Nova Scotia Birds AQuarterlv Publication ol the Nova Scotia Bird Societv
Autumn2008 [The Birds of Summerl 2 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS Volume 50, Issue 4
NOVA SCOTIA BIRD SOCIETY Executive 2007-2008
President Suzanne Borkowski Vice President David Hughes Past President Andy Horn Treasurer Janey Hughes Secretary Pat McKay Membership Secretary U/i Hoger Director Barbara Hinds Director Patrick Kelly Director Mary Alward Director Susann Myers Chair Sanctuary Trust Bob McDonald Editor Blake Maybank Solicitor Tony Robinson Auditor Harold Forsyth
Formed in 19 55, the Nova Scotia Bird Society is a member of Nature Nova Scotia and Nature Canada. The activities of the Society are centered on the observation and study of the bird life of this province and the preservation of habitat.
Nova Scotia Bird Society Rare Bird Alert: http://groups.yahoo.com/group!NS-RBAI c/o Nova Scotia Museum, Email: [email protected] 1747 Summer Street, Web: http://nsbs.chebucto.org Halifax, N.S. B3H 3A6
Reporting Deadlines Winter 20 IO issue: Dec. 7, 2009 Summer 2009 issue: June 7, 2009 Spring 2009 issue: Mar. 7, 2009 Fall 2009 issue: Aug. 7, 2009 Inside This Issue
President's Corner 4
Sandhill Cranes in E. North America 7
10 Ways to Save Birds 8
Sambro Island 10
Summer Bird Reports 13
Sanctuary Trust Annual report 31
Summer Weather Report 33
Field Trip Reports 34
Coming Events 39
Cover Photo: This delightful adult NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL was roosting (near a nest?) June 2 near N. Salem, Col. We don't often see them thus in summer. [Photo Chris VanSlyke].
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NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS AUTUMN 2008
Editor Blake Maybank
Production Assistant THE SPOTTING SCOPE Sterling Levy I'm peeking out from behind my desk to ascertain if the coast is clear. The reason? Tardiness in Records Editor the production of "Nova Scotia Birds" is a serious concern, an offence to the natural order, and Lance Laviolette as editor I accept full responsibility for the unprecedented delay in the appearance of this Photo Editor magazine. There are many reasons, of varying validity, and some perversely amplified the Ian McLaren effects of others, but you don't need to know the reasons, you simply want the magazine. Here it is, at (over)long last. And you need a scapegoat. I accept the role. Events Editor Suzanne Borkowski In the meantime, as a winter diversion, sit by the fire, grab a nice mug of hot chocolate (I Seasonal Bird Reports recommend the Spicy Mexican blend produced by JustUs), and enjoy learning about the Birds John Be/bin of Summer. Ul/i Hoger Eric Mills Blake Maybank Ken McKenna Ian McLaren Susann Myers Dorothy Poole Hans Toom
Banner Artist Trevor Herriot Other Help Uli Hoger Peter LeB/anc
Bird Reports to Lance Laviolette RR #/,Glen Robertson, ON K0BIH0 /[email protected]
Photo Submissions to Ian A. McLaren Photo Editor, NS Birds Biology Department Dalhousie University Halifax, NS, B3H4) I [email protected]
All Other Items to Blake Maybank Editor, NS Birds 144 Bayview Drive White's Lake, NS. BJT I Z I [email protected]
Use of any material from NOVA SCO TIA BIRDS requires written permission from the Editor. A pair of Black-backed Woodpeckers successfully nested in a telephone pole Cost of the publication of this peri near Portuguese Cove, HRM, providing an unusually easy opportunity to odical is partially borne by the Nova observe and photograph this handsome, reclusive species. [Photo by Blake Scotia Museum. Maybank.]
ISSN 0383-9537. Publications Mail Reg. No. 09838. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Published four times a year. Assistance Program, toward our mailing costs.
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BIRD President's Corner We had only two participants in our Create a Sanctuary contest, so both entrants will be deemed winners and have their photos in this issue.
Ed and Donna Barrington of Sydney Forks, Cape Breton, live on a 33,000 square foot lot. They've been working on it for many years, trying to make it a safe and welcoming habitat for birds and other wildlife. This year they planted blueberry bushes and fir trees, and replaced some of their Swallow nesting boxes. They maintain the pond they constructed which hosts both Black Ducks and Mallards and attracts numerous other species of birds. In an e-mail message from Ed this summer, he told me: "One Bald Eagle caught a very large Rainbow trout in the pond, but did not have the flying space to take it away. It took about two days for him finish eating it on the bank of the pond. We had three young American Bitterns hanging around the back yard for about a month. Everyone agreed that they had to have been hatched near the pond." Congratulations Ed and Donna!
Dave and Louise Currie live on a 33m x 26m lot (approx. 2800 sq.feet) in Dartmouth, NS. They've been working on their property for the last six years. Dave told me: "We planted many Bayberry, Winterberry, Apple, Blueberry, Juniper, White Pine, Spruce and now 5 quite mature Multiflora with 5 more planted just last year. Fall and winter feeders are good for almost anything, but this year is the first for Cardinal. (The)Catbird is now regular in the late summer and fall and Yellow-rumps stay until every Bayberry is gone. There is a bird bath but a bit hidden from view. Pond is next... some year maybe... " Congratulations Dave and Louise!
Next year the contest will go back to listing - which seems to be quite popular. In support of the Breeding Bird Atlas, we're going to ask you to keep track of the number of species you see in 2009 that are confirmed breeding: carrying food, or nesting material, feeding young, etc. There's no need to hunt for nests. Breeding evidence can be noted just by keeping your eyes open. If you're already atlassing, this contest will be easy for you -- just keep track of the numbers you reported in your square plus your casual observations. If you're not atlassing, but would like your sightings counted in the Atlas, just send them to the RC for the area where you saw the bird(s). The name and e-mail address of all the RC's are on the MBBA website: http://mba-aom.ca or; you can send them to me and I'll pass them along. Your tallies for the contest are due by Dec. I si, 2009.
We have a new Area Representative! Wayne Neily has volunteered to be our representative for Kings County. If you'd like to renew your membership, join for the first time, or buy some checklists or NSBS pins, and you live in the Kingston area, you can give Wayne a call at 765-2455; or visit him at his home: 562 Messenger Road, Tremont, RR#6, Kingston, NS. Wayne's E-mail address is [email protected]
We'll be having another Atlas Workshop combined with our annual out-of-area meeting in May this year at the Mountain Gap Inn in Smith's Cove, near Digby. This year we'll be featuring Regions 16 (Annapolis Valley/Digby Neck) and 17 (Southwest Shore). The rooms will cost $100.00 each; two people sharing would pay $50.00 each; for the night of Saturday, May 30th• Here's the best part: You get to pick your own room. Just go to their website: http://www.mountaingapinn.ca and click on "Around the Inn". We've been offered Rooms: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 -12, 24 -27, and 41 - 43 Gust $90.00 for these three rooms). Be sure to say you're with the NS Bird Society to get your discounted rate. First come, first serve! Just click on the roof of any of those buildings to see what the room is like. Our meeting will start at 7:30 pm on Saturday, followed by an owl prowl, a point count demo on Sunday morning, and after breakfast - field trips focusing on how to record breeding evidence for what you see! More details to follow.
As most of you know, at our Annual General Meeting on October 23"1, I stepped down as President of the Society after four fantastic years! I loved the experience, especially getting to meet so many of you. Our new President, Patrick Kelly, is featured in our "Executive Profile" in this issue, and he will be writing this column next time - Winter 09. Please join me in welcoming Pat and wishing him all the best!
Suzanne Borkowski Past President - Nova Scotia Bird Society
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Create a Sanctuary - Photos [Photos by the owners]
The Barrington Garden
The Currie Garden
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EXECUTIVE PROFILE Patrick Kelly
Our new President, Patrick Kelly, has only been birding for the past 12 years or so, but his interest in birds and nature goes back to his childhood. He was born in 1958 right here in Nova Scotia, grew up in Spryfield, and remembers his mother making notes in a book whenever she saw a new bird. He now lives in Falmouth, close to Windsor, and has a marsh behind his house, a small pond, and some woods. With all the bird activity around him, he was quickly hooked!
His other main interest in nature is astronomy, and he is a life member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, for which he is the Treasurer and the National Council Representative of the Halifax Centre. He is also editor of the Society's annual Observer's Handbook. It was through the RASC that he met Sherman Williams, who convinced him to participate in a W olfville CBC. He remembers that Count well and since then he and Sherman have done the Wolfville Count together almost every year.
Patrick has three grown sons - one is an engineer and a physicist (who as a student worked on the Lidar device which was being designed for the Phoenix mission to Mars), one is an RCMP officer, and one is in Sales & Marketing, having graduated from the Dalhousie School of Commerce. Patrick works at Dalhousie as a lecturer in the Faculty of Photo Caroline Kelly. Architecture and Planning where he teaches Archaeoastronomy - the study of buildings designed to align with the sun and stars. He's also the director of the Faculty's Computer Facilities, responsible for looking after computer systems for faculty, staff, and students. In his spare time he's the Regional Coordinator for Region 16 (Annapolis Valley-Digby Neck) of the Breeding Bird Atlas.
Patrick's great grandfather was born and raised in Ireland. He was a soldier who fought in the battle of Khartoum, the Khyber Pass, and Gibralter, and later served in Halifax, where he eventually settled. Patrick visited Ireland in 2005 and again in 2007. He was impressed with the breath-taking beauty of Ireland's windswept landscapes. Would he like to live there some day? "You never know", says Patrick with a dreamy smile - "I just might!"
Meanwhile Patrick has some great ideas for the future of the NS Bird Society. He wants to reach more people, and involve them in birding and the issues facing birds. He'd also like to improve contact with members across the province. To this end he wants to start a monthly electronic newsletter which would facilitate a dialogue between members and the Executive. These newsletters would make announcements, such as upcoming field trips and issues we're working on, and solicit comments and suggestions from members.
Please join me in wishing Patrick all the best as he takes on the challenging role of President- Nova Scotia Bird Society.
Suzanne Borkowski Past President, Nova Scotia Bird Society
NOVA SCOTIA BIRD SOCIETY'S COLLECTION OF NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS
The Society's archival collection requires all issues of Nova Scotia Museum of Science Newsletter, Nova Scotia Museum Newsletter, and Nova Scotia Bird Society Newsletter from 1955 to and including March 1964. Your help in contributing any of them will be greatly appreciated. If you have any available to donate, please contact Bernice Moores at 902-422-5292 or [email protected].
Eileen and Bill Billington, Gisele d'Entremont, Bernice Moores a
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FINE Focus Sandhill Cranes in Eastern North America
By Bob Bancroft
"There are perhaps more than a half-million Sandhill Cranes (Grus Canadensis) in North America. They are divided into six subspecies, three of which are migratory (Lesser - G.c.canadensis, Canadian - G.c.rowani, and Greater - G.c.tabida) and three non-migratory (Mississippi - G.c. pulla, Florida - G.c. pratensis, and Cuban (G.c. nesiotes). The majority of Sandhills are Lesser and Canadian, breeding in the far north and wintering in the South West. There are perhaps 80,000 Greaters divided into two populations, one in the west (Rocky Mountains) and the Mid-west (Great Lakes area). During the 1930s the mid-west population was reduced to a few hundred birds breeding in central Wisconsin and south central Michigan, and wintering in the South East. During the past half-century their numbers have increased to perhaps more than 40,000 birds, with a concomitant range expansion east and north with breeding reported in southern Ontario, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and Maine." - George Archibald Sandhill Cranes have long been a scarce sight in eastern North America. Many years ago their habitat of staining feathers brown led me to mistake a feeding pair in Pomquet Harbour for deer - until I canoed closer. Sandhill Cranes fly with their necks outstretched, a characteristic that differentiates them from Great Blue Herons, whose sixth cervical vertebra is modified so the neck can be drawn into a tight S shape for flight.
The population of Sandhill Cranes in eastern North America may be increasing.
Canso is a small Nova Scotia fishing town that sticks out into the ocean, a lands-end of sorts for birds flying easterly along our southern Atlantic coast. Crane sightings by residents Tom Kavanaugh and Stephen Bushell date back to 2003, when two appeared in early May with a flock of captive Canada geese, feeding on worms and corn for several weeks before disappearing. The same chronology happened in 2004. In 2005 seven cranes showed up, including two juveniles, but by May 28 there were only two adults remaining. Three adult Sandhills arrived on April 26 in 2006, and juveniles followed, with the last sighting June 4. In the spring of 2007 a construction project began near the field where the cranes usually fed, and that year just one crane arrived for a day, then departed. None were seen in Canso in 2008. Photographs indicate that most of our SANDHILL CRANES ( and possibly all those photo' d) have been of the larger southern subspecies tabida, which now nests in Maine and possibly here as well. On 14 March 2008 Paul Moores sighted This short-necked, short legged, short-billed (although blurred from its calling), and steep six Sandhill Cranes fllying northeast foreheaded transient on the Prospect Barrens, HRM, was almost certainly of the arctic-nesting over Halifax at an altitude 700 metres. subspecies canadensis. Note also that its flight feathers are uniformly dark, whereas the inner parts The question in the minds of George of the flight feathers oftabida are contrastingly whitish. [Photo Ryan Kerney] Archibald and others was whether or not
A Quarterly Publication of the Nova Scotia Bird Society 8 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS Volume 50, Issue 4 these cranes were using Canso as a stopover, and nesting somewhere in the marshes and barrens of the Bonnet Lake Barrens and Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Areas. We hired a small fixed-wing aircraft on a beautiful September 5, 2008 and, with three observers, thoroughly surveyed the barrens and marshes west of Canso: Whimbrels were seen, but no Sandhill Cranes. George and I subsequently did some field investigations on the ground in raised bogs and barrens. We concluded that: the barrens do not provide optimal breeding habitat for Sandhills; foraging in the barrens is probably only good in late summer when berries are present; and that Canso is likely just a convenient stop-over for cranes migrating east along the coast in spring.
Interestingly a flock of six Sandhills was spotted in the late summer of 2008 in Maine. Were they the same six that Paul saw in spring in Halifax? At least four breeding pairs of Sandhills nested in four different locations in Maine this year. A pair also nested in western Massachusetts, and a pair in Bristol, Vermont successfully raised two chicks. Another pair has been reported in New Brunswick for several years in a row.
They have not yet been proven to breed in Nova Scotia but I encourage you to look for them. As I learned last spring in Wisconsin, detecting nesting Sandhill Cranes can be an exciting adventure.
(The assistance of George Archibald and Bernice Moores in preparing this article is gratefully acknowledged.)
Addendum - A Summary of Sandhill Crane Records from Nova Scotia
By Bernice Moores, from data supplied by Ian McLaren
There were only nine sightings of Sandhill Cranes (two with photos) between 1976 and 1984, but over 75 have been reported since (several photographed), including a flock of 18 in 1992. They have appeared in all parts of the province, mostly during spring and fall, but a few have stayed in recent summers, including apparent pairs with young soon after the breeding season, suggesting that breeding may be expected. Some have lingered into December, and one wintered 2006-2007 near Lunenburg. Our few summering cranes, including a wild bird in 1983 that chose to associate with captive cranes in Shubenacadie Wildlife Park, seem to be of the subspecies tabida, which nests in the Great Lakes Basin, and has been spreading. The bird wintering in 2006-07 also appeared to be of that race. Photographs of other birds, including one 11 July 2008 near Prospect, HRM suggest transients of the subspecies Canadensis. a
IO Ways to Save Birds -An Initiative of the For the Birds 2008 Conference
If there was one resounding message that came out of the FOR THE BIRDS 2008 Conference it was: bird populations are declining. Possible causes were looked at (such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, shrinking food supplies), and action plans were formulated. One of these plans is to raise public awareness and encourage individuals to help. Here are 10 suggestions of things you can do:
1. Feed Birds Put out finch feeders since these species are struggling to find food, especially Evening Grosbeaks, Red Crossbills, and House Finches. Purple Finches and Pine Grosbeaks may not be far behind. Feeding all birds is beneficial, so put out suet feeders, sunflower seed feeders and fruit feeders as well.
