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Info-Research Solutions (© 1996)
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Researching the
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada
Recherche sur la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg Lieu historique national du Canada
FOR THE BIRDS
May 1988
By
Helen O'Shea
There have been 2 historic sightings in Louisbourg this past month - the INDIGO BUNTING and the BLUE GROSBEAK.
The small sparrow-sized bunting male is a rich indigo blue. Normally these birds breed through the eastern USA and southeastern Canada. Most sightings in Nova Scotia occur from Halifax south. Why they have decided to visit this far north is a mystery but wildlife biologists are hoping that they will stay around and nest.
You probably, know the Grosbeak family - big, nervous birds with large beaks Evening Grosbeaks are common to Louisbourg in flocks of 10 to 30 during most of the winter. The male has a bright yellow stomach and rump, black head, wings and tail. The male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak has black head, wings and tail with a white breast on which is a triangular swatch of bright red. The Blue Grosbeak like his Cousins is big, large beaked, equally nervous and very BLUE.
You know, with all the bird feeders I've seen around town I'm surprised you Ornithologists haven't banded together. On another historical note, Huntington mentions robins and fox sparrows in his diaries.
Helen O’Shea
Extracted from © The Seagull, Helen O'Shea, For the Birds