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Topic: Shorebirds in Atlantic Canada

Tuesday October 15, 2024 at 7 PM

Mapleton Park Rotary Lodge

Presenter: Dr. Diana Hamilton

Every year in late summer, large numbers of Arctic-breeding shorebirds migrate through our region, stopping to fuel up before continuing their long journey to their tropical non-breeding grounds where they spend the winter. Atlantic Canada provides critical habitat for these birds which are facing challenges and population declines throughout their range. Diana Hamilton, a professor in the Biology Department at Mount Allison university, has been studying these birds for over 25 years. Working with colleagues at Environment and Climate Change Canada and many students, Diana’s lab has examined many aspects of shorebird ecology. She will share some of their group’s insights on Semipalmated Sandpipers and other shorebird species during their time in our region.

Diana has been a professor at Mount Allison since 2005, and the Biology Department Head since 2018. Prior to joining Mount A, Diana did postdoctoral work at UNB, where she developed her fascination with shorebirds and their intertidal habitat. Before working on shorebirds and mudflats, Diana completed a PhD atthe University of Guelph, where she examined combined effects of predation by Common Eiders and disturbance on rocky intertidal communities.

This presentation will be in-person. It will also be available via Zoom here.

All are welcome, Nature Moncton member or not.

FEBRUARY MONTHLY MEETING PRESENTATION

Sixty-plus Years of Birding in New Brunswick

Tuesday February 18, 2025 at 7 PM

Mapleton Rotary Park Lodge

Presenter: Jim Wilson

This presentation will provide a retrospective look at the many changes in New Brunswick bird populations since Jim began birding and keeping a regular journal about New Brunswick birds and nature in 1963. At least one bird species has been extirpated in the province and many other populations have declined. Some have declined but later rebounded to their former numbers, others have expanded their breeding ranges into the province and one entirely new bird has been recognized by scientists. This presentation will provide some insight into the why and how these shifts happened and what we might expect next.

Jim Wilson, who many of us have met in the field, has been an active naturalist and birder throughout most of his life. He has contributed to the natural world in numerous ways including serving on the board for Nature NB and establishing the Point Lepreau Bird Observatory, an important spot for recording seabird migration along the Fundy coast. Jim was awarded the Roland Michener Conservation Award from the Canadian Wildlife Federation in 2018, and he received the Order of New Brunswick in 2019.

Come join us for what will be an enlightening and entertaining evening. This will be an in-person presentation at the lodge, but anyone can join via Zoom at the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89179802982?pwd=3W1zwXJKMh4eGsizqfvAF3NbnyAfz5.1

All are welcome, Nature Moncton member or not.

Join Saint John Naturalists Club for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 21st at 11:00am at the KBM Outing Association.

This event is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on our achievements, discuss upcoming initiatives, and make important decisions for the future of our club. After the meeting we will gather for a potluck lunch. Please bring a dish to pass!