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Observations: May 29, 1992 |
| Heard the "rattle" like call of the Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle Alcyon). On further investigation, discovered its excavated burrow with nesting chamber located along a grassy bank. Saw an adult bird hover, dive and catch a small fish. Returned to a tree to eat its catch. Kingfishers are a large headed bird with shaggy crest and pointed bill. Adult birds have blue-grey upper parts and white under parts. Males and females both have blue grey bands across their breast-females an additional rust colored band below. Some Kingfishers may overwinter in Southern New Brunswick where open water is available. |  |
| Took a closer look at the bright green grass-like vegetation dominating the marsh. Keyed it out as Saltwater Cordgrass (Spartina Alterniflara). It ranges in height from one to eight feet. Hollow stem, topped by a narrow shaggy top. Leaves are smooth and elongated and shed continuously during the summer . One of the few plants able to tolerate frequent submersion by saltwater, it has evolved special mechanisms to expel excess salt through the leaves. A network of underground stems below the mud surface trap sediment making it an important species in salt marsh formation. Decomposes to provide food for many marsh dwelling and marine species. Seeds are important for Black Ducks and Sharp-Tailed Sparrows. Also provides protective cover for wildlife species residing of visiting marsh. |  |
| Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) seen on mud flats on western side of the island jabbing for aquatic prey with it's spear-like yellowish bill. Upper parts of adult are dusty blue grey; underparts are white with streaks of black, blue and rust. Mature birds have a white crown bordered by two black strips over the eye, projecting behind the head as plumes. Easily identified in flight by slow beating large wings (almost 7 feet across), "S" shape of the neck as it is pulled against the shoulders and long dark colored legs projecting straight out behind. Nesting sites on Manawagonish Island. Look for increasing numbers toward the late summer and fall before birds migrate south. |  |
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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. |