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April 2004 Volume 35, No. 2

THE Or. Don Steele

Dept. of Biology

MUN

EKpires: Feb05

OSPREY NATURE JOURNAL OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

NATU RAL HISTO RY SOCIETY OF NEWFOUN DLAND AND LA BRA DOR

Pub lication Mail Registraion # 8302 ISSN 0710-4847

THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR P.O. Box 1013. SI. John's. NLAIC 5M3

Editonal Pol icy:

All members are encouraged to contribute articles and materials of general interest to the society's mandate for publication In "The Osprey"

Articles should, where possible, be submitted via 3.5" High·density IBM·fomlatted floppy di sks. Computer users should prepare art icles in Word Perfect or MS Word. Font, margins, and spac ing can be adjusted by the editor If articles are submitted in any other fonn, they should be entire ly prinHeady, using one inch margins. smgle spaced in Times Roman font and point size no greater than 12. The editor reserves the right to re·for· mat any materials received. Please note that all material wi ll be reviewed by the editorial staff and only those deemed appropriate will be published.

Ill ustrations and photos are welcome. and should be provided in a fonnat compatible with photocopying 111

black and wh ite.

Submissions for publication can be mailed to: P.O. Box 1013 St. John's, NLAIC 5M3 oremailed to the intenn eduor at lizardfil brigus.physics.mun.ca.

''''he Osprey does not print advertising or solicitations without the expressed consent of the executhe. Views expressed 10 "leiters to the editor" are not necessarily the views of the editor or the executive of the Society.

Executive:

President: Rita Anderson Vice President: Vacant Past President: Allan Stein Secretary: Don Steele Treasurer: Jackie Feltham Osprey Editors: Elizabeth Zedel

Glen Ryan CNF Rep. John Pratt

Members at Large:

rita@play.psych.mun.ca

arstein@morgan.ucs.mun.ca dsteele@morgan.ucs.mun.ca jfeltham@nl.rogers.com lizard@..brigus.physics.mun.ca gryan@.gov.nl.ca w jyratt@..hotmail.com

895-2564

895-2056 754-0455 895-0477 754-3321 739-61 46

737-877 1

895-7776

729-2427

Maggy Piranian. R. John Jacobs, Paul Linegar. Andrea Proctor. Kim Bell. Carolyn Walsh, Len Zedel

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THE

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NATURE JOURNAL OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

April 2004

CONTENTS

PAPERS, REPORTS & BIRD REPORTS:

The Winter season (2003-2004) in Saint- Pierre et Miquelon by Roger Etcheberry

Winter 2002 - 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Bird Report by Paul Li negar

10400 Annual Christmas Bird Count Thomas Howe Forest / Gander and Area by Kevin Butler

I'OEMS, PROSE, STORIES AND SNIPPETS:

Nat ure Sketches - PAINTED LADY BUTTERFLY, Vanessa cardui by A. Glen Ryan

Prelimi nary Notice Newfoundl and Foray

Volume 35, No.2

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The Natural History Society

Dear Membership,

This cover of this issue of the Osprey has a new look! For many years the cover presented a listing of the contents. Now, we will be placing a table of contents on the first page and using the cover space for an illustration. The illustration can be based on sketches, drawings, or photographic images and members are encouraged to submit artwork or photographs for consideration for upcoming issues. This issue 's cover was prepared by A. Glen Ryan and is a pen~and~ink drawing of the Painted Lady Butterfly. There is a short article about the Painted Lady Bunerfly by Glen on page 27.

Again we are always looking fo r articles of Narural History as well as any prose writings that you might

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have. Most importantly we are looking for things that are a timeless nature. Te ll us about your recent hike. • trip away or walk to work where you saw something of nature that you found interesting.

I wou ld like to try to send out the Osprey via email to a few test people. If you would like to get this Os~ prey via email, wou ld you email me. We will sti ll send you a hard copy as wel l.

If you would like to send articles for inclusion in the Osprey you can send them to:

El izabeth Zede l ~ Osprey Editor lizard@brigus.physics.mun.ca

I would also like to ca ll attention to the following correction:

The Report of the Allantic Natura list Network meeting (Osprey, Dec 2003, vol 34, no 4, pp 16-20) was forwarded to us at our request by Andrus Voitk. II was produced and circulated by the Ca­nadian Nature Federation, who called the meeting, and was not written by Andrus Voitk. Andrus apologizes for any misconception created, discomfort to 'ature Canada or embarrassment to the Osprey.

Many thanks to this edition's contributors. I look forward to your future submiss ions.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Zedel. Osprey Ed itor

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The Winter season (2003-2004) in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

MiqueloJl , March 16,2004

by Roger Elchcbcrry

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The Christmas bird count look place in Miquc lon on Dec. 20 and in 51-Pierre on Dec. 27 both under a ra ther unpleasant wea ther : a mixed cocktai l of ra in and snow.

