Observations: September 28, 1993 Time: 3:00 pm Weather: cloudy, wind & chill

What is a Mudflat? When swiftly flowing waters move into calmer waters, fine sediments of suspended clay or mud settle to the bottom, creating mudflats. Mudflats often form in protected bays or coves, as at Saints Rest. Although a mudflat may look barren, under the surface the mud is full of small, burrowing invertebrates. The tiny holes you see on the mud surface are the pathways and homes for a variety of marine worms, small shrimp-like creatures called amphipods, and shellfish. This rich food supply attracts huge numbers of shorebirds, especially during migrations. Shorebirds stopping here to feed put on extra fat to give them energy for their long migratory flights. Some shorebirds travel directly from Saints Rest mudflats to central and southern areas in South America.
Frequent Flyer Points! The Blue-winged Teal (Anus discors), a small brownish duck with pale blue shoulder patches, spends its summers nesting and raising its ducklings at Saints Rest Marsh. The male has a grey head with a white crescent in front of each eye. The Blue-winged Teal is one of the earliest residents of Saints Rest to fly south in autumn. Watch for these swift little birds in small compact flocks as they twist and turn in flight above the water. They are practising for the flight over thousands of miles to their winter homes as far as Peru and Brazil.
Goldenrod Seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempevirens), one of about 20 species of goldenrod found in Atlantic Canada, is common at Irving Nature Park. At this time of year its spikes of bright yellow flowers are in full bloom. Notice how the flowers are largest at the bottom of the cluster stem and become smaller as they progress up the stem. The thick, almost rubbery, spear-shaped green leaves can be over a foot in length.

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.