April 2005

• Volume 36, No.2

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THE

OSPREY NATURE JOURNAL OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

NATURAL HISTORY SOCI ETY OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

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i THE !

:e OSPREY I I

NATURE JOURNAL OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

April 2005

CONTENTS

PAPERS, REPORTS & BIRD REPORTS:

The wi nter season (2004/2005) in Saint~Picrrc ct Miquclon by Roger Elchcbcrry

51. Pierre & Miquclon Chri stmas Bird Count 2004 by Roger Elchcbcrry

ilc Saint-Pierre Christmas Bird Count (Year 2004) by Roger Etchcbcrry

Atlantic Nature Network Meeting NO.2 by D.H. Steele

e NEWFOUNDLAND INSECTS:

Culiscla impmicns (WlI lkcr) - the first mosquito of spring by Dave Larson

POEMS, PROSE, STORIES, PHOTOS AND SN IPPETS:

Longevity record for .. rehabili tated Great Horned Owl by Mac Pitcher

Sunday Hunting by D.H. Steele

Cover Photo - Rock Ptannigan by Michael Burzynski

Night Jewels Brightest in Winter by Charlie (Russell) Horwood

The Baillie Birdalhon by Anne Hughes

The Jogging List by Ken Knowles

Interview with Roger Etchcbcrry b)' El izabeth Zedel and Roger Etchebcrry

Newfoundland Foro)' Preliminary Notice

Volume 36, No.2

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The Natural History Society

Dear Membersh ip,

Well we are now up-ta-date with our publication and it is really exciting to see all the new contributors sending us interesting articles. The cover features a lovely engraving by Michae l Burzynski and he has written a little about Rock Plannigan and this al1work on page 4 1. We have our regu lar contributors for the Bird Counts, as well as an interview with Roger Etcheberry about his bi rd ing. As of this issue Roger has contributed 75 Bird Repons! That is really something.

As I write thi s we are having more spring snow, only wishing I could complain about the mosquitoes. Dave Larson tells us about the spring mosquito that is just around the comer. Don Steele gives us some reasons to think closely about the issue of Sunday Hunting.

Anne Hughes has raised over $1500 in funds through the Bailee Bird-a-thon. She shares her experiences. Some of the money comes back to the Natural History Society. See how you can participate in this excit­mg event.

There is also anolher thought provoking article by the lale Charlie Horwood. Thanks to his son Charlie who has submitted the article on his behalf.

We look forward to your summer articles, and nature stories as you gCI out enjoy the Newfoundland wil­derness thi s summer.

Sincerely.

El izabelh Zedel. Osprey Editor

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The winter season (2004/2005) in Saint-Pierre et Miquclon Roger Etcheberry - Miquclon, March 25 , 2005

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The winter was average, snow did not come early, we had beautiful days in February although it ended with a lot of snow. The CBC took place in Miquclon on December 18 and in St­Pierre all December 26; de tail s will be sent separate ly for those who ha ve not received it already. A few interesting species were around this winter.

Common Loon : Present as usual, although on the low side. Off Cape Miquclon there were up to 30 birds in December and February (RE). Few birds were around St. Pierre (m. ab.). Horned Grebe : On bird was otfthe Isthmus on December 18. This is the second CBC record (RE/SA). Red-necked Grebe : Also on the low side. There was a maximum ofabau! 60 birds off Cape Mique lon on December 26, about 50 on January 9, and 68 on February 2 (RE). In SI. Pierre there was a maxi mum of20 birds on December 16 and 12 on February 10 (SL). Double-crested C ormorant: There were respective ly 5 and 4 birds in Miquelon and St. Pierre CSc. One bird was ncar the village of Miquelon on February 15 (RE/ PB). Great Cormorant : No reports for SI. Pierre except for the CBC. In Miquelon there was, as usual , about 20 birds on the rocks of the north coast of the Cape throughout the season (RE). Creat blue Heron' One exhausted bird was captured in SI. Pierre, fed for a few days and released. It was photographed by PB on December 24. Unfortunately it was gone (or dead?) for the CSC. Eurasian Wh'eon : One bird considered for quite a wh ile as "Wigeon sp." was present throughout the season near the town of St-Pierre. Photographs, visible at httn:llwww.snmaviavis.com/cgi-binldiscusl ~ were taken and sent to Bruce Mactavish who confirmed the idcntification. It was a first for the CBC. (m. ob.). American Black duck: Highest counts at Grand Barachois were: 35 1 on December 8 (FD), 328 on Dec. 18 (RE), 346 on January 13 (LJ), 362 on January 16 and 369 on February 8 (RE). Few birds were seen elsewhere, meaning that conditions at Grand Barachois remained correct for most of the season. There were 55 birds on the salt pond near the village of Miquelon on January 31 (RE). M..aJ.I.ar.d. : One male was at Grand Barachois on Dec. 10 (LJ), December 3 1 (RE) and Feb. 8 (LJ). One female was in SI. Pi erre on February II (FPA). Northern Pintai l : One pair (probably missed during the CBC) was at Grand Barachois on December 3 1 (RE). Green-winged Teal: One bi rd and one pair were in SI. Pierre respect ively on December 4 and 5 (PA). One was seen in Miqueion during the CSC (JCH). Creater Scaup: For the third year in a row a group of birds spent the winter in the sa lt pond near the vill age of Miquelon , th ey were on ly 39 two years ago, while they were up to 72 thi s year and last year. (m.ob.). Common Eider: Largest concentra tion were off South-west St-Pierre with numbers reaching 4000 birds in January and February. Over a thousand birds were off the cast coast of Miquelon. Unusua l were several small groups of birds scattered along the west coast ofMiquelon (m. ob.). Harlequin Duck: One male was seen during Miquelon CSC (JCH). Several observations in SI. Pierre throughout the season for a maximum of 12 birds on January 20 (BL). ~: 18 birds were talli ed during the CBC, off the Isthmus. One adu lt male was with White­wings off Mirande lake on February 10 (RE). Wh ife=winged Scoter: Fairly common as usua l off the Isthmus throughout the season and a few off the east coast of Miquelon. FD had about 600 birds off the Isthmus on February 2.

30 Black Scoter: Three only were correctly identified during the e BC among other species ofScolers under fa irly w indy conditions (RE/SA). Loon-tailed Duck : Fairly common throughout the season around the islands, although no large concentrat ion were reported (m. ab.). e Bufflehead : For the second year in a row, onc male was present with the Goldeneyes at Grand Barachois, between December 10 and Jan uary 16 (REJLJ/SA). Common Go ldengyc : Fairly common as usual at Grand Barachois, the numbers tallied during the eBC was the maximum for the season with 11 6 birds, mostly a l Grand Barachois (m. ab.). Hooded Merganser: One female was at Grand Barachois on December 10 (LJ). Red-breasted Merganser: Fairly common, about as usual , highest number was recorded during the CBC with 158 birds. ~ : Fairly common throughout the season. More birds than usual, most ly immature, were reported in January and February on the Isthmus although there were rather less dead sea ls than usual around (m ob.). Sharp-shinned Hawk : One duri ng St. Pierre CS C (DL), and one on January 12, also in SI. Pierre (FPA). Northern Goshawk : 7 reports, one bird at a time, between December 10 and February 2 (LJ /BURE) most ly in Miq uelon except one in SI. Pierre on January 23 (TV). Rough-legged Hawk: One during the CS C in St. Pierre (DL). One bird was reported at Langlade in February, no exact date (JCH). ~: One Grey phase (very white belly, although fa int "mustaches" were visible) was on the Isthmus on February 22. This is my first one! and the fourth report for our islands. Peregrine Falcon : One in St. Pierre on December 10 (FPA); one in the village ofMiqueJon on December 13 (FD); one in Cape Mique lon during the CSC (PA) and one in St. Pierre on February 10

~~ . Black-bellied Plover : One at Grand Barachois between January 10 and 16 (RE/LJ). Ki!!!!ttr : One bird was in SI. Pierre between December 22 and January II (TV/BUPS ). Red Knot: 6 reports between December 10 and January 16 (RElLJ ) for a max imum of20 birds on December 18 (RElSA). ~: 5 on the south shore of Grand Barachois on January 13 (LJ). Purple Sandpiper: Several reports, rather low numbers, in SI. Pierre between December 17 and February 25 for a maximum of25 on January 24 (PS). In Miquelon there was a maximum of 55 birds on JaDuary 9 (RE). Dunlin : Three were at Grand Sarachoi s on December 10, 18 and January 10 (RE) and 9 on January 13 (LJ). Common Snipe : One in Miquelon and one in St. Pierre respect ively on January 8 (LJ) and 29 (PA). Black-headed Gul! : While none were seen in Mique lon last wi nter, there were 2 near the village on December 10 and one on December 19 and January 13 (RE). Two were on the east coast ofMiquelon during the CSC (MJS). Rather on the low side in SI. Pierre with a maximum of9 for January and February (PA). 10 only were tallied during the St. Pierre CSc. Bonaparte' s G ull : One adult was ncar the vi llage of Miquelon on December 10 (RE) and one in St. Pierre on January 7 and February 9 (PA). ~ : One bird was in St. Pierre harbour on January 2 and 3 (PA). It was aga in there on January 23 and photographed by PA. It seems that it is a Common Gull. Ring-bjlled Gu ll : One first year immature was in St. Pierre harbour between December 26 and throughout the rest of the season. (PA). e ~ : Probably common as usual in St. Pierre harbour, but rather unreported! A few here and there along the coasts of Miquelon throughout the season (RE).