Common Loon : Fairly we ll reported Ihroughoullhe season in rather moderate number. Maximum were ofT Cape Miquclon wilh 109, plus 17 offMirnnde lake on December 15: 95 on Dec. 20 (CSC) most ly off the Cape, and 106 on December 30. Only 34 were seen there on February 3 (RE). Only a few birds were reported from 5 1. Pierre (BLlBS/PBtPA) Red-necked Crehe : There was a maximum of 8 bi rds reported from SI. Pierre on January 6. (BLlFPA) A max imum of 13 birds were ofT Mirande lake on December 15. Concentration again were otT the Nonh­westem coast of Cape Miquclon (47°08' N 56°23' W) numbcrs as follow: Dec. 15: 82; Dec. 30: about 60; January 6 : 97. Wc had 28 bi rds duri ng the CBC in Miquelon and 4 only in SI. Pierre. Double-crested Cormoptnt : 6 birds were reported in S1. Pierre during the CBC (LJ/FPA/BlIMD) wh ile 20 birds were reported as Connorant sp. Creat Cormorant: During the CBC 28 only were found in Miquelon and 65 in SI. Pierre. There was about 15 birds al Cape Miquelon on January 6 (RE). ~: One ma le was at Cape Miquelon on December 5 (LJ). American Ulack duck : There was a maximum of 395 birds at Grand Barac hois on December II as compared with the record high of 638 in December 2000. We had 304 individuals during the CBC (REI BUBS). The tOla l of winteri ng birds is about or sli ghtl y above 300 wilh about 250 at Grand Barachois, about 50 ncar the village ofM iquelon (01. ob.). On lie aux Marins, ncar SI. Pierre three interest ing reports : 37 on January 22 (Bl): 46 on February 10 (Bl) and aboul30 on February 23 (MD). We cannOI exelude thai the latter tra velled between Grand Barachois and that island . .M.aJ.J..ard : One male was with the blacks at Grand Barachois on December II (RE) and one fema le in S1. Pierre on February 20 (LJ ). Northern rjnhtj! : One (the firs t for a CBC) at Grand Barachois on December 20 (RElBS). One, same area, January II (RE). Greater Scaup: We had a record-high oP8 birds in Mique!on during the CBC. last year we had 38 over­wintering birds near the village o f Miquelon. This year num bers rai sed to about 65 individuals that were firs t present on Mirande lake then moved to the sa lt pond near the vill age for the rest of the season. One fema le was presen t in SI. Pierre harbour from January II (BS) to February 11 (LJ). Lesser Sca up : One bird well seen, well photographed and wcll documented was prcsent in SI. Pierre between December 9 and February 15 (m. ob. photos by PA and PB). Tbe bird was seen in company with a female Greater Scaup in S1. Pierre harbour on January 13, February 4 and 10 (PS) and February 15 (PA). ~ One during the Miquelon CBC (FD) Common Fjder: Common as usual : we had 628 birds in Miquelon and 1547 in SI. Pierre during the CSc. Hi ghest estimati on for SI. Pierre is 3800 birds with about 500 of them near Green is land NL on January 17 (Bl). There was a repon ofabaut 1000 birds off rhe harbour ofMique!on on January 3 (Bl). Harlequin puck : O ne fema le was a count week species, of the west coast of Miquelon on December 21 (RElFPAlBS) and one onl y was seen during the SI. Pierre CBC. One adu lt was seen in Miquelon on Janua ry 2 (S l ). There was a maximum of 8 birds off SI. Pierre on December 28 (BS); January 29 and February 10 (LJ ). SurfScoler: Only a few birds of thi s spec ies were present among about 11 5 to 120 scoters ofT the Isthmus on December II (RE). 8 birds on ly were seen during rhe Miquelon eBC (7 by FD ofT the east coast

16 of MiqueJon), About len birds were off Mirande lake on December 30 and 7 on January 29 (RE). One immature was in SI. Pierre harbour between January 31 and Feb. 3 (PA). WhUe=wjngrd Seoter: We had a record-high of892 during the Miquclon CBC, mostly off the east coast of the Isthmus. Fe" other reports, due probably to weather conditions and lack of observers in interesting spots for the species. Black Scoler : Most of the Scoters amongst about 155/120 birds seen off the Isthmus on December II were this species (RE). We had one only off the east coast of MiqueJon during the Miquelon eBC (FD). I had II few birds ofTM irande lake on December 30 while BL had 16 birds ofT the Isthmus. Three birds were off the east coast ofMiquelon 011 Jan. 27 (FD). ~ : As stated evcry year, Seaters are often difficul t to identify to species as they are present mostly off the Isthmus and seen from a low coast and at quite a distance. Numbers reported were 172 on December 30 (BL) ; more than 350 on January 3 (RE) and about 300 on January 29 (BL). Long-tajled Duck : Fairl y common as usual , we had 352 during the Miq uelon CBC and 5 on ly in SI. Pierrc. A few hundreds birds are regularly seen around the coasts (m. ob.). ~ : One male seen in November spent the whole season at Grand Barachois in company with Common Goldeneyes and was present during the Miquelon CBC (RElBS). Common Goldeneye : 89 birds were tallied during the Miquelon CBC. Present as usual at Grand Barachois with about 80 birds on December 30, and about 70 on February 3 (RE). Red-breasted Merganser: We had 163 birds during the Miquelon CBC and 3 onl y in SI. Pierre. Common, here and there as usual. There were 137 at Grand Barachois and about 10 off Mirande lake on December 30 (RE). About one hundred birds were also at Grand Barachois on Jan uary 29 (Bl). ~ : A few birds here and there reported in the three islands: adults and immature, throughout the season, about as usua l (m. ob.). Sharo-shinned Ha",k : One was seen at Cape Miquelon during the Miquelon CBC. One was near DG's feeder on January 9 in St. Pierre. No r thern Coshawk : One at Cape Miquelon on February 24 (B L). Rough-legged Ii;lwk : One bird was seen above Colombier is land during the 51. Pierre CBC (FPAIMD) American Kestrel : One in SI. Pierre on January 10 (FPA). Mtr.li.n : One at Langlade on December 4 (LJ) and two at Cape Miquelon du ring the CBC. ~: One bird of prey, at a di stance, could have been a dark phase Gyr. in Mique lon on February 25. (BL). Pe regrine Falcon : Two different birds were seen on December IS, one on the east coast of Miquelon the other on the Isthmus (RE). 8 other reports, between December 24 and February 21 in SI. Pierre, the Isthmus and Miquelon (JCH/DG/LJ/ PA/BS/FD). American Coot: From the 4 birds present this fall in 51. Pierre, two rcmained there up to January 22 (m. ob.). "They disappeared whi le the domestic duck present on the same pond were removed" (PA). Black-helljed Plover: One bird was at Grand Barachois during the Miquelon CBC (BSfRE) and seen aga in on December 30 (RElBUJM D), January 3 and 6 (RE/LJ). ~ : Last seen two on the banks of Grand Barachois on December II (RE). ~ : 14 were still at Grand Barachois on December 11 (RE). 10 were seen during the Miquelon CBC. One was on the Isthmus on February 4 (LJ). Purnle Sandpiper: Fairly well reported throughout the season. 18 on ly were tallied during the Miquelon CBC and 22 in 5 1. Pierre. Highest numbers were about 80 on south-western Langlade on January 5 (FD), 115 nearthe vi llage ofM iquelon on February 6 and about 50, same area on Feb. 29 (LJ). DG reports about 40 birds in SI. Pierre harbour in February (no precise date). .l!l!.nlin : 9 were near the vi llage of Miquelon on December 17 (RE). We had 10 birds at Grand Barachois du ring the Miquelon CBC. Ten were still at Grand Barachois on January 10 (LJ) and II (RE). Last seen: 5, same area, on January 22 (RE).