2. Provide Water Bird baths don't have to be fancy or expensive. End of summer is a good time to buy these on sale; and a heating element will ensure that the water doesn't freeze during our cold spells. If you don't have the room for a bird bath, a sturdy, plastic dish, heavy enough not to blow away in a high wind, can be placed on your balcony or patio. You can find inexpensive heated water bowls meant for livestock in most feed stores. Please make sure it is a shallow bowl. Change the water when it freezes. Warm water right from the tap is preferable to boiled water.
3. Construct a Pond Again, this doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. If your property is large enough, pick a low, wet spot to make digging easier. Line your pond with a plastic tarp, or rubber pond liner. Cover your liner with gravel, dirt or old sods. Add some dirt from the bottom of an existing woodland pond - and fill. You can put more rocks around the edge of your pond if you wish. There are plenty of ideas and advice on the Internet. Don't be discouraged if your pond "dries up". This is Nova Scotia where it rains all the time!
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4. Provide Cover Plant native shrubs with flowers in spring and berries in fall. Plant dense hedges for birds to hide from predators or roost in at night. Plant trees if you have the room: Mountain Ash, Serviceberry, Spruce, Hemlock - there are so many to choose from. Go green! Leave some brush piles to provide cover and habitat. Consider leaving "snags" or dead trees where they are; they provide important nest sites for cavity nesters such as woodpeckers. 5. Put up Nest Boxes If you live near a lake or wetland area, put up swallow nest boxes or Wood Duck boxes. If you live near woods, try erecting woodpecker boxes or chickadee/nuthatch boxes. These cavity nesters are having an increasingly difficult time finding suitable nesting spots. Around your home or garden try Robin platforms or sparrow nest boxes. Dark-eyed Juncos have been known to nest in planters on balconies!
6. Don't Use Pesticides, Poisons, or Toxic Materials Insects attract birds. Worms, grubs, spiders, ants are all food for birds. Many non-toxic, herbicidal soaps and sprays are sufficient to keep your property looking healthy and green. Hard to mow areas can be landscaped into large "steps" with shrubs, or can be seeded with wildflowers. Poisons meant for rodents will also poison any animal that finds the dead or dying rodent. A void the use of lead in any form. Lead sinkers used for fishing and lead shot used for hunting can poison and kill any bird that eats or scavenges an animal with lead in its body.
7. Protect our Beaches Don't leave garbage or other litter on beaches. This will attract gulls, foxes, raccoons, and other predators that will then turn to shorebirds for their next meal. Keep your dog on a leash. You can run with him rather than letting him run loose. Birds have been scared off their nests when frightened by running dogs. Avoid the use of all terrain vehicles on beaches; they are hannful to habitat and can scare birds from their nests.
8. Embrace "No-Trace" Camping Whatever you take in to your campsite, be sure to take back out. When you leave, it should look the same as it did before you arrived. Leave no footprint. Birds are often seen around campsites, but won't continue to nest there if they are frightened away by predators attracted by your garbage; or if bushes are trampled and trees cut down.
9. A void Window Strikes Whether you live in a house or an apartment, you may well have seen or heard birds fly into your windows. Hang reflective ornaments in your window so birds can see the glass barrier. Turn out lights in outer rooms at night, or keep the drapes drawn. If a bird sees a hallway or a large lit room, it won't notice the glass barrier - especially if it's exhausted from migrating. For a comprehensive list of how to avoid window strikes at home and in the business environment, visit www.flap.org and follow the "being bird friendly" path.
10. Be a Responsible Cat Owner Consider keeping your feline friend as an indoor cat. Scientists estimate that domestic, free-roaming cats are responsible for killing hundreds of millions of birds every year. Cats can easily be kept indoors and it is a proven fact that indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats. Free-roaming cats are often hit by cars, poisoned, attacked by other animals, and exposed to infectious diseases such as feline leukemia. Keeping your cat indoors will ensure that both your cat and the wildlife they may prey upon will remain safe. For more information on the benefits of keeping cats indoors, including ways to convert your outdoor cat to an indoor cat, please visit www.abcbirds.org and find "cats indoors" under the programs list. If you still feel strongly that your cat needs fresh air and sunshine, try putting a harness on him and taking him for a walk; or tie him to the end of your railing. The harness should be close-fitting and comfortable. Never tie you cat near a tree or something he can climb and get caught up in. You could also try building an outside enclosure for your cat.
None of you will be able to do all 10, but all of you should be able to do some. If we each do our part, we may just make a difference!
Suzanne Borkowski Past President - Nova Scotia Bird Society Helene Van Doninck DVM Owner and Operator - Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
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Photo Salon - Sambro Island.
By Blake Maybank
In 2008 the Bird Studies Canada's James L. Memorial Baillie Fund provided funding for Volunteer Travel Grants in support of the Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas, to enable Atlas volunteers to survey remote or unpopulated areas. Hans Toom submitted a successful proposal and so, along with 8 other birders, he arranged a boat trip to Sambro Island on 15 June 2008. It was the first visit to this hallowed isle for just about everyone in the group, and we enjoyed a fine day's exploration and birding. In addition to confirming the breeding for many colonial breeders such as Arctic Tern, Black Guillemot, Common Eider, Great Black backed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, and Herring Gull, many photographs were also taken, as selection of which we present here.
We were somewhat sruprised to find that all the terns in the island's colony were ARCTIC TERNS. ''Note the rather short extension of head and neck, grey i.mderparts, all pale upper wings, dark primruy tips from below, and if close enough, These very young Herring Gull chicks were trying very hard to be the dark outer margins of outer tail feathers - all good distinctions from Common inconspicuous, but they were photographed anyway. Photo by and Roseate Tern." Jan McLaren [Photos by Richard Stem and Hans Toom.] Blake Maybank
We found good numbers of BLACK GUILLEMOTS. Richard Stem took two shots of adult birds; three were caught "loafing", while another was delivering a meal (a We found creches of COMMON EIDERS, but this male has little to do with bright red blenny?). I managed a rare photo of a incubating eggs or attending young. "Note very wide extensions of the bill along guillemot nest, showing an egg and a hatchling. Though the forehead - diagnostic of our local subspecies dresseri." Ian McLaren, Photo by the nest was visible from above it was at the bottom of a Richard Stem crack that was narrow and deep enough to foil predation by gulls.
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During a circumnavigation of the island on our boat we saw the The several remammg lighthouse out-buildings are no longer Devil's Staircase, actually a dyke bisecting the granite shoreline. inhabited, but loafing gulls find them handy. Photo by Blake Photo by Blake Maybank Maybank
The group split into several parties to census the island. Hans Toom Our ''water taxi", the "Ryan & Erin". Photo by Richard Stem. couldn't stop taking photos. Photo by Richard Stem
The Sambro Island lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in North America, and is a national heritage building. It was commissioned in 1758. To read more about the lighthouse visit http://tinyurl.com/8d5jtu. Photo by Blake Maybank
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Jamaica - Yeah Mon!
By Suzanne Borkowski
Not all the birds encountered were lifers, but when an adult Black Some life birds were especially cooperative, such as these two crowned Night-Heron strikes such a confiding pose, a photo is Northern Jacanas, seen on the Black River Safari. Photo by Leszek almost irresistable. Photo by Leszek Borkowski. Borkowski
In October my older son and his fiancee exchanged their wedding vows in Jamaica, and both families traveled to this sunny destination for the big event.
My husband and I stayed at "Sunset at the Palms" in Negril, on the extreme western tip of the island. It was a charming, smaller, all-inclusive resort, with 65 rooms set in two-unit wooden buildings up on stilts, tree house style. The whole resort is laid out in a tropical garden with birds everywhere -- highly recommended.
Many of the birds were migrants, some, perhaps, having just arrived from Nova Scotia. I saw many of our breeding warblers: Blackbumian, Northern Parula, Yellow, Black-throated Blue, American Redstart, Ovenbird, and Common Yellowthroat. I even saw a Yellow-throated Warbler which I desperately tried to tum into a "Bahamas Race Yellowthroat", which has yellow right down over the breast and belly - but, unfortunately, this one had a clear demarcation line just below the throat. Mind you, this was only the 2nd Yellow-throated Warbler I'd ever seen in my life, so disappointment was scarcely a factor.
I also saw some southern warblers. Louisiana Waterthrush was quite common there, and another life warbler was the Arrow headed Warbler, a Jamaican endemic, which looks very much like our Black-and-white Warbler.
On our third day we took the Black River Safari. Black River is a small town on the southern coast of Jamaica, which takes its name from the adjacent river with its blackish waters, a result of rich peat deposits and decomposing vegetation on the floor of the river. Our small motorized craft, topped with a canvas awning, meandered slowly along this river affording us great views of the egrets crowding its banks. Great, Cattle, and Snowy Egrets abounded, and to my delight, the occasional Black-crowned Night Heron poked its head up from amongst the crowd. Green Herons were common and Northern Jacanas performed their stately walk on floating leaves of aquatic plants. Ospreys, perched in snags, were a familiar sight. My attention was drawn irresistibly to the saltwater crocodiles, however, which spend the tropical wet season in freshwater swamps. Our guide insisted that these reptiles were lethargic during the day, and that people can even swim with the crocodiles with no risk of attack. Although he assured us that the croc's predatory instincts don't kick in until the sun goes down, we all passed on the opportunity for a swim. The guide continually called the reptiles over to the boat, and reaching down for the ones that swam near enough, he would grab a leg and invite us feel their skin. To my shock I looked down to see my younger son (the Best Man) accepting the offer, and holding a crocodile's leg!
We also visited the YS Falls; a beautiful spot with cascading water spilling into lagoons. A rope had been secured to a towering tree which leaned out over the water and the more adventurous could swing themselves out on this rope and drop into the lagoon below. My younger son, Danek, of course, was one of the first. Even my husband gave it a try, as did Kelly, our son's girlfriend.
We ended that day with a visit to the Appleton Estate and saw how rum is made. It's hard to say which part my family loved best: the history; the present-day engineering; or the tempting samples offered at every stage!
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For my part I loved the birds. Before leaving we visited the Royal Palm Reserve - a wetlands park near Negri!. A boardwalk has been constructed to allow visitors to walk all the way around this tropical paradise. Our guide was extremely patient and took the time to ensure I saw all the birds he pointed out. A walk which normally takes 45 minutes took us more than 2 hours. It was here I saw the Arrowhead Warbler and the Louisiana Waterthrush. In and near the ponds by the visitors' entrance were Muscovy Ducks, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Common Moorhen, Least Bittern, Smooth-billed Ani, and Limpkin. White-crowned Pigeons were common, as were Loggerhead Kingbirds. I had mistakenly ID'd these birds as Eastern Kingbirds until I checked my guide and saw that the Eastern Kingbird was rare and accidental in Jamaica. The Loggerhead Kingbird, Cuban Race, is very similar with just slightly less white at the tip of the tail, and a different undertail pattern being the only perceptible differences.
Some familiar birds were Northern Mockingbird, Spotted Sandpiper, and Great Blue Heron, but less familiar were the Bananaquit, Shiny Cowbird, Greater Antillean Grackle, and the Green-rumped Parrotlet. Some of my lifers were Red-billed Streamertail (a hummingbird), Jamaican Mango (another hwnmingbird), Jamaican Euphonia, Jamaican Woodpecker, and the Jamaican Pewee - each of them island endemics. The Yervain Hummingbird was also new (and beautiful) as was the Black faced Grassquit.
Back at the Resort I continued to watch birds right from my balcony. The Red-billed Streamertail was almost common and always a treat; but so was the Swnmer Tanager and the White-winged Dove. I also loved the Olive-throated Parakeets. But a huge treat for me was seeing a thrush that looked very much like our common thrushes. On closer study I was able to eliminate Hermit and Swainson's, and to my delight, I detennined it to be a Grey-cheeked Thrush (since they don't get Bicknell's there). This was also a lifer for me -- now if only I can see one in Nova Scotia! o
Suzanne Borkowski - Past President - NSBS
SUMMER BIRD REPORTS Loons Through Grebes
By John Belbin
There were very few reports of birds in this category. The only significant sighting was a group of 8 immature COMMON LOONS observed in Scots Bay by BLM. o
Common Loon Pied-billed Grebe June 4 Albert Bridge, Mira R, CBRM 1 LEL June 5 Bellisle Marsh, Anna. 2 CIC June 18 Port George, Anna. 3 JOB June 6 Spectacle L. MIK July 2 Scots Bay, Kings 8 2nd summer BLM July 13 Annapolis Royal MUN 000 Tubenoses through Cormorants
By Eric Mills
During a week's seabird surveys Sand SE of Halifax in the Slope Water just inside the Gulf Stream CORY'S SHEARWATERS were scarce but regular and GREATER SHEARW ATERS virtually absent. There were a few WILSON'S STORM-PETRELS every day but LEACH'S STORM-PETRELS were everywhere, mainly feeding just N of the Gulf Stream or enroute to their breeding colonies in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. In her 1980 M.Sc. thesis at Dalhousie University, Anne Linton showed that the Leach's Storm-Petrels breeding on Pearl Island in Mahone Bay had food items characteristic of offshore waters and that therefore they must have fed on the edge of the continental shelf or beyond. This summer's observations certainly bear that out.
Among the sparsely reported birds in the tubenoses through cormorants section, only the AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN seen June 12 on Ogden's Pond, Ant., was of real note. This was likely the bird seen nearby in Bayfield May 11 and reported in the last issue of Nova Scotia Birds. The DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT seen swimming far offshore July 20 was totally unexpected, although regular records of the species from Sable I. indicate that some double-crests do venture well offshore at times. o A Quarterly Publication of the Nova Scotia Bird Society 14 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS Volume 50, Issue 4
Cory's Shearwater July 5 Western Hd., Queens 2 imms. ELM July 17-25 Slope water S of Halifax 1-4 daily ELM AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN Greater Shearwater June 12 Ogdens Pd., Ant Greg Lukeman,.fide RFL July 27 Baccaro, Shel. 2 JAH Great Cormorant Sooty Shearwater May 8 North Hd., CBRM I 50 on colony CAM,ALM June 3 Baccaro, Shel. 7 CST Double-crested Cormorant Wilson's Storm-Petrel June 6-24 Conrads Bch., HRM 18-45 DMW July 17-25 Slope water S of Halifax A few ELM June 15 Sambro I., HRM 6o+ on colony HAT et al. Leach's Storm-Petrel July 6 New Minas, Kings 2 JCT July 17-25 Mainly at shelf edge S of Halifax ELM July 20 Slope water S of Halifax ad. ELM Northern Gannet June 16 Morrisons Bch., Rich. Jen Cooper OOD Herons
By um Hoger
The Lawrencetown Beach TRICOLRED HERON was last reported on June 2 and made it on to the summer list of some birders. The sightings of GREEN HERONS were notable, as were those of YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS from two different locations. a
American Bittern Tricolored Heron June 7 Bellisle Marsh, Shel. 5 CIC June 2 Lawrencetown Bch., HRM SEM June 8 Amherst Pt., Cum. several NSBS Green Heron June 24 L' Ardoise, Hants I GED June 2-3 Canso, Guys. 2 TOK, ELM, AHM June 25 Keji NP several JUS June 8 Lwr. W. Pubnico, Yar. I RSD July 13 Eel L., Yar. 1 MUN Black-crowned Night-Heron Great Egret June29 CS! 2 DOU June 2 Phillips Hbr., Guys. STB,fide ELM July 16 CS! 2 MUN June 13-17 Cow Bay, HRM HEK,HAT July24 CSI 2 imms. JON, SAN June 17-25 Bedford/Sackville, HRM var. obs. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron June 24 L' Ardoise, Hants Sandy Arslan June 8 Voglers Cove, Lun. ad. (photo).fide JAH Little Blue Heron July 31 Clarks Hbr., CS! imm. MUN July 5 Pembroke, Yar. MUN July 13 CSI MUN July 18 Brule Comer, Col. ad. ROH =
Among images by a number of photographers of the GREAT EGRET mid June in Sackville, HRM, this one seemed to capture its sinuous elegance. [Photo Rita Viau]
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By John Belbin
The BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS that created such a sensation in the spring report overlapped into this time period as they were seen on June 1. Two days after disappearing from Country Harbour the same flock was photographed at Ipswich, Mass. The only previous record ( of a non captive-origin bird) was in 1998 at Church Point, Digby.