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31 Lesser B1ark-hacked Gull : One first year immature was in St. Pierre harbour between February 15 and 24 ( PA). ~ Few were around during tbe two CBC. Hundreds were seen offlhe west coast orst. Pierre on January I while they were thousands the next day (SA). They were also very Ilumerous around Cape Miquelon on January 9, 20 and February 2 (RE). Thick-billed Murre: A few in S1. Pierre harbour between December 19 and February 2 (DG/PA). ~: Severallhousands between Ihe Burin peninsula and 5t. Pierre on January 15 (Bl). Hundreds. in flight heading south-west off Cape Miquelon on February 15 (RE). Black Guillemot: Common as usual around the coasts. Mournhw Dove : 2 in S1. Pierre on December 4, onc in the village of Miquclon on December 26 (Bl). 4 at SA's feeder throughout the months of January and February. Snowy Owl: [n Miquelon, one on ly, near the vil lage on December 13 (RE). In St. Pierre 19 reports between December I and February 22 (m. ob.) for a maximum of 3 on Janua ry 9 (TV). LODl·-carcd Owl: One tall Owl. rather narrow, with ';ears" in the village of Mique lon on December I, seen by a non-birder could we ll be this species. Shorf-cared Owl : One in SI. Pierre on December 30 (SA). Horned Lark: 13 reports in Miquelon and the Isthmus up 10 Feb. 28 ( RE/PB). fora maximum 20 during the CSc. maximum for the rest of the winter was 9 birds around the village (RE). Boreal C hickadee : Fairly common and well reponed throughout the season in the 3 islands (m. ob.). Red-breasfed Nufhafch : We had a record high of 10 birds during the Mique lon CSc. 10 other reports, few birds at a time between January 13 and February 22 (PB/LJ/RElFD). Winfer Wren: One in SI. Pierre was a first for this CBC (FPA). Golden-crowned Kint·lcf : Very few seen during the CBC probably reflects the real ity 1 Few other reports, few birds at a time between December I and February 2 (RE/PB). American Robin: A fairly common species , at least in SI. Pierre thi s wi nter (where most observers live) with 23 report s between December 26 and February 28 (m. ob.) for a maximum of8 birds on January 8 (PA). 4 reports only in Miquelon, few birds at a time between December 18 and February 9 (FPAlLJ). Three were at Langlade on February 2 (LJ). American Pipit: Three were on sa ilor's is lands (near St. Pierre) during the CBC (FPAlMD). 5 other reports, all for SI. Pierre benveen December 30 and February 15 (SA/ PA) for a maximum of four on Feb. I (SA). Bohemian Waxwinv : 7 near the east coast of Miquelon on December 16 were only coun t week sp. for the Miquelon CBC. Easlern Towhee : One male in Cape Miquelon on December 30 and Janua ry I. was first identified by Vincent Detcheverry and confinned by the author. Savannah Sparrow : One in SI. Pi erre on January 8 (PA). Fox Sparrow: One in Cape Miquelon on December 26 and one at Langlade on February 22 (RE). Sonl' Sparrow : Three during the CBC in Miqueton were unusual. 18 reports in a ll mostly for SI. Pierre and few birds at a lime throughout the season (m. ob.). One was in Cape Miquelon all February 2 and 2 at Langlade on February 15 (RE). Swa mp Sparrow : One in SI. Pierre during the CBC (FPA/MD). White-throated Sparrow: One in SI. Pierre on December 12 (FPA) and one on ly during the eBe (FPAlMD). llark-eyed .Junco : Few birds at Langlade and Mique lon, fairly numerous around feeders in SI. Pierre throughout the season (Ill. ob.) SA had about twenty at her feeder in January and February while FPA had between 20 and 30 in January and about 20 in February. Snow Bnnting : Common throughout the season in Miquelon and the Isthmus. rather uncommon in SI. Pierre, about as usual.

32 Red-winged Blackbird: Two females were al PS 's feeder throughout the season. One was a first for St. PierreCBC. Common Grackle : Three in St. Pierre were also a first for 51. Pierre CBC. Three birds were at PBts feeder throughout the season. e BaltjmO[f Oriole: One was at PB 's feeder on December 1. Pine Grosbeak: 5 repons only (i ncluding the Miquelon and SI. Pierre eBC) between December 18 and February 10 (RElBL). few birds at a lime. Purple Finch: 15 reports, few birds at a time, between December 10 and February 22, in SI. Pierre only around feeders (m. ob.). White-wjm.ed Crossbjl! : 8 reports only between December 16 and February 22 (RElLJ/SA). A lota1 of 100 was tallied during the CBCs. Apart from the CBC there was a maximum of about 20 at Langlade on February 10 (U). Common Redpoll : 6 reports only between December 18 and February 27 (PAlF PA/SAlFD) for a maximum of80 during the CBC in Cape Miquelon. ~: About 40 birds were in Cape Miquelon on December I (RE). 5 other reports between December I and February 27 (PB/FPAlSA). Few birds at a time in St. Pierre and Langlade. American Goldfinch: Fairly common as usual in St-Pierre only (m. ob.).

Contributors: Frederic & Patricia Allen-Mahe (FPA); Sylvie Allcn-Mahe (SA); Jean-Paul Apesteguy (JPA); Pascal Asselin (PA); Patrick Boez (PB); Michel Borolra (MJB); Marc Derible (MD); Frederic Disnard (FD); DG : Dominique Gouveme; Jacky and Christine Hebert (JCH); Laurent Jackman (LJ); Danielle Lebo llocq (DL); Bruno Letoumel (BL) ; Thierry Vogenstah l (TV).

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St. Pierre & Miqu eJon C hristmas Bird COllnt 2004 by Roger Etcheberry

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Saint- Pierre and Miquclon islands 47°01 ' 56° 18' W centre as described 1979, at flang nux OUlardes on Grande MiqucJon. December 18, 2004; 08:30 am 10 5:00 pill. Temperature 36° to 28° F. Wind South­West 10 West 30 to 20 knots. Snow cover O. Sti ll water open, moving water open, salt water open, AM overcast, light snow flurries , PM partly cloudy. Fourteen observers in the field in 6-1 1 parties. Total party-hours: 51 Y2 hours (39 Y2 hours on foot, 12 hours by car). Total party/miles : 97.75 (39.65 on fOOl ,

58. 10 by car).

Total species 48 (about 4787 individuals). Participants: Frederic & Patricia Allen-Mahe, Sylvie Allen-Mahe, Jack ie Apesu:guy, Pascal Asse lin, Michel Borolra, Chri stine Calbrix, Leon Gaspard, Roger Etcheberry (compiler: B.P. 82 16 Miquelon, S1. Pierre & Miquelon islands), Jacky Hebc rt, Danielle Lebollocq, Bruno Letoumcl, Dcnis et Florence Moulin.

Species secn on count week: Thick-billed Murre. Bohcmian Wa xwi ng. Eurasian Starling.