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Black-lu::lClcd Gull : Not a single one seen in Miquclon thi s winter. There was a maximum of 16 birds in $1. Pierre on December 5, II and 27 (PA/PB and CBC). 9 were in $1. Pierre harbour February 15 (PA). Bonana rl £,s G ull : One in 5 1. Pierre harbour between January 3 and 24 (BS/PA). Herr in!' Gu ll : 583 and 366 were tallied during Miquclon and $ 1. Pierre CSC, respec ti vely. Icchlnd Gull : 11 3 birds were recorded during the Miquelon CSC. mostly ofT the Isthmus. 162 were mostly in $ 1. Pierre harbour during the Cac. Probably common in $1. Pierre harbour as usual , but rather unreported. A few here and there throughout the season around the coasts ofMiquclon (RE). G laucous G ul! : There were two first year and one second year immature in St. Pierre harbou r on December 3 (PA). Three and Two were recorded in Miquelon and SI. Pierre e Be respecti ve ly. One immature was ofT the West coast of Miquelon on February 8 (RE). Great Black-bllcked Gu l! : 258 and 138 were tallied in Miquelon and SI. Pierre e Be respecti vely. BS saw and adult killing and ea ting a Dovekie in St. Pierre harbour on January 2. ~ The species was abundant during the second fortni ght of December around our coasts as reflected in both e BC with 958 in Miquelon (probably underestimated) and 520 in SI. Pierre (where they were considered less numerous than on previous days) . Several other reports of lower numbers to mid­January (FPA/ BS/RE/ PB/BLlMO). Common Murre: One on ly during St. Pierre CBe (BU LJ) . Thick-hjlJed Murre : 9 during Miquelon CBC. ~: One ofT the Isthmus during the Miquelon e Be (RElBS). Black G uillemot : Fairly common around our coast as usual . 23 only were seen during Miquelon e Be and 67 in 51. Pierre. These rather low numbers are probably due to bad weat her conditions. Atl antic Puffin: Two we ll seen in 51. Pierre during the e Be (FPAlM D) Rock Dove: 20 in Miquelon and 22 in St.Pierre during the CBCs Mo urning pove : One onl y in SI. Pierre during the eBC (SA). One at DG's feeder between January 6 and 10. ~ : One only in Miquelon on January 3 (JCH). One in 5t. ])icrre airport reported by Yannick James on February 29. (fide PB). Northern Elicker : One was seen during the Miquclon CBC near the east coast (FD). One seen in 51. Pierre on January 18 and 2 1 (MDIF PA ) and one, also in 51. Pierre on Eebruary 21 (MD). Northern Shrike: 4 rcports, all in St. Pierre, one bird at a lime on December 25 (BS); January 9 (SA); January 28, February 9 and 10 (FPA). ~: One onl y seen in SI. Pierre between December 5 and February 21 - including the CBC- (BLI EPAISA/MD). FPA had 3 birds in 51. Pierre on February 29. American Crow : 14 on ly in Miqueton during the CBC and 41 in St. Pierre . Common Ra\'cn : 11 3 during the Miquelon CBC and 9 only in 51. Pierre. (·Iorned Lark : 26 birds were tallied during the Miquelon CBC, most ly on the Isthmus. One was a count week bird for St. I)ierrc CBC on December 25 (PB). Rather unusual were 4 birds seen in 5t. Pierre from January 9 to 22 (BS/PB/PA). One was in the village of Miquelon on February 13 (RE). Two and onc bird were near the village of Miquelon on February 29 (JMD/BL) and (RE) respecti ve ly. Borea l C hickadee: 14 only during the Miquelon CBe. and 57 in St. Pierre. FPA had 4 birds throughout December at their feeder. Go lden-crowned Kinglet: Onc only during the Mique lon e BC and 3 in 5t. Pierre (the species seems low in thc islands, possibly underreported ?). One was at Cape Miquelon on Jan uary II (FO). Ruby-c rowned Ki nolet : Two in St. Pierre during the CBC. Hermit T hrush: One in St. Pierre on December 12 (PA) was close to the record late of Dec. 13 ( 1978) American Robin : One on ly was seen during Miquelon e BC on the cast coast of Miquelon (FPA). 20 reports throughout the season, mostly in St. Pierrc (m. ob.) with a maximum of 4 birds togclher on Janua ry 11 (MO).