A small family of AMERICAN WIGEONS were often seen at Apple R., Cum. A large flock of over 600 COMMON EIDERS was seen in Baccarro, Shel., by JAH. o
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK June I Country Hbr., HRM 9 ELM,AHM Canada Goose June 17 Annapolis Royal several pairs PBG July 6 New Minas, Kings 5 JCT July l Second L., Sackville 2 ads., 4 juvs. RIV,APO July 16 Brier I. 8 JUS July 13 Annapolis Royal MUN Wood Duck July 13 Annapolis Royal MUN July 15 Apple R. , Cum. 2 + 6 yng. KFS Gadwall July 12 W. Lawrencetown, HRM fem. +yng. SEM July 12 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 2 fems. + yng. SEM American Wigeon June/July Apple R., Cum. 2 ads., 7 yng. KFS Mallard June 17 Annapolis Royal several pairs PBG July 6 Cornwallis R., Kings 32 JCT July24 New Minas, Kings 3o+ JCT July24 Cornwallis R. Kings so+ JCT July27 Daniels Hd. Inlet fem.+ 7 yng. RAH Blue-winged Teal June 5 Belleisle Marsh, Anna. num? CIC Photos taken June 1 of the 10 BLACK-BELLIED WffiSTLING July7 W. Berlin, Queens 2 DPO DUCKS lingering near Country Hbr., Guys., were particularly July 27 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM fem.+ 9 yng. SEM valuable in two ways. First, they supported a 'wild' origin of the July 29 Martinique Bch., HRM I Paul Murray birds since the photos revealed that the birds were neither banded nor Northern Shoveler June 5 Belleisle Marsh, Anna. num? CIC toe-clipped (small arrows), either of which is legally required July 13 Annapolis Royal num? MUN ('though not always heeded) for captive waterfowl. Note that the July 13 Seaforth, HRM fem.+ 7yng. SEM lone individual summering near Church Pt., Digby, in 1998 clearly Green-winged Teal did have clipped hind toes (insert: the hallux, actually the "big" toe) July6 New Minas, Kings 4 JCT and thus was "uncountable" on life lists. Second, one individual at July 27 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 2 fems. + yng. SEM Country Hbr. had an abnormal growth at the base of its upper bill Ring-necked Duck (arrow). What was clearly the same individual that turned up with a June4 Albert Bridge, Mira R, CBRM fem. +4 yng. LEL flock of nine at Ipswich, Mass., the day after the flock left Country June 5 Belleisle Marsh, Anna. num? CIC July7 W. Berlin, Queens 10 DPO Hbr. This species has wandered more widely in recent years July 9, 15 Apple R. 4 KFS (including flocks in Alabama and Minnesota during early May.) Common Eider [Photos Eric Mills; insert, Ian McLaren] June 4, 10 Lingan, CBRM 15 DBM June 12 Brier I. many ads. + yng. JUS SurfScoter June 13 Freeport, Long I. ad.+ 6 yng. JUS June 18 Port George, Anna. 38 JOB June 15 Sambro I., HRM I 0o+ incl yng HAT eta/. June 27 Ragged Hbr., Queens I DPO June 18 Port George, Anna. 17 JOB July 25-31 Broad Cove, Lun. 2 SJF July 16 Brier I. ads. + yng. JUS White-winged Scoter July 28 Bacarro 605 JAH June 2 St. Anns Bay, Vic. 150 in flight BSK June 16 Morrison Bch., CBRM !So+ Jen Cooper July 3 Story Hd., HRM 5 BLM July 28 Bacarro I JAH Black Scoter June 5 Port Caledonia, CBRM BSK Long-tailed Duck June 8 Lawrencetown Bch., HRM 2 SEM Hooded Merganser June 5 Bellisle Marsh, Anna. fem. + chicks CIC This male duck standing in the shallows of the Gold R, Lun., was clearly a Common Merganser June 17 Annapolis Royal several pairs PBG hybrid MALLARD x NORTHERN PINTAIL. It had the brown breast and July 9 Cole Hbr. PP, HRM ad+ 10 juvs. JOB neck ring of the former, but the brown head and long central tail feathers of the latter, along with a mixture of features. [Photo Kevin Lantz] =
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By um Hoger
Virginia Rail American Coot June 29 Goose Creek Marsh, Shel. heard DOU June 8 Amherst Pt., Cum. several NSBS Sora Gray Partridge May23 Tantallon, HMR male SMB June 28 Cobequid Trail, Truro, Col. Mike Viau June Yankeetown, HRM heard SMB Ruffed Grouse June 7 Bellisle Marsh, Anna. heard CIC June 13 Freeport, Digby fem. + I chick JUS June 8 Amherst Pt., Cum. several NSBS Spruce Grouse June 29 Goose Creek Marsh, Shel. heard NSBS July Port Howe, Cum. fem.+ 10 chicks Virginia Redden Common Moorhen July 12 River Road, Queens fem. + 4 chicks DPO June 23 Doctors Cove, CS/ MUN = Diurnal Raptors
By Um Hoger
Four RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, all immatures, circling over Brier I. within a kettle of BROAD-WINGED HAWKS and TURKEY YUL TURES, had ELM and AHM wondering where they came from and where they were heading to. The birds were described as displaying the red shoulders, having transparent primary bases, and being of the right size relative to the other species in the kettle. Another individual was seen a few days later in the Windsor area. n
Turkey Vulture Osprey June I Bedford, HRM I BBA Reported in suitable habitat from all counties as expected. June 4 E. Advocate, Cum. 13 JAN Bald Eagle June 5 Morris L., Dartmouth, HRM 2 DAC Reported in suitable habitat from all counties as expected. June IO Vault Rd., Anna. 8 Edna and Ken Brunt Northern Harrier June 13 Seabright, HRM I Eleanor Lindsay July 4 Pennant Pt., HRM nesting pair BLM June 15 Brier I., Digby 15 ELM,AHM July 18-29 Gabarus, CBRM nesting pair Mary Lou Blundon June 25 Apple R., Cum. I KFS July 20 Highland Village, Col. male VME June 26 Tiddville, Digby 12 CCA Northern Goshawk July 4 New Waterford, CBC I Huck Buckland June 10 Greenfield, Queens DPO July 13 Annapolis Royal I MUN June 13 Maitland, Lun. JAH July 18 Bridgetown, Anna. > 15 DLO June 28 Sherbrooke L., Lun. BLM July 22 & Aug. 2 Advocate, Cum. I KFS Red-shouldered Hawk July 24 New Salem, Cum. 4 KFS June 14 Brier I., Digby 4imms. ELM,AHM
When he stopped his car on the road beside Three Fathom Harbour A curious juvenile RED-TAILED HAWK was found June 3 in Pond to check for ducks, our editor was surprised to see a Broad Colchester. Although it could be a year old in this plumage, its winged Hawk posing nicely on a telephone wire, and he did not tameness suggests that it had fledged this year. [Photo Al Lusk] ignore this opportunity for a nice portrait. [Photo Blake Maybank]
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June 21 Windsor, Hanis ad. RBS Red-tailed Hawk Broad-winged Hawk July 18 Gabarns, CBRM nesting pair, 2 yng. SEM May 6 Pockwock Watershed, HRM SMB Merlin June Hatchet L., HRM pair BLM May-June Ward Rd., Anna. pair Ed Hynes June 13 New Elm, Lun. I JAH, Pat Gladman June 8 Minas Vale, Kings I JCT June 13 Barrs Comer, Lun. 2 JAH, Pat Gladman June 17 Union Square, Lun. 2 JAH June 17 New Elm, Lun. JAH aaa June 23 Voglers Cove, Lun. pair SJF, BAH Shorebirds
By Susann Myers
The summer season was enlivened by news of breeding successes and by sightings of Ruffs, the only rarities reported. Northbound migrants in bright breeding plumage continued to be seen into early June in the usual numbers. Then, far too soon to seem possible, southbound migration began, generally on schedule, in late June to mid-July, with numbers average except as noted below. Thanks are due to all who take the time to monitor and report shorebird numbers, at a time when many species are showing significant declines.
The first southbound BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, probably failed breeders, were seen 10 days earlier than average. Numbers remained unusually low to the end of the season, although the main migration for this species takes place in the fall. Unfortunately, no reports were received from the Windsor Sewage Ponds, which often provide the peak summer number. A pair of breeding SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS was found by MUN July 5 at Cape Sable, their only breeding location in the province. Two very small chicks, the first seen since 2002, were a welcome and hard-won find.
Breeding successes were also reported for PIPING PLOVERS, from widely dispersed locations. JAH's June 25 report from Cherry Hill Bch. included interesting details on five nests there, one with four eggs still being incubated and each of the others having produced three to four young, ranging from about two days old to within a few days of fledging. Also, an adult with three fledged young had already arrived from another beach. RAH noted the "first successful nest in years" on Daniels Hd. Bch., CSI, and the news from Conrad Beach, HRM, was also much improved: a pair bred successfully this year, despite heavy human use of the beach. Encouraging details were also reported from Pomquet Beach PP by JWW, who noted four pairs of adults July 7 with five large chicks and four fledged young.
Their ninth consecutive breeding season was the best to date for AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS at CSL Three pairs each produced three young, and the little colony was swelled by three additional non-breeding adults.
GREATER YELLOWLEGS were reported in unusually low numbers this season, although LESSER YELLOWLEGS, which are earlier migrants, were seen in typical peak numbers in late July. 'EASTERN' WILLETS congregated on schedule in good numbers at their favoured staging areas, with numbers peaking earlier at CSI than in CB, as usual. The first 'WESTERN' WILLET, in worn adult plumage, was spotted by 1AM July 20. He noted that westerns first appear in the eastern USA at the end of July, and urged greater care in identifying Willets to subspecies in late summer. He also noted that adult 'Eastern' Willets are still in relatively unworn plumage when they leave NS, so any Willet in worn plumage deserves a careful look.
RED KNOTS were found in only very small numbers; adult migration for the endangered rufa subspecies usually peaks in NS in early August. A group of 25 DUNLIN at Cape Sable July 25 was ahead of schedule. They generally appear only in very small numbers, and are presumed to be failed breeders, until mid to late August.
The only reports of rarities this summer were of three RUFFS. ZOL had a moulting adult male for a week on Sable I., which she described as having mostly-white head, neck and back, and with breast and belly white with dark patches. A Ruff was seen in Three Fathom Harbour for one day only at the end of July, which DOU believed to be a male. And last, MUN spotted a Ruff at CSI Aug. 2 (though an August report, included here to highlight the species' incursion). Details of plumage, sex and age would be very helpful with such reports, to help determine whether sightings are of the same bird and to increase our knowledge of these rare but regular vagrants.
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER migration began on schedule in late June, with some hendersoni subspecies noted in early flocks in Three Fathom Harbour. Peak numbers were good, continuing the trend of recent years, with the largest concentrations as usual at CSL a
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Spotted Sandpiper June 15 Sambro I., HRM some HAT June 16, July Gabarus, CBRM 5 ads. J. Mills, SEM June 17 Cow Bay, HRM some HAT June 30, July 3 locations, widespread singles var. obs. July 5 Cape Sable, Shel. 3 BJS, SIS July 6 Big I., Pict. I ad., 3 juvs. ALO.fide DOU July 6 New Minas, Kings 2 JCT Solitary Sandpiper July 12 nr. Lansdowne, Pict. KJM, B. Whitman July 19 nr. Peas Brook, Guys. RFL Greater Yellowlegs June 25 New Hbr., Guys. I SJF June 26 CSI 4 MUN July I, 12 & 27 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 2,6,48 SEM July 5 & 24 Cape Sable, Shel. I, 7 BJS, SIS July 13 Sable I. I (!") ZOL July 13 Cole Hbr. Saltmarsh, HRM 19 SEM Small gull, large shorebird; the HUDSONIAN GODWIT is roughly July 20 Morien Bar, CBRM 73 MCM,SEM the same size (discounting its magnificent bill) as the nearby July 21 New Haven, Guys. I SJF BONAPARTE'S GULL. They were loafing in late July at the mouth July27 CS! 12 JAH of Lawrencetown L., HRM, where both species often occur at this July 29 & 31 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 3, 7 SJF time of year. [Photo Paul Murray] Willet June 9, July l Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 20, 27 SJF shorebird species June 17 Cow Bay, HRM numerous HAT July 22 The Hawk, CSI thousands MUN June 26 The Hawk, CSI 38 MUN peep species July l & 6 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 16, 67 SEM July 15 Evangeline Bch., Kings -250 J. Beame,fide JCT July 5, 23 & 24 Cape Sable, Shel. 40, 30, 6 BJS, SIS July 31 Old Barns, Col. -250 SGL July 11 The Hawk, CSI 180 MUN Black-bellied Plover July 12 & 27 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 44,27 SEM June 5 Morien Bar, CBRM 4, alt. BSK July 13 Big I., Pict. I juv., downy ALD,fide DOU June 9 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 2 SJF July 13 Cole Hbr. Saltmarsh, HRM 41 SEM July 1 & 6 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 2, 8 SEM July 16, 29 & 31 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 31, 32, 23 SJF July 13 Cole Hbr. Saltmarsh, HRM II SEM July 20 Eastern Passage, HRM 16 'Eastern', most ad. 1AM July 13-31 Morien Bar, CBRM some BSK July 20 Eastern Passage, HRM I 'Western', ad. IAM July 24 Cape Sable, Shel. 15 BJS, SIS July 20 Morien Bar, CBRM 171 MCM,SEM July 27 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 7 SEM July 27 E. Lawrencetown, HRM 3 juv., downy P. Murray July 29 & 31 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 7 SJF July 27 Eastern Passage, HRM I 'Western', worn ad. RIV Semipalmated Plover July 27 Rainbow Haven, HRM I 'Western', worn ad. 1AM June 5 Port Caledonia, CBRM 4,alt. BSK July 31 Louis Hd., Shel. 18 A. Nagy-MacArthur July 5 Cape Sable, Shel. 2 ads., 2 juvs. MUN Lesser Y ellowlegs July 6 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 6,alt. SEM June26 CSI 5 MUN July 11 The Hawk, CSI some MUN June 26 Sable I. I (1 st) ZOL July 12 & 27 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 25,289 SEM July 1, 12 & 27 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 42, 109, 156 SEM July 13 Cole Hbr. Saltmarsh, HRM 15 SEM July 11 & 20 Broad Cove Bch., Lun. 2, 17 JAH, SJF July 16 Pond Cove, Brier I. 8 JUS July 13 Cole Hbr. Saltmarsh, HRM 7 SEM July I 6 & 31 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 10,265 SJF July 20 Morien Bar, CBRM 233 MCM,SEM July 20 Morien Bar, CBRM 168 MCM, SEM July27 CSI 130 JAH July 23 Cape Sable, Shel. -150 BJS, SIS July 29 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 2 SJF July 31 Broad Cove Bch., Lun. 10 SJF Whimbrel Piping Plover June 28 Scatarie I., CBRM 3 DBM,DAH June-July Conrad Bch., HRM pair DMW July3-31 Sable!. max28+ ZOL June-July Ragged Hbr., Queens pair+ 4 juv. DPO July 5 Cape Sable, Shel. I MUN June-July Daniels Head Bch., CSI pair+ 3 juv. RAH July 11 & 27 CSI 12, 3 MUN,JAH June 5 Port Caledonia, CBRM pair BSK July 14 Morien Bar, CBRM l BSK June 9 Cape Sable, Shel. pair BJS, SIS July 27 Baccaro, Shel. 3 JAH June 22 Stoney I. Bch., Shel. 2 BJS, SIS July 29 & 31 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 1,2 SJF June 25 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 9 ads., 17 juvs., 4 eggs JAH Hudsonian Godwit July 7 Pomquet Bch. PP, Ant. 8 ads., 9 juvs. JWW July 5, 11 Cape Sable, Shel. 3,4 MUN July 31 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 4 juvs. SJF July 20 Morien Bar, CBRM 2 MCM,SEM Killdeer July 24 E. Lawrencetown, HRM 5 DOU June 2 Hatfield Farm, HRM 2 ads., 4 juvs. SMB July26 CSI 18 MUN June 15 Greenfield, Queens 2 ads., 2 juvs. DPO Ruddy Turnstone June 25 Conrad Marsh, HRM I DMW June 25 Port Hood, Inv. I, photo fideDJO July l & 13 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 2 ads., 2 juvs. SEM July 20 Morien Bar, CBRM 3 alt. MCM,SEM July 5 Pembroke l st bridge, Yar. 17 MUN July 23 Port Caledonia, CBRM I BSK July 31 Broad Cove Bch., Lun. I SJF July 25 Sable I. 2 (1st) American Oystercatcher July26 CSI 9 MUN June 9 Cape Sable bar, Shel. 8-9 BJS, SIS July 27 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 4 SEM June26 CSI 9 ads. MUN July 29 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 11 SJF July 5 Cape Sable & islands, Shel. 9 ads., 6 juvs. MUN Red Knot July 11 The Hawk, CSI 15 MUN June 9 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. SJF July26 CSI 9 ads., 9 juvs. MUN June 28, July 11 CSI 4, some MUN July 20 Morien Bar, CBRM 4alt. MCM,SEM
