[NatureNS] shorebirds at Evangeline Beach (+ wild parsnip)

Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:01:51 -0300
From: Jim Wolford <jimwolford@eastlink.ca>
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It was partly the note from Wendy and Bob McDonald that spurred me to have a
look for the Grand Pre shorebirds.

July 24, 2007 - Lots of WILD PARSNIP in bloom at Grand Pre.

In late morning I walked Evangeline Beach from the cottage of Joan and Bob
Bearne eastward to the end of the trees before the salt-marsh.  The only
shorebirds I saw were two flocks of ŒPEEPSı that flew about and then merged
and landed on the east end of the beach -- the total number was between 700
and 1000 -- and no falcons seen.  My walk was really too late and started at
two hours after high tide (h.t. was 9 a.m.).

The numbers of peeps should now sharply rise soon, with peak numbers
expected over the next three weeks or so and then tapering down after that,
with ups and downs from leap-frogging flocks arriving and leaving our area,
the latter ones embarking on that incredible non-stop flight of 2-3 times 24
hours to northern South America (Suriname), mostly over open water with no
place to land!

The Bearnes saw their first large flock of PEEPS on Sunday evening, July
22/07 -- no numbers given, but it was a very large flock wheeling about over
the water north of their cottage, which is at the junction of Pheasant Road
and Sandpiper Lane, northeast of the T-junction at the north end of the main
road across the dykelands from the historic park.  Their cottage is a good
spot for access to the beach -- just identify yourself to them as birders
and you will be welcome.  I suggest getting there about an hour after high
tide for a walk east like mine today (or perhaps a couple of hours before
high tide).  Besides the tide time, it is useful to know just how big the
daily tide amplitude is, and thatıs where the Blomidon Naturalists Society
calendar, or Sherman Williamsı tide chart, can be important.  Sherman has
his own Web-site, and the tide chart can also be found at the Blomidon
Naturalists Society Web-site.

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