow a number 
of years ago. Note this is not the house across the road from where you turn 
down to Heckmans Island. 

 
James R. Hirtle
Dublin Shore
_________________________________________________________________
Read what Santa`s been up to! For all the latest, visit 
asksantaclaus.spaces.live.com! 

http://asksantaclaus.spaces.live.com/

Well folks, I finally made it to Cape Sable Island Today. A gorgeous day, but I 
must say the roads in Lunenburg County are poorly tended in comparison to 
Queens and Shelburne County. The roads were especially dispicable between 
Petitie Riviere and Voglers Cove. On the way back through there were even a few 
bad spots after a day of sun. The roads along the shoreline are the roughest 
also that I traveled today from Dublin Shore out to the 103. With that said, I 
guess I should be complaining to the Municipality of Lunenburg or the 
Department of Transportation. Now to the birds. 

 
My first surprise of the day was at Cherry Hill. Just before the beach turn 
off, I noticed a black-bird in a tree beside some blue jays. I pulled over and 
had a great look at a rusty blackbird. It flew off after about five minutes. 

 
I arrived in Milton to pick up Dorothy Poole and there was greated by her 
common redpolls, which we saw at various locations during the day. We picked up 
Peter MacLeod on the way and went through to Ohio to try for the Carolina Wren. 
Donna greeted us and we were rewarded about 15 minutes later with great looks 
at this bird. Thank you Donna for this wonderful treat. 

 
We could not find the great egret today, but we saw many other great things. At 
Doctors cove we were rewarded with 50 snow buntings and an additonal 41 of 
these birds at Daniels Head. Also at Doctors Cove was a large movement of 
evening grosbeaks. There were two flocks. One of 24 birds and another of 120. 
Large numbers of other birds were also moving about, with one group of 39 
red-winged blackbirds. We saw 10 more red-winged blackbirds at Johnny 
Nickersons feeders, which were previously reported by him. 

 
In regards to raptors today: Two bald eagles at Milton. A red-tailed hawk on 
the way to Shelburne along the 103 and another at Sherose Road in Barrington. 
On Cape Sable Island an amazing six northern harriers. At Kenny Road a merlin. 

 
At Kenny Road CSI, at least 12 yellow-rumped warblers and a swamp sparrow.
 
At Daniels Head the four brant previously reported by Murray.
 
A question for Murray, Johnny or Clyde. There were three snow geese up inside 
of Sherose Road. Are these birds tame or could they have been wild? 

 
We had a northern Flicker when driving out to Cape Sable. Near the Nickersons 
out at the hawk by the alder thicket on the right hand side of the road before 
you turn left to the Hawk Road or right up to the church I caught a bird flying 
across in front of the car. It was a gray catbird which was nicely feeding on 
berries there. 

 
Shorebirds seen only were dunlin and a black-bellied plover.
 
On the way back just before the Jordan Falls sign Dorothy and I found a barred 
owl perched in a tree beside the road. 

 
Upon arriving back in Milton, Dorothy treated me in showing me her male and 
female northern cardinal. A nice way to end the day. 

 
The day list for me was 38 species.
 
James R. Hirtle
Dublin Shore
_________________________________________________________________
Exercise your brain! Try Flexicon!
http://puzzles.sympatico.msn.ca/chicktionary/index.html?icid=htmlsig

>
> The Wolfville Christmas Bird Count is this Saturday, December 15. The
> three days before and after count day, i.e. Wednesday� to Friday Dec  
> 12 to
> 14 and� Sunday to Tuesday Dec 16 to 18 are included as part of "count
> week". This means any unusual sightings of birds that are NOT seen on
> Saturday can be reported, so all you birders observing within the count
> circle keep track of your sightings. You can report them to the CBC
> co-ordinator at alison AT bogan.ca. If the bird is unusual or rare (not on
> the standard list used for the CBC found on the BNS website), please  
> try
> to note as much info as possible� e.g. location, time, type of optics
> used , references used for ID, a photo if possible. We added four
> additional species to our count last CBC and they are always topics of
> great interest to our observers. Thanks for your help.
>
> Alison Bogan
> 
>

======================================================================== 
==
Patrick Kelly
Director of Computer Facilities
======================================================================== 
==
Faculty of Architecture and Planning
Dalhousie University
======================================================================== 
==
PO Box 1000 Stn Central                5410 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4           Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4
Canada                                 Canada
======================================================================== 
==
Phone:    FAX:   E-mail:patrick.kelly AT dal.ca
======================================================================== 
==

Yes, I had troubles too, the Times link not working. However, check out the 
following for a many-branched site about all the Linnaeus commemorations 
going on in Sweden, with info. on his life and books about him, etc.

http://www.linnaeus2007.se/thelinnaeuscelebration.4.44d172dc10f76d2e37e80008629.html 


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David & Alison Webster" 
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 4:31 PM
Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Linnaeus's 300th birthday Dec. 13/07 -- "Taxonomy's 
famous father"


> Good point. I have not been able to access this site. Has anyone else 
> experienced problems ?
> Yt, DW
>

Thanks Jim and Gary

Just wondering- is Forest Hill Rd the road Gertridges Auto repair is on?


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Wolford" 
To: "NatureNS" 
Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2007 5:50 PM
Subject: FW: [NatureNS] Wolfville Watershed NAture Preserve


>I can embellish Gary's directions a bit, Jamie.  Go inland or south on
> Gaspereau Ave., up and over Wolfville Ridge and down into Gaspereau 
> Valley,
> follow the bends until you cross the river, then turn right (south) and
> drive up onto Gaspereau Mountain past the elementary school and follow the
> bends until almost the top, then look for Forest Hill Road, turn left, 
> drive
> east past farms and houses -- optional to park at last house and walk
> further east to gate, or drive it carefully and turn around at the gate 
> and
> park thee without blocking the road.
>
> Cheers from Jim in Wolfville
> ----------
> From: Gary Murray 
> Reply-To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca
> Date: Sun, 09 Dec 2007 14:40:
> To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca
> Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Wolfville Watershed NAture Preserve
>
> HiJamie,
>
> Here are some directions that were given to me recently by the Nova Scotia
> Nature Trust.
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> Directions to Wolfville Watershed:
>
>  a.. From Wolfville, turn left on Gaspereau Avenue (just past the Tim
> Hortons (on right side) and Firehall (on left side))
>  b.. Follow Gaspereau Avenue to the village of Gaspereau
>  c.. After crossing the Gaspereau River, take the next right on to
> Greenfield Rd (at Shell station)
>  d.. Turn left onto Forest Hill Rd, and follow (turns into dirt road) 
> until
> you reach gates with a sign saying "Wolfville Watershed - No Trespassing"
> Hope this helps,
>
> Gary Murray
>
> http://garyamurray.blogspot.com/
>
> http://www.pbase.com/pgns/gmurray
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jamie Simpson" 
> To: "naturens" 
> Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2007 1:40 PM
> Subject: [NatureNS] Wolfville Watershed NAture Preserve
>
>
>> Can anyone direct me to the new Wolfville Watershed Nature Preserve?
>>
>> We spent 2 hours driving aroung Gaspereau and Melanson this morning (a
>> glorious winter morning and time well wasted!)  but couldn't seem to
>> stumble across it; but I believe if I head straight up Melanson mountain
>> from Garth Levy's lumber mill I'll get there?
>
>
> -- 
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: /1178 - Release Date: 
> 12/8/2007 11:59 AM
> 