Red-throated Loon : 2 Dunlin : 3 Common Loon : 39 Black-headed Gull : 2 liQ[n~d Qn;Q~ . I Herring Gu ll ; .. 682 Red-necked Grebe : 24 Iceland Gull : 112 Double-crested Connorant : Glaucous Gull : Great ComlOrant : 55 Great Black-backed Gull : 11 2 American Black duck : 333 Black-legged Kiuiwake : I Green-wi nged Teal : I Dovekie : 50 Greater Scaup : 40 Murresp.: . II Common Eider : 1689 Black Guillelllot : 32 Harlequin duck : I Rock Dove : . 8 Surf Seater : 17 American Crow : 38 White-winged Sealer : 191 Common Raven: .. 74 Black Scoler : 3 Horned Lark : . 20 Scotcr sp. : 205 Boreal Chickadee: 36 Long-tai led duck: . 194 Red-breasted Nuthatch: . 10

6:ym!.<ll!'<Qd· I Golden-crowned King let :

Common Goldcneyc : 116 American Robin :

Red-breasted Merganser: 158 Song sparrow: 3

Bald Eagle. a. : . 3 Dark-eyed Junco: 8

Bald Eagle. i. : 3 Snow Bunting ; .. 190

Northcrn Goshawk : Pine Grosbeak: 15

~!i<n;luiD!i< tDI!i<QI1 . I White-winged Crossbill : 85

Red Kl,ot : 20 Common Redpoll : 80

Purple Sandpiper : 47 House sparrow : 60

Total species 48 (abou14787 individuals). Participants: Frederic & Patricia Allen-Mahe, Sylvie Allen-Mahe, Jackie Apesteguy, Pascal Asselin, Michel Borotra, Chrisline Calbrix, Leon Gaspard, Roger Etcheberry (compiler : B.P. 82 16 Miquelon , St. Pierre & Mique lon e islands), Jacky Hebert , Daniell e Lebollocq, Bruno Lctoumcl. Den is el Florence Moulin.

Species seen on count week: Thick-billed Murre, Bohemian Waxwing. Eurasian Starling.

34 lie Saint-Pierre Christmas Bird Count (Year 2004)

by Roger Etcheberry

l ie Saint-Pierre 46°46'50"N. 56° 11 ' 20" W. Centre at Pain de Sucre. including the whole island ofSI. Pierre and surroundmg waters. December 26, 2004; 08:30 am to 5:30 pm. Temperature 210 to 25° F. Wind north-west 8 to 12 kts. Snow cover 0 to 0.5 inch. Still water partly frozen, running water and salt water open. AM : partly cloudy. PM : partly cloudy. Seventeen observers in the fie ld in 6-9 parties. Total party hours : 42 Y2 (36 Y. hours on foot, 5 114 hours by car and 1 hOUf by boat). Tota l party mi les: 60,5 (35 on fOOl, 9,2 by bOa! and 16.3 by car).

Red-throated Loon: I Common Loon: ....... 11 Red-necked Grebe: ......... 18 Double-crested Connorant. 4 Great Connorant . 89

E~~~l~nn \~iS~~~l. ~.:".'.:":.:" 2910 White-winged Scater : . 2 Scater sp. : .............. 25 Common Goldeneye: 1 Bald Eagle a : ........... I Sharp·stlinned Hawk : .. I

~~~'~-~~~~~~~~.~.:.: ..... 3~ Black-headed Gull: .. 10 Ring-billed Gu ll : .......... I

~~~~3 8~IV :: ...... 2~~ Glaucous Gull: .......... 2 Greal Black-backed Gull: 23 GUll sp.: ... . ...... 2 Dovekie: ........ ,....... 40 Thick·bi lled Murre: 3 Murre sp. : 2

Black Guillemot: ... 106 Rock Pigeon: .. 40 Mourning Dove : ..... 4

~'I~~"la~~l. ~. ~ ~ ~ ~'.'. . i American Crow: . 46 Common Raven :. .......... 17 Boreal Chickadee: ......... 4 1 Winter Wren : ............... 1 Golden·crowned Kinglet: 3 American Robin : . ........ 1 European Starli ng: ... 169 American Pipit: 3 Sons Sparrow: ... .. ........ I While· throated Sparrow:. I Swamp Sparrow: .......... . I Dark.eaed ~unco : .......... 54

