seasonal summary putative pine siskin x american behind

N O V A S C O T I A B I R D S | 1 Volume 61, Issue 3|Spring 2019

Putative Pine Siskin x American Goldfinch Hybrids in Nova Scotia Page 20

Behind the Oculars: Jason DainPage 24

Seasonal Summary Spring 2019Page 7

N O V A S C O T I A B I R D S | 2

The Nova Scotia Bird Society is a registered charitable organization run by volunteers that promotes the study and conservation of wild birds in Nova

Scotia. Since its establishment in 1955, the society has grown into the largest Natural History group in the province. Serving about 600 members, we have

much to offer anyone interested in birds and birding.

Browse through our website (www.nsbirdsociety.ca) for a sample of what we do, and feel free to send us an email ([email protected]) if you would

like more information.

Vol. 61, Issue 3 Spring 2019

Published

ISSN

038

3-95

37

Jan 2020


President David Currie

Vice President Dr. Diane LeBlanc

Treasurer Dr. Gillian Elliott

Secretary Dr. Sylvia Craig

Membership Dr. Ulli Hoeger

ConservationKate Steele

Field Trip CoordinatorAngela Millard

Editor-in-chiefAlix d’Entremont

Southwest ChapterDr. John Kearney

DirectorsTony MillardBlaine MacDonald

Honorary SolicitorK.H. Anthony Robinson QC

Internal ReviewerRuth E. Smith

Board 2018-2019

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE:nsbirdsociety.ca

RARE BIRD ALERT:groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/ns-rba

Nova Scotia Bird Societyc/o The Nova Scotia Museum1747 Summer Street Halifax, NS B3H 3A6

ContentsEditor’s ForewordSeasonal Summary

Putative Pine Siskin x American Goldfinch Hybrids in Nova ScotiaBehind the Oculars: Jason Dain

COVER: Chuck-will’s-widow at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax May 22. The overall warm colouration and long pri-mary projection past the secondaires and tertials are some of the features that separate Chuck-Will’s-Widows from the similar Eastern Whip-poor-will. Photo by Simon d’Entremont

47

20

24


EditorAlix d’Entremont

Layout EditorMohsin Khan

Copy EditorsSusann MyersThea E. Smith

Section EditorsAlix d’EntremontJason DainKen McKennaNancy DowdRichard SternRick WhitmanRoss HallSteven McGrath

eBird managementKeith Lowe

Photo & Records Submissions: Submit photos and other itemsfor publication by email to: [email protected]

For information about current events, visit the NSBS website at nsbirdsociety.ca, or email Angie Millard at:[email protected]

Use of written material or photos from Nova Scotia Birds needs permission from either the Editor or photographer. Cost of this publication is partly provided by the Nova Scotia Museum.

Editor’s ForewordAlix d’Entremont

The bird of the season was certainly the Chuck-will’s-widow at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax; however, the two Ruffs, a Franklin’s

Gull, a Western Meadowlark, three Worm-eating Warblers, and two Painted Buntings were nothing to be ashamed of. The most useful reports for conservation researchers aren’t of the rarities, but of our more common species. This issue debuts Nancy Dowd’s eBirding Tips, where she will provide guidance on how to share your daily observations on eBird efficiently and in a way that is most useful to potential researchers.

We are very fortunate to have wonderful documentation of three strong candidates of Pine Siskin x American Goldfinch hybrids in Nova Scotia. At a quick glance they appear quite similar to Pine Siskins, but when you start to look at all of the features, some things don’t quite look right. Have a read, look at the photos – you never know, maybe you’ll get one at your feeder during winter?

Details of two research projects are shared with readers. One involving determining success of wood lath A-frame nesting shelters for Common Eiders began this year, mostly in the southwest, but will likely expand to other parts of the province in the coming years (see page 9). This spring Herring Gulls were fitted with GPS trackers on Whitehead Island and Bon Portage Island to provide another group of researchers with details on the gull’s use of anthropogenic food sources (see page 12).

Enjoy!

Please contact me at [email protected] if you have comments or new content ideas, or if you are interested in contributing to the magazine.


The map above gives the names of all the counties of Nova Scotia (always in italics). Below is a list of frequently used

abbreviations and acronyms to save space. Also, cardinal and or-dinal compass directions may be abbreviated (as w., n.e., etc.) and capitalized when part of a place name. Bird names in the Sea-sonal Summary are in full caps when first mentioned and rare ones (those missing or with asterisks on the NSBS Field Checklist, 2014) in BOLD font.

GENERAL TERMS

ABO = Atlantic Bird Observatory (reports from) AOS = American Ornithologists’ Society (formerly “Union”)ad. = adultAtlas, or MBBA = Maritimes Breeding Bird Atlas BBS = Breeding Bird SurveyBch., bch. = Beach, beachBrk. = Brookca. = approximatelyCBC = Christmas Bird CountCOSEWIC = Committee on Status of Endangered Wildlife in CanadaCWS = Canadian Wildlife ServiceDLF = Department of Lands and ForestryDU = Ducks Unlimited (wetlands)f. = femalefide = on the authority of

AnnapolisAntigonish

Cape BretonColchester

CumberlandDigby

GuysboroughHalifaxHants

InvernessKings

LunenburgPictou

QueensRichmondShelburne

VictoriaYarmouth

AnnaAntCB (CBI=the whole island)ColCumbDigbyGuysHfxHantsInvKingsLunPictQueensRichShelVicYar

------------------

County Abbreviations

M A P S & A B B R E V I AT I O N S | 6

g.d. = good detailsHbr. = Harbour Hwy(s). = Highway(s) usually numberedHY = hatch year; a bird born in the current yearI. = Island (pl. Is.)imm. = immature IBA = Important Bird Areaincl. = includingjuv. = juvenile (first post-nestling plumage)loc. = location, locality (pl. locs.)Lr. = Lower (for communities)m. = maleMid. = Middle (for communities)m. obs. = many observersn.d. = no details (unsupported by documentation)no. = numberNP = National Parknr. = geographically nearNSBS = Nova Scotia Bird Societyobs. = observer(s), not observed or observation(s)Pen. = Peninsulaph. = photographedPk. = ParkPP = Provincial ParkPt. = Point (not Port) pr. = pair (not simply two birds, a ‘twosome’)R. = River (R. not used when part of a community name)Rd. = Roadrept. = report (pl. repts.)Sanct. = Sanctuaryspec. = specimenthr. = throughout a season, as in ‘thr. summer’Tr. = TrailUp. = Upper (for communities)

var. obs. = various observersWMA = Wildlife Management Areayng. = young+ or ++ with numbers = more; with dates = later< > = less (or fewer) than, greater (or more) than