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July 24 Cape Sable, Shel. 4 BJS, SIS Sanderling June 2 Martinique Bch. PP, HRM 9 P. Murray July 17 The Guzzle, Kings 3 JCT July 20 Morien Bar, CBRM I, worn alt. MCM, SEM July 25 Sable I. So+ ZOL July 31 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 4 SJF Semipalmated Sandpiper July 4 The Hawk, CS! 32,new MUN July 12 & 27 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 12,107 SEM July 13 Big I., Pict. 4 ALO, fide DOU July 13 Cole Hbr. Saltmarsh, HRM 60 SEM July 15 Evangeline Bch., Kings ca. 200 J. & B. Beame,/ide JCT July 16 Brier I. 12 JUS July 16 & 31 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 31, 145 SJF July 17 The Guzzle, Kings 800-900 JCT July 20 Morien Bar, CBRM 20 MCM, SEM July 23 Cape Sable, Shel. 250 BJS, SIS July 27 CS! 130 JAH This KILLDEER was striding energetically at Rainbow Haven Least Sandpiper Bch., HRM, in early June, but not so fast as to blur this fine image July 5 & 24 Cape Sable, Shel. 2,8 BJS, SIS [Photo Hans Toom] July 11 Broad Cove, Lun. 2 JAH, P. Gladman July 12 Oxners Bch, Lun. 10 JAH, P. Gladman July 12 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 2 SEM July 13 Cole Hbr. Saltmarsh, HRM 3 SEM July 16 & 31 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 8, 31 SJF July 20 Masstown, Col. 7 VME July 20 Morien Bar, CBRM 27 MCM,SEM July 31 Broad Cove Bch., Lun. 3 SJF White-rumped Sandpiper July 12 & 27 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 1,4 SEM July 24 Rainbow Haven, HRM I DOU July 24 Cape Sable, Shel. 2 BJS, SIS July 26 CS! 2 MUN July 31 Cherry Hill Bch., Lun. 4 SJF July 31 Broad Cove Bch., Lun. 5 SJF Dunlin July 25 Cape Sable, Shel. 25 BJS, SIS Stilt Sandpiper July 13 CS! JON,SAN RUFF June 26-July 2 Sable I. male, alt. ZOL July 24 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM I, some details DOU Aug. 2 Daniel Hd., CS! I, no details MUN Short-billed Dowitcher It has become clear recently that most of our "EASTERN" WILLETS June 25 & 28 The Hawk, CS! 25, 50 MUN (subspecies semipalmatus), especially adults (which moult largely after July I & 6 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 16,742 SEM leaving), rarely linger beyond mid-August. Also, adult "Western" July 4 & 11 The Hawk, CS! 125,5200 MUN Willets (inornatus), which are usually more worn than our local birds, July 5 & 23 Cape Sable, Shel. 525, 1400 MUN;BJS,SIS begin to arrive after mid-July, followed soon by juveniles. This duo at E. July 12 & 27 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 1090, 1960 SEM Passage, HRM, shows the differences very clearly. [Photo Rita Viau] July 13 Cole Hbr. Saltmarsh, HRM 1470 SEM July 14 Sable I. 16 ZOL Wilson's Snipe July 16 The Hawk, CS! 7500 MUN June 9-28 Big. Hbr., Vic. 1, display BSK July 20 Morien Bar, CBRM 160 MCM,SEM American Woodcock July27 CS! 840 JAH June-July 3 locations 4 total var. obs. = Gulls Through Alcids
By Eric Mills
The only SOUTH POLAR SKUA report of the summer season, an adult at point blank range, came from the CCGS Hudson, working July 18 on the N edge of the Slope Water S of Halifax. A few days later a little farther east, in an impending gale, four adult POMARINE JAEGERS appeared, three of them vigorously chasing each other for some food item.
At least one adult FRANKLIN'S GULL was present in the CBRM area this summer, first seen at South Hd. in May, then at nearby Morien Bar at the end of June. Similarly, at least one, perhaps two, adult LAUGHING GULLS were in CBRM during June. Late lingering BLACK-HEADED and BONAPARTE'S GULLS were just east of Halifax during the first week of June and in CBRMlate in July. There were also late ICELAND and GLAUCOUS GULLS in CBRM in June.
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[Eric Mills saw a Royal Tern off Western Head, Queens, on July 5. "About 1:15, an adult Royal Tern flew right past me from SW to NE at 150 m. range. The sea was nearly birdless except for an imm. Red-throated Loon with 2 ad. Commons." A written report will be filed with the N.S. Birds Records Committee. - Ed.]
A DOVEKIE report from Baccaro in late July was unusual, although not completely unprecedented. Out of season small alcids should always be documented as fully as possible. a
SOUTH POLAR SKUA Black-legged Kittiwake July 18 Slope water S of Halifax ad. ELM May 8 North Hd., CBRM 600 on colony CAM, ALM Pomarine Jaeger ROYAL TERN July 22 Slope water S of Halifax 4 ads. ELM July 5 Western Head, Queens ad. ELM FRANKLIN'S GULL Caspian Tern May 22 South Hd., CBRM ad CAM.ALM July 25-29+ Red Bridge Pd., Dartmouth BBU June 28 Morien Bar, CBRM ad. CAM.ALM Roseate Tern Laughing Gull June 30 Gull I., Bayport, Lun. 6 at colonyJAH June 5, 28 Morien Bar, CBRM ad.? BSK; CAM, ALM July 27 Baccaro, Shel. 1 JAH Glace Bay L., CBRM ad. CAM,ALM Common Tern Black-headed Gull June 30 Gull I., Bayport, Lun. 48 at colony JAH April 3 Morien Bar, CBRM 20 CAM,ALM June-July Jersey Cove, Vic. 12 successful at colony BSK April 9, 13Homeville, CBRM 12, 21 CAM,ALM Arctic Tern June 1 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM ad. SEM June 15 Sambro I., HRM l 00 on colony BLM, HAT July 23 Morien Bar, CBRM l? BSK June 30 Gull I., Lr. Bayport, Lun. 46 at colony JAH Bonaparte's Gull July 5 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM 4 at colonyBLM April 9 Homeville, CBRM CAM,ALM Black Tern June 6 Conrads Bch., HRM DMW June 2 E. Amherst marsh, Cum. 30+ DOU Herring Gull Dovekie June 15 Sambro I., HRM 50+ on colony HAT July 27 Baccaro, Shel. JAH etal. Iceland Gull Razorbill June 4 Lingao, CBRM 2, !"-yr. DBM May 19 North Head, CBRM 3 CAM,ALM Glaucous Gull Black Guillemot May I Glace Bay, CBRM l CAM,ALM June 15 Sambro I., HRM 80 BLM,HAT June 17 Lingao, CBRM 1, 1st-yr. DBM Atlantic Puffin June 30 Glace Bay, CBRM I CAM.ALM June 5 The Hawk, CS! 1 JON Great Black-backed Gull June 6 Baccaro, Shel. 2 CST June 15 Sambro I., HRM 25o+ on colony HAT June-July Bird Is., Vic. Present through summer BSK tllJ[l Pigeon Through Woodpeckers
By Dorothy Poole
A breeding colony of ROCK PIGEONS was found on Sambro I. BBS
As reported by BLM there was a first Nova Scotia sighting ofa EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE in May. According to http:// en.wikipedia.orglwiki/Eurasian Collared Dove this bird was introduced to the Bahamas in 1970 and showed up in Florida in the 80's and has been spreading northwards ever since.
Three birders had a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO as a life bird this season, JAH after waiting at least 20 years, DAW who was with him, and Kathleen MacAulay. Kathleen had been hearing a song off and on for about a month that she thought was a cuckoo and it wasn't until she played a recording of its song that she was able to see it as it flew in to investigate the song.
The following is RFL's NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL nestbox report. "Four NSWO nests this year (of my own); three successful, one abandoned. The abandoned nest had six eggs, one of which was larger and pale blue (owl eggs are white). The odd egg did not match the description of eggs from other cavity-nesting birds, so it has been sent away for DNA analysis. Perhaps it's just an odd NSWO egg. One of my nests had seven eggs, which ties for a record high clutch. However, only three chicks (at most) fledged from this nest. Most of the Male DOWNY WOODPECKERS, such as this one at White Pt., nests started late this year, and three still had chicks into early Queens, feed their young assiduously, even after fledging. [Photo August (most nests are done in June or early July. I also had Margaret Millard]
A Quarterly Publication of the Nova Scotia Bird Society Volume 50, Issue 4 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS 21 the pleasure of being able to monitor a NSWO in the Canso area, in a box put up and monitored by TOK and STB. This nest was also successful "
Again this year most of the COMMON NIGHT HA WK sightings were of only one or two, similar to last year but larger numbers were seen as the season progressed.
The average number of CHIMNEY SWIFTS in New Glasgow was about a third lower than last years average (165 last year and 111 this year) and the counts from Wolfville were much lower than last year.
Many observers noted the quantity of RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS this season. Steve Hiltz found that they even responded to "pishing". JCT and RAH had three pairs at feeders and JAH noted 14 at feeders in Seffemsville.
Two nests of YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER were found, one by JSC and another by BLM. There were more BLACK BACKED WOODPECKERS reported this season, with BLF and BLM reporting confirmed nesting. PLC enjoyed watching a male PILEATED WOODPECKER attend a nest. a
Rock Pigeon Northern Saw-whet Owl June 15 Sambro I. BBS breeding colony HAT et al. June-July 4 nests, 3 successful RFL June, July (daily) Tremont, Kings 5-10 SLH June-July Canso area I nest RFL, TOK, STB June 9 & 12, July 6 Lawrencetown, HRM 3, 5, 20 DMW Common Nighthawk Mourning Dove June 2, 27 Mid Musquodoboit, HRM VJH June-July Lr. Sackville, HRM 1-2 RIV.APO June 3 Cambridge Sta., Kings Alison Bogan June 17, July 6 Lawrencetown, HRM 2,5 DMW June 11 & 30, July 19 Apple R., Cum. KFS June-July Tremont, Kings 3-5 SLH June 12 Dartmouth, HRM I+ PMC EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE June 14 Sydney Forks, CBRM I+ LEL May 13 Halfway Brook L., HRM 1st record Mike Coady fide BLM June 20 Tomahawk L., HRM I SMB Black-billed Cuckoo July 3 Tremont, Kings I SLH July 12 Near Landsdowne, Pict. heard KLM, Bob Whitman July 9 South Uniacke, Hants 3 CIC July 13-30 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM I VJH July 10 Port Mouton. Queens pair Ken MacAulay July 17 Heckmans I., Lun. I JAH,DAW July 18 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM pair VJH July 20 Milton, Queens I DPO July 19 Bear R., Anna. 5+ JET fide JCT July 30 Glenmore, HRM 2 calling VJH July 23 Lr. Sackville, HRM 8 RIV,APO July 31 Hilden, Col. I Kathleen MacAulay Chimney Swift (*=usual chimney roost counts) Great Horned Owl June I, 4 New Glasgow, Pict.* 273, 168 KJM June 20 Woodens R., HRM 3 Dr. Michael Ramsey fide LOC June 3, 4 Wolfville* 8, 18+ Tony Napoli; JWW Barred Owl June 7 Middleton, Anna.* 158 CLO June 2 Sandy L., HRM pair calling GMU June 10, 14 Wolfville* 11+, 14+ JWW, et al. June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. I BLM June! 7 Keji, Park, Anna. I+ GMU June 19 Wolfville* 15 Jo Bishop June 24 Berwick, Kings 3 PLC • June 24, 25 Wolfville* 8, 9 JWW, Tony Napoli July 15 Bible Hill, Col. 2-8 LHA, ROH July 15, 23, 26 New Glasgow, Pict.* 67, 89, 119 KJM July 29, 30New Glasgow, Pict.* 135, 104 KJM Ruby-throated Hummingbird June 11 & 17 Lawrencetown, HRM I DMW June 5 Albert Bridge, CBRM 4 LEL June-July (daily) Tremont, Kings pair SLH June-July Lr. Sackville, HRM 1-2 RIV,APO July 7 North Mountain, Kings 12 PLC July 14 Seffemsville, Lun. 14 JAH July North Mountain, Kings many STH July Wolfville 3 males, 3 fems., 3+juvs. JCT July Carleton, Yar. many ( 3 pairs+) RAH Belted Kingfisher June 4 Albert Bridge, CBRM LEL June 4 Tantallon, CBRM pair SMB June 16 Lawrencetown, HRM I DMW 11 June 19 Canning, Kings I SLH · July 14 Gaspereau L., Kings 1 Andrew Steeves July 18 Gaspereau L., Kings several David Dermott Red-bellied Woodpecker This image of an apparent EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE near Sheet June IO Hammonds Plains, HRM 5 fide DOV Hbr., HRM, May 13, is not entirely clear on two diagnostic field marks. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker The primaries seem paler than expected, and thus more like those of (an June-July Tremont, Kings SLH escaped) Ringed Turtle-Dove. At this season, however, flight feathers June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 7 drumming BLM could be worn and faded prior to being moulted. Also, the undersides are June 27 Lapland BBS, Lun. pair & juv. SJF, JSC shaded, so the contrast between the gray undertail coverts and white tail tip July 5 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM pair at nest VJH is not very evident. Nevertheless, the coverts and base of the tail do appear Downy Woodpecker more blackish than the tail beyond [Photo Mike Coady] June-July Widely 1-6 -9 reports
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Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker June -3 nest reports June 8 Tremont, Kings I SLH June-July Widely 1-3 --4 reports June 13 Osborne Hbr., Shel. I Gloria Gilbert Black-backed Woodpecker June 19 Aylesford, Kings I SLH June 13 Nichols L. trail, HRM lad, ljuv BLM June-July Lr. Sackville, HRM 1-4 RIV, APO June 15 East Village, Col. I at nest BLF July 1,16 & 18 Tremont, Kings I SLH June 24 River Bourgeois, Rich. 2 ads., young GED, SDI July 5 Lawrencetown, HRM I DMW June 25 Portuguese Cove, HRM I HAT Pileated Woodpecker June 26 near Bear Cove. HRM I HAT, LAE June 5 & 19 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM VJH July2 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM male VJH June 13 Brier I. fideJUS July4 Portuguese Cove, HRM 2 ad, I juv., nest BLM June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. BLM July31 Musquodoboit Hbr., HRM 2 fide JCT July7 Margartsville, Anna. Nest PLC July 16 Tremont, Kings I SLH mm Flycatchers Through Thrushes
By Hans Toom
On June 14, while atlassing and doing point counts in Cumberland and Colchester counties, Stuart Tingley heard two singing WILLOW FLYCATCHERS. The first one he encountered was singing in willows and alders near the wet meadow at the turn off to West Advocate on Route 209, while the second was observed at the Maccan Tidal Wetlands Park. These observations were the first of several of this diminutive flycatcher this summer. Altogether eleven Willow Flycatchers were reported which is a contrast to most years when there are none reported. To date the MBBA has not confirmed breeding for this species in Nova Scotia. It was formerly known as the Trail's Flycatcher when it was grouped together with the visually identical Alder Fly catcher. The two species seldom hybridize and do not learn or mimic each other's song. Colorimeter measurements of the crown and measurements of wing shape, bill and tail may help when the bird is in hand. Habitat can be an indicator but the best and most reliable indicator of species remains song, comparing the Alder Flycatcher's wheezed "wee-bee" versus the Willow Fly catcher's dry "fitz-bew". Remarkably, near Seaforth, HRM, FLL and MIK found four Willow Flycatchers at Jean Smyth's place. They were seen and heard frequenting the willow trees surrounding her property.