i~d~wi~gn~dn~I~~kb'i~d':" 1 Common Grackle: 3 Pine Grosbeak: ............ 1

~~~ri~~:ln8~~d~~~~~i~~ .: ..... B House Sparrow: .. 162

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Atlantic Nature Network Meeti ng No. 2 -Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia November 26 - 28, 2004

Report by D.H. Steele

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Because of the cance llation of the Wesljcl flight to Halifax I was unable to reach Tatamagouche until Friday ni ght and missed the presentations given on Friday ni ght. However, there was some review on Saturday morning and most of the Friday topics were all uded to on Saturday and Sunday.

I was ab le to purchase a copy of the video produced al the PI. Lepreau Bird Observatory on Seabird (mainly Scaters) Migration and did see the NFB video "Forbidden Forest" which deals with the con fli ct between the clear cutters (lrvings and UPM of Finland) and th e selecti ve cutters (New Brunswick foresters).

1. Presentations were given on Volunteer Natura lists Management Experiences: a) Club d 'omithologie du Madawaska - running the Nature Canada AGM b) Nova Scotia Bird Society - naturalists ' bird data co ll ec tion and its management in Nova Scot ia (where is the data?) Reference was also made to the At lantic Canada Data Center maintained at Mount Allison University c) Parks and People This program is being funded by Parks Canada and Nature Canada. I was surprised to learn that it is aimed at new Canadians, as we ll as urban youth , since new Canadians were not mentioned in the guidelines. Since it is funded by Parks Canada the naturalness of natura l areas should be emphasized in any application. d) Living by Water Originally applicab le to lakes etc. from Alberta west, this program is now Canada wide. It could apply to the coastal plain fl ora of Ava lon ponds, but whether it would also apply to the ocean and the privatization of land that blocks trai l development and access to the ocean is not clear. e.) Spec ies at ri sk Protection of the Piping Plover on the Acadian Peninsula of New Brunswick with 70 pairs was presented. New Bnmswick has 16 endangered species (8 fauna and 8 flora) on its list, but there does not appear to be much communication at the naturali sts level.

2. There was a long presentation by Doug Hyde and Susan Anderson (Consultants) about deve loping software (Nature on Line) cOTUlecting naturalists and conservat ioni sts in Canada to form a knowledge based nature ne!\vork that could be accessed on line. In the di scussion that fo llowed we were informed that Nature Canada is interested in setting up such a network in Atlantic Canada as a pilot project. In addition, we were informed that there are a number of other software packages available that should be considered before a decision is made about what system is chosen.

Accordingly a sma ll committee with representatives from each Atlantic Province was fomled to review the situation and to report to Nature Canada. ( I did not volunteer, but did state that I would try to find someone from Newfoundland who would serve on the committee).

There was a general consensus that the software should be developed from the 'bottom up ' , i.e. from the Clubs and that a needs assessment from each Club should be done immediately. Accordingly I produced and submitted a list (attached) al the meeting, but it can be amended or added to if it is felt desirabl e.

There will be a cost to take part in the network, but how much is unknown. It will fac ilitate an exchange of inforn13tion and help reli eve our sense of isolation.

36 In the discussion we were infonncd of the locations of the future AGMS of Nature Canada and

the possibi lity of having an Aliamic meeting before or after Nature Canada's AG M. However, the next Atlantic AGM will nOI be until 2007 in Wolfvi lle, N.S. •

2005 - Nonh Bay, Ont. 2006 - Red Deer, Alta. 2007 - Wolfville, N.S. 2008 - Montrea l, P.Q.

3. Young Natura lists Club. There was a presentation about the success in British Columbia and the beginnings Ihal have been made in New Brunswick (Moncton) where they have produced the first issue of a Magazine. What is needed is an individual with the interest and energy to make it work. 4. Insurance liabi li ty There was some discussion or the escalating costs for all volunteer organ izations.

There is no solution at presen t and it will probably require government intervent ion

I did try to emphasize that what is needed is an At lantic Nature Network and not a Maritimes Network. Not only should Newfoundland be represented but also li es de la Madeleine, Gaspe, Cote Nord of Quebec and St. Pierre and Miquelon. As a resu It 1 was asked 10 contact these areas.

Atlantic Nature Network Newfoundla nd and Labrador Needs

I . Communication between Clubs· Meetings Calendar • Field Trips Calendar

2. Resource People· Exective of Club • local experts - birds, mammals vascular plants, mosses, fish, invertebrates etc.

3. Commercial operations inthe area · wha le watching, e - sea birds - kayaking - tours

4 . Data sharing - recent - bird migrations and rare birds - whales and icebergs, archival - where is it?

5. Issues of Common Conern a) Forest management b) Fisheries management including seals c) Endangered species and data sharing d) ATVs and Snowmobiles e) Legislation and lobbyi ng - regional interests, successes f) Water - hydro deve lopments and fish water quality g) Wind power - ground di sturbance

- migratory birds h) Offshore oi l deve lopments

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37 Culiseta impatiens (Walker) - the first mosquito of spri ng

by Dave Larson

Figure I . Cldisela iI/ornata (Wi ll iston). female. Modified from Plate 24. in Carpenter and LaCasse ( 1955).

The objecti ve of zoo logical nomenclature is to assure that each animal spec ies has a unique name. Names may be coined in many ways, but usuall y refl ec t some aspect of the animal. Names of biting fli es often indi cate human annoyance with these insects, for example names applied to biting flies include: abomina/OI: agilalOl; exert/ciolls. IlOrrida, inlrlldens. iritons. pilI/elm; tarmenlm; veXGns and even dalll110SlIm. Cllliselo

impatiens is a lso named after its biting hab its - it is th e fi rst mosquito to bile in the spring. apparently impati ent to gel the biting fly season underway after the tong winter respi te.

Clliiseia impaliens is not only th e first mosquito to appear in the spring, it is a lso the largest species in Newfoundland. Fortunately, it is neither abundant nor very aggress ive here. On the firs t warm days of spring a person may be attacked by a few of these insects but their large size and tentati ve attack behavior makes them relatively easy to slap. However, in British Columbia and Alaska, where thi s species is abundant , it is considered to be a very aggressive biter and a major pest (Wood and Elli s 1979) .

These mosquitos are out ea rl y in the season because mated female adults overwint er (Wood and Elli s 1979) . Most mosquitos overwinter as eggs and have to complete larval development in the spring before biting adults appear. Female C. impatiens put lie to the idea that mosquitos are short-li ved for they may live for over a year. Females emerge in the summer, mate then find a safe spot to overwinter. In the following spring, after a blood meal, they lay eggs . A female may feed and lay eggs severa l times over the summer so although there is only one generation a year, one may be bitten by thi s spec ies anytime from earl y spring through summer. The larvae are nOI often found but th e usual breeding habitat is thought to be s~a ll , pennanent forest and peat land poo ls.

Newfoundland and Labrador are blessed with about 25 species of mosquito. Mosquito identifi cation is quite diffi cult and depends upon subtle co lor and di stribution pattems of hairs and scal es on the body, legs and wings. However, C. impoliens is relati vely easil y recogni zed on the basis of large size (body length 6 - 8 mm); abdomen striped; wings with dense setae al ong veins and three or four diffuse spots at forks of veins; thorax dark ; and legs not banded (Figure I).

References

Carpenter, S. J . and W. J. LaCasse. 1955. Mosquitos of North Ameri ca. Uni versity of Ca li fomi a Press, Berkeley. 360 pp + 127 plates.

I e Wood, D., P. Dang and R. Ellis. 1979. The Insects and Arachnids of Canada, Part 6. The mosquitos of Canada. Agri cuhure Canada Publication 1686. 390 pp.

38 Longevity record for a rehabilitated Creat Horned Owl (Bubo virginian us)

by Mac Pitcher, Animal Curator, Salmonier Nature Park

On February 7, 2005, Mr. Joe Brazil, Endangered Species and Biodiversity Biologist of the ewfoundland and Labrador Inland Fish and Wildlife Division, received a bird band recovery report from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This report advised that a bird wearing Jegband number 0500-07877, assigned to Mr. Brazil , had been retrieved at St. Vincents, NL on April 14,2004.

AI the request of Mr. Brazil, I made contact with the band finder and ascertained the circumstances surrounding the band retrieval. The band was retrieved by Mr. Roy Fleming, of St. Mary's, SI. Mary's Bay, NL, on April 14,2004. Mr. Fleming advised that he was timber cruising at the time in the area of Peter's River, approximately a mile downstream from Peter's Pond. at a location known as "The Angle". While stopped for a break, Mr. Fleming noted a "grouse·coloured" bird protruding from the snow. He reports that the bird appeared to have been dead for some time and was partly·scavenged.

A check of the animal rehabilitation data records of Salmonier Nature Park identified the noted legband as having been assigned to Specimen # 646. This was an unknown age/unknown sex Great Homed Owl, retrieved at Gander on November 5, 1992. The bird was examined by veterinarian Dr. Doug Tweedie, who determined thai there were no injuries, but Ihat the bird was emaciated. The bird was subsequently transported to Salmonier Nature Park, and following a period of convalescence. was released nearby, at the Salmonier Correctional Institute on November 30, 1992.

