Early October is a lovely time to visit Grand Manan and a good month to find interesting birds. After the summer nesting season many birds begin migration but not necessarily by flying south. Weather patterns often carry restless birds eastward where they eventually reach the coast, run out of land and drop down on offshore islands like those of the Grand Manan Archipelago.

A fall day on Deer Island can run the gamut from fairly quiet to quite exciting – we never know what this trip will bring us!

A number of sea birds will be seen from the ferry, and once on the island we will be looking for lingering migrants as well as newly arrived wintering birds. We will check a number of overlooks of fresh and salt water, lunch at the campground, and hike the MacPhail property.

NATURE MONCTON FIELD TRIP – RAPTORS IN THE TANTRAMAR

Date:  ​Saturday, November 26th (rain date: Sunday, November 27th)

Time: ​9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Meeting Place:  The Tourist Information Centre at the end of Mallard Drive, Sackville.

Guides: Roger Leblanc and Louise Nichols

Are you someonewho is interested in learning more about identification of hawks and other raptors?  Would you like to learn waysto distinguish one species from another even if they are viewed at a distance with a scope?  If so, this outing will give you the chance to see some of these birds and learn some helpful hints on how to ID them.

No doubt, birds of prey are a fascinating part of the birding world and one of the best places to see themin winter is the Tantramar Marsh near Sackville.  By the end of November, some of the bigger hawks, harriers and eagles can all be seen hunting for prey.  Red-tailed Hawks can usually be found in this area -- and by this time, Rough-legged Hawks, some of whichspend the winter with us, have usually returned.In addition to these hawk species, Bald Eagles are in abundance and, if you’re lucky, perhaps a Golden Eagle, one of which was present in this area for a number of consecutive years.Also some years you can still find some lingeringNorthern Harriers lookingforfood in the marsh as well as Short-eared Owls.  As winter approaches, it may even be possible to spot a Snowy Owl in the fieldsattracted there by the same “all you can eat rodent buffet” created by the grain left in the fields.And then there is always a possible surprise visitor.

So if you’re interested in learning more about raptors and seeing some in action, join us on November 26th (rain date, the 27th) for this outing.  We will meet at the Tourist Information Centre in Sackville where we can arrange some carpooling to travel out to High Marsh Rd and some of the other marsh roads in Sackville. Bring binoculars and a scope if you have one and bring a snack or lunch as we will continue into the early part of the afternoon.

All are welcome, Nature Moncton member or not

SEA DUCK MIGRATION OUTING

Date: Saturday April 15^th, 2023

Time: 9:30 AM

Place: Sobeys at Elmwood Drive

Guide: Roger Leblanc

We all know what ducks are. They are one of the most recognizable groups of birds. They are big, colorful (males in particular) and not hard to find. But did you know that in these parts we are fortunate enough to be right in the passing lane of sea duck migration, a natural phenomenon which can be quite impressive? In early spring a lot of sea ducks that have wintered on the coast of the Atlantic will be on the move, following the Northumberland strait up to their northern breeding grounds. En route, they will often stop to feed and rest in large numbers. And this is our chance to observe them at a time when they are dressed in their finest and when their breeding behavior and vocalizations are not only possible but expected.

To help you take in this natural spectacle, Nature Moncton is offering a sea duck migration outing on April 15^th. Roger Leblanc will be our leader on this quest. He has been studying the sights and sounds of sea ducks on the Northumberland coast for decades and is always pleased to share that knowledge with others.

So why not join us Saturday April the 15th for a fun outing to the world of migrating sea ducks? The group will assemble at 9:30 AM in the parking lot of the Elmwood Dr Sobeys in Moncton. If you live nearer the coast, you can also join us on the south side of the new bridge on route 134. From there we will explore several known hot spots for sea duck migration up to and including

Bouctouche. So, if you have always wanted to know more about sea ducks and their habits, this activity is for you. Come join us for a fun learning activity.

Bring a lunch, water and snacks.

