[NatureNS] Snow Buntings, etc.

Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:23:49 -0300
From: Brian Dalzell <aythya@nb.sympatico.ca>
To: naturens@chebucto.ns.ca
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Although I have seen no mention of them, SNOW BUNTINGS seem to have arrived across the province in good numbers in recent days.  During a bird survey at the highest point in mainland Nova Scotia (Mount Nuttby in the Cobequid Mountains) Stuart Tingley and I found two Snow Buntings (both singles) along a logging road in the middle of a huge clearcut  area (this was on Tuesday, Oct. 27).  Next day, on a small offshore island near Lower Woods Harbour, Shelburne county, we found a couple of flocks totaling 50+ Snow Buntings feeding in the kelp line.

Also of note were migrating woodpeckers, with several Downy and Hairy at Mount Nuttby flying across huge clear-cuts, and a single Hairy Woodpecker on the offshore island on Oct. 28.  I was also surprised to find a fair number of PURPLE FINCHES in the Cobequid Mountains, at least 10-15 on Tuesday.  All were apparent hatch-year (female-type) bird in little groups of 1-3, feeding on the buds of maple saplings.  Again, I have heard no mention of a recent influx, but this must be the case.  Still a fair number of HERMIT THRUSH in the mountains, with three on Oct. 27th.

Brian Dalzell
Tatamagouche, NS &
Moncton, NB.

P.S.  In Shelburne, a flock of ~25 Cedar Waxwings on Wednesday afternoon.

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