An interesting aside to this account occurred on the morning after the bird's release. During the regular feeding of park animals on the morning of December I, 1992, an attendant found that a mink in the display enclosure had been preyed upon by a Great Homed Owl. The defiant owl was in fact sti ll present In the enclosure, perched on its prey and defending this from the attendant. The presence of the legband confirmed it to be the recently re leased bird. The sen ior animal keeper, Rodney Collins, recaptured this owl, and it was released later that same evening at the community pasture at Coline!, St. Mary's Bay. This re lease site is approximately 47 kilometres due north of the retrieval site.

Karalus and Eckert ( 1974) report that the oldest recovered banded G}eat Homed Owl, banded as a nestling, was thirteen years of age. They also report a high mortality in young birds of this species, with approximately fifty percent of owlets hatched in a year not surviving to age one year. There is some speculation that if this particular owl was suffering so lely from emaciation , then this might indicate it to be a j uvenile with limited hunting prowess which precipitated its emaciated state.

The known history of this bird provides us with an estimated year of hatching as 1992, with death most likely occurring in late winter 2003·04. This indicates a minimum age estimate of twelve years, and also prOVides a convincing account of a successful wildlife rehabi litation event.

REFERENCES:

Karalus and Eckert 1974. The Owls of North America. Doubleday & Company, New York

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Biologic:!1

Sunday Hunting by D.H. Stee le

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Recently, the prohibition 0 11 Sunday hunting has again come under allack. The fo ll owing has been prepared as a rebuttal to the arguments that have been put forward in support of Sunday hUllting.

Hunting is not the same as shopping at Sobeys. The facllhat shopping is now allowed 0 11 Sunday is completely irre levant and the two activities shou ld not be linked.

The same reasoning applies 10 snaring, trapping and fishing. These Iypes of harvest arc not comparable 10 hunting and should not be linked with hunting either.

'A dead moose is a dead moose', The argument is that il doesn't matter what day the moose is killed. since onl y how many is significant. As far as population dynamics is concerned this is true. However, it can be argued that the anima ls being hunted deserve one day a wee k free from stress when they are not being chased and shot at. Eco nomic

Since hunting is no longer for subsistence, but for recreation the maximum economic benefit for the Province will be attained by making hunting expensive rather than cheaper. A hunter who cannot hunt on Sunday and has to wa it until Monday will have to spend more money and the economy will benefit.

Many serious hunters take a week of their vacation during the IlUming season. This is a slack period for o ther activities. If they can hunt a ll weekend they wou ld not find it necessary to take their vacati on at thi s time of the year.

Safety The most compelling reasons for maintaining Ihe ban on Sunday hunting relates to safety.

Everyone will agree that hunting is a dangerous activity (Tab les 1,2) and is not comparab le to shopping or

snaring.

Tab le I Deaths in Ou tdoor aC li vi les in 1995 (U.S.A)

Swimming 1,700 Boating 836 Personal Watercraft 79 SCUBA Diving 97 t1unting 87 Hang Glidiing 28 Sky Diving 28 Football

The U.S. National Safety Counci l estimates the injury rate in hunti ng to be 7.06/ 100,000 and considers hunting to be relatively safe.

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Table 2 Hunting Accidents (U.S.A. and Canada combined)

Year

1995 1996 1997

Fata l

11 2 91 93

Non Fatal

1130 957 926

Total

1242 1048 1019

Canada

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One third of the accidents arc self-inflicted and need not concern us. The other two-thirds arc two­party accidents in which the hunter shoots someone else. Usua lly the victim was not seen clearly by the shooter (vision related accidents). The most common causes are:

I) the victim was covered by the shooter who was swinging on game. 2) the victim moved into the shooter's line of fire. 3) the victim was out of sight of the shooter 4) victim was mistaken for game.

Most of the victims were other hunters and it is estimated that such accidents cou ld be reduced by 50% if the wearing of orange cJOIhing was mandatory. However, non-hunters who arc potential victims canoot be expected to wear orange clothing when they go for a Sunday wa lk in the coun try.

Many decriptions of hunting accidents are available on the Lntemet and only a few examples are quoted here.

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I. Minnesota on the opening weekend of the hunting season reported 6 acc idents. In none of e which was the victim another hunter (1 hunter was hit by a train). The other 5 incidents were described as fo llows:

a. Man was hit in the shoulder as he checked on a hunting party. b. A s lug struck a man as he walked in a cornfield. The hunter sa id he could not see the man when he fired. c. A hunter firing al a deer put a slug through the kitchen door of a motel. The hunter said he couldn't see the motel through the woods and past a cornfield. d. Teresa Poynter was struck in the upper chest by a bullet that came trough a wall and a chair befor hitting her. e. Kim Banks was shot in the forehead by a bullet that came through her windshield as she drove down a country road. (She survived).

2. Even wearing orange may not be sufficient. a. One hunter shot at another who was wearing an orange vest and sa id he mistook the potential victim 's gun barrel for ant lers. The shooter couldn ' t see the vest because the victim was standing sideways. b. A hunter shot a deer and the took off his vest when he examined the animal. His partner hearing the shot walked over to help . On the way he saw movement 400 feetl away which he thought was a deer. He fired and shattered his partner's ankle. Not hearing his partner's screams, he fired again. This time he hit the leg above the knee.

The annual statistics represent accidents that were reported. However it is probable that many incidents are not reported. A small informal survey of hunters I know revealed thai 3 out of 6 had been •

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hit. In all cases they were hit with spent shotgun pellcts that penetrated their clothes, but caused no injury. None we re reported to anyone. but they suggest that reported accidents arc just the tip of the iceberg, as far as fircann incidents arc concerned.

The number of hunting accidents may be relatively low, but of equa l importance fo r many people are the ncar misses. that is when a shot can be heard buzzing overhead or ricochet ing off nearby rocks or water. These incidents arc nOI reported either but probably occur at a rale 3-4 times actual hits. They are certainly unnerving as I can attest from personal experience. They serve to drive non-hunters Oul of the country during the hunting season since only a fool would wa lk around in the coulHry during the hunting season, except on Sunday. Lifting the ban would mean that a large segment of the population (non· lmnters of all descriptions) wou ld no longer have access to outdoor resources during a large part of the year.

All statisti cs are from the International Hunter Education Assoc iation (IH EA) accident reports.

Co, 'cr Photo - Rock Pta rmigan by Michel Burzynski

Rock ptarmigan arc found on most of the mountailHops in Gros Morne Nati ona l Park, and they also live in the Anniopsquotch Mountains and the Gaff-Topsails. There may be small numbers of the birds in the Port ·aux· Basques port ion of the Long Range, and in the Lewis Hills. Rock ptamligan have a c ircum-A rctic di stribution, and the birds in Newfoundland are the southernmost in North America. Newfound land 's rock ptann igan may have been separated from others of their species for a very long time, their size and summer co lourat ion are different. Rock ptanniga n are mostly white in winter, and as the snow melts the fema les start to change to their we ll·eamouflaged summer plumage of mOll led grey. The males, however, keep their white winter feathers well into the nesting season.

The wood engraving ill ustrates a male and a female rock ptannigan on top of the Long Range, with the ocean far in the background. This engraving was cut into the end gra in of a block of sugar maple. It was cut in reverse, since printing produces a mirror image. Once the carving was finished, the surface of the block was covered with a layer of ink, and then a sheet of paper was pressed against it. The ink covered the high points of the block, and printed black on this image. Where wood had been removed, the paper was left white.

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Night Jewels Brightest in Winter By Charlie (Russell) Horwood

"Still through April the Great Hunter hunts through the even ing sky."

The ancients, the people of classical and biblica l times, were nearer to both the earth and the sky than we arc. They were ncarer to the stars. Not physically nearer, of course, though it seemed like a physical bond, since the gleaming jewels orthe sky were as much a part of the ir lives as TV is or ours. The ferti le imaginations of the Greeks peopled the canopy with heroes and divine animals whose names survive to this day as names of star groups and signs of the zod iac.

In the course of two or three thousand years the fixed stars have changed their positions a little, but not much; the Great Dog, the hunting dog, sti ll fo llows his master, Orion, across the southern sky every night of winter . And when Orion and his dog can no longer be seen among the starry wonders, then we may be sure that spring has at last arrived in our northern latitudes.

The Dog Star (Sirius) is the brightest object in the constell ation Canis Major, the Great Dog. 11 is the brightest of all the fixed stars, and the on ly one that can riva l the brightness of the planet Jupiter. It helps to make the winter skies, on average, more star_wonderful than those of summer. If we get into the nitty~ritty we find that it is not intrinsically a greater source of light, but it appears bri ghter to us because it is relatively close, a stell ar neighbor of ours, distant from earth on ly about eight light years (as the crow flies)