Frequently used locations (county names not required)

Amherst Marsh = in East Amherst, CumbAPBS = Amherst Point Bird Sanctuary, CumbBP = Bon Portage (Outer) Island, Shel; ca. 2.5 km s.w. of Shag Hbr., ShelCape Sable = island south of Cape Sable Island, ShelCBHNP = Cape Breton Highlands National ParkCSI = Cape Sable Island, ShelFrench Basin Tr. = in Annapolis Royal, AnnaHartlen Pt. = E. of Eastern Passage, Hfx, including the Forces golf course & ‘Back Cove’ (informal name).Keji NP = Kejimkujik National ParkKeji Seaside NP = Kejimkujik Seaside National ParkMacCormacks Bch. PP = MacCormachs Beach Provincial Park, Eastern Passage, HfxMiners Marsh = in Kentville, KingsNW Arm = Northwest Arm, HalifaxPPP = Point Pleasant Park, HalifaxSaltmarsh Tr. = the old rail trail across Cole Hbr., Hfx Seal I. = Seal Island, Yar; about 29 km west of Cape Sable Island, ShelSullivans Pond = in Dartmouth, HfxMt. Uniacke Pk = Mount Uniacke Estate Museum Pk., Hants

ContributorsNames of contributors not on this list are spelled out.

AAD Alix d’EntremontAMI Angie Millard BMD Blaine MacDonald CSS Clarence Stevens Sr.DAC David CurrieDBM Dave McCorquodaleDEL Diane LeBlancDMC Dominic Cormier ELM Eric MillsEOL Ervin OlsenGFO George Forsythe HAF Harold ForsythJAH Hirtle, James

JAW Jake Walker JED Jim EdsallJLD Jason DainJOK John KearneyJON Johnny NickersonHAF Harold ForsythKAM Kathleen MacAulayKEL Kevin LantzKFS Kathleen SpicerKJM Ken McKennaLNE Larry NeilyLUB Lucas BerriganMCD Mark Dennis

MIM Mike MacDonaldPHT Phil TaylorPMC Pat McKayPRG Paul GouldRBS Richard SternRDE Ronnie d’EntremontRIW Rick WhitmanSAD Sandra DennisSIC Sylvia CraigSMG Steven McGrathSTV Steve VinesTMI Tony Millard

S E A S O N A L S U M M A R Y | 7

eBirdBy Alix d’Entremont, Nancy Dowd and Jason Dain

eBird is the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project. When submitting to eBird, either on a PC (eBird.org) or a mobile device (eBird app), birders enter when, where, and how they went birding and then fill out a checklist of all birds detected. The data submitted by birders documents bird distribution, abundance, habitat use, and trends.

Mailed-in reports for Nova Scotia Birds from sparsely scattered locations have been replaced by thousands of eBird checklists. With eBird now being the warehouse for bird sightings in Nova Scotia, the magazine provides an overview of the season, covering only the highlights.

Compared to the winter season, the spring eBird data shows a marked uptick in all metrics followed, including birding hours per month, total checklists per month, average

checklist duration, number of observers, and number of species reported. Below is a map showing eBird birding effort (complete checklists only) during Mar to May 2019. The map shows more birding coverage away from populated areas and the coast in comparison to the winter map. Effort hotspots remain very similar to previous seasons.


eBirding Tips: Forget the “x”By Nancy Dowd

Best practice: When filling in eBird checklists, use a number, not “x”.Why? When entering the number of individuals seen, “x” sim-ply states that that species was present and says nothing about abundance. A number, any number, conveys that too, but also so much more, opening up a world of possible statistical analy-ses using your and other observers’ data. There is no need to get bogged down counting each bird either–many bird counts are estimates. If my 30 Blue Jays look more like 20 to you, there’s no need to worry. The important point is that we both saw a relatively large group of them. Individual counting biases are smoothed out by using multiple checklists submitted by many eBirders. So, before tapping “x” consider how much more valu-able your checklist will be with numbers.

To test your skills, try to estimate how many shorebirds are in the photo to the right. It might be useful to estimate using tens of birds. See page 27 for the answer.

..........WaterfowlBy Ross Hall

Range expansion of the BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK is resulting in more records in our region. Six were at Summerville Marsh, Queens, May 15 (Ken Burrows, ph.), and one spent time on Gary and Helen Eisner’s property at Upper Northfield Rd., Blockhouse, Lun, May 18-30, where the homeowners welcomed many birders to see this southern species. There were two observations of flyover SNOW GOOSE from home properties: two at Kempt Shore, Hants, Mar 11 (Heather Simpson) and one at Bridgewater Apr 15

• Average birding hours per month: 2,776 hrs• Average complete checklists per month: 2,578 (individual) & 366 (shared)• Avg. complete checklist duration: 58.3 mins (individual) & 44 mins (shared)• Total number of observers: 514• Total species reported: 282

Spring 2019 eBird Statistics

*Note that “average birding hours per month” only includes complete checklists, but “total species reported” and “total number of observers” include all checklists. All statistics include offshore checklists that are not shown on the map.

A mixed group of shorebirds during their southward migration at Cape Sable, Shel, Sep 9. Photo by Ronnie d’Entremont

This very handsome Black-bellied Whistling Duck spent almost 2 weeks at a Blockhouse, Lun, yard in late May. Photo by Helen Eisner


(Doug Joudrey). An ad. GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, first found by Eric Mills, was at Snides Lake, Hants, Apr 14-May 5 (m. obs., ph.). Eric believes the same bird was at Tidal Bore Road, Col, May 4; it was was likely following the flocks of Canada Geese as they moved between areas. A well-described CACKLING GOOSE was at Cow Bay Rd., Hfx, Mar 17 (Aaron and Karen Marshall). Among the numerous CANADA GOOSE reports, notable are several counts of 1,000-2,500 near Truro Mar 18-29 and in Kings (m. obs.), as well as a count of 1,800 at Tidal Bore Rd., Col, Apr 14 (ELM).

There were two reports of AMERICAN WIGEON x MALLARD hybrids in Halifax: one at Cole Harbour Mar 26 (Donna Giles, ph.) and another at Horseshoe Island Park, Hfx, Mar 29 (Andrew Sibbald). A male REDHEAD seen at Sullivans Pond and nearby Dartmouth Cove, Hfx, Mar 1-24 (m. obs., ph.), is perhaps the same bird seen at Bissett Lake, Hfx, during November. Another male seen at Lockeport, Shel, Mar 17 (MIM, Sandra MacDonald), was a continuing bird first observed Jan 18. A male TUFTED DUCK observed at Beacon Street Dam and Tower Road Lagoon near Glace Bay, CB, Mar 30-May 22 (m. obs., ph.), was likely a continuing bird from winter. A notable count of 1,200 GREATER SCAUP were at the Pictou Causeway Mar 1 (STV).