18 Northern Mockinobird : One in the town ofSt. Pierre reported 4 times between December I and January 10 (U /PA). The bird, photographed by PA shows an obvious cross-bi ll ! . ["concan Starling: 42 were tal li ed in the vi llage of Miquelon during the CBC and 177 in the town of S1. Pierre. American Pipit: One in S1. Pierre on December 13 (PA). One only at the Cape Miquelon duri ng the CBC ; 2 or 3 in St. Pierre on December 25 (PS) and 5, same area, on December 27 during the SI. Picrrc CBC. Bohemia n Waxwinv : 10 reports, vcry few birds at a lime between December 24 and January 31 in the 3 islands (m. ab.). Max imum 5 in St. Pierre on January 25 (LJ). Yellow-rumped Warbler ; All records for St. Pierre: onc on December I (LJ); one between December 22 and 24 at DG's feeder became a CBC count week species for Sf. Pierre. One was still at DG's feeder on January 10 and II. Canada Warbler : One bird well seen at Cape Miquelon (JCH) on December 20 and 2 1 Yellow-breasted C hat : One was at DG 's feeder regularly between December 19 and January 6. American Tree Sparrow: One only in Miquelon on January 11 (FD). Savannah Snarrow : One in S1. Pierre on January 30 and February 23 (MD). We have several occurrences up to January 16 but it is the first February sighting. Fox Sparrow: One, at least, in SI. Pierre between December 10 and January 3 1 (FPAlSAlFD). One at Lang lade on January 10 (FD). One throughout the month of February at FPA's feeder in SI. Pierre. Song Sparrow : A few birds are over-wintering in St. Pierre, more or less as usual around feeders (FPAI DG/SAIM D/BS). One was at Langlade on January 10 (FD). Swam p Sparrow: One in Miquelon on December 25 (JCH). We had two b irds in SI. Pierre during the CBC. White-throated Sparrow: Five were talli ed during the St. Pierre CBC. Two birds were at FPA's feeder

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in December and January. One was present throughout the winler at U 's feeder in SI. Pierre and at Jh • Orsiny's feeder in Miquelon. P ark-eyed Junco: One only duri ng Miquelon CBC (FPA) 51 were seen, mostly at feeders , during the SI. Pierre CBC. Severa l birds in various feeders in SI. Pierre throughout the season for a maxi mum of 40 to 45 at FPA's feeder in January. Lapland Longspur : Two birds well seen near the village ofMiquelon on January 18 (RE). Snow Bunting : A few here and there throughout the season. About 40 birds were on the Isthmus on December II (RE). 201 were tallied during the Mique lon CBC, mostly on the Isthmus. 5 onl y were seen in St. Pierre CBC. ~ : One at U's feeder on December I. One became a count week sp. for S1. Pierre CBC on December 28 (LJ). Pine Grosbeak: 4 on southern Miquelon on December 3 (LJ). Two only during the CBC on the east coast ofMiquelon (F PA ). 3 onl y were seen in St. Pierre during the CBC. Six were on the east coast ofMiquelon on January 3 (Bl). Rather unusua l was a flock of about 40 birds in Miquelon on January 13 (FD). One pair was in the middle of Miquelon on February 25 (RE). Purple Finch : A few here and there, mostly at feeders and in SI. Pierre for a maximum of8 on February 4 (PB) and 9 on February 23 (MO) In Mique10n there was about 8 birds at Joseph Ors iny's feeder for a few days in late February. Red Crossbill: One was a CBC coun t week species for SI. Pierre on December 28 (LJ). White=winged C rosshill : 18 were seen at Cape Mique)on during the CBC. A few other reports, few birds at a li me up to February 4 (FDfFPAlDGfPB). DG had two birds at his feeder throughout the month of February. Com mon Redpoll: A few here and there, mostly in St. Pierre wi th 8 during SI. Pierre CBC, up to the end e of January. More common in February with about 80 at PB 's feeder from February 22 on; 15, 18 & 2 1 on February 14,24 & 27, respectively (MD); about 40 at U 's feeder from February l i on; between 30 and

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19 40 a l 8 S's feeder from February li on. In Miquclon 7 were near the North·east coast on January 6 (RE); Eleven at Cape Miquc lon on January 11 ( FD), about 12 nea r Mirande lake on January 29 (FO) and 3 ncar the west coast on Fcbmary 25 (RE). Hoa ry Rcdnoll : One photographed by PB at hi s feeder with severa l COlllmon Rcdpolls on February 23. One at 8S's feeder on February 28. Pine Siskin: Reported for SI. Picrrc only, a few between Janua ry 26 and February 14 for a maximum of 18 at PB 's feeder on FehnHlry 4; about 10 throughout the month at FPA's fceder; and about 8 at U's feeder from Feb. li on. American Coldfinch : Fai rly common in SI. Pierre. Two were hea rd in Miquclon during the e BC and $1. Pierre tallied 59 birds during the same even!. Common on vari ous feeders for most of the season. On was with the Red poll s in Miquelon on Janua ry 29 and two at Jh Orsiny's feeder for a few days at the end of February. Evening Crosbeak : On was a count week for SI. Pierre e BC on December 29 (LJ). "'ouse Sparrow : 70 were talli ed in the village of Miquelon during the CBC and 101 in 51. Pi crrc. DG reports about 10 throughout the month of December at his feeder.