In very ancient times the Dog Star was seen as highly significant because, unlike the wandering planets, it could be relied upon to indicate the time of year. After its sojourn near the sun, it reappears in late August in the eastern sky at sunrise, briefly each morning. Now it so happens that in Egypt th is re_appearance of rising of the star heralds the annual rising and fl ooding of the Nile, which was the most significan t annual event in that most anc ien t valley of agri cu lture.

The history of our civil ization goes back to those days of ancient agricul ture, and our calendar has its roots in both the valley of the Nile and the valley of the Euphrates. Our month is a moon cyc le, but the grouping of days into weeks apparently was based on the recurrence of market days in ancient agricul tural valleys. (Most of our shopping is still weekly. )

Orion and his Dog are easy to recognize, not only, because they are well up in the Southern sky in winter, and not only because the Dog Star is bright and fo llows Orion across the sky, but also because Orion's belt and the sword that hangs from his belt are distinctive and obvious.

The pre_Christian people of the Roman Empire sti ll held this star to be important. They invented the term "dog days" for the hOI days of summer, when the Slar is near the sun. As it faded into the sunset (each

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spring) they sacrificed young dogs to this god_star. A lthough the name "Dog Star" is clearly associated • wi th the Orion myth, the name apparently has much deeper roots, since the Egyptian hieroglyph for this star was, believe it or not, a dog. The name Siri us also comes from the Greeks, but it is believed that the Greeks derived the name from the Egyptian god Osiris who the Egyptians associated with th is star.

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T he Baillie Birdathon by Anne Hughes

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Canada's Baillie Birdathon is the oldest sponsored bird count in North Alllerica. It was established in 1976 as a national fund-raiser that supports research and conservat ion of wild birds and their habitats. Over a 24 hour period in May of each year, participants go out and count as Illany species of birds as poss ible. Sponsors either pledge a specific amount for each bird spec ies seen, or can donate a set amounl. For the past three years I have participated in the Baillie Birdathon and, thanks to the generosity of my sponsors, have raised over $ I 500 towards bird conservation and other

related projects in both Canada and Newfound land and Labrador. I have been assisted with the count twice by Paul Linegar and once by a vis iting Dutch graduate student.

Coming up with a good number of bird species in May in Newfoundland is a challenge, as many of our migrants don't make it back here until early June. but wi th a little luck and good ears and eyes it is possible to identify in excess of 70 species. The trick is to start around 5 p.m. onc day in late May and check out thc ponds and other areas in and around SI. John·s. This genera ll y enables a count all the duck and gu ll spec ies that are around, plus other "city dwellers" such as American Bittern, Belted Kingfisher, Red-winged Blackbird and Common Grack le.

At sun rise (hopefully) the next day Cape Spear and Blackhead are the targets and genera lly produce some alcids, sparrows and warb lers. The Gou lds is always checked for early swa ll ows at Forest Pond, Song Sparrows at the race track and wandering Evening Grosbeaks or even Red-Crossbills around the town. Sl. Michael's and Burnt Cove are next to see the Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Atlantic Puffins and other alcids not seen at Cape Spear. Then it is "down the shore". The ponds near La Manche park are checked for Ring-necked Ducks and a good listen is had fo r Common Ye llowthroat and perhaps Rusty Blackbird. Cape 8royle is the next stop where the bay is checked for loons, grebes and mergansers, the shore checked for any unexpected shorebirds and the gulls are looked over to see if there is anything different , such as Laughing Gull. If kingfisher and grack les were missed in town thi s is a good location to try and find (hem. Next is Ferryland and a couple of feeders are checked for anything unexpected, plus the "delta" where anything (or nothing) could be found . Renews takes a while to check; there are a couple of small ponds , several feeders and lots of shore line where there are generally a couple of overwintering shorebirds to find.

Then it 's on to Bear Cove to "pish" for warbl ers or early retuming flycatchers or perhaps even a vireo. The beach and ocean are also checked. Cappahayden is not particularly productive in the Spring (as opposed to the fall) so the next major stop is Portugal Cove South (PCS). Crossing the barrens however, requires vigilance for any raptors, owls or ·'partridge". PCS beach sometimes has a shorebird or two and the ocean is scanned for seaters, eiders or other birds. Cape Race is the next destination with stops at The Drook, Long Beach and somet imes The Rookery or Cripple Cove.

After retracing the route from Cape Race to PCS it's on to Biscay Bay with Homed Grebe, Red­throated Loon and scoters the targets. Sometimes there are a couple of wintering sparrows to look for here before heading to SI. Vincent 's and the possibility of more scoters.

44 Time then becomes a factor with the prospect of I Yl hrs. before SI. John 's is reached and several

more places to check, such as Point Le Haye for possible Jaegers and any missed scoters, New Bridge for its resident (we hope) Bald Eagle and SI. Catherine's for Common Mergansers, Canada Geese and a listen for Black-throa ted Green warb lers. The trailS Canada highway is reached with a sigh of relief, but e vigi lance is still required as there might be a Rough-legged Hawk over the Witless Bay barrens. Arriving in St. John's with a few minutes to spare (just before 5pm) there is just time to check fo r the elusive wigeon, which were seen the day before the birdathon, but not on the pond roundup yesterday; then ii's home to make up the list and do the final tally. 2002 was the best year so far with 78 species seen, 60 species in 2003 and 73 species in 2004. I wonder if we can surpass that this year?

By sponsoring me, or participating in the annual Baillie Birdathon, you are joining thousands ofsupporters across Canada in an effort to take action for bird conservation, and provide much needed funds for local conservation, migration monitoring, young scholars, and the latest research for conservation planning.

For example, in 2001 , The James L. Baillie Memoria l Fund awarded a grant for Census and Sounds 2001: A Seabird Population Monitoring and Audio Project for Four fBA (Important Bird Area) sites in NewfOimdland and in 2002 it awarded a grant for Censlis and Sounds 2002: Manx Shearwater Banding and Leachs Storm Petrel CenslIs in Ne\\1ollndland; The Alder fnstifllte.

In addition, a percentage of the funds raised by me each year has been directed to the Newfoundland and Labrador Natural History Society.

Donations to the Baillie Birdathon are tax~creditable . and you receive a tax receipt directly from Bird Studies Canada. e For further infonnation on this year 's birdathon check out Bse's website or contact me at 753~ 7287, !!:

hughes(ftnf.symDatico.l'a

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T he J ogging List by Ken Knowles

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On New Year 's Day, 2002 I resolved to start jogging. I'd had bursts of resolution in the past that went the way of most of my well-intentioned ideas, (drink less wine, learn to differentiate the asters) which is to say - nowhere. This lime however, I had a plan. I had analyzed my character (actually Kathy, my wife ana lyzed it, completely unbidden) and we decided that I needed an incentive to gel out the door, other than the obvious fact that I' m apparent ly in worse shape than a seventy year-old Swede.

I decided I would start a jogging bird li st. This would be perfect because I' m a lazy birder. While my birding fri ends are doggedl y pursuing identifications into the underbrush with very wet feel , J tend to get bored and wander back to the car for a cup or tea . So run -by birding should so lve my lack-or-patience problem and also provide the motivation to keep me jogging.

The challenge was to choose a route. If J designed one that actually might have some birds, there were going to be hill s involved. The solution was simple: I'd walk up the hill s and jog down the other side. I decided on a loop that started at my home on Middle Cove Rd., passed Midd le Cove Beach and Outer Cove (for seabirds). headed up Barnes Rd. (so I cou ld feed the Newfound land pony a carrot), turned along Pine Line for field-loving species, dipped down Pine River Road and across the stream that sometimes has ducks, then looped home

I cou ldn't SlOP every time I gOI tired and start birding and I cou ldn 't picture tryi ng to jog with a pair of binoculars (why is it/lhey called a pair?) bouncing from my neck, fracturing my rib cage with each step. So I established ru les - well, reall y only one rule: compact binoculars wou ld be allowed, but no stopping to use them unless Ilhought I saw/heard something rare.

The list was to lake Iwo fonns, the day li st and the life list. The day li st got off to a great start because due to an abundant cone crop January 2002 was a superb month for finches. I was getting crossbi ll s, purple finches, pine siskins, goldfinches, evening grosbeaks, pine grosbeaks and the occasional redpo ll flock on many of my ea rly jogs. In the following years J was to discover how rare an event that was to be. There were, however, cha llenges that I hadn ' t considered. Since J was runn ing, most of my birding ended up being by ca r and I found that the sound of my runners on the grave l combined with the huffing and puffing of a middle aged out-of-shape jogger muffled much of the birdsong. It took me forever to get golden-crowned kinglet because J just couldn't hear rhem. A black-and-white warbler practica lly had to perch on my head, bend over and sing into my eardrum. J've also become a master at ident ifying birds from a brief look at their arses as they flee from the gasping hulk that startles them wh ile they' re feeding by the road.