Good point. I have not been able to access this site. Has anyone else 
experienced problems ?
Yt, DW

Jim Wolford wrote:

>Bob Stevens asked me to pass this on to you all.  Thanks, Bob, from Jim et
>al.
>
>----------
>From: Robert Stevens 
>Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2007 08:37:
>To: jimwolford AT eastlink.ca
>Subject: Linnaeus's 300th
>
>Jim,
>It would be a shame to let the 300th anniversary of Carl Linnaeus's birth on
>Thursday December the thirteenth go unrecorded on NatureNS. If you think it
>is worthwhile, perhaps you could  forward this link, or another like it, to
>the list.
>
>
>                                                                            
>                                                 
> http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/court_and_social/article303
>0866.ece
>
>
>Thanks in advance,
>Bob Stevens
>---------------------------
> 
>>From The Times Online
>
>December 11, 2007
>
>Taxonomy's famous father
>
>    Jane Owen 
>
>Celebrations for the 300th anniversary of Carl Linnaeus's birth will come to
>a head on December 13 when the Linnean Society of London, which holds the
>Swede's botanical and zoological collections and library, awards three
>tercentenary medals for outstanding contributions to natural history.
> 
>Linnaeus's fame rests on his reputation as the father of modern plant and
>animal classification but his work may not have been original.
>
>This was the theme of an exhibition mounted this summer by the Swedish
>bibliophile, UN consultant and representative for the East African Wildlife
>Society Hugo Berch, who points to the amount that Linnaeus borrowed, or
>took, from other writers and scientists.
>

Hello everyone,

 

For those who don't know me, my name is Ivy Austin and I'm the Assistant
Coordinator for the Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas-a project with which many
of you are quite familiar.  For those who aren't familiar with the Atlas, it
is a five-year, volunteer-based project to assess the distribution,
abundance and status of all birds breeding in the Maritimes.  We've just
finished our second year of data collection and with all the data being sent
into the office, it occurred to me that I might check NatureNS to see if I
could get even more data for the project.  I found several sightings which
aren't in the Atlas database and I would like to take the observations
posted on NatureNS and include them in the Atlas database.  I'm writing to
ask if anyone has any objections to their observations being included in the
Atlas.  These observations are very valuable and in many cases, are one of
only a few breeding records for several species.  The data from the Atlas
will eventually be used to identify critical wildlife habitat and set
conservation priorities, so every NS observation is very important.  All the
data extracted from the listserv will appear under the listserv name
(NatureNS).  If you have any comments or concerns regarding the use of the
listserv, or the use of your personal observations, please don't hesitate to
contact me at atlasmaritimes AT gmail.com or at 1-866-5atlas5.  If you would
like to know more about the Atlas project please check out our website at
www.mba-aom.ca  . 

 

Thanks very much and enjoy what's left of fall migration!

 

 

Ivy Austin

Assistant-coordonnateur pour l'Atlas des oiseaux nicheurs des Maritimes /
Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas Assistant Coordinator

 

Visiting my Grandchildren on Arlington Ave in Halifax today there was a  huge 
flock of Waxwings in the back yard and the adjoining yards, probably 100  
birds. Appeared to be a mix of Bohemian and Cedar but unfortunately had no  
binocs so it was difficult to be sure of mix.
Peter Stow
Hubbards



   

Hi NatureNS;

Winter Birding Highlights in Canada - 

Environment Canada's long-term forecast [ http://tinyurl.com/yu46t7 ] 
is calling for below average temperatures for the December-February 
period for pretty much the entire country, and links this prediction 
to the resurgence of "La Nina" in the Pacific Ocean.   This means 
that Canadians will experience a winter colder than any in the past 
15 years, a return to winters as we used to know them, before climate 
change really kicked in.

And as you might expect, given the early onset of cold weather, the 
winter bird lists of all the Canadian provinces are off to a slower 
start than in recent years.  But Canadian birders are a hardy bunch, 
eh?   They persevere.   And despite the cold temperatures each 
province has enjoyed some unusual birds to liven up a day's outing.

The rarest bird is certainly the Cook's Petrel in British Columbia, a 
first for Canada.   It flew against a home-owner's door in Lillooet 
following a vicious storm.  Although the bird was taken into care, it 
subsequently died.

Here are the various regional totals, with a few highlighted species, 
for nine provinces, as well as the French islands of Saint-Pierre et 
Michelon, as of Dec. 11.   The province of Ontario still refuses to 
play.   Note that the British Columbia list has not been updated in a 
few days. I've also provided links to each region's winter birding page.

FROM EAST TO WEST:

Newfoundland:  http://tinyurl.com/2jqo5p
         135 species - Greater White-fronted Goose, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher

Nova Scotia:  http://tinyurl.com/2u2ulg
         147 species - White-eyed Vireo, Grasshopper Sparrow, Indigo 
Bunting, Bullock's Oriole

Prince Edward Island:  http://tinyurl.com/3bkhwz
         80 species - Carolina Wren, Bullock's Oriole

New Brunswick:  http://tinyurl.com/36hpe4
         126 species - White-winged Dove, Lark Sparrow

Quebec:   http://tinyurl.com/2ngu7n
         140 species - Eurasian Collared-Dove, American Pipit

Manitoba:   http://tinyurl.com/yjtx52
         64 species - Green-winged Teal

Saskatchewan:  http://tinyurl.com/2qde59
         74 species - Barrow's Goldeneye, Gray Catbird

Alberta:   http://tinyurl.com/yke4sl
         101 species - Wood Duck, Red-bellied Woodpecker

British Columbia:   http://tinyurl.com/33bmzc
         160+ species - Cook's Petrel, Bobolink, Vesper Sparrow

French Islands of Saint-Pierre et Michelon   http://tinyurl.com/y45kl5
         68 species: Nashville Warbler, Brown-headed Cowbird

Good (winter) birding,


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blake Maybank
maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca

Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds"

author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia"
http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm

White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada 

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: /1180 - Release Date: 10/12/2007 
2:51 PM 

According to CBC radio, apparently it was a rocket that was used to launch a 
satellite breaking up and falling back to the ocean somewhere off Sable 
Island.  Sorry I missed it but glad that it missed land but hopefully 
nothing too toxic in it for the marine environment.