ROD reported a SISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER June 29 sitting in a willow at Water St., Brier I. This is the third record of this species for the island.
Stuart Tingley, while continuing his atlassing point counts in the Parrs boro area, Cum., June 21, met another rare summertime bird, a WHITE-EYED VIREO. It was singing in second growth birch and larch in the middle of a clear cut near the West Bay Rd. He was able to obtain visual and audio recordings, although the bird was only visible for a few seconds.
June 23 a WARBLING VIREO had returned once again to RBS's place near Kentville, Kings. Due to the scarcity of this species in our summertime, this is almost certainly the same bird or the original bird's kin returning to its breeding grounds nearby. On July 5 two birds were seen and heard, confirming a probable nesting circumstance.
While atlassing in the Liscomb MBBA square June 26, SMB saw and heard two PURPLE MARTINS at Little Liscomb Hbr., Guys. This is a species likely extirpated in Nova Scotia, but perhaps attempting a comeback. The most compelling evidence is that she saw several last year in the same location.
The BICKNELL'S THRUSH is a difficult bird to find due to its scarcity in the remote highland habitat where it resides. BSK heard one singing by This WILLOW FLYCATCHER, one of several found this the Benkie's L. Trail, Vic., July 5. This is our only summertime report of spring and summer, was on territory behind the shopping this now rare and threatened species. a centre off Highway 103, exit 5, HRM The lovely photo doesn't reveal much for ID purposes, except possibly its characteristic broad tail and large bill, pale (yellow) on underside. Note that a very narrow eye-ring often occurs on this species, despite some field-guide suggestions. For the record, several people did hear it "fitz-bewing." [Photo Terry Boswell]
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Olive-sided Flycatcher Blue Jay June-July Big Hbr., Vic BSK June 2 Canso, Guys. 7o+ ELM June 7 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM VJH July 27 Port Clyde, Shel. 50 JAH June 15 Gabaras, CBRM 2 males SEM American Crow June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. I BLM June 15 Londonberry BBS, Col. l 08 BLM June 20 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM I VJH Purple Martin June 20 Roman Valley BBS, Guys. & Ant. I SJF June 26 Little Liscomb Hbr, Guys. 2 SMB June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. I BLM Tree Swallow June 26 Wetlands Trail, Mt. Uniacke, Hants I HAT June-July South Haven, St. Annes & Big Hbr., Vic. I BSK Eastern Wood Pewee June-July Lawrencetown, HRM nesting pair DMW June IS-July 30 Jerry Lawrence PP, HRM 1-6 most days HAT June 15 Londonberry BBS, Col. 7 (low) BLM Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Bank Swallow June-July South Haven, Vic. BSK June 8 Bird Is., Vic. BSK June 15 Gabarus, CBRM lO males SEM, DBM, Dave Harris Cliff Swallow Alder Flycatcher June-July South Haven, St Annes & Big Hbr., Vic. BSK June-July St. Annes & Big Hbr., Vic. BSK May 7-July 31 Halifax Airport 150+(46 nests) DHH June 2 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM VJH May 23 Tantallon, HRM several SMB June 7 W. Lawrencetown HRM 6 males SEM June 1-25 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM 5 nests VJH June IS-July 30 Jerry Lawrence PP, HRM 4-8 most days HAT June 13 New Elm, Lun. 160(80 nests) JAH, Pat Gladman June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 17 BLM July 12-15 West Advocate, Cum. 15 KFS June 20 Roman Valley BBS, Guys. & Ant. 42 SJF Barn Swallow June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. lO BLM June 6-July I Conrad Rd., HRM 1-6 DMW Willow Flycatcher June 13 New Elm, Lun. 120(60 nests) JAH, Pat Gladman June 14 Advocate Hbr, Cum. I Stuart Tingley June 15 Debert, Col. I BLM June 22 Seaforth, HRM 4 FLL,MIK June 16 Gabarus, CBRM 4 SEM June 23 Lower Concession, Digby I Dwayne Sabine June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys 4 BLM June 24 West Advocate, Cum. I JCZ Black-capped Chickadee June 26 Tantallon, HRM I Pam Mills June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 25 BLM June 30 Belleisle Marsh, Anna. I WAN June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 14 BLM July I Seaforth, HRM I SEM,PMC Boreal Chickadee July 27 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM Im SEM June I-July 31 Crystal Crescent Beach PP, HRM 8-33 daily HAT Least Flycatcher Red-breasted Nuthatch June-July St. Annes & Big Hbr., Vic. I BSK June 1-3 I Lower Sackville, HRM 1-5 RIV,APO June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 7 BLM June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 2 BLM Eastern Phoebe June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 3 BLM June 1-20 Smileys PP, Hants 2 ads., 4 yng. in nest John Cribb, HAT, LAE White-breasted Nuthatch June 4 Prince Arthur Field, Dartmouth KG! June I- July 31 Tremont, Kings I occasionally SLH July 1-20 Port Hastings, CBRM 2 ads., 2 fledged DJO June 2-3 Lower Sackville, HRM RIV,APO July 2 Herbert R. Trail, Hants I BLM June 16 Bridgetown 2 ads., I young MCR Great Crested Flycatcher July I Lower Sackville, HRM I RIV,APO June 9-11 Anglican Cemetery, Liverpool 2 Peter Davies, DPO July 20 Highland Village, Col. I VME June 17 Spencers I., Cum. I Stuart Tingley House Wren June 18 Wolfville, Kings I males JCT,SMC June 22-23 Pubnico, Yar. EMU June 25 Smileys PP, Hants I BLM Winter Wren June 26 Mt. Uniacke Estate, Hants I HAT June 15 Gagarus, CBRM 3 males SEM, DBM, DAH Eastern Kingbird June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. I male BLM June 5 Apple R., Cum. I KFS June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. II males BLM June 5 Portland Estates, Dartmouth 4 DAC July 12 Mineville, HRM 5 males SEM June 8 Apple R., Cum. I KFS Ruby-crowned Kinglet June 14 River Rd., Queens I DPO June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 16 males (low) BLM June 29 Lakeville, Kings I JAH, Pat Gladman Eastern Bluebird July 2 Kentville, Kings I BLM June-July 18 Kingston, Kings Pat Giffin SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER June 29 Brier I. CAH WHITE-EYED VIREO June 21 West Bay Rd., Cum. Stuart Tingley Blue-headed Vireo June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 15 BLM June I-July 3 I Jerry Lawrence PP, HRM 4-8 most days HAT Warbling Vireo June 23 Harrington, Digby I Dwayne Sabine June 23 Norwood, Yar. I Dwayne Sabine June 23 Salmon R., Digby I Dwayne Sabine June 23 Kentville, Kings I RBS July 5 Kentville, Kings 2 RBS Red-eyed Vireo June I-July 31 Jerry Lawrence PP, HRM 1-8 most days HAT June 7-July I Lr. Sackville, HRM 1-2 RIV,APO June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 36 BLM June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 48 BLM Gray Jay A male EASTERN BLUEBIRD was a frequent visitor to a Kingston June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 2 BLM backyard in July. Sometimes it took to perching on a hummingbird feeder June 25 Old Annapolis Rd., HRM I BLM and challenging its reflection in the window. Despite the availability of a June 28 Sherbrooke L., Lun. I BLM nest box, it never attracted a mate. [Photo Dan Thibodeau]
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June 4 East Advocate, Cum. pair JAN Swainson's Thrush July 2 Coldbrook, Kings pair (failed nest) JCT June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 6 males BLM July 6 Surette I, Yar. pair nesting Rachel Smith June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 38 males BLM Veery Hermit Thrush June 15 Debcrt, Col. BLM June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 3 males BLM June 28 Sherbrooke L., lun. BLM June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 20 males BLM July 2 Tremont, Kings. SLH American Robin BICKNELL'S THRUSH June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 61 BLM July 5 Bcnkies Lake Trail, Vic. BSK June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 44 BLM 000 Mimics Through Warblers
By Ken McKenna
All GRAY CATBIRDS reported were on the mainland. NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDS arrived in several spots on the mainland the first week of June, but the only record of successful breeding was in the Port Williams area where RBS believed the pair had raised two broods. For the first summer in a while there were no records of BROWN THRASHER for the summer period. CEDAR WAXWINGS were still arriving in the province in early June, particularly in CB.
The regular breeding wood warblers were all accounted for this breeding season. TENNESSEE WARBLER reports are increas ing slightly, but atlas data received so far seems to point to a noticeable decline in this species. On the other hand there seems to be a little movement of the CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER into western CB. Verbal reports indicate this is a species seldom seen in Richmond despite it being noted in 86 % of the nearby Antigonish region atlas squares for the current atlas period. CAPE MAY WARBLERS were not all that co1runon in the first atlas and are even less so far in the current atlas. Small pockets, however, have been showing up near areas of dying spruce in the north-eastern mainland. In the eastern areas of the province MAGNOLIA and BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS are challenging the YELLOW-RUMPED WARBER as the warbler with the most wide-spread distribution in the atlas data collected to date. This may be a factor of the intensive forestry harvesting leading to younger growth forests that seem to favour the challengers.
After years of speculation on where PINE WARBLERS might be found breeding in the province, Stu Tingley identified one singing in prime habitat along Boars Back Road which runs from River Hebert to Halfway River in the Chignecto Game Sanctu ary. Since the bird's song is similar to more common species (especially juncos and Chipping Sparrows), Stu pished the bird in for visual confirmation. BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS continue to be reported in low numbers, but there are some areas, mostly in the north-east, where they can be found singing.
BLM commented that BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS and AMERICAN REDSTARTS were being found in low numbers this breeding season; but SJF noted MOURNING WARBLERS in greater numbers than the past few years on the Larry's River BBS route. The lack of this warbler in western areas of the province compared to the first atlas might be related to a lower effort, but it might indicate that the species is declining in this area. here are similar results for CANADA WARBLER which appears to be much harder to find in the north-west and Halifax-Annapolis Valley areas than in the first atlas. SEM noted a pair of Can ada Warblers maintaining their territory along a brook about 1/4 km. from the area burned in the forest fire near Minesville, HRM, June 13-16. She noted that in spite of thick smoke the pair did not abandon the territory and she saw them carrying food in mid-July. a
Gray Catbird June7 APBS NSBS June 2, 7 Three Fathom Hbr., HRM l, singing for 4th yr. In that area SEM June 9 Spectacle L. HRM M!K June 2 St. Margarcts trail, HRM I HAT July 29 Brass Hill, Shel. 2 ads. with young RMC June 3 Portuguese Cove, HRM I nesting behaviour by June 25 HAT Tennessee Warbler June 4 Crystal Crescent Bch., HRM HAT June 3 Browns Mtn., Ant. l JOK June 7 E. Lawrencetown, HRM l singing male SEM June4 Bluff Wilderness Trail, HRM I HAT June 11 Jeddorc Oyster Ponds, HRM l coming to feeder LUB June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. l singing BLM June 29 CSI 3 NSBS fide DOU June 25 Old Annapolis Rd., HRM I singing BLM July 19 Bear R., Digby I JET July 12 Lansdowne, Pict. 6 singing within I km. KJM June- July Apple R., Cum. 3 KFS Northern Mockingbird Nashville Warbler June I Westville, Pict. Rick Ferguson June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. I singing BLM June 2 Westville, Pict. STY June 17 Jerry Lawrence PP, HRM l singing BLM June 4 East Advocate, Cum. l in her yard JAN June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. I singing BLM June 6 Antigonish l, still present June 27 Danny Gillis June 27-29Scatarie I. CBRM breeding on the island DBM, DAH July 29 N. of Port Williams, Kings family, likely 2 broods RBS Northern Parula Cedar Waxwing June 8, 16 Tremont, Kings SLH June I Milford Station, HRM 6 K. MacAulay June 15 Londonderry BBS 9 singing BLM June 2 Sydney area, CBRM LEL June 17 Lawrencetown, HRM I DMW June 7 Halifax flock ALO June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 13 singing BLM
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Yellow Warbler June I Bridgetown, Anna. male, feeding on oak catkins MCR June 9, 17 Lawrencetown, HRM I DMW July 19 Gabarus, CBRM 2 pairs + I downy young SEM, Joan Mills Chestnut-sided Warbler June 7 Mabou, Inv. 3 males at 3 locales BSK June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 4 singing BLM June 21 Trafalgar, BBS, Guys. 5 singing BLM Magnolia Warbler June 15 near Gabarus, CBRM 15 singing SEM, DBM, DAH June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. IO singing BLM June 20 Roman Valley BBS, Ant., Guys. 31 singing SJF June 21 Larrys R., Guys. 55 singing SJF June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 19 singing BLM Cape May Warbler June 2 Milton, Queens 1 singing in yard DPO June7 APBS I singing NSBS June 7 Eden L., Pict. l singing KJM June 17 Watervale, Pict. I singing MAB, KJM June 23 Port Shoreham, Guys. I singing KJM July 6 & 9 Upper South R., Ant. I singing KJM, R. Mash July 7 Ogden, Guys. I carrying food KJM Black-throated Blue warbler A YELLOW WARBLER carrying food was a good Atlas June 8 Porters L., HRM male singing SEM "confirmed" near Amherst. [Photo Al Lusk] June 13 Nichols L. trail,HRM I singing BLM June 17 Jerry Lawrence P.P., HRM 3 singing BLM July 18 Apple R., Cum. pair with nest material KFS June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. I singing BLM American Redstart June 28 Sherbrooke L., Lun. 1 singing BLM June 15 near Gabarus, CBRM 2 singing along 4 km. of trail SEM July 3 Dollar L. PP, HRM I singing BLM June 15 Londonderry, BBS, Col. 9 singing BLM July 31 Chasewood, HRM 1 VJH June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 15 singing BLM Yellow-rumped Warbler Ovenbird June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 3 singing BLM June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 9 singing BLM June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 7 singing (low) BLM June 18 & July 23 Apple R., Cum. I KFS Black-throated Green Warbler June 21 Trafalgar BBS., Guys. 10 singing BLM June 15 near Gabarus, CBRM 6 males SEM, DBM, DAH Northern Waterthrush June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 2 singing (low) BLM June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 2 singing BLM June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 16 singing BLM Mourning Warbler July 12 Old Minesville Rd., HRM 6 singing along 3 km of trail SEM June 3 Browns Mountain, Ant. JOK July 31 Louis Hd., Shel. 3 Avery Nagy-MacArthur June 7, 9 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM male VJH Blackburnian Warbler June 14 St. Anns & Big Hbr., Vic. I BSK June 7 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM male VJH June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 1 singing BLM June mainland NS 5 singing (low) BLM June 20 Roman Valley, Ant.- Guys. 7 singing SJF Pine Warbler June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 2 singing BLM June 17 Chignecto Game Sanctuary I singing Stu Tingley Common Y ellowthroat Palm Warbler June 15 Londonderry BBS, Col. 4 singing BLM June mainland NS 11 singing BLM June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. 12 singing BLM Bay-breasted Warbler June 21 Larrys R. BBS, Guys. 46 singing SJF June 15 near Gabarus, CBRM 5 singing along 4 km oftrail SEM, DBM, DAH July 5 Port Mouton I. Queens large #'s breeding JAH June 15 Londonderry, BBS, Col. 1 singing BLM Wilson's Warbler June 17 Old Annapolis Rd., HRM I singing BLM June 4 New Waterford, CBRM I did not linger DBM June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. I singing BLM June 20 & July 9 Mid. Musqoudoboit, HRM VJH July 3 Dollar L. PP, HRM I singing BLM June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. I singing BLM Blackpoll Warbler June 29 east of Trafalgar, Guys. I singing KJM June 8 West Ironbound, Lun. 3 singing JAH, DPO Canada Warbler Jun. 21 Larrys R. BBS, Guys. 2 singing SJF June 4 Jerry Lawrence PP, HRM 3 singing HAT June 21 Moshers I., Lun. singing male JAH, DPO June 7, July 12 Old Minesville Rd. HRM I singing and carrying food SEM June 27-27Scatarie I., CBRM breeding DAH, DBM June 13 Nichols L. trail, HRM I singing BLM Black and White Warbler June 20 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM I VJH June mainland NS 17 singing (low) BLM June 21 Trafalgar BBS, Guys. I singing BLM June 15 nearGabarus, CBRM 3 singingalong4 km. of trail SEM, DBM, DAH July 12 Old Minesville Rd., HRM 5 males along 3 km. of trail SEM =
A Quarterly Publication of the Nova Scotia Bird Society 26 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS Volume 50, Issue 4 Tanagers Through House Sparrows
By Ian Mclaren
As usual, summer is the doldrums for reporting, although not necessarily for birding activity. So, the table is not too informative; "casual reports" are naturens sightings simply given as present in a locality, and "no mentions" are probably meaningless. Obviously devoted birders were Atlassing or doing the very important Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS), among them SJF for a Canadian record number of years. The online BBS and Atlas maps will be a better source of information on summer birds.