The first winter it was common to average fifteen species on my seven kilometre route, a number that I've had troub le reaching in subsequent winters. This was greatly abetted by the seabirds that showed up in Middle and Outer Cove. This, thankfully, was strictly visual birding, although it 's far more difficult to tell a glaucous gull half a kilometre away while bouncing by on sneakers than it is while standing slill scanning through binocu lars. I usua lly saw the common gull species and black guillemot , and I sometimes saw a murre, red-throated loon, eider or a red-breasted merganser. One day I was so excited by a stonn­blown Leach 's stonn-petrel in Middle Cove, that I forgot to walk up the hill to Outer Cove. My burning lungs reminded me that I was st ill running. Seeing a rarity always helps in the adrenalin department.

When spring arrived I rea lized it was time to go for a record-breaking day li st. With the regular warb ler and sparrow spec ies starting to sing I was sure I wou ld get over twenty species. It turned out that I

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hit twenty-two species three times il1111Y first two years hut cou ld never manage to COllnt morc than that. found that if I squinted and pretended really hard I cou ld "count" the kittiwakes seen at their colony across the bay at the Flatrock cliffs. I also learned thai the on ly yellow warbler on my route cou ld often he heard near the bridge on Pine River Road, whereas I needed to gel hlackpoll on Pine Line. If everything clicked and a couple of rarit ies appeared twen ty-five species were possible.

When I staned OUI on a morning in early June, 2004 I wasn' t expecting any kind of high total. As always, my thoughts wandered as I menially registered the siskins, fox sparrow, robins and ye llow-rump. The savannah sparrows were back and J lucked into a swamp sparrow. The starling flock was present at the Green's place but I also heard the bittern "gulping" from the marsh behind their field. Nice. As I approached Middle Cove a bald eagle flew overhead and scared up a couple of ravens along with the gull flock. I was pleased to see that there was both ring-billed and a late iceland gu ll in with the usual group. At this point I became aware that my day li st was going to be better than usual.

I added black guillemot at Outer Cove, bUI the treal was a breeding-plumaged red-throated loon. As I turned the comer towards Bame's Road I glimpsed a red-breasted merganser in the cove. Usually the Barne's Rd. section of my jog is a bust but thi s time a pair of pintails flew overhead (going where?) and a goldfinch flitted in the conifers. I started to get excited and told myself to concen trate on addi ng some passerines on the coniferous stretches of Pine Line.

Everything fe ll into place. Northern waterthrush sang, various finch species flew overhead, flicker yelled, red-breasted nuthatch beeped and white-throated sparrow said "Poor Canada-Canada-Canada". A sharpey glided across the road and then all song ceased. I was now into the twenties.

It was the home stretch and I needed two species to tie my record. I knew the yellow warbler might sing and as I approached the bridge over the stream it co-operated. Even better, a Wilson's warbler sang close enough for me to hear, and a sn ipe yelled its repetiti ve call from the marsh. I was now at twenty-three species, a new persona l best as they say at the Olympics. As I puffed and grunted up the road towards home I spotted a flock of cedar waxwings in a pin cherry, and in the fina l few metres a tree swallow crossed the road on its way to Jones Pond. The run 's total of twenty-five species still stands as my all-time record.

And then there was my personal worst. Depending on weather and time of day, the bi rding could be pathetic. One day, in a howling gale in midwinter, crow, herring gull, and great black-backed were the .QD]y three species I saw. This record also stands to this day.

As for the Life List, I had reached fifty-five species after one year and sixty after two years. There were some heart-stopping moments, such as the gyrfalcon that powered by at Middle Cove and the completely unexpected eastern kingbird thai appeared in the neighbour's field as I lurched by. The list includes such seabirds as gannet and great cormorant and some lucky land bird sightings like red crossbill and bam swallow. Strangely I can ' t seem to add some apparent ly easy birds like ruby-crowned kinglet, and although I know that shearwatcrs follow the cape l in inshore, they haven't come close enough yet to count them without scanning (illegal: see regulation above.) This week the li st hit its present total of sixty­five with the addition of a harlequin duck that spent two days in the swe ll at Outer Cove. As my species total rises my blood pressure has declined. Now after a jog I sometimes pass out when getting out of my Lazy-Boy - sure ly a sign of good health?

Lately the game has taken on an alarming new dimension. Wh ile rulming by Middle Cove in capelin season I identified three whale species in one week (humpback, minke and fin) and later a sick harp sea l that was trying to recover on Outer Cove beach. If I added to this the fox and the moose seen in early morning jogs plus the snowshoe hare and red squirrel sightings then I have the beginnings of a mammal list. Surely a coyote or mink will show up soon, and what about a mouse or vo le? If not, maybe I should start on those damn asters ..

I'm still a lazy birder and I'm sti ll not as fit as a seventy year-old Swede but I am sti ll jogging, and I probably have the largest lazy-jogging li st in Newfoundland.

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Interview with Roger Etcheberry March 30, 2005

someol/e ti('cidC! he or she cuuld help.

How long have you been " bi rd ing" Roger? I starled ('arly in 1974. I wa:. 30 yel1l',\ old hy thell.

I hecume inferesfed ,ltl'Oligh Mic/Jel Bo/'Otrll, 11';'0 \1'(/\

hil'dill,!! here in (he island,,};,,. some year,1 and WCH I.l ~'err

~lJoJfri(,IIJ aiLes/hI .H. Tuel ... Then I mel Jolin Maundel: u{ iiI(' time lel/(;hing in Fogo is/and I rell/emher That John re(1/~" impressed ml.!, I \I'(lS reu/ll' a heUlflller and ht' seemed to klloH' Sf! man)' things (//iwldl' ' ..

How long have you been doing bi rd reports for the Osprey. I believe that we are on the 76th bird report. That is quite a legacy. What keeps you intcrested today.

/ IhinA I starred I1'riling reports as earll, us 197-1. 11/(~1' were less reg/tlur alld s/Ulrlel: usiJlg (J f)l)eIITjll'/: ... I

hegan writing mo/'(' regular and mor(' elahoI'Ll/(' repor" when I gOIIl/)'I"',\1 ('omplllel' in lYii6, ArollJld lhllllim(',

Brw.:e ,-\1a('(ul'ish sltgg('Sleti I H'rire rcporr.\ 10 h" .\'enl

10 the regional edilOr flf America/l Bink So I hegan writillg 4 times a yeal" nllich make a lowl or 76 as :roll said abol'e. I am gnJ1efid tfl the Osprey wilich published al/fiJe repun\ ;11 (!xtell.'wji'Uf}1 the heginning ,II/ow I would hwe IIial somerllle slart with l\'f'iring (me or 111'0 ol/hoc reports.' ... Olle of Ill..: pmhlcm i.~ the

language. So I keep (III 11'riling them. I guess until

~~ell, .1'011 slart hilding (Jlld never SlOp, ,,~ {he (,(},H' I glll'ss I!lmosf people. 11 i,\ fIl1COIU:eimblt' when spring arJ'II'cs I/CI{ 10 go and see the hirds coming hack rhell there are ,WI mally Things \1'(." £Iv nol kno\\~ sv ll'(~

continue during The I/eslillg season, (/lI.'n rhe aUlUmn a/ways hrings slI'1)rise:l'. Then Ihere is tile eSc, /1I..:n

we wan! 10 knoll' Il'hh:h /Jird spend Ihe \-J.';nter with liS .' .... E"I-'£'/:I' ),ear is different .' Ir help" keel ling WI

inreresr. Alore illlere.\ting is lIfe fact, Ihar, almost a/olle at lIJ(! hey.illllillg, we arc: now a prefl)' good glVllp olbinler.\, or naturalists allmge illlh{' islands so lI'e disco\'(!rll1ore 'hillg.~. I am raTher pH/lid 10 /iOl'e heen able 10 illdw.:e afew people intf) bird \l'alc:hing ami ill toking nOles.

How do you thing birding has changed since you fi rst started? Has technology changed the way we see birds? Intemet? Viewing equiplment?

Mall)' things have changed. From a ji~/k:hnlllll poilll oj vi{'lt; a/ the ht!gillnillg there was 110 jit'I/{;h guides! .. , This i.\ pwhabJ)' wiry I stil/llse english hooks as 1II'ould not make mis!ake.\ ahlJu! t/w Ilamt:s of bird ill eng/ish ""o/Jiie I have prohlcn!_1 wirh some jiellch ones. For people who do not read english, jic'ffch book puhlished in Quehec Ive/'{' (Iuile we/comee/. Talkillg of books, so Inany h(ll'e beelll'lIh1i\'hed ill the last ),ears lIwl il helps greatl), ill identificatioll {J/ul understanding (J(bink

On aI/OIlier hand, W(' lim'e seen manv species of bird\' (/I\'illdling dr(1matica/~I" Around here lhe p(lsserine bird\', chiefly the insectil'OYOlis species have relllly diminislJed some \pl.!Ci£',\ being I/O\\, quile

48 1'(.1l'e II i.I possib~r more Ohl'IOItS in (/ small islaml, hilI il may rejled mor..: eusi~l' a trend film is nor p;;n. ell eel il1alllry!c!i'iland.'

Indeed we see hird\ heff!'/: with new hill(!('u/un and Ielescopes. Through the I'U/,iolls.!iJrllm we are awul't! rapidly of Wlll.lf is goillg on eisc\\'here. Internet {liso al/ows us /(1 seck pictures of rarc hirJ\. A lei\, e Vi'un <JXfJ. I iJ,mli(ied a Rllf(ms-Ilccked Stinl on the Isdmws. IF/len J l.'(/11/(' hOll1e II ()lind a h('aufifill pit'IIIre

lakm aroulld Nt'\\'- }iwk ul about the same date, in earfr Ju/)' ul1J thaI looked e.\'o('l(l' Ih..: sume as tht' hiI'd Ijln/,\uu"

Whal do you thi nk will be the future of birding? I am wnlt'wlw( (JllxiU/lS 10 .we noH' a 101 of people t:onct'nrrtllil1g Oil rariries .', .. , f.J/OU', il h e.\'I(,/ill~

I am qllite excited 1'1 hen 'fll1d (II/eli" sped..:\', But shuuld In' IIq;lecT OUI' common birds? I do 1101 ,hillk VJ

and I han' u'l\'m'.~ gil'e a good V}(,i<.:e /0 ('ommon hin:l\" or (,II least reglliar birJs in all my reports, I (.lin 1I0t

a "liSTer" I du flot have thejail11('st ideu o/llOu' many ,\1NciL's olhirds ! ilul'e seen (filal ans)1"t'riIlK partlv "ollr tllleslirm beloni. bllt I kmn!" how man,)' bird~ huW! been seen (iH filiI' islal1d~, ll,\ I ('ompilt' till' data (II" alltht! other hiI'd walchers in the islalld), Fol' example. my datahose.\ since! have The computer is UhOlll 68 tJOO t!lIIrie.\ .,

I know our coast gets some interesting winds which blow birds off course, Is this also the case in St. Pierre? What was the most interesting sighting you have seen? Did you get photo. Maybe you could include this ,