Laurie Murison
Grand Manan, NB

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Carl Haycock" 
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 7:11 AM
Subject: [NatureNS] meteor


> Monday night ar app. 6:15p.m. I viewed a spectacular meteorite
> (meteor,bollide?)event. From the Grand Passage(Westport harbour) on Brier
> Island I saw 2 bright white lights falling from the sky to the southeast
> over St. Mary's Bay. Then a 3rd huge orange ball following along with the
> other 2. The sky lit up in an orange blaze for a few moments. Initially I
> asssumed it was an Aurora aircraft from Greenwood doing search and rescue
> operations and dropping flares (which I have seen in the past and this 
> event
> looked just like that). I was stunned for a moment, heard no aircraft and
> then realized that it must have been a meteorite breaking up. It was quite
> awesome.
>
> Carl Haycock
> Westport
> 

Richard, I enjoy these photos, posted by you and other members,  so much.
Marg in White Point, Queens

http://margmillard.ca
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Richard Stern" 
To: "NatureNS" ; "nsphotoclub" 
; "Gary Murray" ; 
"Christopher Marke" 
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 11:27 AM
Subject: [NatureNS] A few new bird photos


> Hi,
>
> I have posted some new bird photos from NS in the last 6 weeks here -
> http://www.pbase.com/rb_stern/ns_birds_novdec_07 . They are taken with a
> variety of equipment - check the Exif data below each picture if you're
> interested in the technicalities.
>
> Richard
>
> 

Hi,

I have posted some new bird photos from NS in the last 6 weeks here -
http://www.pbase.com/rb_stern/ns_birds_novdec_07 . They are taken with a
variety of equipment - check the Exif data below each picture if you're
interested in the technicalities.

Richard

-- 
#################
Richard Stern,
317 Middle Dyke Rd.
Port Williams, NS, Canada
B0P 1T0

rbstern AT ns.sympatico.ca
rbstern AT xcountry.tv
sternrichard AT gmail.com
###################

Bob Stevens asked me to pass this on to you all.  Thanks, Bob, from Jim et
al.

----------
From: Robert Stevens 
Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2007 08:37:
To: jimwolford AT eastlink.ca
Subject: Linnaeus's 300th

Jim,
It would be a shame to let the 300th anniversary of Carl Linnaeus's birth on
Thursday December the thirteenth go unrecorded on NatureNS. If you think it
is worthwhile, perhaps you could �forward this link, or another like it, to
the list.


�� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
�http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/court_and_social/article303
0866.ece


Thanks in advance,
Bob Stevens
---------------------------
 
From The Times Online

December 11, 2007

Taxonomy's famous father

    Jane Owen 

Celebrations for the 300th anniversary of Carl Linnaeus's birth will come to
a head on December 13 when the Linnean Society of London, which holds the
Swede's botanical and zoological collections and library, awards three
tercentenary medals for outstanding contributions to natural history.
 
Linnaeus's fame rests on his reputation as the father of modern plant and
animal classification but his work may not have been original.

This was the theme of an exhibition mounted this summer by the Swedish
bibliophile, UN consultant and representative for the East African Wildlife
Society Hugo Berch, who points to the amount that Linnaeus borrowed, or
took, from other writers and scientists.

Steve Ingraham, who is an excellent digiscoper, and now works for Zeiss, has
posted an excellent article on Point and Shoot cameras, digiscoping, and
general nature photography here -  http://pslandscape.wordpress.com. It
complements very nicely the recent posts from Gary, myself etc. on NatureNS.

Richard

-- 
#################
Richard Stern,
317 Middle Dyke Rd.
Port Williams, NS, Canada
B0P 1T0

rbstern AT ns.sympatico.ca
rbstern AT xcountry.tv
sternrichard AT gmail.com
###################

Another solution might be to take your vacuum cleaner out on to the deck.  I 
know my cat hates it and runs away.  It must be bceause nature abhors a 
vacuum.

Don

Don MacNeill
donmacneill AT eastlink.ca
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Eleanor Lindsay" 
To: "NatureNS" 
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 8:47 AM
Subject: [NatureNS] Aggressive Raccoons and feeders update


On 13th November I promised an update on which of your many suggestions
solved my aggressive raccoon problem: it has not proved necessary to go
beyond Suzanne Borkowski's simple suggestion to throw a couple of
handfuls of seeds onto the ground when I find the raccoon already there
as I go to take the feeders in.  The result was instantaneous and
impressive; without a moment's hesitation it abandoned the feeders and,
with no fuss, further growling or other signs of aggression went
straight to the couple of handfuls I threw down for it (which is a lot
less than it would have taken from the feeders)!  I have consistently
had no problem since. If it gets to the feeders before I take them in
and I come out to get them without any seeds, it starts to growl, but if
I am carrying a supply of seeds it watches silently and the minute I
throw them onto the ground it instantly climbs down and tucks in,
leaving me to  take in the feeders at my leisure. (It also provides an
most efficient overnight deck cleaning service around the base of the
feeders, leaving the area spic and pan for the next morning!)
A wonderful example of the great value in taking the 'enemy's' point of
view into account before deciding on any action.........

Eleanor Lindsay

Just a little PS about raccoons near human dwellings: I recently learned
from our veterinarian that raccoons have become hosts for a roundworm that
can be also carried by dogs and by humans, and that it is especially
dangerous to humans, causing brain damage if not death within two weeks.
Raccoons defecate in the same area, and they like sawdust, sand, or other
kitty-litter-like material. That means wood piles. The vet was all excited
about this because they had just had the lecture/info from a visiting vet
from New Orleans who is an expert in animal parasites. He told the story in
which a granddaughter mouthed a piece of bark from a wood pile and got the
worm. (He said also that raccoon feces looks like a granola bar.) If you
have a dog and/or child, and especially if you also feed or otherwise
attract or harbour raccoons, it is wise to get your dog wormed every month
year round. Just thought I'd pass that along. I also just found this in a
quick search: http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.net/raccoonroundworm.php







On 12/11/07, Eleanor Lindsay  wrote:
>
> On 13th November I promised an update on which of your many suggestions
> solved my aggressive raccoon problem: it has not proved necessary to go
> beyond Suzanne Borkowski's simple suggestion to throw a couple of
> handfuls of seeds onto the ground when I find the raccoon already there
> as I go to take the feeders in.  The result was instantaneous and
> impressive; without a moment's hesitation it abandoned the feeders and,
> with no fuss, further growling or other signs of aggression went
> straight to the couple of handfuls I threw down for it (which is a lot
> less than it would have taken from the feeders)!  I have consistently
> had no problem since. If it gets to the feeders before I take them in
> and I come out to get them without any seeds, it starts to growl, but if
> I am carrying a supply of seeds it watches silently and the minute I
> throw them onto the ground it instantly climbs down and tucks in,
> leaving me to  take in the feeders at my leisure. (It also provides an
> most efficient overnight deck cleaning service around the base of the
> feeders, leaving the area spic and pan for the next morning!)
> A wonderful example of the great value in taking the 'enemy's' point of
> view into account before deciding on any action.........
>
> Eleanor Lindsay
>

