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FEBRUARY 2002, No. 33

UP COMING EVENTS !

The Kennebecasis Naturalist Society usually meets on the 4th Monday of the month at St. Paul's United Church at 7:30 pm.

Monday, Feb. 25: Jim Wilson will give an illustrated talk on "Birding in Southwest Texas".

The Wilsons made the trip in April, 2001 when they left NB in a late snowstorm on the 17th and returned to bare ground on the 28th. They flew in to San Antonio, then drove the following day, 500 miles west along the Mexican border to Big Bend National Park.

They spent the next five days exploring the desert and the nearby mountains. On the 24th they returned east to the Edwards Plateau, a unique area about 100 miles northwest of San Antonio and searched for three days, the more lush hill country for specialty species as Black-capped Vireo and Golden-cheeked Warbler. They concluded the trip with two days in the beautiful city of San Antonio, where they took in the annual Fiesta celebrations and visited such historic sites as the Alamo.

Monday, Mar. 25: Scott Makepeace will give an illustrated talk on "Yellow Warblers". Scott has been studying the Yellow Warbler and its habitat.

Monday, Apr. 22: Dwayne Sabine, Biologist, Species at Risk Program, Dept. of Natural Resources & Energy, Fredericton, will present a program on "Freshwater Mussels of New Brunswick". He hopes to bring some specimens along!

Monday, May 27: TBA

March 2 - Snowshoeing with Jim & Carol
We'll meet at their place, 1377 Knightville Road (just beyond Giermindl's Restaurant) around 1:00 or 1:30. Jim promises hot soup afterwards. If anyone has extra snow shoes, please let us know at the next meeting.

March 30 - Owl prowl.
This is always a very pleasant outing. Jim Brown provides the sound effects and leads the way. All the rest of us have to do is enjoy the peaceful night and await an owl's reply. Last year's prowl took us to the Picadilly area and proved very successful. We'll meet at Tim Horton's (centre of town) at 7:30.

April 27 - Annual Jemseg Waterfowl Tour
This is usually a full day tour that takes us through Long Creek and Jemseg to Maugerville and usually up to Cumberland Bay, then back to Lower Cambridge. It's a great opportunity to see a great variety of ducks, as well as ospreys, bald eagles, herons, and maybe even a nest of owls. The highlight is always the painted turtles that love to sun themselves on floating logs near the side of the road. I hope you'll give this field trip a try. You'll soon understand why it has become an annual event. Bring your binoculars, warm clothes, a lunch and a camera.

May 18-20 - Grand Manan
This is also an annual event. Whether you book your own accommodations or join the group at Sea Surf Cottages, you will find this a great weekend for bird watching. The island will be swarming with bird-watchers from beginners to experts. It doesn't take long to get to know the best spots, and information on good sightings travels fast. Cardinals guaranteed! For more information see Carol McFarlane, Jim Brown, or Donna Monahan.

June 15 - Cumberland Road (Vinegar Hill)
We will visit the Monahan's woodlot and explore Wilcox Brook. Hopefully we will see lots of wildflowers and perhaps some fresh moose tracks. If you can't stand the bugs you can go back to the camp and make the tea. Meet at Tim Horton's (centre of town) at 9 am. Lunch will be provided.

June 20 - Fern Walk at Cotter Hollow
Gart Bishop will take us on one of his favorite walks and talk about some of his favorite plants, ferns. If you've ever been on a field trip with Gart you'll know this is one not to be missed! Bring a jeweler's glass or magnifying glass if you have one. We'll meet at Tim Horton's (centre of town) at 6:30 and try to be home before dark.

July 21 - Blue Heron Nests near Hampton
If you ever drive on the new highway between Hammond River and Hampton, be sure to look (on both sides of the road) for the tallest, straggliest pine trees. You will soon notice that many of them (perhaps dozens) contain blue heron nests – often three per tree. Or, you can join us for a nice Sunday evening drive to the very best spot for viewing. We will meet at Tim Horton's (centre of town) at 6:30.

August 24 - Geology and Geomorphology – Urney
Brian Roulston has agreed to lead a walk on his property in the Urney area that will take us to a ridge of exposed limestone cliffs. Brian will explain the interesting geology and geomorphology of the area. There is also a nice pond on the property for a cool swim after our walk. Meet us at Tim Horton's (centre of town) at 2 pm.

November - Mitham's Walk

December - Christmas Bird Count
The Christmas Bird Count is held throughout the province (and beyond) between mid-December and early January. Counters in the Sussex area select one day, spread out to cover as much of the area as possible, and get together to compile results. Jim Brown is our compiler. If you know your Peterson's – we need you. If not, it is a wonderful opportunity to tag along with someone who does. See Jim Brown for more details.

Evening Outings
We have lots of ideas for evening outings and would like to encourage anyone with an idea to organize something. Just call Donna Monahan (432-6191) and I will inform the telephone committee. Here are a few suggestions:

• Orland's Walk
• Lower Norton Shore Road
• Chimney swifts
• Decourcey Lake
• Lady's Slipper walk
• Hampton Nature trails
• O'Connell Property
• Dutch Valley Bluff
• Butternut Ridge
• Mushrooms