[NatureNS] Gannets at Port George

From: "john belbin" <jbelbin@ns.sympatico.ca>
To: "Naturens" <naturens@chebucto.ns.ca>
Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2007 09:45:18 -0300
Importance: Normal
Precedence: bulk
Return-Path: <naturens-mml-owner@chebucto.ns.ca>
Original-Recipient: rfc822;"| (cd /csuite/info/Environment/FNSN/MList; /csuite/lib/arch2html)"

next message in archive
no next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects


As I had to be in the area on personal business I took advantage and made a
brief visit to my old haunts at Port George yesterday afternoon. As you
might expect, there wasn't a lot of activity yet, but 4 Northern Gannets
flew by, shining in the sun. As usual they were traveling down the Bay and
just offshore. These birds were fishing as they went and being quite
successful too. Typically a head down flight was followed by a brief stop,
almost a hover, then a dramatic roll-over and a big splash entry. A few
seconds of wrestling with whatever they'd caught, then a take off and repeat
the process - all the time moving down the Bay. I believe that this is the
earliest I have seen Gannets at this location in the fall.

There were also about 70+ Common Eiders, plus 5 Common Loons and 2 Red
Throated Loons. The seals were all in the water even though the reef was
still exposed. For those people who like to see The Harlequin ducks later in
the season, you will have to be a little more careful. The prime viewing
site on the corner now has a prominent "No Trespassing" sign posted,
presumably there was just too much traffic at that location and they lost
their privacy.

If you have been following the Margaretville Drought story, the DU location
shows the effects. There is absolutely no water, in fact it looks like a
meadow at the moment and is deathly quiet.

John Belbin - Hantsport


next message in archive
no next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects