FOR THE BIRDS

November 1995

By

Helen O'Shea

We have gone through temperature extremes this month of 12 to zero. Despite the changes some of the shore birds are reluctant to migrate south.  The last sighting of Greater Yellowlegs was at the Havenside Barachois on November 2.  Prior to that date there were one or two seen daily at the Fortress Barachois as well as Havenside. 

On October 15, Sandy McLain reported 7 Mourning Doves on his property.  Several have been seen in the Housing Area and on Havenside Road as well. 

On October 22, Bill and I observed a White-Rumped Sandpiper at the Fortress Barachois.  We also saw 9 Black Ducks at Gerratt Brook and 24 Rock Doves (pigeons) feasting under a tree at the back of Millie Creaser's property. 

The last sighting of a Cormorant was on October 22.  We also saw 4 Semipalmated Plover. 

Sunday, October 29, despite the rain, there were 2 Semipalmated Plover, and 4 Black-Bellied Plover at the Fortress Barachois.  We also saw a Common Ground Dove, a Common Loon and 2 Grey Seals. 

Despite near freezing temperatures on November 5 the 2 Semipalmated Plover and 2 Black-Bellied Plover were still feeding at the Fortress Barachois.

Common Ground Dove:  This is sparrow-sized but plumper; the smallest North American dove.  The head and breast are distinctly scalloped; chestnut primaries and wing linings conspicuous in flight; tail short, fan-shaped, black.  The upperparts are grayish-brown and there are black spots on the wings.  Feeds on ground, nodding its head as it walks.  Usually quite tame and easily approached. Audubon p. 190 

Semipalmated Plover:  This bird is a small "ringed" plover about the size of a sparrow.  The adults have a back and crown of grayish brown, forehead white; line from bill to eye and single band on breast black; underparts white, legs yellowish gray or flesh-coloured; toes webbed at base.  Common transient, with stragglers still present in November and even December.  Robie Tufts: Birds of Nova Scotia. The Killdeer is robin-sized and has two black rings at the neck.

October 27, Cyneth Hutt called to report a female Northern Oriole at her feeder on Havenside Road.  She and Gordon observed its comings and goings - chased by Blue Jays who were quite territorial.  She mentioned observing a pair of White-Winged Crossbills, a pair of Purple Finch and 4 Mourning Doves throughout the summer.  She also has had Pine Siskins, Evening Grosbeak and American Goldfinch in her yard.

ROCK DOVES -- A SCARY FACT 

In the wild, Rock Doves lay two off-white eggs, 40 minutes apart, twice a year.  City pigeons have evolved into automatic egg-laying machines. They lay two eggs, 40 minutes apart, incubate them for 17 days, raise the squabs for two weeks and then lay two more eggs while the hatchlings from the first clutch are still in the nest.  Thus the immature pigeons help to incubate their new siblings, a domestic arrangement that allows pigeons to go on reproducing year round.  Globe and Mail, Nov. 4, 1995 

A POSSIBLE WINTER SIGHTING 

It was interesting to read the Globe and Mail of November 4 that Northern Cardinals have been expanding along a stretch from the Atlantic Ocean to Alberta. It is possible that we shall have rich winter birding in the East. 59 Northern Cardinals were reported on Christmas Bird Counts in Southwestern New Brunswick two years ago.

The Northern Cardinal is robin-sized. It is widespread and abundant in woodlands, forest edges, brushy areas, and residential areas. Both sexes sing almost year-round. Nonmigratory. Feeds on ground or in shrubs and trees on insects, fruit, seeds, grain; also visits feeders. Adult males are bright red with conspicuous crest; bill large, conical, red; face and throat black. Adult females are grayish-olive above, buff below; variably red on wings, tail, and crest; face dark; bill pink. Audubon Handbook: Eastern Birds

I will be back to write up any of your sightings in the December Seagull.  Please call me before December 4 at 733-2873.          

Helen O'Shea

Extracted from © The Seagull, Helen O'Shea, For the Birds

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