Conlrjhulon;: : Frederic & Patric ia Allen-Mane ( FPA); Sylvic Allen-Mane (SA); Pascal Asselin (PA); Patrick Boez (PB); Jean-Michel Deforge (JMD); Marc Deriblc (MO); Frederic Disnard (FD): Dominique GOtlvcmc (OG); Jacky and Christine Hebert (JCH): Laurent Jackman (LJ); Bruno Letourncl (BL), Bruno Starck (BS).

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Winter 2002 - 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Bird Report

by Paul Linegar

Four Red-throated Loons between Biscay Bay and Portugal Cove South on February 22 made an exceptionally high mid-winter number for Newfoundland (B. Mactavish, J. Clarke, D. Phelan). The only Pied-billed Grebe for the season was one in St. John's Harbour on December 6 (8M). Two Horned Grebes in Biscay Bay in early January may have been the same birds that were present at that location last winter (T. Boland, T. Smith). An adult Northern Gannet off Cape Spear on December 7 constituted a very late record for the Ava lon Peninsu la (8M, J. Wells, K. Know les). Overwintering waterfowl of note included a Wood Duck at St. John 's, a Gadwall at Bay Bulls, two Eurasi an Wigeons at 51. John's, four or five Eurasian Green-winged Teals at SI. John's and another at Harbour Grace, and 10 Tufted Ducks and three Lesser Scaup at 51. John 's (v.o.). There was a healthy total of 93 Harlequin Ducks tallied during the December 21 Cape S1. Mary's CSC and a remarkably high count of 20 on the December 14 Cape Race esc (BM). A hybrid Common x Ba rrow's Goldeneye at Spaniard's Bay on January 19 was perhaps the first such combination for the province (P. Linegar, 8M). Two female Hooded Mergansers overwintered at S1. John 's for a third consecutive year (v.o.).

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Individual Rough-legged Hawks were found during the winter at the S1. John 's landfi ll on January 31 (BM) and SI. Vincent's on February 23 (8M, JC, DP). Merlins are rarely seen during the winter but this year one caroused the SI. John 's area through February (PL, BM el al.). There were two Gyrfa lcons sighted at Cape Spear in late March ( I. Goudie, M. Pannenter) and an adult Peregrine Falcon dined on avian prey through most of the winter in and around S1. John's (v.o). Additional Peregrine Falcon sightings e were individuals at Cape Broyle December 28 (PL et al.), and Cape Spear on January 22 (BM). A hardy Sandhill Crane resided in the Goulds, SI. John 's through the period (8M el al.). Most notable of the late shorebirds was a Black-bellied Plover at Port HamlDn, Stephenvi lle on January 3 (8. Winsor) .

The adul t Mew G ull at S1. John's in November was last observed on December 4 (BM), and later in the season there was a second winter bi rd on January 2 (8M) and an adult between January 31 and February 5 (JC). A first win ter Eu ropea n Herring Gu ll was detected amongst the large flock ofguJl s at the S1. John's landfi ll on February 2 (8M). An adult YELLOW- LEGGED GULL was photographed at Quidi Vidi Lake, S1. John's on December 9 and II (8M, D. Brown), and on January 31 what appeared to be the same individual was found with another adult of this species at the S1. John 's landfill (8M).

A few of the 13 Mourning Dove at Labrador City - Wabush during December survived the winter at bird feeders (c. Davis). A Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Point Lance on December 21 was a very late occurrence (I. Jones). The third record of a MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD for the province was an individual seen in Mount Pearl on December 7 (08). Of con tinental signifi cance was the discovery of a REDWI NG with a large flock of American Robins on January 12 - 13 in the east end ofS1. John 's (BM, PL, DP). This is the 7'h provincial record and I I th record for North America. The annua l influx of robins and waxwings into the S1. John's area during late November and December reached a peak in mid·January that totaled about 2000 American Robins, 750 Bohemian Waxwings, and about 50 Cedar Waxwings. The flocks all but disappeared after heavy snows during the third week of January (v.o.). A Northern Mockingbi rd was • reported from Bay Bulls on January 5 (fide A. Hughes).

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21 As a result of the unseasonab ly early frost and snow on the Island during lat c November, few of the lingering warb lers survived into December. The latest sighting oronly two Ycllow-rumpcd Warblers for the season was at SI. John 's 0 11 6 January (D. Fifield). A Pine Warbler attended a fceder at Lewisportc on December 1 (JC). The latest of two Black-a nd-white Warblers in 51. John's was on December 12 (TB), and a Yellow-breasted Ch~lt survived in the east end of the city until at least December 9 (J. Seine; M. Fitzgerald; DF). A Lincoln 's Sparrow endured the season in St. John 's (8M). and another did likewise at Elliston (J . Joy). The on ly Dickcisse l was an individual discovered at St. Bride 's during the December 21 Cape SI. Mary's eBC (PL, J. Prau). A few Red Crossb ills were detected from lime to time near Cape Spear during late fall and winter, including at least two j uven il es on December 7 (8M).