Nevertheless, a few highlights should be noted. One belated report of SUMMER TANAGER can be added to the one previous record this spring. SCARLET TAN AGER seemed to be present in unusual numbers this summer, although there has been no confirmed breeding during the current Atlas.
Among sparrows, less often seen ones such as NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED and LINCOLN'S, seemed better reported than the regulars. Among The NORTHERN CARDINAL is doing well in the province, especially in the them, a report (by Dwayne Sabine) on two possible s. counties, as attested by this sprightly fledgling in early June in Barrington. SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS in [Photo Francis Perry] early June deserves his full account.
" ... I did flush what first appeared to be a Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow from the marram grass ...The orange on the face seemed brighter than I expected, so I spished ... A second bird promptly flushed and [both] popped up and watched me. In addition to the brighter orange on the sides of their heads, both also had dark, well-defined streaks on the undersides and very little ...huffy wash on the breast/flanks, suggesting Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow rather than Nelson's. I watched for a minute or so until they departed. Unfortunately, neither bird sang. There were typical Nelson's songs ...from the saltmarsh complex behind the beach."
This description certainly matches the Saltmarsh species, which nests as nearby as Scarborough, ME, some 330 km across the Bay of Fundy. Some of our Nelson's may lack much buff below, but then also have particularly weak facial colour and much more diffuse or paler streaking. Although the occasional prairie Nelson's Sharp-tailed might migrate through or linger here, it would never have a truly orange-ochre face and its flank streaking would indeed by notably darker. Of course a photo might be needed for full confirmation of the species. A diagnostic (but alas "difficult") detail to look for is in the amount of black and pale fringing on the tertials; one should aim for crisp photos of birds facing away.
An intriguing number of singing male INDIGO BUNTINGS was noted this summer. Some were first-summer birds, but surely one of them might attract a mate some day. Our only breeding record was years ago on Brier I., although a few have nested in NB.
The common icterids were casually reported, and some, like Baltimore Oriole, unreported. One would like to have pinned down the MEADOWLARK at Blandford, HRM - we can no longer be certain of species without close study.
Finches were also under-reported, but WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS caught some attention and unlike their RED CROSSBILL cousins, showed a substantial increase in reporting compared with spring. Presumably the former are forecasting a good spruce cone crop.
No HOUSE SPARROW? We know they're declining, but I did see them in Halifax, Dartmouth, and on Brier I. a
A Quarterly Publication of the Nova Scotia Bird Society Volume 50, Issue 4 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS 27
Numerous WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were on the move this The winter hordes of COMMON REDPOLL had diminished by mid summer, and were accompanied by recent young. This male was April. This one was photographed Apr. 16 near Kentville. [Photo photographed July 27 on Brier I. [Photo Richard Stern] Angus MacLean]
Summer Tanager June 28 Antigonish (Joe.?) I male KJM, RLF Late May Glen Margaret, HRM 1 (photo'd) fide Eleanor Lindsey June 26, July 12 Shelburne I I st summer male JAH Scarlet Tanager July 7-22 Appl. R., Cum. I male singing KFS June 7 Wolfville Ridge 1 male BLF meadowlark sp. June 13 S. end Halifax I singing AGH 15 June Blandford, HRM 1 not singing CJF, Alan June 21 Haggarts L. area, Guys. I singing KJM, Jim Taylor Covert June 27 Hebbs Cross, Lun. I singing SJF, JSC Bobolink Chipping Sparrow June 13 New Elm, Lun. I fem., 2 males JAH, Pat Gladman June Widely 6 repts., 12+ indivs. 4 obs. June 15 Londonderry BBS 6males BLM July 15 Big Hbr., Vic. Pesent BSK June 22 Middle Dyke Rd., Kings sev., incl. I fledged RBS Savannah Sparrow July 22 Canning, Kings 15-29, incl. Young Ian McKay June-July HRM. Lun. Few casual repts., Late June Wolfville Ridge 3 successful nests, 6 not JCT SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED SPARROW(?) Red-winged Blackbird June 3 Mavillette Bch., Yar,. 2 (see text)Dwayne Sabine No mentions?? Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow Rusty Blackbird June 3 Mavillette Bch. PP, Yar,. several Dwayne Sabine June 10 W. Intervale, Guys. KJM June 6 Port Williams, Kings sev., singing RBS June-July Big Hbr., Vic. present BSK June 9 Silver sands Bch., HRM I DHH July 13 Panuke L., Hants pair? PKE June 12 Mavillette Bch., Yar,. numbers ELM Common Grackle July widely 5 repts, several indivs. var. obs, June-July widely casual reports Fox Sparrow Brown-headed Cowbird June 27-29Scatarie I., CBRM present DAH, DBM June 6-7 Apple R., Cum. I male KFS July 4 Pennant Pt., HRM 3 singing BLM June 13 Wycocomagh, lrrv., Vic. Present BSK July 5 Cape LaHave singing JAH June 20 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM I fem. VJH Song Sparrow Purple Finch June, July widely casual repts. sev. obs, June 16 Big. Hbr., Vic. NSK June 1 Milford Sta., I banded K. MacAulay July Tremont, Kings 2-6 most days SLH Lincoln's Sparrow House Finch 5 June Spectacle L., HRM 2 males MIK June-July Halifax, Dalhousie, QEII Hosp. 4(+?) pairsBLM, IAM June widely 7 repts., 15++ indivs. var. obs. Red Crossbill July 5 Mines Rd., HRM I (very low) BLM June 20 Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM I fem. VJH July 17 Heckmans I., Lun. I JAH July 13 River Rd., Queens 2 DPO Swamp Sparrow July 18-20 Brier I. I RBS June Mainland 6 BLM July 30 Lr. Rose Bay, Lun. ad. male, juv. AHM,ELM White-throated Sparrow White-winged Crossbill June 7-July Vic. Co. present BSK Early July 8 Atlas squares Guys., Pie. nos. KJM June 27-29Scatarie I., CBRM NOT present DAH, DBM July Widely 7 repts,, 445++ indivs. var. obs. White-crowned Sparrow Pine Siskin June 2 New Waterford, CBRM I (late) CSM,TMM June-July Mid. Musquodoboit, HRM 1-6 indivs. VJH Dark-eyed Junco June 17, 19 HRM 2 BLM June-July var. Joe. casual repts. var. obs. July 24 Tremont, Kings I SLH Northern Cardinal American Goldfinch June-July Dartmouth, Wolfville, Barrington casual repts. var. obs. Late June Milford Sta., I "leucistic" male K. MacAulay Rose-breasted Grosbeak Jun-July widely casual repts. var. obs June 8 River Rd., Queens I singing male DPO Evening Grosbeak June-July Widely, Mainland 5 repts, 8 indivs. var. obs. June-July Kings, HRM, to Vic. 9 repts., 2o+ indivs. var. obs. Indigo Bunting June Queens, var, Joe. 4 males (some I st summer) DPO =
A Quarterly Publication of the Nava Scotia Bird Society 28 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS Volume 50, Issue 4
Many birders went to Conarad's Beach this past summer to monitor the nesting pair of Piping Plover, but other species there, such as this Savannah Sparrow, also command attention, especially when they perch so obligingly. [Photo Blake Maybank]
AREA REPRESENTATIVES
We have a new Area Representative! Please join me in welcoming Wayne Neily to the team. Wayne will be covering the County of Kings. If you need to renew your membership, or join for the first time; or pick up some checklists or our new NSBS pins visit the Area Rep closest to you and save yourself the cost of postage. Welcome Wayne!
Shelburne County Murray Newell Lunenburg County Brian Delaney 2832 Highway #330, (Box 237) For The Birds Nature Shop, Clark's Harbour, NS BOW lP0 647 Main Street, (P.O. Box 210) Tel:745-3340 Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0 [email protected] Tel: 624-0784 [email protected] Kings County Wayne Neily 562 Messenger Road, Tremont, Cape Breton County Maureen Cameron-MacMillan RR#6, Kingston NS BOP lR0 2841 Grand Mira North Road, Tel: 765-2455 Marion Bridge, NS BlK 1B5 [email protected] Tel: 727-2733 maureen [email protected] Queens County Gary Hartlen 80 Waterloo Street, oon Liverpool, NS BOT lK0 Tel: 354-7250 [email protected]
A Quarterly Publication of the Nova Scotia Bird Sodety Volume 50, Issue 4 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS 29
List of Contributors Thanks to all of our contributors, including: Sorted by initials
Mills, Anne AHM Swift, June JUS Lucas, Zoe ZOL Doull, Ann ALD Wolford, Jim JWW Arslan, Sandy Murrant, Allan ALM Spicer, Kathleen KFS Beame, Bob Pouliot, Anita APO Gigeroff, Kier S. KGI Beame, Joan Hinds, Barbara BAH Elliot, Laura LAE Bishop, Jo Boehner, Barry BBA Ellis, Lynn LEL Blundon, Mary Lou Breeding Bird Survey BBS Hall, Linda LHA Bogan, Alison Burke, Bernard BBU Codling, Lois LOC Browne, Susan Smith, Betty June BJS Berrigan, Lucas LUB Brunt, Edna & Ken Maybank,Blake BLM Brennan, Mark MAB Buckland, Huck Kent, Bethsheila BSK Cameron-MacMillan, Maureen MCM Coady, Mike Haycock, Carl CAH Rice, Maggie MCR Cooper, Jen Murrant, Cathy CAM King, Michael MIK Cribb, John Callaghan, Christine CCA Newell, Murray MUN Davies, Peter Creighton, Cindy CIC NS Bird Society Field Trip NSBS Dermott, David Stoddard, Clyde CST Giffin, Barbara & Patrick PBG Giffin, Patrick Currie, David DAC Chalmers, Patricia L. PLC Gilbert, Gloria Harris, Dave DAH McKay, Pat PMC Gillis, Danny Walmark, David DAW Hoogenbos, Rachel RAH Gladman, Pat McCorquodale, Dave DBM Stem, Richard RBS Hynes, Ed Hippem, Dennis DHH Ferguson, Rick RFE Lindsey, Eleanor Johnston, David DJO Lauff, RandyF. RFL Lukeman, Greg Lowe,D. DLO Viau, Rita RIV MacAuley, Kathleen Welch, Dottie M. K. DMW McCormick, Roland RMC MacAuley, Ken Doull, Elizabeth DOU Denton, Robbie ROD Mash,R. Poole, Dorothy DPO Hall, Ross ROH Mills, Joan Mills, Eric L. ELM d'Entremont, Raymond RSD Mills, Pam Murphy, Ethelda EMU Nickerson, Sandra SAN Murray, Paul Lavender. Fulton L. FLL Digout, Sharon SDI Nagy-MacArthur, Avery Digout, George GED Myers, Susann SEM Napoli, Tony Murray, Gary GMU Gleich, Steve SGL Ramsey, Dr. Michael Toom, Hans HAT Smith, Sid SIS Redden, Virginia K windt, Henk HEK Fullerton, Sylvia SJF Sabine, Dwayne McLaren, Ian 1AM Hulford, Sheila SLH Smith, Rachel Hirtle, James JAH Borkowski, Suzanne SMB Smyth, Jean Mills,Jane JAN McCurdy, Sheila SMC Steeves,Andrew Tufts, Judy JCT Bushell, Steve STB Tingley, Stuart Czapalay, Joan JCZ Hiltz, Stephen STH Tufts, Audrey & David Timpa, Jean JET Vines, Steve STV Viau, Mike Belbin, John JOB Kavanagh, Tom TOK Whitman, Bob Kearney, John JOK Higgins, Verna J. VJH Nickerson, Johnnie JON Meredith, Valerie VME ooa Cohrs, Shirley JSC Neily, Wayne WAN
A Quarterly Publication of the Nova Scotia Bird Society 30 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS Volume 50, Issue 4 Abbreviations
Place Names Bird Names Counties
APBS Amherst Point Bird Am. American Anna. Co. Annapolis Sanctuary Com. Common Ant. Co. Antigonish CB Cape Breton E. Eastern CB Co. Cape Breton CBHNP CB Highlands Eur. European, Eurasian Col.Co. Colchester National Park Mt. Mountain Cum. Co. Cumberland CSI Cape Sable I. N. Northern Digby Co. Digby Hbr. Harbour s. Southern Guys. Co. Guysborough Hd. Head w. Western Hfx. Co. Halifax HRM Halifax Regional Hants Co. Hants Municipality Other Inv. Co. Inverness I. Island, Isle ad. adult Kings Co. Kings Is. Islands, Isles BBS Breeding Bird Survey Lun. Co. Lunenburg L. Lake ca. circa (about, approxi- Pict. Co. Pictou Lwr. Lower mately) Queens Co. Queens Mt. Mountain, Mount CBC Christmas Bird Count Rich. Co. Richmond Mts. Mountains fem. female Shel. Co. Shelburne N.P. National Park imm. immature Vic.Co. Victoria P.P. Provincial Park juv. juvenile Yar. Co. Yarmouth Pen. Peninsula male (no abbreviation) Pt. Point, not Port MNRS Maritimes Nest R. River Records Scheme The Cape tltltl Cape Sable var. obs. various observers
An odd WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, late June at Cape D'Or, Cum., had bulging, bright yellow lores, and strong contrast between white throat and dark gray breast. It seemed to be a very pronounced white-stripe morph, and one wonders if it resulted from a rare breeding between a white-striped pair. White-striped birds (male or female) almost always mates with tan-striped ones (male or female), and the like-cross may be sterile. [Photo Al Lusk]
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WEATHER & OTHER REPORTS
Annual Report of the Nova Scotia Bird Society Sanctuary Trust 23 October 2008
By Bob McDonald, Chair
No report on operations of the Nova Scotia Bird Society Sanctuary Trust (NSBS ST) was given at the Annual General Meeting in October 2007 so I will attempt to bring you up to date on our activities.
As most of you will know the entire Board of the Sanctuary Trust resigned in April 2007. Shortly thereafter, NSBS President Suzanne Borkowski approached me to serve as interim ST Board Chair until a new Board could be put in place for the 2007 AGM. This Board appointed by the NSBS Executive is composed of the following NSBS members:
Bob McDonald, Chair Mary Alward, Treasurer Patrick Kelly, Secretary Andrew Hom, Director George Digout, Director Suzanne Borkowski, NSBS President, ex-officio
Except for the ex-officio position, all appointments are for three-year terms.