As part of her Master of Science degree in Biology

at Acadia University, Kristen Noel, supervised by Dr. Mark Mallory and co-supervised by Dr. Shawn Craik of Université Sainte-Anne, is undertaking a study of wood lath A-frame nesting shelters for COMMON EIDERS. The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Department of Lands and Forestry and the Delta Waterfowl Foundation and will primarily involve assessing the relative success of shelters—specifically, how effective they are in providing protection to eggs and chicks, whose main predator is gulls. This year, the 8 shelters that were placed on Chesapeake I. in Pubnico Harbour, Yar, were used by eiders, but the shelters on nearby Flat I. (also in Pubnico Hbr.) and Gull I. in Lobster Bay were not used. There are plans to expand the study to more islands on the South and Eastern Shores in 2020.

Redhead in flight with the golden light of sunrise at Dartmouth Cove, Hfx, Mar 12. Photo by Simon d’Entremont

This female Common Eider was found during a Dept. of Natural Resources (now Dept. of Lands

and Forestry) island survey during the spring of 1991 in s.w. Nova Scotia. The poor choice in nest-site selection resulted in the bird requiring

assistance to get free. Photo by Ross Hall


HARLEQUIN DUCK was often seen through spring along coastlines, with counts of more than 20 from two locations in Halifax and one in Cape Breton. Notable for BUFFLEHEAD, but certainly not unprecedented, were several estimates at French Basin Tr. of over 100 individuals through April (sev. obs.) and 250 on May 1 (Greg Stroud). At nearby Annapolis Basin, Anna, 200 were estimated on Apr 14 (JAW). BARROW’S GOLDENEYE was found in small numbers widely distributed across the province during March and early April, with high counts of eight at the Pictou Causeway Mar 1 (STV) and at Westmount, CB, Mar 29 (DBM). COMMON x BARROW’S GOLDENEYE hybrids were found at New Minas Sewage Lagoons, Kings, Mar 23 (JAW), and at Freeport, Digby, Mar 20 (HAF, GFO, ph.). Two male RUDDY DUCKS in full breeding plumage that were found at New Minas Sewage Lagoons, Kings, May 26 (PHT), continued until early June (sev. obs., ph.).

..........Galliformes through RailsBy Steven McGrath

PIED-BILLED GREBE typically first arrives in early April, so one found and photographed by Les Rutherford at MacKay Siding, Col, Mar 31, was only slightly early. A beautifully plumaged HORNED GREBE at Gaetz Brook, Hfx, May 31 (Cheryl-Anne Sampson, ph.), was late. RED-NECKED GREBE hangs on slightly longer than Horned here, and individuals were reported from 12 locations across the province during the month of May.

The EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, first observed Jan 16, 2018, at Melvern Square, Anna, was still present through May (sev. obs., ph.). A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO in Tusket, Yar, Apr 25 (AAD, ph.), represented the earliest sighting of this species in Nova Scotia on record. Another early Yellow-billed was at Wilmot, Anna, Apr 30 (Ian Manning). The only BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO of the season was

on Brier I., Digby, May 22 (Don MacNeill, PMC, ph.).There was a lot of excitement when a CHUCK-WILL’S-

WIDOW (see cover photo) was found by Shannon Doane roosting in a tree at Saint Mary’s University, Hfx, May 22. Many birders went to see the rarity that day, and it was last seen at 9:12 p.m. as it flew away. Surprisingly, a deceased one was also found the same day in Milford, Hfx (Robyn McMur-ray, ph.). There are only about 13 previous records of the spe-cies in Nova Scotia, and no confirmed breeding evidence has been established here. A CHIMNEY SWIFT at Scots Bay, Kings, Apr 14 (JAW), was about two weeks earlier than the species’ typical arrival date. The first-of-year sighting of a RU-BY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD was of an early male at Sunken Lake, Kings, Apr 20 (Alex Handyside). The only report of COMMON GALLINULE was of one observed at Eddy Marsh, Cumb, May 27 (DMC, JAW). The large marshes at the NS/NB border are the most consistent breeding sites for this species. A total of six AMERICAN COOTS was ob-served, most being first reported during May. A PURPLE GALLINULE, first reported by Clyde Stoddart at Kenny Rd., South Side, CSI, May 22, was last seen May 25 (LNE, ph.). A total of seven SANDHILL CRANES was seen, with observations during all three months, most in Colchester and Cumberland.

..........

This richly coloured ad. Purple Gallinule at Kenny Rd., South Side, CSI, May 22-

25 (here 23), shows off its elongated toes, which it uses to distribute

its weight as it walks on floating vegetation. Photo by Mark Dennis


ShorebirdsBy Rick Whitman

Exactly where and when expected, the first AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER was at Daniels Head, CSI, Apr 6 (MCD, ph.). All subsequent reports were at this location, at The Hawk, CSI, and on Cape Sable, with a maximum of three birds, including an apparent pair seen on Cape Sable May 19 (MCD, ph.). About 30 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS were reported as they passed through May 16-30. The first PIP-ING PLOVER was seen at Crow Neck Bch., Shel, Apr 4 (Julie Smith). The species was later reported from eight counties.

One UPLAND SANDPIPER, an annual transient in small numbers, was at The Hawk, CSI, Apr 27 (MCD, SAD, ph.), and a second was at Broad Brook Wetland Park, Yar, May 11 (AAD, PRG, ph.). A total of only three WHIMBREL was seen, at two locations during May (RIW; KJM, sev. obs., ph.). Photos of a godwit at Caribou I. Bar, Pict, May 29 (KJM, STV, ph.), didn’t show the red neck and breast that fit for BLACK-TAILED GODWIT that observers noted in the field. A future issue might delve deeper into the ID of this godwit. RUDDY TURNSTONES were reported at 11 loca-tions Apr 20-May 31, and the maximum of 48 birds at The Hawk, CSI, May 28 (MCD, SAD), is the highest single-loca-tion spring count on eBird for NS. A single RED KNOT, in full breeding plumage, was at The Hawk, CSI, and on Cape Sable May 17-28 (MCD, SAD, RDE, ph.). A RUFF was seen briefly at Elderbank, Hfx, Apr 28 (B. Haley, ph.). A second bird, a male in full and extravagant breeding plumage, found at Hartlen Pt. May 15 (DAC, DEL, ph.), was subsequently seen by many birders and remained until May 22. Our only STILT SANDPIPER was at The Hawk, CSI, May 16 (PRG, ph.). The latest PURPLE SANDPIPERS, seven birds, were at Arisaig Bch., Ant, May 14 (Angela MacDonald, ph.). A single WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER was at Hartlen Pt., May 25 (Natalie Barkhouse-Bishop, Paul Murray, ph.). A PECTO-RAL SANDPIPER was at Salmon R. Estuary, Digby, May 7 (KAM).