}t:S, In' hc1\'e seen some (~Tciling hird,', !lot ne('j:ssarj~r from across tJw l1(;eOIl, aile Blu( k*rllfvtlted \jJW"HH\' \l'lIS pllOtOgraphed in Miqut!lon ill the spring (~r 1987 (by rhe -wa), all ac("()unl of the rem: hi,.tl~ of SPM n-(l." puhlished in tllC Birdl:'r ~j{)um((1 \"01, 7 nO 4 in 1998). From Europc we have had a Common Swift and a Commoll HOI/H' .I'II/artill .' ... (photos were taken, these (Ire slides, ! could try to have them .~c{/nned It a"'wl/gllI I do not think the)' are greaT ones, ..

Have you travelled to see other spec ies around the world. Where have you gone? As Jaid ahol'c, ! am lIot (I lislel; hili (~(c()ltrse It'hen! trallcd ! am plea5cd to see new .\'fh!Cic," like

in Cllho or el'ell Bermuda, or France. BlIt ! do nOI mtlke bin/ing trips OllIS ide the islands. Om' of my motil-'alion when! see hirds ollt\-iJe the is/and is (0 gain some experience on sp(!cies Ihal m(f?,ht I isit u\ one ofthcw da),s ,

Would you include a photo of yourse lf so we can see what you look li ke? ! have an illlCr(!STing phOTO, that! '11 seml.voll, hutflrstl have TO mk permissioll from the awhnr 10

puhli~h il. I do 1/01 Think There i\ allY problem bw I'll ask WI)wa)~ The photographer is Potrick Boe= whose nalllt' tlP/lear on alllhe reports in the last years. ,1part from Omithology I have 01\'0 (JIJ imcn'sled Oil Boumv and Marine Mammals:' ' ..

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Preliminary Notice

F o RAY ~"c'Z;~~g~ND Sponsored by The Humber Natural History Society

September 2 - 5, 2005 Gros Morne National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

NEWFOUNDLAND

~~t"" ,.. ......

, -~t'lti~_ ....n,

EA&lLLll; Michael Burzynski Gros Mome National Park Dave Malloch New Brunswick Museum Faye Murrin Memorial University Machiet Noordeloos Netherlands Naliona/ Herbarium Stan Pieda College of the North Atlantic Roger Smith University o( New Brunswick Vello Soots Mycological Society of Toronto Greg Thorn University of Western Ontario Rod Tulloss The New York Botanical Gardens Andrus Voitk Humber Natural History Society Tom Volk University of Wisconsin Gary Warren Canadian Forest Service

A wonderful chance for the amateur naturalist to learn about mushrooms beside professionals and seasoned mycophiles, as well as a chance for the advanced mycophile to share experiences with the like-minded.

- Two slide presentations on topics mycological each day - Sessions on mushroom photography, archiving - Specimens will be identified, labelled and put on display - Species List backed by photos & voucher specimens - Reception Fri Sep 2, hosted by the Han Tom Osborne,

1. The people of Newfoundland and labrador through the Department of Environment and Conservation, Hon Tom Osborne, Minister 2. The Western Newfoundland Model Forest 3. Gras Morne Cooperating Associalion 3. Gras Morne National Park 4. Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, MUN

September 6 - 9, 2005 Labrador Straits

The last frontier

LABRADOR

Minister, MHA, Dept. of Environment and Conservation. - Gourmet mushroom cook-up Saturday before supper.

.c..Qll ~ - $200 (CAD). all Inclusive. ~ - add $75 (CAD), e)(clusive of transport , accommodation. some meals (see Information).

PLEASE NOTE' 1. Places are limited Registrants wi! be added on a first­come-first-served basis. 2. Accommodations at the Killdevil reneet its summer camp nature: bunk beds and dorms, all single beds. 3. The FORAY will take place rain or shine. 4. The Program is ~. More accurate details will be forthcoming over the ensuing months. Plans may change due to events beyond our control. Although we shall still hold the FORAY. its nature may change. Notification will be sent to those on our e-maUlist and changes posted on our web site - see below. 5. For travel & accommodation options to Labrador, please see our web site - see below

REGISTRATION INFORMATION MORE' 1. Information Agreement & Registration Form as well as Program and Report, of 2003 & 2004 Forays and other Infonnation available I downloadable at HNHS web site : <hnp:/lwww.swgc.mun.caIhnhs>. 2. Please read , download & print what you require. 3. Mail cheque, Agreement, Registration Form to:

MariaVoitk PO So)( 2312. RR #1 Comer Brook NL A2H 2N2 Canada

4. Questions - to Andrus: minaise@pathcom.com

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The Tuck/Walters Award

This award is named in memDlJl of D,: Leslie M. nick and Captain Hany Walters

Dr. Les Tuck was Newfoundland 's first Dominion Wildlife Officer, and Harry Walters was the Director of the Newfoundland Rangers Force. Following Confederation with Canada, Dr. Tuck headed the Canadian Wildlife Service in the province - a position he held for morc than twenty-five years. In the latter part orhis long and disti nguished career. Dr. Tuck held the L. J. Palon Research Professorship in thc Psyschology Department of Memorial University. He was instrumental in the reactivation orthe Natural History Society in the 1950's. Capl'ain Harry Walters served for many years as the Head or the Newfoundland Wi ldlife Division, which he was instrumental in establishing.

8mh Walters, working provincially, and Tuck, working federally, were instrumcntal in establishing our provincc 's first seabird reserves (Funk Island, Cape SI. Mary 's, Witless Bay, and Hare Bay) and the former Avalon Wilderness Area. Their combincd cfforts put natural history awareness, protection and apprec iation on a solid footing in Newfoundland and Labrador. Although they were employed in resource conservation and management careers, their enthusiasm and dedication transcended their duties, and it is for these quali ties that the society has chosen to honor their memory with this award.

The TuckfWalters Award is discretionary - it does not have to be given out every year. On the other hand, it may be given 10 more than one recipient if the Nominating Committee feels this is appropriate. Successful cand idates are individuals who hllve made outsta nding and enduring contri butions to the ad va ncemen t of nat ural h istory appreciation a nd protectio n in Newfo un d la nd and Labrador, outside the pa ra meters of theit· employment responsibi li ties.

Tuck/Walters Award Winners

Dr. Don Barton George Brinson Bill Davis Dr. John Gibson Dr. Leslie Harris Stephen Herder Charlie Horwood Bernard J ackson Henry Mann

Gregory Mitchell Michael Nolan Dr. Harold Peters Dr. Roger Tory Peterson Tony Power Dr. Don Steele Clyde Tuck

For more information or to make a nomin ation for the Tuck!\Va lters Award, contact

Dr. Bill Montevecchi, Chair Tuck/Walters Awards Committee

Cognitive and Behavioral Ecology Program Memorial University of Newfoundland

51. John 's, NL AlB 3X9

Telephone: 737-7673 E-mai l: mont@morgan .ucs.mun.ca

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The Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador Membership Application

Name: __________ ----:=---= ________ Date: Address: _________ -,::-Cityrrown: Province: Code: Country/State if not in C~ma(h.l ____ _ E-mail address: _______ --,-___ ___________ _ Telephone - home: ______ office: ______ fa x: ___ _

Renewing members: _ continue Osprey from last received issue

_ continue Osprey with next issue

Mailing IIddr('ss for Socicty publicat ion " The Osprey" (if diffrTcnl from abO" c):

I would like to become more actively involved in the ac tivities of the Society: _ Planning outdoor aclivilil'S _ Ouldoor Ed ucation Programs _ Indoor EduClltioll Progra ms _ En\'ironlllcnta l Ad,'ocac), _ Len cr writ ing _ Planning 1II01llhly meetings _ Contributin g 10 the Osp rey

Olher' _______ _

Postal

My interests arc: (Please be spec ifi c. 10 he lp us with our progmm plann ing.) birds? wildflowers? ani mals? marine mammals? indoor e vents? indoor work- shops? outdoor events? wa lking? interpretive walks? hiki ng? cross-country skiing? canoeing? cycling? back-pack camping? winter camping? Othl'r: ____________________ ______ _

Annua l mCmbl'TShip fcc enclosed: $ 25.00

My donation 10 the soc iety (a lax receipt will be issued):

Society Lapel I'i ns: @ $3.00 eac h Society Jacket Crests: @ 54.00 each

Bird Checklists 50.50. 3/51 .00 100/525.00

Tot:alIO cheque/moncy order enclosed:

Pleu!iie muke ),"", I..'lreq"e IJu)'tlble (0: "The Nat ura l History Society or Newroundland and Labrador" and send it togethe r with this ronn to:

The Membership Coordinator The alural Histo ry Sociely or Newfoundla nd a nd Labrador P.O. Box tOl 3 St. J ohn 's, NLA t C 5M3

B.-ing this form to the next regular Society meeting at The Memorial Universit)' Botanical Garden on the THIRD THURSDAY of each month from September to June. No meetings during July and August.

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Rarities - Only from the Natural History Society

Gelli ng to Know the Weeds ~ the Collected Writings of Charlie Horwood. Charl ie was a faithfu l and long-serving member of the Society. He was also a thoughtfu l and insightful naturalist wi th a gift for capturing his vies of tile natural world, in writing. This 160 page book reproduces over fifty of Charli e's best short pieces.

Soft cover $14.95

Society La pel Pins - Back by popular demand. These four-co lor enamel pins reproduce the Society's "Osprey", originall y des igned by Joltn Maunder, in blue, brown and wltile on a gold back: Ova l.

Lapel Pins $3.00

Society Jackel C rest - NEW! These crests are based on the original "half moon" design drawn by Newfoundland artist Reginald Shepherd. They feature a stylized osprey snatching a fish. They are embroidered in five colours, and are approximate ly 4" wide by I 3/4" high.

Embroidered Crest $4 00

• Society Memberships - Any time is a great time to give a membersh ip to the Natural History Society. The cost is $25.00 good for one year. It includes four issues of The Osprey. and notices to all Soc iety functions.

Membership $"500

The Wild Things Scholarship

The Natura l History Society of Newfound land and Labrador conducts the competition for the Wild Things Scholarship. This annua l $500 scholarship is sponsored by Wi ld Things, a nature gift shop in SI. John's, NL. It is awarded 10 a post-secondary student recognize their comminment to the environment and natura l hi story of the province as evidenced by their volunteer naturalist activities. App lication forms can be found on our website: www.nhs.nfca

Pas t Recipients

Lynn Harlery Elaine Goud ie Helen Manning Tammy Legge Michael Sharpe Craig Purchase

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Susan Pottle 1998 Andrea Carew, Joel Heath 1999 Laura Wareham 2000 Alana Yorke 200 1 Diana Cardoso 2002 Juliana Coffey 2003