The 2007-2008 year was one of catching up on our duties, and for Board members (all ofus new) to become familiar with what the ST does and, possibly, what it could be doing.
Firstly, we opened a new bank account at a branch conveniently located for the Treasurer. We decided that all cheques should be jointly co-signed by the Treasurer and the Chair. All property tax bills have been paid to date. In fact, this is likely the most important function of the Board - to ensure that all Bird Society properties remain in good standing with respect to property taxes.
Some of you might be interested in learning more about the NSBS-owned properties and where they are located (the map reference in parentheses is to The Nova Scotia Atlas, 5th Edition, 2001).
l. Bald Tusket Islands, namely Mossy Bald, Middle Bald and Little Half Bald Islands (purchased in May 1971) and Outer Bald Island, acquired by donation in 1974. These 4 islands are located in Yarmouth Co. south of Big Tusket Island (p.85, Z3). 2. Peter Island located in Grand Passage, between Long and Brier Islands, on the Digby Neck, historically was a breeding location for three species of tern, including Roseates. Up to 1000 breeding pairs were noted in the early '80's but predation by the large gulls has forced them to move. (p. 70, W5) 3. North Kemptville Property located about 8 km north of North Kemptville near the Yarmouth/Digby Co. boundary line. (p.77, W2) 4. Kelsey Property located on the St. Catherine's River Rd (the access road to Kejimkujik Seaside NP) south of Port Joli in Queen's Co. (p.84, W3) 5. Indian Island located in the mouth of Green Bay, offshore from Cherry Hill and Broad Cove, and south of Cape Lahave Island, Lunenburg Co. (p.80, V2) 6. Hertford Island, one of the Bird Islands (the other is Ciboux Island which is provincial crown), Victoria Co., Cape Breton. (p.10, W3)
For the last two years, the Executive of the Bird Society has been working towards ensuring that Hertford Island become part of a provincially designated Wildlife Management Area, which carries with it protected status for our Island and its avian
A Quarterly Publication of the Nava Scotia Bird Society 32 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS Volume 50, Issue 4 inhabitants. We have been advised that the official announcement of the Bird Islands WMA by Natural Resources Minister David Morse should occur any day now and almost certainly before the Bird Conference in November. It should be pointed out that the Society continues to own Hertford Island and to control access to it.
As you see, all our properties are either quite remote or difficult to access, or both. All were acquired by purchase or donation because they provided important breeding or stopover locations for birds, at least when we acquired them. Most of our properties are only infrequently visited, or not visited at all. Nevertheless, it is important that each of the properties be visited occasionally to ascertain whether they continue to provide bird habitat and, to that end, Suzanne came up with the idea of identifying "wardens" to serve as stewards for each of our properties. Three sanctuary wardens have been identified so far: Ken Gregoire, past Chair of the ST, has volunteered to continue to keep his eye on Hertford Island and, possibly, Indian Island, much closer to home for him; June Swift has agreed to send us occasional reports on Peter Island, and Joyce Allen will be monitoring the Kelsey Property near Port Joli.
We hope that potential wardens for our other three properties will come forward over the next year.
The Sanctuary Trust continues to support other ventures related to birds, their habitats and their conservation. To that end, contributions were made to support the on-going raptor rehabilitation efforts at the Hope For Wildlife Society in Seaforth on the Eastern Shore, and to the Organizing Committee of the "For Our Birds" Conference to take place in Halifax in November. The Nova Scotia Bird Society, Ecology Action Centre, Dalhousie University and Bird Studies Canada are jointly organizing this Conference. The conference focus: Sharing Science, Conservation and Education about Birds in Nova Scotia will bring together ornithologists, bird-watchers and educators from across the province and beyond, will enhance communication among these groups regarding bird conservation and increase public awareness about birds, especially those in peril.
Once our Treasurer Mary Alward presents the financial side of the ST operations, you will see that our income is just barely able to cover our tax bills. If you would like the Sanctuary Trust to continue to support bird conservation activities such as those mentioned above, when you renew your NSBS membership for 2009, I urge you to consider making a contribution to the Sanctuary Trust Fund. All contributions of $10 or more will receive a charitable donation receipt that can be used to reduce your income tax. a
An AMERICAN ROBIN with lunch for a hungry brood. [Photo Alexander McCleam PGNS/ NSBS Competition]
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Summer Weather 2008, Eastern Annapolis Valley
By Larry Bogan
Monthly Weather Records from Atlantic Food & Horticulture Research Centre, Kentville, N .S.
Temperature precip Sun Max Min Mean mm (hours) June 22.10 11.94 17.00 41.80 165 47yravg 21.88 10.24 16.09 70 206 July 27.3 15.8 21.5 49.4 244 47yravg 25.1 13.7 19.4 70 231 August 23.4 14.1 18.8 121.2 165 47yravg 24.4 13.3 18.8 102.6 257 Season 24.3 14.0 19.1 212.4 574 47yravg 23.8 12.4 18.1 242.6 694 August, was a wet month. Using recent memories, I tend to characterize the summer by that wet weather. It was however, a drier than normal summer with higher than average temperatures and higher than normal cloud cover. For much of the summer we had one low pressure system after another sweep over us bringing cloud. In the early summer these systems were north of us and New Brunswick got most of the rain and we were dry. In August most of the lows were south ofus and we received more rain.
Temperature: With respect to temperature June was warm, July was hot, and August was normal. In general the above average temperatures were due to warmer than normal minimum temperatures. We had fewer of those nice cool nights that used to be great for sleeping in the summer in Nova Scotia. The reason was the greater cloud cover this past summer and less radiational cooling at night. Although August was average its minimum temperature was 1° C above normal and its maximum was 1° C below normal. July was a full 2° C above average in temperature. Overall, the season was 1° C above normal.
Rainfall: We were 28 mm below normal in June rainfall, below normal by 21 mm in July and only above normal by 19 mm ofrain in August. This sums to a deficit in normal rainfall for the season. This is a bit deceiving in terms of 'wetness' because if you look at the graph of rainfall for the season, you will see that we had many days with rainfall. We had 11 days in June, 11 in July and 18 in August with some rainfall in Kentvillle. Despite the frequency, 18 of those 40 days had less than 1 mm of precipitation and the total accumulation was below normal. That indicates we had frequent high humidity and frequent cloud cover with less bright sunshine.
Sunshine: July was the only month with abundant bright sunshine this summer. Both June and August were cloudier than normal and the latter was particularly overcast, having only 2/3 the sun we expect for the month. The many overcast evenings produced warmer than normal minimum temperatures recorded. Many amateur astronomers were unhappy this summer, because of the lack of clear skies in the evening to observe the sky. The Nova East astronomy camp-out occurred on the last weekend of August and was completely clouded out. a
Daily Temperatures Daily Rainfall Kentville, N.S. Jun, Jul, Aug 2008 Kentville, N.S., Jun, Jul, Aug 2008 20
s
1.... ,. 0 • l . .J .cc==-"'==~=====~~~~~ 0 I. ~-- 1 June 1 July 1 August 31 1 June 1 July 1 August 31 Days of the Month Days of the Month
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FIELD TRIP REPORTS
Field Trip Report - Valley Birding 08 March 2008, Leader: Bernard Forsythe
No doubt because of heavy rain Patrick Kelly was the only birder to meet me at the Wolfville Wharf. After a few minutes the rain let up to light showers for the rest of the morning, so we headed for the east end of Ridge Road to try for the albino Red tailed Hawk that has spent the last several winters in this area. We did not find the hawk but a few Song Sparrows were singing, plus a temperature of 10° made it feel like April.
Next we drove the Grand Pre Dykes where many Bald Eagles and several Red-tailed Hawks were spotted. A few of the other species noted were two N. Flickers, Black and Mallard Ducks, a dozen Canada Geese through the fog, a male Ring-necked Pheasant, and many Common Redpolls, Goldfinches, and Juncos at a feeder. We could not find the N. Harrier and the black phase Rough-legged Hawk I had been seeing in the area. Again, a highlight was the spring-sounding song from Song Sparrows along the dyke roads.
By late morning we were back at the east end of the Ridge Road. Patrick found the albino Red-tail perched on a distant post. What a striking bird, pure white except for dark eyes, a few black streaks on the back of its head, and the upper side of its tail looking slightly pinkish. Fog was closing in so the ghostly Red-tailed Hawk made a perfect ending for a wet March field trip.
Mahone Bay 02 August 2008, Leader: James Hirtle
The weather did not look good for this trip but three hearty individuals showed up. It was wet at first but we did not let the weather dampen our spirits. I ended the excursion earlier than normal, not making it further than Fauxburg, but that was because of all the bird activity we found at every stop. In all, we observed roughly 40 species. Mahone Bay produced:
At Long Hill I played a mobbing tape and to my surprise a Barred Owl came in and started to call. Another Barred Owl responded and they kept calling for quite some time.
At Blockhouse, I spoke to a local resident who reports as many as six northern cardinals at her feeder signifying breeding success this year. We ended our day at the Fauxburg Trail where birds of note included Eastern Wood Pewee (excellent views), Gray Catbird, Blackbumian Warbler, and Canada Warbler.
It was nice to have one birder with us from Scotland and to have so many birds about at all of our stops.
Taylor Head Provincial Park 9 August 2008, Leaders: Jim Cameron and Warren Parsons
In spite of heavy rain overnight and a foggy morning the first combined NS Bird Society / Friends of Taylor Head Provincial Park bird walk was completed successfully. The small group was able to cover 3 kilometers of trail and counted 32 species (including the Ipswich Sparrow).
The walk began by taking a quick look around the kiosk at the last parking lot, and then by walking up the field to proceed around Spry Bay Trail. The walk continued skirting the saltwater pond, past the tern nesting colony, and stopping for some time at Little Harbour, at the junction of Spry Bay and the Headland Trail. The walk was completed where the trail followed Spry Bay back to the trailhead. A nest site ofMerlins was checked for activity on the way out of the park.
Near the kiosk a Lincoln's Sparrow looked out of a spruce tree long enough to be identified. Yellow-rumped Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-capped Chickadee, and Dark-eyed Junco were listed at the trailhead, and a flock of White-winged Crossbills settled into the tops of some spruce trees overlooking the parking lot. Sanderling and Semipalmated Plovers were on the main beach, as well as two adults and one juvenile Common Tern. An Osprey flew overhead to one of the four nests in the park.
A Quarterly Publication of the Nova Scotia Bird Society Volume 50, Issue 4 NO/IA SCOTIA BIRDS 35
On the main Spry Bay Trail we had two small flocks (4 to 5 birds each) of Savannah Sparrows. One flock contained an Ipswich Sparrow that stopped long enough on a large boulder to have a picture taken. Other birds on the trail were Song Sparrows, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Boreal Chickadees, Common Yellowthroats, and an adult Bald Eagle flying up the bay. Two Great Cormorants could be seen on one of the islands in Spry Bay, as well as numerous Double-crested Cormorants. At the tern colony nesting appeared to be completed but both adult and juvenile terns could be seen feeding and resting at various points along the park shoreline. Birds at the site were Great Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Black Ducks, Common Eider, Crows, and a pair of Willets. A pile of Common Tern feathers attested to the hazards of nesting. At Little Harbour birds feeding in the decaying kelp and seaweed included Song Sparrows, Robins, Ruddy Turnstones, Willets, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Least, Semipalmated, and Spotted Sandpipers, and a lone dowitcher. At the Merlin nest site no birds were present but they could be heard further down in the woods. A few hours earlier four birds were present, perched in a dead tree next to the nest site. -James Cameron
Cherry Hill Beach 16 Aug 2008, Leader: Eric Mills Six water-insoluble birders met at Cherry Hill beach at high water. The day proved to be overcast, showery sometimes, mild, misty, providing perfect viewing of the several hundred waders that came in from their roosts as the tide fell. There were no major surprises, but we had fine views of nearly all of the common fall migrants, including several White-rumped Sandpipers and a lone (Eastern) Willet. The dunes and beach pea thickets were full of young Savannah Sparrows and numbers of Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows (some of the latter were still singing). A lone adult Piping Plover was among Sanderlings, Semipalmated Sandpipers, and Semipalmated Plovers on the beach. We had 12 species of waders in total, missing, among the regulars, only Baird's Sandpiper and Whimbrel. And under the mild, misty and not very windy conditions we had an excellent opportunity to contribute to the health of the endangered Cherry Hill Beach mosquito.
After lunch, one-sixth of the party went on to Western Head, Liverpool, where there was a small passage of Gannets and a group of seven adult Arctic terns hurrying along to the southwest. Later, back in Lunenburg Co., at Crescent Beach, there were at least 100 Willets spread out on the low tide flats, most of them too far away to call with certainty - but among 10 very close to the road at least 7 were Western Willets. The wader flock at Crescent Beach was impressive, including one fine Whimbrel foraging on the flats among Willets and Black-bellied Plovers.
Field Trip Report - Bon Portage Island 29 August 2008, Leader - Claire Diggins
Six participants went to Bon Portage Island on Friday, August 29th for the NS Bird Society Field Trip. The crossing was warm and calm, and we explored some of the east shoreline before a late supper. Each day was a mix of fog and sun and the bushes and trees were pretty quiet. With lots of hard work we managed to spot the following birds on or near the island: Canada Geese, Black Ducks, Green-winged Teal, Common Eiders, DC Cormorants, N Harriers, Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlins, Great Homed Owls, WW Crossbills, Flycatchers, Catbirds, a Winter Wren, a Scarlet Tanager, Purple Finches, a Common Nighthawk, an Osprey, a Hermit Thrush, and several species of sparrows. There was a large number of shorebirds each day and we saw Serniplamated Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, Spotted Sandpipers, Sernipalmated Plovers, Black-bellied Plovers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Willets, Spotted Sandpipers, Ruddy Tumstones, and White-rumped Sandpipers. Hummingbirds, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Chickadees, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Cedar Waxwings were being seen in increasing numbers all weekend. We were surprised by the low count of warblers but we spotted Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Black-th Green, Blackpoll, Black-and white, American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, Cape May, and Common Yellowthroat. More warblers seemed to be moving in as we were leaving. Highlight birds were: Little Blue Heron, Prairie Warbler, Lark Sparrow, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and a female Peregrine Falcon. There were several species of butterflies on the island, such as Monarch, Painted Lady, American Copper, Cabbage White, Elfin, fritillary, and Red Admiral. All members enjoyed the ambience of this beautiful spot, and the food and friendship made for an excellent addition to the bird and plant life.
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Brier Island Weekend 26- 28 Sep 2008, Leaders: James Hirtle and Wayne Neily
This year's Brier Island Weekend, September 26-28, was relatively quiet with regards to both birds and birders. Pending bad weather kept rnany away and only about 12 people braved the elements. My list for the weekend for species consisted of 58 species. If I include birds frorn Long Island, and those seen by those traveling in tandem with rne, we can add another dozen or so species.
Friday birding was not bad. Five individuals arrived on the island with me late in the afternoon, and after getting settled we were able to find over 40 species. Others arrived later in the night and Saturday morning was exciting due to the number of birds in the air over North Light. Because of the wind and rain, whenever the birds dropped into the shrubs and alders the only views we could get mostly were a flit here and there. There were probably about five hundred warblers, of which rnost were Yellow rurnped. The rest of the birds in the air were mostly American Goldfinches, about 100 or so. Black-legged Kittiwakes and Northern Gannets were relatively close to shore, were a treat. Wayne Neilly and I went out owling on Friday and Saturday evening. Even though the weather was poor with wind and rain, I was able to hear a lone Northern Saw whet Owl, and we both heard a Great Homed Owl and a Long-eared Owl.
For the weekend we could only corne up with a few warblers, including Black-throated Green, Palrn, Yellow, Cornrnon Yellowthroat, and Yellow-rumped. The only woodpecker was Northern Flicker. A few Brown-headed Cowbirds were nice. Pond Cove was productive, there being seven American Golden Plovers, a Dunlin, and three Pectoral Sandpipers, along with a few other expected shorebird species. A lot of Ospreys were still about, and at one point 17 Turkey Vultures were observed. Smaller hawks such as the Merlin and American Kestrel were sparse. On Friday five of us observed a dark phase Gyrfalcon. Sunday was very quiet and I could only find 27 species in an hour on Brier Island. Long Island was just the opposite with around 41 species in 20 minutes. Nice birds there were an American Bittern, Northern Shoveler, a Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and a Blue-winged Teal. The Sunday Mariner Cruise's trip was cancelled. Another charter boat did go out and Wayne Neilly was the only person who went from our group. A Pornarine Jaeger was the only highlight.