The maximums of eight AMERICAN WOODCOCK at White Rock canal, Kings, Mar 22 (JAW), and 19 WILSON’S SNIPE along Teak St., Sydney, CB, Apr 27 (SMG), were note-worthy. A single WILSON’S PHALAROPE was at Pinkneys Pt., Yar, May 25 (Laurel Amirault, ph.). Two RED-NECKED PHALAROPES at Sandford, Yar, Apr 16 (KAM, ph.), were likely pushed near shore by strong on-shore winds. Fifteen RED PHALAROPES were seen about 15 km offshore from Lunenburg May 25 (Sebastian Pardo). The WESTERN WIL-LET at Crescent Bch., Lun, was reported Mar 3-Apr 25 – the third consecutive spring for this resident bird.

The Ruff, an Old-World shorebird, has significant sexual dimorphism in size and in its alternate (breeding) plumage, the male having much more elaborate plumage that also happens to be polymorphic (variable in colour). This adult male Ruff at Hartlen Pt. May 15-22 (here 21) is in full alternate plumage but isn’t displaying, so the erectable crest and its namesake ruff aren’t visible. Photo by Rita Viau

In comparison to the adult male at Hartlen Pt., this Ruff at Elderbank, Hfx, Apr 28, has the much less showy plumage of a female. Photo by B. Haley


Skua through TernsBy Alix d’Entremont

The first POMARINE JAEGER was an adult seen flying south past Yarmouth Bar Apr 27 (PRG, ph.), then single adults were far offshore s.w. of Yarmouth May 3 and 30 (Aldric d’Eon, ph.). A dark-morph PARASITIC JAEGER was at the same far-offshore location as the Pomarine on May 30 (Aldric d’Eon, ph.). The most impressive movement of alcids was approximately 900 RAZORBILLS flying south past Cape Forchu, Yar, Mar 28 (AAD, ph.), during a 70-minute seawatch.

BLACK-HEADED GULL is uncommon May-Jul, so one at Big Glace Bay Lake Bird Sanctuary, CB, May 25 (SMG, ph.), is noteworthy. The first breeding record of the species for North America was in 1977 in Newfoundland, and the largest colony in the New World is still in that province, in Stephenville Crossing. Breeding has never been documented in Nova Scotia, and a Black-headed Gull egg at a tern colony at Chezzetcook Inlet, Hfx, July 1980, was thought to be a dump egg. The four LAUGHING GULLS found this season were: an adult about 100 km s.w. of Seal I. May 3 (Aldric d’Eon, ph.); an adult at MacCormacks Beach PP May 16 (DAC, ph.) that was “replaced” by a first-cycle the next day (DAC, ph.), which continued to be seen at Hartlen Pt. until May 26 (TMI, AMI, ph.); and a second-cycle at Wallace, Cumb, May 30 (Donald Gorham, ph.). An adult FRANKLIN’S GULL at Caribou I. Bar, Pict, May 29 (STV, ph.), was a great find considering that this prairie-nesting species is less than annual here.

One of the MEW GULLS (canus ssp.) that spent most of the winter at and around Sullivans Pond continued until Mar 13 (Aaron Marshall, ph.). The New Glasgow Mew Gull also hung around through winter and was last seen Mar 28 (Robert Lange, ph.). A collaborative project, including partners from Acadia University, Université Sainte-Anne, CWS, and locals, involved placing GPS tracker backpacks on eight HERRING GULLS on Whitehead I., Yar, and nine on BP. This venture stemmed from conversations involving subject matter experts at the SW NS Coastal Islands workshops under the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative. The project aims to provide researchers with information on the gull’s use of anthropogenic food sources.

A putative HERRING x GLAUCOUS GULL HYBRID was spotted at Glace Bay Wharf, CB, Apr 11 (DBM, ph.). About 15 CASPIAN TERNS were seen Apr 21-May 20 as they pushed north towards their breeding grounds in Newfoundland and Labrador and in Quebec. BLACK TERNS were reported from only one of their known breeding

Franklin’s Gull in full breeding splendour at Caribou I. Bar, Pict, May 25. Photo by Steve Vines

Dr. Shawn Craik of Université Sainte-Anne with an ad. Herring Gull on Whitehead I., Yar, May 28, that will be fitted with a GPS tracker. Photo by Alix d’Entremont


sites, Amherst Marsh, where the maximum count was ten on May 17 (Shawn Chapman, ph.). It was another shaky start to the season for our endangered ROSEATE TERNS, with very little activity throughout May at their new colony on Gull I., Yar. By the end of the month at least nine Roseates were with 60 Common Terns and 10 Arctic Terns at their recently abandoned colony on North Brother I. (AAD, ph.), suggesting that they were considering attempting to return to their old home.

..........Loons through HeronsBy Jason Dain and Alix d’Entremont

Spring numbers of GREAT EGRET vary widely from year to year, and the total of at least 14 observed in seven counties from CSI to Dominion, CB, was a good showing. The first of the season at Clam Harbour, Hfx, Apr 5 (Lowell Brady, ph.), was about a week earlier than average. At about twice the recent average, a total of 12 SNOWY EGRETS was observed in eight counties throughout the province, including one at Big Glace Bay Lake Bird Sanctuary, CB, Apr 6 (SMG, ph.). A high count of four was observed at Clam Harbour Marsh, Hfx, Apr 10 (JoAnn Yhard, m. obs., ph.). Sadly, there were no Snowy Egrets at Overton, Yar, this year, where the presence of two birds through summer 2018 and a family group consisting of two adults and two juveniles at the end of July were suggestive of local breeding.

The only LITTLE BLUE HERON was an adult observed by Shawna Finley at Morden, Kings, May 11. The first TRICOLORED HERON of the year was at Grand Desert, Hfx, Apr 5 (Anon.). Another, or perhaps the same bird, was observed by a group birding at Martinique Beach, Hfx, Apr 28, and it continued at this last location until May 1. A small influx of about 10 CATTLE EGRETS arrived in late May/early April, with birds observed in Digby, Lunenburg, Shelburne and Yarmouth. The first GREEN HERON of the season, seen by Randy d’Eon in a pond at his home in Lower

West Pubnico, Yar, on about Apr 16, continued until Apr 21 (sev. obs., ph.). Possibly the same bird located 830 m away on May 1 (RDE, ph.) was last seen on May 3. The only other sighting was of one on Sandy Cove Rd., Ketch Hbr., Hfx, May 20 (DEL).