On 13th November I promised an update on which of your many suggestions 
solved my aggressive raccoon problem: it has not proved necessary to go 
beyond Suzanne Borkowski's simple suggestion to throw a couple of 
handfuls of seeds onto the ground when I find the raccoon already there 
as I go to take the feeders in.  The result was instantaneous and 
impressive; without a moment's hesitation it abandoned the feeders and, 
with no fuss, further growling or other signs of aggression went 
straight to the couple of handfuls I threw down for it (which is a lot 
less than it would have taken from the feeders)!  I have consistently 
had no problem since. If it gets to the feeders before I take them in 
and I come out to get them without any seeds, it starts to growl, but if 
I am carrying a supply of seeds it watches silently and the minute I 
throw them onto the ground it instantly climbs down and tucks in, 
leaving me to  take in the feeders at my leisure. (It also provides an 
most efficient overnight deck cleaning service around the base of the 
feeders, leaving the area spic and pan for the next morning!)
A wonderful example of the great value in taking the 'enemy's' point of 
view into account before deciding on any action.........

Eleanor Lindsay

Monday night ar app. 6:15p.m. I viewed a spectacular meteorite
(meteor,bollide?)event. From the Grand Passage(Westport harbour) on Brier
Island I saw 2 bright white lights falling from the sky to the southeast
over St. Mary's Bay. Then a 3rd huge orange ball following along with the
other 2. The sky lit up in an orange blaze for a few moments. Initially I
asssumed it was an Aurora aircraft from Greenwood doing search and rescue
operations and dropping flares (which I have seen in the past and this event
looked just like that). I was stunned for a moment, heard no aircraft and
then realized that it must have been a meteorite breaking up. It was quite
awesome.

Carl Haycock
Westport

Dec. 9, 2007 - The probable CHIPPING SPARROW and the immature WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROW are still at my feeders, along with a horde of 20+ JUNCOS, 5+
WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, the probable male (bright salmon breast)
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 6+ PHEASANTS, etc.  Also our 2 CARDINALS today were
BOTH FEMALES (usually we have just one male/female pair).

Dec. 10, 2007 - Add at least one female or immature male PURPLE FINCH to the
menagerie of feeder-birds at home in Wolfville.

Today Luke DeCicco saw a SHORT-EARED OWL flying high and headed east over
University Hall, Acadia University, Wolfville.

This afternoon Sheila Young reported a male EASTERN TOWHEE at her feeders at
Grand Pre; she lives a few houses south of Grand Pre Historic Park
interpretation building, and her phone number is .

And Helen Archibald () apparently has a flock of about 10?
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS at her feeders on Canard St., a couple of houses east
of Jawbone Corner, which is where the flashing light it at the junction of
Canard St. and Highway 358 north from Port Williams.

Avril Harwood saw a COYOTE along J. Jordon Road near or at Canning today.
Also reported at tonight�s Blomidon Naturalists Society meeting were 3
CARDINALS at Woodside at Holly Carr�s feeders, and other single CARDINALS at
the Harwoods� home at Woodside and Richard Stern�s home north of
Kentville/New Minas.  And Jim Jotcham has a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (for a
couple of weeks now) at Somerset north of Berwick.

And, speaking of Berwick, the recent Maritime Noon call-in show on birds on
Dec. 7 contained a report that RAVENS are still problematic in town by
VANDALIZING windshield wipers on cars.

Finally, at about 6:30 this evening, the sky was dark and starry, and I was
still able to see COMET HOLMES in the constellation of Perseus, below
Cassiopeia, with my unaided eye (confirmed with binoculars.

Cheers :-) from Jim in Wolfville, 
---------------------
Jim (James W.) Wolford
91 Wickwire Avenue 
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
B4P 1W3
phone  (home)
fax  (Acadia Univ. Biology Dept.)
e-mail 
----------------------

Hello All,
My Evening Grosbeaks of yesterday were replaced by approx 15 Com Redpoll
today. I don't get these every year and never more than 3 or 4 previously.
Cheers
Dennis Hippern (DHH)
Cole Harbour
_________________________________________________________________
Introducing the City  AT  Live! Take a tour!
http://getyourliveid.ca/?icid=LIVEIDENCA006

Following a slow period here at our feeders in Port Hawkesbury - the 
usual chickadees, blue jays, goldfinches, we had not one, but THREE PINE 
WARBLERS arrive on Saturday (8th). They are feeding on home made peanut 
butter, lard, oatmeal suet. A SONG SPARROW visits daily.
Also had a flock of 10 - 12 COMMON REDPOLLS arrive and have a large 
flock of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS come and go. Another property in town has two 
BALTIMORE ORIOLES currently feeding.
David Johnston   Port Hawkesbury

Hi,

After unsuccessfully searching some of the hotspots in Metro and Wolfville
yeserday, there was a beautiful male at my feeder when I opened the curtains
this morning.

Richard

-- 
#################
Richard Stern,
317 Middle Dyke Rd.
Port Williams, NS, Canada
B0P 1T0

rbstern AT ns.sympatico.ca
rbstern AT xcountry.tv
sternrichard AT gmail.com
###################

Begin forwarded message:
>
> The monthly meeting of the Blomidon Naturalists Society will be held  
> Monday, December 10, 2007�at 7:30 p.m. in auditorium of the K.C.  
> Irving Environmental Science Centre.� The topic will be Treed Bogs by  
> Donna Hurlburt. In Nova Scotia, not all peatlands are afforded equal  
> protection from forestry activities through buffer regulations. Our  
> team has been evaluating the need for amendments to the Nova Scotia  
> Wildlife Habitat and Watercourses Protection Regulations to include  
> buffers around treed bogs. At present, treed bogs are excluded from  
> these regulations and timber and/or peat harvesting are permitted  
> within them. This is potentially of concern since many species within  
> these systems are rare and highly specialized which puts them at  
> higher risk of future decline or extirpation. Further, treed bogs are  
> our most common wetland and have the highest chances of being  
> encountered during forestry activity. This study has focused on the  
> impacts of forestry on biodiversity with treed bogs, with particular  
> attention to invertebrates (dragonflies, horse/deer flies), peat  
> mosses, woody vegetation, rare & specialized plants, and Species at  
> Risk. Our team has also examined the impacts of forestry on the  
> physical characteristics of peatlands, including peat composition,  
> community shifts in vegetation over time, water chemistry, tree ring  
> growth and wetland extent and form.� Everyone is welcome.

======================================================================== 
==
Patrick Kelly
Director of Computer Facilities
======================================================================== 
==
Faculty of Architecture and Planning
Dalhousie University
======================================================================== 
==
PO Box 1000 Stn Central                5410 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4           Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2X4
Canada                                 Canada
======================================================================== 
==
Phone:    FAX:   E-mail:patrick.kelly AT dal.ca
======================================================================== 
==

Apologies to those who got this more than once, from Jim in Wolfville.
----------
From: Harold Forsyth 
Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:43:
To: 
Subject: (BNS) Monday night meeting

The monthly meeting of the Blomidon Naturalists Society will be held Monday,
December 10, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in auditorium of the K.C. Irving
Environmental Science Centre.  The topic will be Treed Bogs by Donna
Hurlburt. 