-James R. Hirtle
Canso and Area 29 Nov 2008, Leaders: Tom Kavanaugh and Steve Bushell Despite the forecast our walk was well-attended with 19-20 birders, sorne of whorn traveled frorn New Brunswick, with others from the metro area and other parts of the province. Early to mid-morning weather wasn't great, but by late morning when the wind finally shifted to the west it cleared up quite quickly. When we compiled our lists and rnernories for the day we were delighted to have found 76 species. Sorne Highlights were: 1 Western Kingbird (very well studied and photographed at 60-70' along the "Glasgow Head Road") 2 Green Heron (very shy but seen by all as it flew) 3 2 Grasshopper Sparrows (1 in the Marina provided a 8-10 rnin. view in the wide open in a fire pit; the second one on the water tower hill behaved more as expected for this species and gave only a couple of fleeting glimpses.) 4 Sora (well seen by rnost and photographed by sorne) 5 Northern Goshawk (flying along Dover Harbour) 6 Red-bellied Woodpecker (at rny feeders) 7 4-5 Dickcissels (an easy study at my feeders) 8 Rusty Blackbird (seen briefly at rny feeders) 9 5 Orange-crowned Warblers (dispersed) 10 Pine Warbler (traveling with a flock of chickadees near Flaherty Street) 11 2 Indigo Bunting (at the sports complex) 12 Pied-billed Grebe (Chapel Gully) 13 Red-throated Loon (near the Marina) 14 American Bittern (not that common in our area seen in the darn) 15 Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Harrier, Merlin, American Kestrel, and Bald Eagle rounded out the birds of prey
A Quarterly Publication of the Nova Scotia Bird Society Volume 50, Issue 4 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS 37
A few lucky birders picked up two to four lifers for the day; a real bonus for them, and making the trip even more worthwhile. Our trip came to a conclusion in Little Dover. Alexander (my son) drew our attention to the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, and we enjoyed stellar views of the planets and 3 of Jupiter's moons through a scope. Our attention was also drawn to the stunning view of the high pass of the ISS. As the space station faded from view so, too, ended our wonderful day in the field taking in all of nature's beauty in the accompaniment of old and new friends. My thanks to all who took part in making this walk a success.
- Tom Kavanaugh
Antigonish Coastal Waters 30 November 2008, Leader: Randy Lauff Just over 15 people joined me on a crisp, late November day to look for birds along the Antigonish County waterfronts. Given the influx of Snowy Owls this year I decided to delete one site in favour of Pomquet Beach Provincial Park; that site, along with several others, were good habitat for Snowies, and Short-eareds for that matter. Sadly, neither was found.
We did have a good day, with several unexpected birds, though nothing earth-shattering. We had 20 species of duck, including Barrow's Goldeneye and a Barrow's-Common hybrid. The expected alcid here is Black Guillemot, though it's not necessarily to be expected at this time of year. More exciting was not one, but at least six Razorbills, some quite close to shore.
Our one shorebird species was represented by two Sanderlings, a first for this trip. Six types of gull are about typical for this outing, though very few Icelands were seen; Black-headeds are locally reliable, and sometimes common, and those at the sewage treatment plant allowed some nice looks.
We only recorded three woodpeckers, but the Northern Flicker, seen only by one carload of folks between stops, was the most noteworthy. Undoubtedly, had we been feeder-hopping we would have also ticked a Downy Woodpecker.
The two warblers (Orange-crowned and Common Yellowthroat) and Lincoln's Sparrow were noted by very few participants, since most ofus had to, or opted to, go to the next stop by car, whereas only a few birders did the walk in between stops.
My tally sheetshows 58 species, though I may have missed recording a couple. When combined with the previous day's trip in Canso, over 100 species were seen by those birders who made a weekend of it. a
S!~I with Binocula~ & S!co~es J:ltD with the begf Bitd f:eede~ ATTRACT with Bathg & S!heltet LtARfJ with Book!:, S!oftwate & CDg t:fJJOY with Giftg fot Bitd-watche~ f:ORt:CM!T with Weathet fngtturnents
( A Quarterly Publication of the Nova Scotia Bird Society 38 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS Volume 50, Issue 4 Photo Guild of Nova Scotia: Images from the 2007- 08 NSBS Competitions Ruby-throated Hummingbird & Song Sparrows settling a Dispute. [Photos Melvina Weatherby] Yellow-rumped Warbler & Palm Warbler. [Photos Jennifer Fried] Cedar Waxwings & Kildeer at the nest. [Photos Lorris Keizer] Cormorant and Common Merganser captured at lunch time. [Photos: (L) Alexander McCleam, (R) Gary Murray] A Quarterly Publication of the Nova Scotia Bird Society Volume 50, Issue 4 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS 39 UPCOMING EVENTS Field trips are open to non-members as well as members. Feel free to phone or E-mail the field trip leader or contact person ahead of time to obtain further information, directions or restrictions (e.g. dogs are not normally allowed on field trips). The area code for Nova Scotia is 902. NSMNH = The Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, 1747 Summer Street, Halifax. Ideas and suggestions for future trips are welcome. You do not need to be an expert to lead a field trip, and the trip does not need to last all day. You just need to share your favourite birding spots. Any questions, comments or suggestions, as well as all field trip reports should be directed to The Events Editor, Suzanne Borkowski 445-2922. E-mail: [email protected] Sat 31 Jan 2009 - Beginning Birders Trip - Lunenburg worldwide. He will also show us stamps currently available Leader: James Hirtle 766-4642 E-mail: [email protected] from Canada Post that have birds as their theme, and what to Pre-Registration is Necessary! do if you think that you can do better! Meet at 8:00 am in the parking lot of the Community Centre in Sat 07 Mar 2009 - Valley Birding Lunenburg. Drive past the Save-Easy and Tim Hortons. Tum in just Leader: Bernard Forsythe 542-2427 before the bowling alley to the parking lot for the Community Centre . d Skatm. Arena v ,11 als 1 kateboard k. W ,11 b" d Meet at 9:00 am at the town Wharf, east end of Front Street m g ,ou O a arge s par e w W lfv"ll W '11 b k" ti 1· · · an . t uth to L b alsee th L b W terfro t, o 1 e. e e Ioo mg or raptors, mgenng wmter fro m Frrs so unenurg, ong e unenurg a n some.. d .. · d dC · dG d · d d L b ·1self t to Bl n ks d th al v1s1tors, an rant1es m an aroun annmg an ran Pre. areas m an aroun unen urg 1 , ou ue "-oc an en ong 1 d b · 1 h da the shore lin e to Mahone B ay. Brmg · b"moc ul ars,. fi eld grn·c1e if you have Dress warm y an nng a unc . No storm te. one, wann footwear and snacks. Trip will last approximately four hours. S t 14 M 2009 _ N th S d d A St dat . s 01 F b a ar or y ney an rea orm e. un e ruary. Leader: Maureen Cameron-MacMillan 727-2733 Sun 08 Feb 2009 - HRM Harbour Hop E-mail: maureen [email protected] Leader: Suzanne Borkowski 445-2922 Meet at 1:00 p.m. at the duck pond across from the Clearwater E-mail: [email protected] and Fish Plant, 139 Queen Street, North Sydney. At our meeting place Bob McDonald 443-5051 E-mail: [email protected] we'll look for Mallards, American Black Ducks and gulls, and This will be a joint trip with the Halifax Field Naturalists and hopefully an "odd duck" or two. We'll then work our way north will combine the former HFN Sewer Stroll and the NSBS Sewer along the harbour, with stops at the Lobster Pound restaurant Stroll II. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot at McCormack's parking lot on Queen Street, Archibald Park on Commercial Beach Provincial Park, just past Boondocks Restaurant in Street, and Indian Head Beach and the Purves Street Look-off to Eastern Passage. We will visit Hartlen Point, Eastern Passage, check out the harbour birds. Storm date: 21 March. Dartmouth Cove, Sullivan's Pond, Tuft's Cove and the Bedford Sat 14 Mar 2009- Beginning Birder's Trip - Halifax Waterfront. If the weather conditions are favourable and time Leaders: Bonnie Carmichael 477-9945 permits, we will also visit Herring Cove and Chebucto [email protected] Head. Dress warmly and bring a lunch. No storm date. and Gail Bruhm [email protected] 13 Feb-16 Feb 2009- Great Backyard Bird Count Pre-Registration is Necessary! Watch for details on Nature NS and on our website. Meet at 10:00 am in the parking lot of the Frog Pond on Purcell's Cove Road. The unmarked parking lot is on the left (east) side of Sat 14 Feb 2009- Glace Bay and Area "Harbour Hop". the road if you're corning from the Rotary in Halifax; just after Leaders: George Crowell and Bev Sarty (849-5317) Burns Drive. Bring binoculars, a field guide if you have one, a Meet at 9:00 am at the Fishermen's Memorial Park, Glace Bay. snack and sturdy footwear. Trip will last one to two hours. We '11 be checking a number of birding sites in and around the community for a chance to see our winter ducks and gulls, and Sat 21 Mar 2009 -Along the Fundy Shore to get out and enjoy a winter day. Storm Date: Sat 21 February Leader: Wayne Neily 765-2455 E-mail: [email protected] Focusing on the winter birds of the Bay of Fundy and the Thu 26 Feb 2009 - Regular Meeting ecozones from it to the Annapolis Valley; this will be a joint NSMNH, 1747 Summer Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 7:30 p.m. trip with the Nova Scotia Bird Society, the Blornidon Stamping Out Birds - Join Guest Speaker: President Patrick Naturalists and the Annapolis Field Naturalists. Meet at 9:00 Kelly on a worldwide tour of postage stamps covering many am in Aylesford, just on the south side of Exit 16 on Hwy aspects of birds and how they are a part of natural history. We #101. We'll visit the shore at Morden, Margaretsville, Port will learn a bit of the history of postage stamps including why George, and perhaps Port Lome and Hampton, before heading nature is such a popular theme with postal administrations back into the Valley to check some sites on the way to A Quarterly PubliCDtion of the Nova Scotia Bird Society 40 NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS Volume 50, Issue 4 Annapolis Royal. Dress warmly with layers; the Fundy shore Sun 26 Apr 2009- Wolfville Area can be cold and windy at that time of year, and bring a lunch. Leader: Jim Wolford 542-9204 E-mail: [email protected] Pre-Registration is encouraged but not essential. This will be a joint trip with the Blomidon Naturalists Society, Thu 26 Mar 2009 _ Regular Meeting pond hopping for ducks and early migrants. Possibly there will NSMNH, 1747 Summer Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 7:30 p.m. be a visit t? Wolfville Ridge first for Barred Owls, before the Why Bird Migration in Nova Scotia is so Interesting. Guest P0nd-h?PPlllg. ~eet at the town wharf off the east end of ~ront Speaker: Dr. Ian McLaren will give an analysis of the roles of Street m W?lfville at 10:00 a.m. Dress warmly and brmg a geography, navigational errors, and weather patterns m lunch. No ram date. bringing us such a wide variety of birds, including vagrants. Sat 02 May 2009- Cape Sable Island Sat 28 Mar 2009 - Baccaro & Blanche Peninsula Leader: Murray Newell 745-3340 E-mail: [email protected] Leader: Donna Ensor 875-4269 E-mail: [email protected] Meet at Tim Horton's in Barrington Passage at 7:45 a.m. We Early spring birding with Donna. Rarities have shown up here will bird the Cape Sable Island hot spots for spring migrants. quite often at this time of year. Meet at 8:30 a.m. in the parking Bring waterproof footwear and a lunch. No rain date. lot at exit 28 off Hwy #103 (Port Clyde). Dress warmly and Sat 09 May 2009 - Spring Migration Counts bring a lunch. No rain date. Contact Hans Toom 868-1862 [email protected] or your Sat 04 Apr 2009 - Martinique Beach Regional Coordinator to participate. Leader: Ian McLaren 429-7024 E-mail: [email protected] Mon 18 May 2009 - Historic Rants County Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Scotiabank parking lot, Bridge Plaza, Leader: Suzanne Borkowski 445-2922 Dartmouth. Look for early migrants as well as possible rarities. E-mail: [email protected] Bring a lunch. No rain date. Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot of Mount Uniacke House. Thu 23 Apr 2009 - Regular Meeting Take exit #3 off Hwy #101 and drive approx. 8 km along rte #1 NSMNH, 1747 Summer Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 7:30 p.m. towards Windsor. Uniacke House is on your left. The main gate Journey to the Most Remote Place on Earth: Magnificent will be locked, but the 2nd gate ( coming from Halifax) will be Migrations of the Greater Shearwater - Guest Speaker: Dr. open. We'll start by exploring some of the grounds at Mt. Rob Ronconi Uniacke then continue along back-country roads through Hants Greater Shearwaters are among the most abundant seabirds in County. Bring a lunch to be enjoyed at Smiley Park. No rain date. the North Atlantic summer, yet we know very little about them. Sat 30 _ Sun 31 May 2009 _ Out-of-Area Meeting/Atlas Since 2005, the Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Workshop Station has been studying shearwaters in the Bay of Fundy Speakers: Becky Stewart (Atlas Coordinator), Patrick Kelly where they spend their winter ( our summer) fattening up for (Region 16) and Paul Gould (Region 17) long distance migrations. Dr. Ronconi will be presenting on the . , . . trials and tribulations of working with these magnificent This years O~t-of-Area Meetm?iAtlas Wo:kshop will be ?eld seabirds. Highlights include the first ever deployments of at the Mount~m Gap ~ near Digby and wil~ promote Regions satellite tags on Greater Shearwaters which documented their 16: Annapolis V~lley-~igby Neck, and Reg~on 17: Southw~st habitat use in the Maritimes and long distance migrations to Shore. The meetmg will start at 7:30 pm m th~ Annapohse Tristan da Cunha. From a birds-eye view, Dr. Ronconi will Room, f?llowed by ~ owl prowl. Sunday i:nornmg, 6:00 am, explore the ecological diversity of our oceans and the there will ?e a . pom~ count demonstration, followed by conservation challenges that face our seabirds. breakfast. Field tnps will be led by Pat Kelly and Paul Gould. To book your room for Saturday night, go to: http://www. Sat 25 April 2009 - Beginning Birders Trip (Halifax) mountaingapinn.ca and click on "Around the Inn". This map Leaders: Bonnie Carmichael 477-9945 will show you what each of the rooms is like by clicking on [email protected] and any rooftop. Choose from #1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 24,25,26,27 Gail Bruhm [email protected] ($100.00 per room) or #41, 42, 43 ($90.00 per room). This Pre-Registration is Necessary! meeting/workshop is open to everyone! Meet at 10:00am in the parking !0t oftJ_ie Frog Pond on Pm:cell's Sun 31 May- 2009- Beginning Birders' Trip (Truro) Cove Ro~. Th~ unmar~ed parking lot is on ~e le~ (eas9 side of Leader: Ross Hall 893-9665 E-mail: [email protected] the road if you re commg from the Rotary m Halifax; JUSt after Meet at 8·30am - at the Bible Hill graveyard/ start of trail at Burns Drive. Bring binocul~, a ~eld guide if you have one, a end of Warren Drive. We'll bird the Bible Hill Trail and snack and sturdy footwear. Tnp will last one to two hours. Dykeland. Bring binoculars, field guide if you have one, and Sat 25 April 2009-Beginning Birders' Trip (Annapolis Valley) snacks. Trip will end at 11 :30 am. No rain date. a Leader: Wayne Neily 765-2455 E-mail: [email protected] Pre-Registration is Necessary! Meet at 8:00 am at the Tim Hortons in Greenwood. Bring binoculars, a field guide if you have one, sturdy footwear and a snack. No rain date. A Quarterly Publication of the Nova Scotia 6ird Sodety