Most records of YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON are of young birds in summer, so an ad. in Carleton, Yar, Apr 18 (Erin Pittman, ph.), was surprising. The only sighting of BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was of one at Daniel’s Head, CSI, May 3 (Rachel Hoogenbos, sev. obs., ph.).

The first GLOSSY IBIS of the season was seen by Jeff Ogden on the Chapel Gully trail in Canso, Guys, May 2. Another, discovered at Brookfield Marsh, Col, May 3 (Starr Caines, ph.), was easily accessible and was observed by many birders and continued there until May 12.

Few birders are out at sea during spring, so while many tubenoses first start showing up in April, we usually get few

This Roseate Tern at North Brother I., Yar, May 28, is 3 years old and was banded as a chick at Eastern Egg

Rock, Maine, June 24. Photo by Alix d’Entremont

A Snowy Egret during a light snow fall at Big Glace Bay Lake Bird Sanctuary, CB, Apr 6. During spring,

adults like this one have bright yellow lores and feet. Photo by Steven McGrath


reports at that time. It was a month later before the first report of a tubenose came through. A GREAT SHEARWATER was observed by Aldric d’Eon while out fish-dragging about 65 km w. of Seal I., May 19. A SOOTY SHEARWATER, six NORTHERN FULMARS, and a Great Shearwater were photographed by Paul Waton on Georges Bank May 23.

..........RaptorsBy Richard Stern and Alix d’Entremont

BLACK VULTURE continues to be an occasional visitor around the province, with two individuals reported this season. One was at the Region of Queens Waste Management Facility, Queens, May 13-17 (fide Debbie Wamboldt, MCD, ph.), and another flew over Highway 104 near Londonderry, Col, May 17 (DMC, LUB, g.d.). There was an impressive evening roost of TURKEY VULTURE in Bridgetown, Anna, with a maximum of 41 arriving at dusk Apr 7 (RBS et al.). Another roost of up to 50 at Hebron, Yar, (Kyle d’Entremont, KAM, AAD), was observed during winter but wasn’t checked during spring.

An ad. GOLDEN EAGLE was seen soaring with several Bald Eagles over Canning, Kings, Mar 31 (JAW, g.d.), and a juvenile was at Spicers Cove, Cumb, May 9 (KFS, ph.). There were just 16 eBird reports of BALD EAGLE on occupied

nests, but from a variety of locations. The large concentrations seen in winter had largely disbanded by the dates covered here.

Of the 10 COOPER’S HAWKS reported, the immature in the Sydney area Mar 1-17 (SMG, Sue King-Gosse, ph.) was a notable record for CBI. Two of the four RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS found during winter persisted to be observed during spring. The adult at Smiths Cove, Digby, was briefly seen nearby at the Bear River mouth Mar 13 (Cliff Sandeson). Another adult coming to a compost pile near Falmouth, Hants, was last reported Mar 14 (Robert Baldwin, ph.). The RED-SHOULDERED x RED-TAILED HAWK hybrid at Concession, Digby, which was first observed there in

The much-photographed Glossy Ibis at Brookfield Marsh, Col, May 4. Photo by Laurie Ann Quigley

While this photo of a Golden Eagle at West Apple River, Cumb, May 9, was taken at a distance, the white areas near the wingtips and the small head

projection are evident. Photo by Kathleen Spicer


February 2012, continued to be seen through spring. Details about this hybrid will be published in a future issue. After a rather poor showing this winter, the last ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK of spring was at Glace Bay, CB, April 16 (SMG, ph.).

Bernard Forsythe banded only four BARRED OWL chicks in Kings this season—a record low number compared to his average of about 20. The icy winter conditions that had forced the adults out of the woods, where they were often visible on the roadsides looking for food, also resulted in poor breeding conditions and fewer successfully fledged young. A LONG-EARED OWL was heard by a group completing a Nocturnal Owl Survey route on Hiking Trail Rd, Hfx, Apr 2 (JLD, DEL, SIC). About seven SNOWY OWLS were seen this season, with lingering individuals at Gull I., Yar, Apr 7 (Matthew Deagle, ph.), and Sable I. Apr 26 (Sydney Bliss).

..........

Kingfishers through WaxwingsBy Nancy Dowd

An overwintering YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER continued in Middleton, Anna, until at least Mar 1 (Beth Hughes, ph.). A likely early migrant arrived near Cherry Hill, Lun, Mar 24 (DEL, SIC, ph.) before greater numbers showed up in April. Jake Walker saw an ad. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER in Little River, Digby, May 5 (ph.). Almost all spring reports showing possible breeding evidence of RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS came from Halifax and Dartmouth, their nesting stronghold in the province, where an estimated 12 birds were seen. The exception was a well-followed male in Wolfville, Kings, heard drumming on Mar 24 (JLD). The 10 or so single birds observed outside Halifax appeared to be there solely for the handouts at feeders. It is safe to say our resident BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS nested sparsely in scattered locations across the province as

A Sharp-shinned Hawk and American Red Squirrel showdown at Hammonds Plains, Hfx, Mar 15. Photo by Heather Quinn


usual, but they do not give up their secrets readily. Of the seven birds seen this spring, the only pair was observed by Ken McKenna at Moose Lake, Pict, May 26.

AMERICAN KESTREL is uncommon on CBI before their return in April, so one at Whitney Pier, CB, Mar 1 (Sue King-Gosse), was a good find. A few days later, Steven McGrath saw the same bird, most likely one that had overwintered in the area. The first known migrant was seen near Amherst Mar 16 (JED), and arriving numbers went up from there, with Laurie Willicombe seeing 14 in and around River Herbert, Cumb, Apr 17. Corrine O’Neill provided our only direct evidence of breeding PEREGRINE FALCON when she watched a pair mating from the Cape Split Tr., Kings, Mar 30, an area where they have been known to nest. No observations from their regular cliff-side aeries (nests) were reported. Peregrine Falcons are typically solitary when not breeding, so two seen at the following locations are indicative of a bonded pair: Dartmouth Cove, Hfx, Mar 7 (JLD); Grand Pre, Kings, Mar 10 (RIW); and East Apple River, Cumb, Mar 30 (KFS).

WILLOW FLYCATCHER returned to two of its known nesting sites by season’s end: at least three birds were singing and calling around the ponds at Starrs Pt., Kings, May 26 (GFO, HAF, g.d.), and another was heard and seen at Bellisle Marsh, Anna, May 31 (LNE, g.d.). Nancy Dowd heard the familiar “chebek” of LEAST FLYCATCHER especially early this year in East Dalhousie, Kings, Apr 24. High counts of 15-25 individuals in their favoured open hardwood habitats in this area suggest clustered nesting is widespread.

