Observations: January 17, 1994 Time: 3:00 pm Weather: cold and cloudy with moderate winds and a crust of snow cover

Seen any Dabbling Ducks? As you enter the Irving Nature Park, groups of dark-colored waterfowl can be seen bobbing in the wind-swept tidal creeks on the right. Their white underwing feathers contrast to the dark body feathers. As the birds circled around to eventually land in a saltmarsh panne, through the binoculars could be seen the deep purple inner smaller flight feathers, edged with black. This contrasting patch of color on the wing is called a speculum. These contrasting feathers identify these waterfowl as Black Ducks (Anas rubripes), although their body feathers are dark brown edged with buff. The female or hen is similar to the male or drake. Drakes tend to have a bill coloration that is yellowish-green. In the hens, the bill may be more olive, with patches of grey. Distinguishing hens and drakes is very difficult. Biologists are concerned that the Black Duck may be declining because of mating with the Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos), a species better known west of the Maritimes. Blacks are year-round residents of the park, wintering in the salt marshes open water. They feed on plants in shallow waters by dabbling (tipping up their tails as they search for food underwater) instead of diving. That's why they are known as "dabbling ducks".
Good Winter Camouflage While hiking along the park's winter roads you may catch a glimpse of a large white rabbit-like animal bounding through the spruce and fir thickets. Its white silky coat, broad hind feet and large long ears tipped with black are distinctive. This is the Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus), named for its large hind feet that act like snowshoes to keep this mammal from sinking into deep snow. This hare is also known as the Varying Hare because its coat changes color. In the autumn its fur gradually transforms from a brown to white as camouflage for the hare in a snowy landscape.
What kind of Fir tree is that? Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) is a tall symmetrical coniferous tree with greyish-brown bark covered with resin blisters. Its greenish-purple cones are oblong shaped and 5 to 10 cm long. Its fragrant leaves look like flattened needles that are a dark, shiny green on top with a pair of light bands on the underside. Their tips are usually rounded or notched. They are found in double rows along twigs. Deer and other mammals in the park may browse on the needles of younger trees. Resin from Balsam Fir was used by aboriginal peoples here as medicines. These softwoods are very important to the pulpwood industry in our province and are popular as Christmas trees and for making Christmas wreaths.

The Naturalist's Notebook is published quarterly. If you have any questions or topics that you would like to see addressed, please call John Gilbert, Manager, Fish and Wildlife, J.D. Irving, Limited, (506) 632-7777.