Nature Miramichi:

I was walking along a logging road off Highway 8 in the Millerton area watching 3 Viceroy butterflies working out their relationship

when there was a great “shreak” from abou 100 meters away in the underbrush. These two flew up and around giving me enough time

to come to my senses and take a few distant photos! One never knows!

Deana and I have just finished a short vacation to her ancestoral home very near Gaspe, Quebec. In the local national park, Forillon, we saw a couple of dozen Salt Marsh Coppers (about 31 mm in width, or is that length?) This species is endemic to the Maritimes and the Gaspe coast and has recently been distinguished from a similar species, the Dorcas Copper. See attached. There are Maritime Ringlets in this area as well, quite recently confirmed, but we have been unable to see any.

These are three new butterflies for me. The first 2 were at the Miramichi Marsh this morning. I found another new one, the Northeren Cloudywing, this afternoon at the former Newcastle Ready Mix site at the end of Gladstone Avenue. Below, in order: Bronze Copper, Dun Skipper* and Northern Cloudywing.

*This is not a Dun Skipper. It is a male Tawny-edged Skipper. Thanks to Jim Edsall for this correction. (July 1 2012)

It’s not a good time to be an invertebrate.  The Eastern Kingbird nestlings just sit with their beaks wide open and facing skyward for many minutes on end!  Even the Viceroy butterfly seems to be at least contemplating a slug! Deana discovered a third P-b Grebe nest. It’s in the larger pond, south-west “quadrant”. These photos were taken June 15th between about 8:30 and 9:30 a.m at Miramichi Marsh. There are young fledged Tree Swallows also.

Sorry …. these are just too irresistable   …. see even more at http://flic.kr/s/aHsjzTwBQJ ! 🙂  Use the slideshow feature for convenience.

At least two other young ones are sheltering under the sitter’s wings. Presumably it is Mom on the nest but I understand with Grebes this might not always be the case.

Miramichi Marsh June 5 – There are two Pied-billed Grebe families with at least 6 young between them. A Northern Shoveller was paying a visit. A small class of students from Croft Elementary enjoyed the Grebes and were doing some pond water captures under the direction of Ducks Unlimited leaders.

   Friday   MAY 25.  I  went to the “Cove” this afternoon to see if I could photograph a Canadian Tiger Swallowtail. I have seen them there over the last couple of days but they weren’t landing. I guessed they were looking for mates. I had seen 2 or 3 on each visit. Sure enough, on the path up from the marina, I’d almost given up pursuit ….. below is just one of several photos and a video clip! Not sure if they were just getting acquainted or if it was more serious ….. I think it was serious!
     Just before that I had a good look at what makes a Question Mark butterfly not a Comma. You can see two small white marks on the underwing.
     This evening Deana and I went to the Miramichi Marsh. Deana heard 2 Veery (Veeries?) and a Common Yellowthoat. I don’t hear as well! Earlier today I saw the Baltimore Oriole for the third time over 11 days so it must be hanging around. Its call was very loud.  The Eastern Kingbirds (one of possibly 2 pair at least) have started nesting in the trees in the larger pond where they nested 2 seasons ago.
     This evenings excitement was 40 minutes with an American Coot. Most of that time it spent in a clump of grass preening. I saw one briefly last year but watching its “Sora-like” behaviour this evening, although briefly, was interesting. Needless to say, photos attached!