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January 2004.

104ND A 'NUAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT TIIOMAS 110WE FOREST I GANDER AND AREA

December 26,h 2003 brought mild temperatures, drizzle and fog on Gander and Areas fourth Christmas Birdcoun!. A lota l of ten fie ld observers and some six feeder stations documented sightings in and around spec ified areas of Gander, Appleton & Glenwood. Always common in mild weather, feeder activity was quite low which accounted for an overall low total numbers count. Species though, at thirty (30) was highest in our four years of runmng thi s event.

Sight ings ora Dickcissel, Common Grackle & Ruby-crowned King let by Jared Clarke during his Appleton! Glenwood rounds and a Northern Mockingbird found by Nick (Soper) and Brian (Mclaren) helped boost the species counl. Also of mention should be the White-throated Sparrow (John Lush) and the American Tree Sparrow s ighted during count week by both John and Kevin Donahue. A Ye llow-throated Warbler was also observed at Alex Cumby's feeder one day prior to count.

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All and all this year's CBC went quite well and in this our thanks go to Nick and Brian who orchestrated the day's event and to all others who got a chance to get in a little exercise in a fine fun-related activity It wi th some fifteen ( 15.5) plus total hours offield observation. We also thank the Thomas Howe Forest Foundation for providing a post-event refreshment meet. Before we know it the fi rst Robins will be ca lling in our backyards and other songbirds will shonl y follow!

Happy New Year. and good birding in 2004.

J Kevin Butler eBC Count Compiler

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4TH THOMAS HOWE FOREST I GANDER & AREA CHRISTMAS BIRDCOUNT

• DECEMBER 26TH 2003

FleldObser'lers' Species'

Feec\erWatchers" 31 " " 27

Thomas Howe ~ Demonstration Forest

~ ". , ~ B i ) ~ j ~ j ~ 5 " ~ ~ m

~ "E il ~ ~ ~ I !j ~ ] .~ ~ ~ i:l ~

~ j ,:! ] 'l z ~ SPECIES

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1 Greater Black-Backed Gutl

2 HerringGuJl 10' 102 15 95 208

3 IcelandGuU

4 Common Goldeneye 18 18 23 23 28

• 5 Common MergBnser

• Bufflehead

7 EuropeanSI3r1ing 70 58 128 " " 73

8 Common Raven .. " " 67 .. 9 AmencanCrow 91 19 127 162 132 279

10 Black-cappedChickadee 10 11 13 14 32 12 10 16 ". 128 I" " 11 Boreal Chickadee \1 " 15

12 White.wlngedCrossbili 25

13 Pine Grosbeak 11 11 " .. 14 Evening Grosbeak 10 92 111 • 228 210 222 203

15 American Goldfinch 25 42 67

16 Cedar Waxwing 27

11 Bohemilln Waxwing '" 167

18 PurplflFlnch

19 PlneSisken 30 34 51

20 Common Redpoll 76

21 Dark .. yedJuncD 10 12 22 12 " 222 139 122

22 American Robin

23 While-throat Sparrow

• " HOUHSparrow 15 31 " .. " 25 FOlSparrow"'(cw)

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" Golden-crownedKinglet

27 Downey Woodpecker 13 21

28 Red-breastedNlllhatch • " Easlern Brown Creeper

30 Hairy Woodpecker 12

31 Mourning Dove

J2 Blue Jay " 2J 16 33 12

33 Gray Jay

34 Willow Ptannigan

35 Bald Eagla

36 Dickcissel

J7 Common Grnc:kle

38 Northern Mockingbird

39 Northern Goshawk

40 Sharp-shinned Hawk

41 Ruby-crownedKlnglet

42 Yellow·thtoatedWarbler

" American Tree Sparrow

TOTALS 1017 1216 1627 1233

FIELD TIME (HOURS) 1.5 5., 3.' 4.' 5.0 40 3.0 15.5

cW"'!een during count • ... ,. TotatSpecies; 31

TOlalBirds: 1077

Weather:Verylighi drlulel fog. Temperature+3C.

Water Running andstiU water open.

Snowonground:12cm.

Complier J Kevin Butler

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Nature Sketches PA INT ED LADY BUTT ERFLY

Vanessa cardui by A. Glen Ryan

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The Painted Lady is likely the most widespread butterfly in the world. It is found almost everywhere except in the deep tropi cs and the Arctic icecaps. It occurs on every continent except Australia and Antarcti ca, the reason for one or its common names. the Cosmopolitan! Its pre ferred habitat is open or disturbed areas including old fi elds. gardens, and roads ides. It is parti cularly fond of open sunny fie lds with thistles, especia lly the Canada Th istl e in Newfoundland, where large num bers sometimes congregate in late summer, resulting in sti ll another common name, the Th istle Butterfly.

The Painted Lady belongs to th e Nympha lidae, or brush-footed butterfl ies. They appear to have 4 legs instead o f 6. The front legs are much sma ller and use less fo r wa lking. They are hairy and brushlike in appearance and are held forward close to the head. The Briti sh ca ll th em "Aristocrat Butterflies", a term devised by early entomo logists for large and co lorful butterfl ies w ith such nob le sounding names as Painted Lady. It is orange with pinkish overtones and has a wingspan of 42·66 mm. The underside has 4 sma ll sub·marginal cyespots which help d istingu ish it from the much ra rer American Lady which has 2 eyespots.

