Nature Miramichi

From: verpep@bellaliant.net [mailto:verpep@bellaliant.net]
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2017 4:38 PM
To: gadd1313@nb.sympatico.ca
Subject: Kouchibouguac

Verica’s Photos

Checking out Strawberry Marsh river shore yesterday I came across a Snow Bunting, then later in the day a second one on Hay Island. Its getting to be that time of year!

It was very very windy on Hay Island yesterday and I think that limited what one could observe. I did see 4 Hudsonian Godwits which have been on the island in varying numbers for the last week or so, and 3 Dunlins that have also been hanging about as well as a couple of Black-bellied Plovers in “off season” plumage. I got a distant and fleeting look at a juvenile Sanderling as well. I had not seen one on Hay Island previously although it seems to be well suited to them.

The Dunlin in the photo is hunkered down in the strong wind.

Earlier in the day at the inlet next to the water treatment plant in Newcastle I witnessed a Greater Yellowlegs’ very narrow escape from a Peregrine Falcon …. The tide at about 8:30 yesterday morning was a long way out and there was a vast mudflat beyond the water treatment lagoon … not any other shorebirds though … gulls (mostly Ring-billed) and Black Ducks and 4 Hooded Mergansers were present.

Mid-afternoon at Oak Point I saw an extensive line of Double-crested Cormorants off shore …. Round numbers I would guess 800 to 1000 of them.

Peter

From: Peter Gadd [mailto:gadd1313@nb.sympatico.ca]
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2017 2:46 PM
Subject: Nature Miramichi – MM this morning

Hi All,

I spent a very pleasant 2 hours at Miramichi Marsh this morning. The trails are now in very good condition. I saw only 12 bird species which is to be expected at this time of year I suppose. Ducks: American Wigeons 8 – the mother and 7 ducklings that have been seen throughout the summer no doubt, now fully grown, Green-winged Teals -7, Mallards 8, Hooded Mergansers 2. Shorebirds – Greater Yellowlegs 2, Pectoral Sandpiper 1 (we think), Red-winged Blackbird – flock of 13 passing through on their way south I should think, Song Sparrows – 8 or so, Savannah Sparrow 4, Crows 6, Starlings 7, Ring-billed Gulls 110!

Peter

Through the efforts of NBCC students, Ducks Unlimited and Nature Miramichi members … the trails at the marsh have been cleared and once again provide a good walking surface.

Deana has suggested that on Wednesday evening this week, June 21st, first day of summer, that those interested should meet for a walk at French Fort Cove in the evening. The weather at the moment, is forecast to be good.

The idea is to do some birding and ‘botanizing” as we make our way up a gentle slope that leads to the Creaghan Gulch Trail – not the trail itself. The trail is dry but a little rough in places with rocks and roots but overall not bad underfoot. It is a gentle incline.

At the moment the Lady Slippers are in their prime. There are other wildflowers too and a number of other plants of interest.

We plan to meet at the western end of French Fort Road (see map attached) for 6:30. Any time is good as I expect we will progress slowly as we take the trail that goes to the right, opposite a bench, once in the park.

We can keep an eye out for butterflies as well … in 2015 I did report a Baltimore Checkerspot near where we are walking on June 26th. It is a very striking medium sized butterfly.

Should we need to cancel due to rain/thunder I will send out an email to let you know.

Peter

Scarlet Tanager – Sighted at Miramichi Marsh May 23, 2017

Program

June 13 – Miramichi Marsh 6:30 – Meet at the north end of Ironman Rd.

September 12th Meeting –  Laurel Bernard – Nature Conservancy of Canada – Stewardship Director, Atlantic Canada

September 23 – Bioblitz, Kingston Family Nature Preserve

Everyone Welcome

For more information contact NatureMiramichi@gmail.com

From: David McLeod [mailto:mcleodda@nbnet.nb.ca]
Sent: March 4, 2017 3:03 PM
Subject: Final Winter Bird List for Northumberland County

Hi Everyone:

Please find attached the final version of the Winter Bird List for Northumberland County.

We ended up with a very respectable total of 65 species, just 6 short of last year’s record of 71. This is the first year that not a single warbler species was reported!

Thanks to all who contributed their sightings and photos.

Can’t wait to start again Dec. 1, 2017!

Dave

2016_17 Winter Bird List for Northumberland Co., final, Mar 4, 2017.docx

A reminder of the December meeting for the MNC is Tuesday Dec. 6th starting at 6:00 p.m. This meeting includes our Christmas Pot-luck supper. All are welcome. Bring your own utensils and plates and something to share.

Our guest speaker is Pam Watters, co-ordinator for the Miramichi Christmas Bird Count (which will be held Dec. 18th this year). Pam will be talking about trends in data since the count originated in 1972.

Talking about birds, the annual Winter Bird List is being compiled by Dave McLeod. This count runs from Dec. 1 until Feb. 28th. Please forward sightings to mcleodda . Shortly, “to-date sightings” will be listed here.