Our only WHITE-EYED VIREO overshoot was one that turned up in Mavillette, Digby, Apr 26 (EOL, ph.), and was seen there again Apr 28 (KAM). According to the eBird database, PHILADELPHIA VIREO is much more likely to be seen in fall than spring, with less than ten records during spring in the past 10 years. However, Phil Taylor managed to see two: one at BP May 21 (ph.), and a second at Scots Bay, Kings, May 29 (ph.). WARBLING VIREO breeds in very low numbers and at only a few locations in the province. By the end of May at least four birds had arrived: the first was found at the Cornwallis River Greenway, Kings, May 15 (GFO, g.d.), where it stayed into June (m. obs.); the second stopped briefly at CSI May 17 (MIM, EOL ph., MCD ph.); the next was found at Chebogue Pt., Yar, May 19 (Simon d’Entremont, ph.), and was heard singing on May 21 (PRG); and the final bird was seen at Starrs Pt., Kings, May 20 (PHT, ph.).

At least ten of the relatively high numbers of NORTHERN SHRIKES seen this winter lingered beyond mid-April. As expected, most of these were in northern counties; however, one was found on Brier I. Apr 19 (ELM). Our latest was a window strike in Big Pond, CB, May 1 (Scott Hulme, ph.). The latter incident, oddly enough, occurred at 1 a.m. The

This second-year Peregrine Falcon at Cape Forchu, Yar, May 9, has begun its moult into definitive basic (adult) plumage. The heavily worn brown juvenile feathers are being replaced by new bluish-grey adult feathers. Photo by Ervin Olsen

A beautiful photo of a stunning bird. Bohemian Waxwing at Miners Marsh Mar 24. Photo by Darrel Hudson


shrike recovered and flew off into the night.A NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW was

seen amidst a flock of Tree and Barn Swallows at French Basin Trail, Anna, May 1 (GFO & HAF, g.d.). A very early CLIFF SWALLOW in Beaver Lake, Yar, Apr 17 (JOK), is our earliest sighting on record for the species. A HOUSE WREN was found at Cape Forchu, Yar, May 13 (EOL, ph.). A WINTER WREN at Evangeline Bch., Kings, Mar 2 (JAW), likely overwintered nearby. A second bird seen and heard singing near Seabright, Hfx, Mar 29 (JLD, ph.), was most likely an early migrant. Four MARSH WRENS were back on their breeding grounds at Eddy Marsh, Cumb, May 27 (DMC, JAW). The overwintering RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET continued at Port Latour, Shel, until at least Mar 3 (Julie Smith, ph.). Other March reports are presumably of early migrants: one “calling” and travelling with a group of Chickadees along Cove Rd., Col, Mar 18 (BMD), and a second seen at Pleasant Lake, Yar, Mar 26 (AAD).

Several EASTERN BLUEBIRDS at Chebogue, Yar, Mar 14 (RDE), were most likely some of those that regularly overwinter in this area. More surprising was the early return of the breeding pair to the nest boxes at Christina Armstrong’s home in Upper Economy, Col, with the male arriving Mar 24 (ph.) and soon joined by the female Mar 31 (ph.). Christina notes that, prior to this year, the bluebirds have first shown up in May. Pairs were also seen returning to their nest box at Sunken Lake, Kings, May 8 (HAF, ph.), and in South Chegoggin, Yar, Apr 13 through to summer (Angela LeBlanc, ph.). One was seen at a “new” spring location at the parking area of Blomidon PP May 28 (RIW, ph.) but was not seen again during visits on Jun 20 or Aug 3 (RIW, pers. comm.). Sean DeKelver first spotted a WOOD THRUSH picking through the leaf litter at Fort Needham Memorial Pk., Halifax, May 11 (ph.). It only stayed around for one more day (var. obs.).

The spring period saw at least ten single BROWN THRASHERS present on the

mainland. One of these birds had overwintered at a feeder in Cherry Hill, Lun, and was last seen there Apr 16 (Kristene Hirtle). Singles were singing at the following four locations: Cape St. Marys, Digby, Apr 14 (AAD, KAM, ph.); McNabs I., Hfx, May 2 (Andy Horn); Brier I. May 5 (JAW, ph.); and BP May 5 (AAD, RDE). NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD breed in low numbers throughout the province. This year’s spring eBird records indicate little change in its numbers (at least 15 individuals) or distribution from last year. Only two checklists reported a pair: Jake Walker saw two together at Miners Marsh Apr 13, and Julia Baak also had two in Middleton, Anna, May 18.

With the high numbers of BOHEMIAN WAXWING present this winter, it’s not surprising some lingered into May. Our latest were single birds on May 10 at Birch Cove Pk., Dartmouth (Marty Zelenietz), and Grand Pre, Kings, (PHT).

..........Finches through IcteridsBy Alix d’Entremont

The eBird data for the provincially vulnerable EVENING GROSBEAK shows that it was in average abundance this year compared to the previous four years. The only report that was identified to call type was of an Evening Grosbeak at New Ross, Lun, Mar 30 (Nancy Dowd, audio rec.), which was confirmed as being of the expected type 3 by Cornell University’s

In comparison to Eastern Meadowlarks, this Western

Meadowlark at First Peninsula, Lun, Apr 8-11 (here 11), has overall less-

contrasting and paler plumage. The yellow of the throat continues

onto the malar; the dark barring on the coverts, wings, and tail is more discrete; and the amount of white

covers only most of r6 and r5 and half of r4 (see inset).

Photos by Jason Dain


Matt Young. A putative PINE SISKIN x AMERICAN GOLDFINCH attending Diana MacKay’s feeding station in Oxford, Cumb, during May is detailed in a writeup on p. 20. The only CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was one in Sackville Apr 16-18 (Lois and Donald Codling, ph.). At about twice the recent average, a total of ten FIELD SPARROWS were seen this season during the range of Apr 18-May 14 in the western half of the mainland. An above-average total of 67 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS throughout the province was reported this season from late Apr to late May. Other than the VESPER SPARROWS that breed each year at CFB Greenwood, Kings, one was at Up. Woods Harbour, Shel, May 4 (AAD, Jerome d’Eon, ph.), and another was at Brooklyn Street, Kings (Larry and Alison Bogan). A female EASTERN TOWHEE was at Mid. Sackville, Hfx, Mar 20 (CSS), and a male was singing at Stonehurst, Lun, May 2 (KEL, audio rec.).

