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Observations: January 2, 1993 |
Even in the coldest weather, the woodlands of Irving Nature Park will always guarantee a sighting of New Brunswick's provincial bird - the Black-capped Chickadee (Parus atricapillus). It is easily identified by its black cap, neck and throat, white on the side of the head, neck and chest, and buff coloured sides and flanks. The colouration of the male and female birds are similar. This rather tame bird will inhabit most forest types. Often seen clinging to branches upside down or sideways, it eats the eggs of spiders and moths as well as various berries and seeds. In winter, Chickadees can be seen in groups of six to ten birds often defending a territory as a flock, not as individual birds. Common calls include the familiar "chickadee-dee" call and the "tseet" call, both which are used to keep the flock together. Chickadees are easily tamed and they soon learn to feed from the hand. |
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The squeaky bird-like call and flash of a bushy red tail reveal a red squirrel (Tamiasciourus hudsonicus) foraging for the seeds of conifers, nuts and berries. These solitary members of the rodent family are reddish in colour on the back and tail, and white on their underparts. In winter, red squirrels are most active around the middle of the day when the temperature is at its warmest, often defending a territory of up to five acres in size. During the winter, look for large piles of cones, nutshells and other food remains on the forest floor known as "middens". These "signs" indicate the spot where red squirrels feed daily on items that have been collected during the autumn months. |
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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. |