In Nova Scotia, not all peatlands are afforded equal protection from
forestry activities through buffer regulations. Our team has been evaluating
the need for amendments to the Nova Scotia Wildlife Habitat and Watercourses
Protection Regulations to include buffers around treed bogs. At present,
treed bogs are excluded from these regulations and timber and/or peat
harvesting are permitted within them.

This is potentially of concern since many species within these systems are
rare and highly specialized which puts them at higher risk of future decline
or extirpation. Further, treed bogs are our most common wetland and have the
highest chances of being encountered during forestry activity. This study
has focused on the impacts of forestry on biodiversity with treed bogs, with
particular attention to invertebrates (dragonflies, horse/deer flies), peat
mosses, woody vegetation, rare & specialized plants, and Species at Risk.
Our team has also examined the impacts of forestry on the physical
characteristics of peatlands, including peat composition, community shifts
in vegetation over time, water chemistry, tree ring growth and wetland
extent and form.  Everyone is welcome.

Hello all,
I took a bit of a study break today to go down to grand pre and see what could 
be found. There was quite a lot of activity, nothing really good but I did see: 
Snow Bunting (300-400), Horned Lark (400-500), Lapland Longspur (50-75), Common 
Redpoll (4), Northern Harrier (1), Red-tailed Hawk (8), and American 
Tree-Sparrow (2). Around campus lately I've seen, a single Peregrine on the 8th 
and there have been Pine Grosbeaks singing from the irving trails most 
mornings. That's all I've got for now. 

Bird on,
Luke DeCicco
_________________________________________________________________
You keep typing, we keep giving. Download Messenger and join the i�m Initiative 
now. 

http://im.live.com/messenger/im/home/?source=TAGLM

I wonder if anyone has done any studies on our sand lance, which I believe  
is the same fish as the sand eel. About 20 years ago when I was involved in 
some  bottom sampling off Sable Island they were there in abundance and 
undoubtedly a major part of the chain that supported the mackerel, sharks and 

swordfish around the Island. At one time I counted 12 shark fins visible at the 

same time in a small area. They also used to be abundant in the sandy shallows 

of St Margarets Bay but I haven't seen any in some time and wonder how that may 

 be related to the recent decreased catches of mackerel.
Peter Stow 
Hubbards



   

Dennis Hippern wrote:
> Hi All,
>    Today, for the first time in at least 5 years, my feeders were 
> visited by
> 15 - 20 Evening Grodbeaks. They were accompanied by a few Am Goldfinches.
>    Also, lately I have been seeing increasingly more House sparrows. 
> I'm up to
> about 20. This is notworthy only because they have been scarce here 
> for several
> years. Perhaps 10 years ago, I was up to 30+, but that number dropped 
> off to
> zero for a few years.
>    Of note, this year I have been seeing a Hairy W.P. at my seut 
> feeder. This is only
> the second year I have had one in the 26 years I've lived here. The 
> other year was
> Dec 1999 - Jan 2000 when I had my Woodpecker year, which encluded a 
> Red Bellied
> W.P. for almost 2 months.
> Cheers
> Dennis Hippern (DHH)
> Cole Harbour
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Books, DVD's, gadgets, music and more. Shop online with Sympatico / 
> MSN Shopping today! 
> 
 

I have been having intermittent visits from a flock of approx. 15 - 20 
evening grossbeaks over the past two months; more sightings in two 
months than I have had annually in recent years.

Eleanor Lindsay
Seabright, St Margarets Bay

Hello:
9DEC07, :
Hampton to Port George:
16 Snow Buntings, 5 American Tree Sparrows,
exceptional look at a Ruffed Grouse about 3 metres off the ground in a Birch 
Tree, 26 Common Eider, 2 Red-throated Loon, 11 male Harlequin Ducks, 2 Purple 
Sandpipers; they were out of sight behind rocks occasionally 2 would fly into 
view, the Harlequins and Sandpipers were in front of the PG Lighthouse, mature 
Bald Eagle patrolling off and on shore. 

Mosher's Corner: 27 Snow Buntings, 2 Horned Larks.
East of Spa Springs on Hwy 221: 2 male RN Pheasants*, 1 Rough-legged Hawk, 
sighted perched then took off, great look down sun. 

* 1 of the pheasants was foraging while standing comfortably on one leg!, they 
did not leave roadside when we slowly drove by on the opposite side. 

In Middleton Adora Parsons reports a female, N. Cardinal coming to their 
feeders. In their yard, 2 White-throated Sparrows, Pine Grosbeaks: Evening 
Grosbeaks down the street(no count). 

Regards, Barbara and Pat  

Thank you.
Jeannie Shermerhorn,Port Hawkesbury

Cottage....Cape George,Cape Breton

"Let us permit Nature to have her way; she understands her business better 
than we do." - Michel de Montaigne
jeannies AT ns.sympatico.ca
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Elizabeth Doull" 
To: 
Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2007 7:48 PM
Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Bird ID


> It looks like a Common Loon...
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Jeannie" 
> To: 
> Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2007 7:43 PM
> Subject: [NatureNS] Bird ID
>
>
>> Was wondering if anyone could ID this shore bird.The picture quality is 
>> not too good.It was sent to me by my niece.The picture was taken by 
>> her,below her home in French Cove,Cape Breton.
>> Many thanks,Jeannie
>> http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2937838130025930195WtLJdJ
>>
>> http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2999302510025930195YugEwG
>> Jeannie Shermerhorn,Port Hawkesbury
>>
>> Cottage....Cape George,Cape Breton
>>
>> "Let us permit Nature to have her way; she understands her business 
>> better than we do." - Michel de Montaigne
>> jeannies AT ns.sympatico.ca
>>
>> -- 
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>> Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 
>> /1179 - Release Date: 12/9/2007 11:06 AM
>>
>>
>
>
> -- 
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 
> /1179 - Release Date: 09/12/2007 11:06 AM
>
> 

Yes Blake,
You have cause for concern. Food shortage in the North Sea is a problem. One
of the biggest issues is the catching of the huge amounts of sandeel. This
small fish is a major food source for many species, but every year huge
amounts are caught by British and Danish fishermen, and for what? Most of it
is turned into pig food, especially in Denmark where they have a quota of
900,000 tonnes, and the experts wonder why fish stocks are disappearing. It
is just greed.