The tiny eggs are la id singly on the upper surface of the host plant, preferab ly thistl es, but other composites such as daisy and everlasting are used as well . The caterpillar (spi ny, black and ye ll ow) makes a sil k nest on the top of the lea f where it feeds. The chrysalis hangs frolllthe food plant and hatches after 2 weeks.

The adults a re very acti ve and nervous. They are very powerful , swift fl yers and have been clocked at speeds of 13 • 15 kmlhour during migration. The adult males take up perches in the late afternoon. on a promontory or the lee of a large tree.

The Painted Lady is a hi ghly migratory butterfl y that is sporadi c in appearance. It can be abundant one year and scarce the nex t. Apparent ly, it cannot survive the cold in any of its stages so it does not normally overwinter in Canada or even the United States, except perhaps the extreme southwest. It is thought that migration starts in Mexico and spreads northwa rd, with the firs t migranls appearing in Newfound land in late May, and Labrador by mid·July. Adults are then seen until mid·Octobcr on the island and mid· September in Labrador. It breeds extensive ly throughout Newfoundland, with a new generat ion on the w ing by late August when thi stles are blooming. It has been recorded north to Hopedale and Knob Lake in Labrador. It is doubtful whether the new generation fl ies south in the fa ll ; presumably, they die with the cold of fa ll.

Observations about its migration to, or from, Newfoundland are lacki ng. I have found on ly one note by Mr. Bernard Jackson, referring to a " tired, newly arri ved Painted Lady butterfly feeding from the flower of a Labrador Tea."

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Preliminary notice III

NEWFOUNDLAND FOltAY 2004 A NAMA RegLoMt ForPoM. spol1Sored b~ The Hu.mber Natw.raL HLsto~ SOcie~

September 17-19 ~ Killdevil Lodge, Gros Morne National Park

A UNESCO World Hentage Site

~ Greg Thorn Prof of Mycology, University of Westem

Ontario, London, ON <http://publlsh.uwo,ca/-rgthom/>

Lorelei Norvell Ed,tor·in·Chief, Mycotaxon <httpJI'NW'N_pnw-ms,com/>

Ken Harrison BIologist. Forest Service, Fredericton, NB Roger Smith Wildlife photographer, University of New

Brunswick, Frederick/on, N8 <http://www sllverlishphoto.comlRoger.Bio.html>

Faye Murrin Prof of MycoJogy. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador; SI John 's

Gary Warren Mycologist, Forest Service, Comer Brook Michael BurzynsXi BiokJgist, Gros Morna Andrus Voitk Organizer OTHERS TBA

EQBAYli Small groups With knowledgeable leaders WlU pick along the walking trails of Gros Marne National Park

AIM to learn to identify wild mush­rooms and document the speCIeS in Gros Mome. Expect to find over 200 Species Permit for picking ~ ~ obtained from Gros Morne.

A wonderful chance for the amateur naturalist to leam about mushrooms beside professionals and seasoned mycophl1es , as well as a chance for the advanced mycophile to share experiences with the like-minded.

Recomm.nd. d f1.ld Quid .; George Barron: Mushrooms of On/aoo and Eastern Canada

~ • 1-2 slide presentation(s) on topics mycological each day • Mushroom photo exhibit in nearby OISCOVE!fy Centre. • Sessions on mushroom photography, archiving

~ 1. The people of Newfoundland and labrador through the Depanmeot of EnVIronment and ConseNabon, Hon Tom Osborne. Minister 2. The Western Newfoundland Model Forest 3. Gtos Moma National Park

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• Specimens will be identified, labelled and put on display • Species Ust will be published

~ • Reception Fri PM, hosted by the Han Tom Osborne, MHA, Minister, Department of Environment and Conservation. • Gourmet mushroom cook-up Saturday before supper. • Live play, "Interview with a Fungus", directed by author Diana Pleninger. • Wash own dishes

~ Around $150 (CAD).

PLEASE NOTE' 1. p'aces are limned Last year we were overfilled. Registrants wit be added on a first-come-first­served basis. 2. Accommodations at the KilldevW renect its summer camp nature bunk beds and dorms, all single bed • . 3. The FORAY will take place rain or shine. 4. This program is .lmli1i!!i., 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 chal"lge.

REGISTER btUbre the end oj June to mke a.tiVR.t1.­t"!l' of tke.fUll $30 '''riy-"'''' pre"""",'

REGISTRATION ' 1. Agreement & Registration Form, and other ioforma­lion available I downloadable at HNHS web site <http://www.swgc.mun.calhnhs>. as weI! as Report & Booklet of tast yr's Foray. 2. Please read, download & print what you require 3. Mall cheque, Agreement, Registration Form to

Ms Leah Soper 30 Aliens Rd Comer Brook NL A2H 3T9 Canada

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

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The Tuck/Walters Award

This award is flamed in memOl)l (if D/: Leslie M. Tllck (lnd Captain Han)1 IValters

Dr. Lcs Tuck was Newfoundland 's first Dominion Wi ldlife Ornecr, and j'larry Wallers was the Director of thc Newfoundland Rangers Forcc. Followin g Confederati on with Canada. Dr. Tuck headed thc Canadian Wildlife Servicc in the province· a pos ition hc held for more than twenty- fi vc years. In thc latter pan oflti s long and distinguished career. Dr. Tuck held Ihe L. J. Paton Research Pro fessorship in thc Psyschology Dcpanmcnt o f Memorial Uni versity. He was instrumental in the reactivat ion orlhc Natura l History Society in thc I 950·s. Ca ptain Ha r ry Walters served for many years as the Head of the Newfoundland Wildl ife Division, which hc was instrumental in establishing.

