FOR THE BIRDS

November 1993

By

Helen O'Shea

The last Hummingbird of the season was spotted by Bill Bussey on October 11.

Keen observers have reported a flock of 50 to 60 Evening Grosbeaks travelling from one feeder to another throughout the town. Millie Parsons, Susann Myers and I saw them at various times. Susann also spotted three myrtle warblers and a red-eyed vireo. Mabel Hanham had American Woodcock digging for grubs in her yard from October 15 to 25. Cathy MacLeod reported a common snipe in her yard. Eight to ten Black Ducks have been at various locations in Louisbourg Harbour the past few weeks. A Lesser Yellowlegs has been seen at the Havenside Barachois in October and November. Four Buffleheads and a Belted Kingfisher were at the Fortress Barachois on October 24. Gwen Lunn reported a block of Bohemian Waxwings in the mountain ash behind her house. Berries attract many birds so keep an eye on your rose hedges also. Gwen also saw a Snow Bunting on November 3. Margie Cameron reports a flock of 13 Mourning Doves at her feeder. Sometimes several more come to visit. American Goldfinch and Chickadees are appearing in larger numbers at the feeders as well as the ubiquitous Blue Jays. Canada Jays (Grey Jays or Whiskeyjacks) are also more numerous in back yards.

October 26 was a noteworthy day for observers. Carlo Lunn saw a Pileated Woodpecker in his yard. These birds are uncommon in this part of Cape Breton because they rely on old-growth deciduous trees. Current forestry practices involving shorter cutting cycles don't allow the growth of trees large enough for these woodpeckers. The Pileated Woodpecker is 17-19 inches (30-40 cm.) long with a conspicuous red crest.

The same day 250-300 Redpolls were seen flying from one clump of alders to another eating seeds. Many spotted the large flocks. Positive identification was possible when I discovered the body of a Redpoll on the road to the Fortress Administration Building. Redpolls nest in subarctic regions and appear in Cape Breton each fall. They flit like finches, and have a black spot on the throat ,and a red patch at the front of the head (poll). Sometimes large numbers spend the winter in Nova Scotia. In other years they winter in Maine or Massachusetts.

Susann Myers reported an immature Baltimore Oriole in her yard on November 8.

The next column will include sightings from November 8 to December 8, 1993. Let me know what you spot (733-2873).

Helen O’Shea

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