Regards,
Eddie Chapman, Voss, Norway.
Birding Scandinavia
Today�s picture: Little Grebe
http://www.birdwatchnorway.com/index-filer/Page403.htm



________________________________________
Fra: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca] P�
vegne av Blake Maybank
Sendt: 09 December 2007 17:52
Til: NATURENB AT LISTSERV.UNB.CA; naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca;
BIRDCHAT AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU
Emne: [NatureNS] Massive die-off of seabirds in the North Sea

Hi All;

I draw your attention to the following on-line article, describing a massive
mortality of auks in the North Sea.

http://tinyurl.com/23c6o6 

Disappearing food sources are of deep concern.� For example, the puffins in
Iceland have had extremely poor breeding success for the past two years, due
to food shortages.�� But this particular die-off involves adult birds, and
that can't bode well for these species, which reproduce slowly.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Blake Maybank
maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca

Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds"

author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia"
http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm

White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada

Hi All,
   Today, for the first time in at least 5 years, my feeders were visited by
15 - 20 Evening Grodbeaks. They were accompanied by a few Am Goldfinches.
   Also, lately I have been seeing increasingly more House sparrows. I'm up to
about 20. This is notworthy only because they have been scarce here for several
years. Perhaps 10 years ago, I was up to 30+, but that number dropped off to 
zero for a few years.
 Of note, this year I have been seeing a Hairy W.P. at my seut feeder. This is 
only 

the second year I have had one in the 26 years I've lived here. The other year 
was 

Dec 1999 - Jan 2000 when I had my Woodpecker year, which encluded a Red Bellied
W.P. for almost 2 months.
Cheers
Dennis Hippern (DHH)
Cole Harbour
_________________________________________________________________
Discover new ways to stay in touch with Windows Live! Visit the City  AT  Live 
today! 

http://getyourliveid.ca/?icid=LIVEIDENCA006

Good Day,

Wendy and I made a run out to Portuguese Cove as soon as I read Hans' posting 
and update on the Townsend's Solitaire. We spent about 30 min creeping up the 
driveway and looking very closely in all the multiflora bushes in both the back 
and front yards. Finally, we found it perched at the top of a tall spruce tree 
across the road directly opposite the driveway. Although we really could not 
make out most of the defining field marks, I did take a series of quick shots 
with my Panasonic 12 X digital camera at full optical zoom. Turned out I should 
have brought my scope after all! 


While still on the camera, I was able to zoom in on the bird even more and 
finally was able to make out the eye ring and the buffy feathering on the 
wings. I'm now sure that it was the bird we were hoping for! Liz Doull who 
arrived after we did was able to see the bird within 5 minutes of her arrival! 


Also present around the yard were a few (4-6) Pine Grosbeaks. We had parked at 
the mailboxes at Camperdown Rd as Hans had suggested and as we approached his 
house we flushed a Wilson's Snipe out of the ditch where there was some open 
water just across from the entrance to #716. 


Thanks to Hans for his prompt postings and allowing us to prowl around his 
property! The TOSO was a new bird for NS for me! 


Cheers,

Bob McDonald



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Hans Toom 
  To: Ns-Rba AT Yahoogroups.Com 
  Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2007 1:23 PM
  Subject: [NS-RBA] Townsend's Solitaire-Update



  Hi,

 The Townsend's Solitaire remains at our place in Portuguese Cove. It's working 
on the multiflora berries overhanging the front yard's platform feeder. This 
location is beside the driveway so it's best to sneak up the driveway quietly 
and on foot. It is a flighty bird but I have managed a few record photos from 
our front window. A Brown Creeper is also present plus an increase in the Song, 
White-throated and Tree Sparrow populations. 


  Hans
  _________________________________
  Hans Toom
  Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada
  Website: http://hanstoom.com 
  Pbase: http://pbase.com/snahmoot
  _________________________________

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  No virus found in this incoming message.
  Checked by AVG Free Edition. 
 Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: /1178 - Release Date: 12/8/:59 AM 

Good Day,

Wendy and I made a run out to Portuguese Cove as soon as I read Hans' posting 
and update on the Townsend's Solitaire. We spent about 30 min creeping up the 
driveway and looking very closely in all the multiflora bushes in both the back 
and front yards. Finally, we found it perched at the top of a tall spruce tree 
across the road directly opposite the driveway. Although we really could not 
make out most of the defining field marks, I did take a series of quick shots 
with my Panasonic 12 X digital camera at full optical zoom. Turned out I should 
have brought my scope after all! 


While still on the camera, I was able to zoom in on the bird even more and 
finally was able to make out the eye ring and the buffy feathering on the 
wings. I'm now sure that it was the bird we were hoping for! Liz Doull who 
arrived after we did was able to see the bird within 5 minutes of her arrival! 


Also present around the yard were a few (4-6) Pine Grosbeaks. We had parked at 
the mailboxes at Camperdown Rd as Hans had suggested and as we approached his 
house we flushed a Wilson's Snipe out of the ditch where there was some open 
water just across from the entrance to #716. 


Thanks to Hans for his prompt postings and allowing us to prowl around his 
property! The TOSO was a new bird for NS for me! 


Cheers,

Bob McDonald



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Hans Toom 
  To: Ns-Rba AT Yahoogroups.Com 
  Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2007 1:23 PM
  Subject: [NS-RBA] Townsend's Solitaire-Update



  Hi,

 The Townsend's Solitaire remains at our place in Portuguese Cove. It's working 
on the multiflora berries overhanging the front yard's platform feeder. This 
location is beside the driveway so it's best to sneak up the driveway quietly 
and on foot. It is a flighty bird but I have managed a few record photos from 
our front window. A Brown Creeper is also present plus an increase in the Song, 
White-throated and Tree Sparrow populations. 


  Hans
  _________________________________
  Hans Toom
  Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada
  Website: http://hanstoom.com 
  Pbase: http://pbase.com/snahmoot
  _________________________________

   


------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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 Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: /1178 - Release Date: 12/8/:59 AM 

The rule of thumb under NAFTA is that products manufactured in the  
USA or Canada are not subject to duty crossing the border. However,  
if a firm sells a product made elsewhere across the border, it *is*  
subject to duty, even if it's exclusive to that business (think many  
Lands End or LL Bean clothes, for example).

We do have to pay GST. And, as someone said, shipping charges can be  
a killer. Lots of considerations -- and sometimes American warranties  
aren't valid in Canada.

It might be worth it to buy at Carsand-Mosher or Future Shop, or it  
might not. What you need to do, I think, is narrow down to 3 or 4  
models you're interested in, and then comparison shop.