Both Walters. working provincially, and Tuck, working fedemlly, wefe instrumental in establi shing our province's first seabird reserves (Funk Island. Cape 51. Mary ·s. Witless Bay, and Hare Bay) and the fonner Avalon Wilderness Area. Their combined e rTort s put natural history awareness, protection and appreciation on a solid footing in Newfoundland and LabradOf. Although they were empl oyed in resource conservation and management careers. their enthusiasm and dedication tmnscended their duties. and it is for these qualities that the society has chosen to honor their memory with this award.

The Tuck/Wallers Award is discretionary - it docs not have to be given out every year. On the other hand. it may be given to more than one rec ipient if the Nominating Committee fecls this is appropriate. Successful candidates arc individuals who have mude outstanding a nd endurin g co ntributions to the adva ncement of natural history appreciation and protection in Newfoundland and Labrlldor, oulsidl' thl' parameters of th eir employment responsibilitil's .

TuckJ\Va Uers Award Winner s

Dr. Don Barton George Brinson Bill Davis Dr. John Gibson Dr. Lesli e Harris Stephen Herder Charlie Horwood Bernard Jackson

Gregory Mitchell Michael Nolan Dr. Harold Peters Dr. Roger Tor)' Pele rson Tony Power Dr. Don Steele Clyde Tuck

For more information or to rn akl' a nomination for I ill' Tuekl\VaUers Award, eonl aet

Dr. Bill Montevecch i. Chair Tuck/Walters Awards Comm ittee

Cognitive and Behavioml Ecology Progmlll Memorial Un iversity of Newfoundland

51. John 's, NL A lB 3X9

Telephone: 737-7673 E-mai l: mOI1I@morgan.ucs. mun.ca

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The Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador Membership Application

Name: Dale: Addrcs-s:---- -------::C::-it,--y-::rr:-o-w-n-: ------ Province:

Code: .~,--,--________ Counlry/St~ltc if not in Canada ___ _ E-mail address: _______ ::;:-______ --;-_______ _ Tcicilhonc - home: ______ office: ______ fax : ___ _ Renewing members:

_ continue Osprey from last received issue

_ continue Osprey with next issue

Mailing address for Society publication "The Osprey" (if different from above):

I would like to become morc actively involved in the activities of the Society: _ Planning outdoor acth'ilies _ Outdoor Education Programs _ Indoor Education Programs _ Environmenta l Advocacy _ L.etterwriting _ Planning monthly meetings _ Contributing 10 the Osprey

Olh('r _______ _

My interests arc: (Please be spec ific. 10 help us wi th our program planni ng.) birds? wildflowers? animals? marine mammals? indoor events? indoor work· shops? outdoor events? wa lking? interpretive walks? hiking? cross-country skii ng? canoeing? cycli ng? back-pack camping? winter camping? Other: __________________________ _

Annualmcmbership fcc enclosed: $ 25.00

My donation to the society (II lux recei t will be issued):

Society Lapel Pins: (iil $3.00 euch

Society Jacket C rests: (QI 54.00 each

Bird C hecklists 50.50,3/5 1.00 )00/525.00

Total to cheque/money order enclosed:

P/eaJe make YOllr cheqlle payable 10: "The Natura l History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador " and send it together with this fonn to:

The Membership Coo rdinator The Nlltural History Society of Newfoundland a nd Lahrador P.O. Box )013 St. John ' s, NLAIC 5M3

Bring this form to the next regular Society meeting at The Memorial Unh'ersity Botanical Garden on the THIRD TnURSDAY of each month from September to June. No meetings during July and August.

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Rarities - Only from the Natural History Society

Getting 10 Know the Weeds - the Collected Writings of Charli e Horwood. Charlie was <l faithfu l and long-serving member of the Society. He was also a thoughtfu l and insightful naturalist wi th a gift for capturing hi s vies of tile natural world, in writing. This 160 page book reproduces over fifty of Charlie 's best short pieces.

Soft cover $14.95

Society Lapel Pins - Back by popular demand. These four-co lor enamel pins reproduce the Society's "Osprey", originally designed by John Maunder, in blue, brown and white on a gold back: Oval.

Lanel Pins $3.00

Society Jacket C.-cst - NEW! These crests are based on the origina l "half moon" design drawn by Newfound land art ist Reginald Shepherd. They feature a sty lized osprey snatching a fish. They are embroidered in five co lours, and are approx imately 4" wide by I 3/4" high.

Embroidered Crest $4.00

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

Membershio $?5.00

The Wild Things Scholarship

The Natura l History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador conducts the competit ion for the Wild Things Scholarship. This annual $500 scholarship is sponsored by Wild Things, a nature gift shop in 51. John 's, NL. It is awarded to a post-secondary student recognize their comminment to the environment and natural history of the province as evidenced by their volunteer naturali st activities. Application forms can be found on our website: www.nhs.nf.ca

Past Recipients

Lynn Hanery Elaine Goudie Helen Manning Tammy Legge Michael Sharpe Cra ig Purchase

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

Susan Pollie 1998 Andrea Carew, Joe l Heath 1999 Laura Wareham 2000 Alana Yorke 200 I Diana Cardoso 2002 Juliana Coffey 2003