All are welcome, Nature Moncton member or not.

“Spring is sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where the birdies is” They are at the Rez!

There are three dates to choose from!
- April 29th led by Hank Scarth from 7:30AM - 11:30AM
- May 17th led by Susanne Bonnell from 7:15AM - 11:00AM
- May 21st led by Susanne Bonnell from 7:15AM - 11:00AM

Our guides Hank Scarth and Susanne Bonnell will lead us around the Rez trail looking for early spring migrants among the year-round residents. Although the peak of migration will be a couple of weeks away, many migrants will have arrived and we never know what we might find; perhaps some early warblers, vireos and flycatchers.

The three kilometer Rez trail is flat and smooth so this outing is well suited for all ages and all levels of experience and fitness.

Meet at the parking lot of the Little Reservoir Park on Loch Lomond Road. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars (we will have extras) and field guides.

As numbers are limited and noting that we may need to contact you in the event of a weather disruption, pre-registration is required.

“Spring is sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where the birdies is” They are at the Rez!

There are three dates to choose from!
- April 29th led by Hank Scarth from 7:30AM - 11:30AM
- May 17th led by Susanne Bonnell from 7:15AM - 11:00AM
- May 21st led by Susanne Bonnell from 7:15AM - 11:00AM

Our guides Hank Scarth and Susanne Bonnell will lead us around the Rez trail looking for early spring migrants among the year-round residents. Although the peak of migration will be a couple of weeks away, many migrants will have arrived and we never know what we might find; perhaps some early warblers, vireos and flycatchers.

The three kilometer Rez trail is flat and smooth so this outing is well suited for all ages and all levels of experience and fitness.

Meet at the parking lot of the Little Reservoir Park on Loch Lomond Road. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars (we will have extras) and field guides.

As numbers are limited and noting that we may need to contact you in the event of a weather disruption, pre-registration is required.

Join the Saint John Naturalists Club for an exciting intertidal tour with Jacob Read at Irving Nature Park on Saturday, July 8th! Explore the fascinating marine life, discover seaweeds and salt-tolerant plants, and keep an eye out for wildlife sightings.

Meet at Frog Trail parking lot at 1pm (between 2.5km and 3.0km road markers). The program wraps up around 3pm. Wear hiking shoes for rocky terrain!

After the intertidal adventure, you can join Jacob on a 0.5km loop through Frog Trail, where we'll explore Taylor Island's bog ecosystem.

No registration required. Suitable for all ages. Just make sure to bring water, snacks, and your sense of wonder!

Don't miss out on this unforgettable coastal experience!

Join us for an exciting and educational guided hike through the landscapes of the Reversing Falls area, led by Patrick Sorensen from Stonehammer Geopark. We will explore topics such as tectonic plates, glacial till/moraines, the concept of Two Eyed Seeing, and the awe-inspiring Bay of Fundy tides.

The Reversing Falls Guided Hike will take us on a journey from the Fallsview Park viewing area to the top of Wolastoq Park. Along the way, we will learn about the geological marvels that shape the region.

We are limiting the number of participants to a maximum of 20. Therefore, registration is required. Secure your spot now to be part of the adventure! Click here: https://form.jotform.com/231775690865268

Get ready for an extraordinary adventure where you can literally walk on water! Join us on a botany journey led by Gart Bishop as we visit the beautiful Renforth bog/fen. This outing includes two unique parts:

First, we'll embark on a leisurely stroll along an old road, surrounded by a variety of trees and shrubs. This introductory walk is suitable for any footwear, ensuring easy and comfortable exploration. While covering a short distance, you'll discover the fascinating characteristics of the flora along the path.

After lunch, it's time for the brave and well-prepared to embrace the wetland experience. Equipped with long rubber boots, we'll venture into the heart of the bog/fen. Here, a breathtaking world awaits us, showcasing an array of sedges, grasses, and even carnivorous plants like bladderworts, sundews, and pitcher plants. Together, we'll unravel the secrets that make this wetland truly unique.