FWIW, some of the higher end point & shoots are very, very good, and  
for much less money than SLRs. I have a Fuji S700 with a 10X optical  
zoom, 7.1 megapixels, which I bought earlier this year. Gorgeous  
results -- and I paid, I think, something like $265. Granted, it was  
on sale -- a clear-out as upgraded models were coming in. Here's some  
results: http://www.flickr.com/photos/windsea/ -- though a number of  
the ones on the first page are older, taken with a different camera  
or by other people. The ones from the clearcut next to Bob Bancroft  
and Alice Reed's woodlot aren't, though. :-P. But look at pages 2 and  
3 for a better sense of colour and resolution.

cheers,
Joanne

On 9-Dec-07, at 19:32 PM, David&Jane Schlosberg wrote:

> Thanks.  Good tips.  What about "duty"?  Sorry to be so ignorant!   
> I seem to see that Dell and Amazon.com have very good prices on  
> some of the cameras in my range.  I looked at a website that  
> describes and compares various cameras and claims to be  
> "unbiased".  It was http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com .
> Jane
> -----Original Message-----
> From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens- 
> owner AT chebucto.ns.ca]On Behalf Of Blake Maybank
> Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2007 5:59 PM
> To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca
> Subject: [NatureNS] RE: Digital Camera -- where to purchase
>
> At 04:39 PM 09/12/2007, you wrote:
>> next question:  where to purchase?  What about the internet?   
>> Dell?  cross border problems?
>
> Prices are generally cheaper in the states, but you have to factor  
> in the shipping costs.   Do not use UPS for shipping under any  
> circumstances, as they add on a hefty fee to administer the GST  
> charges, at least $50.
>
> I purchased my new camera from B&H photo in New York, and it was  
> 25% cheaper than Henry's in Toronto, and 40% cheaper than any  
> supplier in Nova Scotia.   So, even with shipping costs, I came out  
> ahead.  And I made sure the warranty applied to Canada as well as  
> the U.S..
>
> But, regardless, you have to do your homework, and be prepared to  
> spend a bit of time on the internet to see the various options.    
> Buyer beware.
>
> Cheers,
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 
> -------
> Blake Maybank
> maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca
>
> Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds"
>
> author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia"
> http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm
>
> White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada

__________________________________

Joanne Cook (mailto:forests2 AT ecologyaction.ca)
Coordinator, Standing Tall Campaign for Environmentally Responsible  
Forestry,
Ecology Action Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia. (voice); (fax).
http://www.novascotiaforests.ca & http://www.ecologyaction.ca

* Do not meddle with the Forces of Nature, for you are small,  
insignificant, and biodegradable. *

Hello All,

The Brown Thrasher first reported at 79 Crestwood Place, Colby 
Village, on Remembrance Day, is still present. The property owner has 
kindly given me permission to post this message. The bird spends most 
of its time at or near the suet feeder.

And, as Richard Stern has already reported, I still have my Chat at 35 
Edward St.

  Cheers, Pat McKay



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jim Nunn
Date: 11 Nov 2007 10:27
Subject: Re: Re: brown thrasher

     I would agree to the posting.  I have only seen the Thrasher at and
around the feeder in the backyard and you would have to be in the yard to
see it.  If you come along the left side of the property the feeder is about
15 yards from the back corner of the house.

79 Crestwood Place
Colby Village

Jim Nunn

It looks like a Common Loon...

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jeannie" 
To: 
Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2007 7:43 PM
Subject: [NatureNS] Bird ID


> Was wondering if anyone could ID this shore bird.The picture quality is 
> not too good.It was sent to me by my niece.The picture was taken by 
> her,below her home in French Cove,Cape Breton.
> Many thanks,Jeannie
> http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2937838130025930195WtLJdJ
>
> http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2999302510025930195YugEwG
> Jeannie Shermerhorn,Port Hawkesbury
>
> Cottage....Cape George,Cape Breton
>
> "Let us permit Nature to have her way; she understands her business better 
> than we do." - Michel de Montaigne
> jeannies AT ns.sympatico.ca
>
> -- 
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 
> /1179 - Release Date: 12/9/2007 11:06 AM
>
> 

Was wondering if anyone could ID this shore bird.The picture quality is not 
too good.It was sent to me by my niece.The picture was taken by her,below 
her home in French Cove,Cape Breton.
Many thanks,Jeannie
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2937838130025930195WtLJdJ

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2999302510025930195YugEwG
Jeannie Shermerhorn,Port Hawkesbury

Cottage....Cape George,Cape Breton

"Let us permit Nature to have her way; she understands her business better 
than we do." - Michel de Montaigne
jeannies AT ns.sympatico.ca 

Thanks.  Good tips.  What about "duty"?  Sorry to be so ignorant!  I seem to
see that Dell and Amazon.com have very good prices on some of the cameras in
my range.  I looked at a website that describes and compares various cameras
and claims to be "unbiased".  It was http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com .
Jane
  -----Original Message-----
  From: naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca
[mailto:naturens-owner AT chebucto.ns.ca]On Behalf Of Blake Maybank
  Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2007 5:59 PM
  To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca
  Subject: [NatureNS] RE: Digital Camera -- where to purchase


  At 04:39 PM 09/12/2007, you wrote:

    next question:  where to purchase?  What about the internet?  Dell?
cross border problems?

  Prices are generally cheaper in the states, but you have to factor in the
shipping costs.   Do not use UPS for shipping under any circumstances, as
they add on a hefty fee to administer the GST charges, at least $50.

  I purchased my new camera from B&H photo in New York, and it was 25%
cheaper than Henry's in Toronto, and 40% cheaper than any supplier in Nova
Scotia.   So, even with shipping costs, I came out ahead.  And I made sure
the warranty applied to Canada as well as the U.S..

  But, regardless, you have to do your homework, and be prepared to spend a
bit of time on the internet to see the various options.   Buyer beware.

  Cheers,


  --------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
  Blake Maybank
  maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca

  Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds"

  author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia"
  http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm

  White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada

was in dartmouth most all day  saw 5 american coots
 in sullivan's pond and could not find another bird anywhere.
   sure is hard birding down there.
      brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
   
Murray R Newell
  Cape Sable Island
    Nova Scotia

At 03:55 PM 09/12/2007, you wrote:
>This morning I was up on the dump site out by Seaview
>Park and was looking for the flock of Songsparrows and
>was very excited to see a Common Redpoll as well.Lots of
>Crows out there and in fact a big cat showed up eyeing the
>Sparrows when all of a sudden the Crows mobbed the cat
>and it left hissing and snarling but non the less, left.
>It is quite icy up on the higher parts of the dump.Not realy
>too safe for the average car.Heather D in Halifax

I made a visit to the Seaview dump this morning, arriving just before 
Don MacNeill left.   I posted my results to the NS-RBA, but since 
Heather brought up the subject of this location, I thought I should 
add that there were about 50 Common Redpolls at the eastern end of 
the dump, among which were one or maybe two Hoary Redpolls.   The 
Indigo Bunting was still present at the western end of the dump near 
the buildings, and a Yellow-breasted Chat made a brief 
appearance.   Don MacNeill had earlier seen some Snow Buntings, so 
this is a site to check anytime you are in the area.

Cheers,


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blake Maybank
maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca

Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds"

author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia"
http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm

White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada 


-- 
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition. 
Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: /1179 - Release Date: 09/12/:06 AM 

At 04:39 PM 09/12/2007, you wrote:
>next question:  where to purchase?  What about the 
>internet?  Dell?  cross border problems?

Prices are generally cheaper in the states, but you have to factor in 
the shipping costs.   Do not use UPS for shipping under any 
circumstances, as they add on a hefty fee to administer the GST 
charges, at least $50.

I purchased my new camera from B&H photo in New York, and it was 25% 
cheaper than Henry's in Toronto, and 40% cheaper than any supplier in 
Nova Scotia.   So, even with shipping costs, I came out ahead.  And I 
made sure the warranty applied to Canada as well as the U.S..

But, regardless, you have to do your homework, and be prepared to 
spend a bit of time on the internet to see the various options.   Buyer beware.

Cheers,


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blake Maybank
maybank AT ns.sympatico.ca

Editor, "Nova Scotia Birds"

author, "Birding Sites of Nova Scotia"
http://maybank.tripod.com/BSNS.htm

White's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada 

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: /1179 - Release Date: 09/12/:06 AM 

I can embellish Gary's directions a bit, Jamie.  Go inland or south on
Gaspereau Ave., up and over Wolfville Ridge and down into Gaspereau Valley,
follow the bends until you cross the river, then turn right (south) and
drive up onto Gaspereau Mountain past the elementary school and follow the
bends until almost the top, then look for Forest Hill Road, turn left, drive
east past farms and houses -- optional to park at last house and walk
further east to gate, or drive it carefully and turn around at the gate and
park thee without blocking the road.

Cheers from Jim in Wolfville
----------
From: Gary Murray 
Reply-To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca
Date: Sun, 09 Dec 2007 14:40:
To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca
Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Wolfville Watershed NAture Preserve

 HiJamie,

Here are some directions that were given to me recently by the Nova Scotia
Nature Trust.

Hope this helps,

Directions to Wolfville Watershed:

  a.. From Wolfville, turn left on Gaspereau Avenue (just past the Tim
Hortons (on right side) and Firehall (on left side))
  b.. Follow Gaspereau Avenue to the village of Gaspereau
  c.. After crossing the Gaspereau River, take the next right on to
Greenfield Rd (at Shell station)
  d.. Turn left onto Forest Hill Rd, and follow (turns into dirt road) until
you reach gates with a sign saying "Wolfville Watershed - No Trespassing"
Hope this helps,

Gary Murray

http://garyamurray.blogspot.com/

http://www.pbase.com/pgns/gmurray






----- Original Message -----
From: "Jamie Simpson" 
To: "naturens" 
Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2007 1:40 PM
Subject: [NatureNS] Wolfville Watershed NAture Preserve


> Can anyone direct me to the new Wolfville Watershed Nature Preserve?
>
> We spent 2 hours driving aroung Gaspereau and Melanson this morning (a
> glorious winter morning and time well wasted!)  but couldn't seem to
> stumble across it; but I believe if I head straight up Melanson mountain
> from Garth Levy's lumber mill I'll get there? 

Today a small flock of Red Crossbills spent a brief period around our 
property in Coldbrook. Although a number of years ago they were not 
uncommon in our area, in recent years seeing them once a year is now 
the norm. I'm not aware of any place in NS where they are reliable 
now. If anyone is aware of such, please let me (and others) know.

I checked their population status and learned their numbers are 
stable throughout their range. I wonder how such a nomadic species 
can be assessed accurately.

Angus

Hi,

Best to look and try before you buy. There are lots of stores in Metro and
around the Province that sell digital cameras and computers.

Richard

On Dec 9, 2007 4:39 PM, David&Jane Schlosberg 
wrote:

>  next question:  where to purchase?  What about the internet?  Dell?
> cross border problems?
>



-- 
#################
Richard Stern,
317 Middle Dyke Rd.
Port Williams, NS, Canada
B0P 1T0

rbstern AT ns.sympatico.ca
rbstern AT xcountry.tv
sternrichard AT gmail.com
###################

next question:  where to purchase?  What about the internet?  Dell?  cross
border problems?

This morning I was up on the dump site out by Seaview 
Park and was looking for the flock of Songsparrows and 
was very excited to see a Common Redpoll as well.Lots of 
Crows out there and in fact a big cat showed up eyeing the 
Sparrows when all of a sudden the Crows mobbed the cat 
and it left hissing and snarling but non the less, left.
It is quite icy up on the higher parts of the dump.Not realy 
too safe for the average car.Heather D in Halifax

Not a problem, it is good to be aware of all the possibilities nowadays.

cheers,
Gary.
http://garyamurray.blogspot.com/
http://www.pbase.com/pgns/gmurray



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jamie Simpson 
  To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca 
  Sent: Sunday, December 09, 2007 1:27 PM
  Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Good Digital Camera Question form Santa


  Interesting, thanks Gary, looks like an option - 12.1 mpx, yikes!
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Gary Murray 
    To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca 
    Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2007 6:27 PM
    Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Good Digital Camera Question form Santa


    Hi,

 I recently read that the Canon G9 12MP P&S makes great images. I've attatched 
a link below of a review by noted Cdn Photographer Darwin Wiggett. 

    Hopefully it will open,

     http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles1207/dw1207-1.html


    Cheers,
    Gary Murray
    Bedford NS

    http://garyamurray.blogspot.com/
    http://www.pbase.com/pgns/gmurray


      ----- Original Message ----- 
      From: Jamie Simpson 
      To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca 
      Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2007 3:54 PM
      Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Good Digital Camera Question form Santa


 Thanks Richard, he did mention the Canon so I may go with that, appreciate the 
response, peace to all. 

        ----- Original Message ----- 
        From: Richard Stern 
        To: naturens AT chebucto.ns.ca 
        Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 8:12 PM
        Subject: Re: [NatureNS] Good Digital Camera Question form Santa


        Hi,

 The 3 main contenders for an entry level dSLR (digital equivalent of 35mm. in 
film) would be the Canon Rebel XTi, the Nikon D40x, or the Pentax K10. They're 
all around 10mpx, and the Canon seems to be the cheapest. The advantage of the 
Pentax are that it has vibration reduction built into the body, and it's 
backwardly compatible with old Pentax film camera lenses. They all come as a 
body only, or bundled with a "kit" lens, which is generally an 18-55mm. zoom. 
They have similar specs. They all feel a bit different, but should produce 
excellent photos, so the best bet would to go to a store (? Carsand Mosher, or 
Camera Corner in New Minas) and play with all 3. Also, read the reviews on 
dpReview.com. 


        Richard


        On Dec 6, 2007 7:42 PM, Jamie Simpson  wrote:

 You've probably answered this 100 times but I'm looking for a good digital 

 camera for my son who has an interest in photography - what is a good deal 

          on an entry level 35mm digital camera?

          Santa




        -- 
        #################
        Richard Stern, 
        317 Middle Dyke Rd.
        Port Williams, NS, Canada
        B0P 1T0

        rbstern AT ns.sympatico.ca
        rbstern AT xcountry.tv
        sternrichard AT gmail.com
        ################### 


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        Checked by AVG Free Edition. 
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7:31 PM 




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