The male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD that appeared at Anne MacDonald’s feeders in Cooks Brook, Hfx, in late December continued until at least Mar 25 (Bryan Sabourin, Colleen Owen). A well-photographed WESTERN MEADOWLARK, first found at First Peninsula, Lun, Apr 8 (Jon Prentiss), was seen and photographed by several birders until Apr 11. The previously more-common EASTERN MEADOWLARK was reported only once, as a single individual from Greenfield, Queens, May 12 (Andy de Champlain, ph.). ORCHARD ORIOLE was reported only from the far s.w., with first-spring males at Chebogue Pt., Yar, May 8 (EOL, ph.), Lr. West Pubnico May 17 (Clyde d’Entremont, AAD, ph.), and a female at Lr. Clarks Harbour, CSI, May 17 (JON, sev. obs.). A first-spring male BULLOCK’S ORIOLE made a quick stop at a feeder at Duncans Cove, Hfx, May 28 (Dominique Gusset, ph.). The total of approximately 46 BALTIMORE ORIOLES reported was about average. Up to three were at Miners Marsh, Kings, May 23 (RIW), where several birders reported a singing male in late May. Also in Kings, a pair was found in suitable habitat at the Cornwallis River Greenway May 20 (GFO, HAF), and an occupied nest was seen at Port Williams May 30 (GFO).

The total of 22 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS is about average since the drop following the end of the Rusty Blackbird Spring

Migration Blitz program that ran from 2014 to 2016. Fewer reports are likely due to less effort since the end of the program. A female BREWER’S BLACKBIRD at Cape Sable, Shel, May 18 (RDE, ph.), could possibly have been the same that was present during the previous fall/winter nearby at Daniels Head.

..........Warblers to House SparrowBy Ken McKenna

A total of 27 species of warbler were reported this spring season. A few species had individuals which overwintered and there were a few very early strays, but in general many species which would arrive in early May were almost a week late this year.

There had previously been 17 spring records of WORM-EATING WARBLER, and the total of three reports this April was unprecedented outside of fallouts. As per most prior observations, all were from the s.w. One was at Kenny Rd., CSI, Apr. 18 (Greg White, ph.); another was on a fishing boat 85 km west of Pubnico, Yar, Apr. 23 (Aldric d’Eon, ph.); and the last was at Mavillette, Digby, Apr. 27 (AAD, KAM, ph.).

While birding Cape Forchu, Yar, Ervin Olsen noted an early NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH Apr. 18. Uncommon in the last couple of decades, spring reports of TENNESSEE WARBLER continue to rise, with about 18

With few insects in the woods at this time of year, this Worm-eating Warbler at Kenny Rd, CSI, Apr. 18,

dined on the many bugs attracted to the beach wrack.

Photo by Mark Dennis


noted from eight counties this year. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER in Jollimore, Hfx, Mar. 10 (PMC, ph.), had likely successfully overwintered. MOURNING WARBLER, our latest-arriving breeding warbler, was reported from only two locations, with the first at Miners Marsh May 29 (LNE, ph.).

A metallic “tink” call note alerted Ronnie d’Entremont to a stunning male HOODED WARBLER at Cape Forchu, Yar, May 23. While a couple dozen CAPE MAY WARBLERS were noted, none were seen n.e. of Pictou. BAY-BREASTED WARBLER was first spotted May 15, and the 44 total sightings indicate an increase from the low numbers of the last decade, although there were no reports from CBI. YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER is typically less than annual in spring but has been observed during the last three springs. The first this year had been feeding on suet during the winter at Head of Jeddore, Hfx, and was reported this spring Apr. 7-10 (DEL, SIC, ph.; TMI, AMI). Others were at BP May 5 (AAD, RDE, ph.) and CSI May 8 (Greg White, ph.). The first provincially endangered CANADA WARBLER showed up on time, with two being seen on Brier I. May 21 (PMC et al., ph.). By month’s end there were a good number of reports from those who dared to venture out into this species’ mosquito-heavy breeding wetlands in the central half of the province.

It was a banner spring for tanager sightings. The first SUMMER TANAGER was spotted in Upper Tantallon, Hfx, Apr 23-25 (Janice Timberlake, ph.). Fifteen more had been documented by the end of May from Richmond to Yarmouth, at locations near the Atlantic and Fundy coasts. A male SCARLET TANAGER was photographed after hitting a window in Wentworth, Cumb, Apr. 20 (Peter Henderson, ph.). By the end of the month another 15 were noted, again

mostly from locations near the Atlantic or Fundy coasts from Cape Breton to Yarmouth.

BLUE GROSBEAKS, having overshot their breeding areas, began to arrive Apr. 16; one was at LaHave, Lun (JAH, ph.), and two were at Kenny Rd., CSI (Greg White, ph.). In all, 16 were reported from 12 locales, with most from Yarmouth and Shelburne. INDIGO BUNTING was also first noted Apr. 16, with reports from Yarmouth in Glenwood and South Chegoggin, and Head of Chezzetcook, Hfx. This stunning species was admired by many, as at least 70 were noted from 15 counties, with CBI reports only from Richmond. Even more stunning were two male PAINTED BUNTINGS. After several days of stormy weather, Mary Carroll photographed one under her Hunts Pt., Queens, feeder May 23 that was observed by others until May 25. A second was photographed by Adelaide Rodgers in her yard at Nine Mile River, Hants, May 27. Interestingly, other Atlantic sightings of males during the same period were from Stephenville, NL, and Deer Island and Rusangonis, NB.

This ad. male Blue Grosbeak at Kenney Rd., CSI, Apr. 20,

shows the pale brown edgings on an otherwise vibrant blue

body that are typical of early spring birds before these tips wear. The thick bill and rusty

wing bars help differentiate it from ad. male Indigo Buntings.

Photo by Simon d’Entremont

P U TAT I V E P I N E S I S K I N X A M E R I C A N G O L D F I N C H | 20

Hybridization BasicsHybrids can occur only where both species’ breeding ranges overlap (that is, in contact zones), or, in the case of vagrants, away from their standard range, where coming across another individual of the same species is unlikely to happen. However, because of migration hybrids can be found far from where they hatched. The overlap of the breeding range of Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch extends from the Pacific to the Atlantic in both southern Canada and the northern US. Both species generally move southward during winter, but Pine Siskin is the most irruptive, moving south when cone crops in the north are small.

McCarthy (2006) explains that hybrids are typically intermediate in appearance between their parents; however, they may be similar to one parent with respect to one trait while being similar to the other with respect to another trait. He goes on to say that accurate identification of a possible hybrid’s parent species involves consideration both of contact

zones and of how parental traits are usually expressed in their hybrids.

McCarthy (2006) states that the most common causes of hybridization include imprinting and availability of mates. Early in life, most birds undergo a brief receptive period during which external stimuli determine their future choice of mate. Most birds readily imprint on whatever bird raises them, but imprinting can also occur if a male bird learns an incorrect song by hearing it from a foster parent or even from another bird singing near the nest. Mate availability comes into play in cases where a bird is on the edge of its range or if a vagrant doesn’t encounter a mate of its own kind during breeding season, so mates with another species.

Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch Hybrid RecordsThere appears to be no published material on hybridization between Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch; however, there are six validated records of this cross on eBird: three from

This article provides a high-level overview of hybridization in birds and hybrids involving Pine Siskins (Spinus pinus) and American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis). Three birds found in Nova Scotia that show features strongly suggesting that they are hybrids between Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch are presented and discussed.

Figure 1. Putative Pine Siskin x American Goldfinch at Brighton, Digby, Apr 28, 2017. Of the two obviously male Nova Scotia can-didates, this one shows the darkest cap. Photo by Joan Comeau


Nova Scotia, one from New Brunswick, one from Quebec, and one from New York state. Online searches bring up one more observation, from NB in 2015. Why are there so few records of this hybrid, considering that the contact zone is so extensive?

McCarthy (2006) lists the only records of wild hybrids involving either species as being of Pine Siskin x Black-capped Siskin, which are not uncommon in the highlands of south Chiapas and western Guatemala, and of a Pine Siskin x Red Crossbill in South Dakota in 1984. McCarthy (2006) also provides details on several hybrids that occurred in captivity involving American Goldfinch and Canary, Pine Siskin and Canary, and American Goldfinch and Lesser Goldfinch.

Three Putative Nova Scotia HybridsThere have been three reports of likely Pine Siskin x American Goldfinch hybrids in Nova Scotia. You will not find a species in any North American field guide whose traits match their suite of features.

When viewing an unfamiliar species, it is important to consider the possibility of vagrants. Eurasian Siskin (Spinus spinus) is a superficially similar species. It has occurred at least three times in Alaska, and there is a scattering of records from Eastern North America, although these are considered of questionable origin, given the popularity of the species in the caged-bird trade. The male Eurasian Siskin has a black cap, but a

lot of yellow on the rump, tail sides, face and breast, and it has a more greenish back. There are other vaguely similar species that have never occurred in North America, but they can also all be ruled out by their suite of features.

Joan Comeau had a finch that appears intermediate between Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch at her Brighton, Digby, feeders in Apr 2017 (Fig. 1), and two similarly intermediate birds were in Diana Lynn MacKay’s yard in Oxford, Cumb, in

Figure 2. Hybrid Pine Siskin x American Goldfinch in Oxford, Cumb, May 15, 2019. Similar to the Brighton hybrid, this one has a dark cap, but it is confined to the forehead. Note the pale-yellow primary bases on the inset

photo. Photo by Diana Lynn MacKay

Figure 3. Male American Goldfinch at left with what appears to be two hybrid Pine Siskin x American Goldfinches at Oxford, Cumb, May 23, 2019. The one at far right appears to be the same as in Fig. 2. Photo by Diana Lynn MacKay


May 2019 (Figs. 2 , 3 & 4).Two of the putative hybrids from Nova Scotia share many

traits between them (Figs. 1 & 2). They have some degrees of a black cap (from goldfinch), indicating that they are likely both males. The table below and text that follows will explore these features and attempt to classify them as being apparently inherited from Pine Siskin (PISI), American Goldfinch

(AMGO), or of an appearance intermediate between the two species (X).

The beak colour appears to show influence from both parents, being a dull orange. The bill shape also appears to be about intermediate between the thicker and more conical beak of the goldfinch and the siskin’s narrower-based beak with a concave lower edge to the mandible. Male Pine Siskins

Figure 4. This image from Oxford, Cumb, May 15, 2019, allows for direct comparison between the hybrid (middle) and the pure Pine Siskins. Note the pale edging on the primaries and tail feathers, as well as the pale body of the hybrid. Compared to pure Pine Siskins, the wings and tail show more contrast between the black

(vs. brown) feather centres and the white edges. Photo by Diana Lynn MacKay

Trait PISI X AMGO

Limited black cap •Bill colour (dull orange) and shape •Lower wingbar colour: white or nearly so •Yellow at primary bases •Primary/secondary and tail feather edges: white or nearly so •Blackish (vs. brown) wing and tail feather centres •Head and body streaking •Overall colour (pale grey) •

show more yellow on the lower wingbars and at the base of the flight feathers. The lower wingbars of both Nova Scotia hybrids appear to be predominantly white, which fits for male goldfinch. The existence of yellow at the base of the flight feathers is not clearly visible in the available photos for the Brighton individual, but it is visible in the inset for the hybrid in Oxford. The primary, secondary, and tail feather edges appear white or nearly so, more in line with goldfinch. The blackish wing and tail feather centres are most similar to goldfinch. The head and body streaking on the hybrids is a feature from siskin. Another feature of note is overall how pale both birds are. Neither of the parent species is as pale, with siskin typically having a browner body and goldfinch predominantly a bright yellow.

DiscussionLet’s revisit our earlier question: Why are there so few records of this hybrid, considering that the contact zone is so extensive? This scarcity of records could be the result of any or all of three primary reasons:

1- This specific hybrid combination could occur very rarely due to isolating mechanisms that limit interbreeding.

2- Hybrid individuals could have poor survival and/or be unable to reproduce.

3- Hybrids are often difficult to identify–males often look more similar to females, hybrid females in general are harder

to identify, any backcrosses will likely show features of one species more strongly than the other and hence may be identified as that parent species, and there could be a lack of awareness of the possibility of the specific hybrid.

We must also wonder why all records of this hybrid combination have been from the east. Could it be that they are actually more common in the eastern boreal forests? Are isolating mechanisms less strict in the east?

Whatever the reasons, it is only through the vigilance and photographic skills of our local bird watchers that we have even these few records of hybrid Pine Sisksin x American Goldfinch. Keep enjoying your feeders and sharing your finds with the community!

ReferencesMcCarthy, E.M. 2006. Handbook of Avian Hybrids. New York: Oxford University Press.


Behind the OcularsJason Dain

By Andy de Champlain

I first met Jason Dain in person on May 31, 2016, at Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park. I remember the occasion because that’s when, with his help, I got my lifer Canada Warbler. By then Jason had already made an impression on me and on much of the local birding community through his beautiful photographs posted on the bird society’s Facebook group. Since then, Jason has continued to bird, to post his awesome shots, and to actively volunteer with the NSBS. He’s now one of the administrators of the Facebook page, and for this magazine he creates the eBird effort maps and writes the Loons through Herons section. I often run into Jason in the field on a twitch, and several times he’s taken me out birding, thundering over the rocky Tantallon-area backroads in his fearless black Toyota Tacoma. As a relatively new but highly skilled and extremely active and kindhearted birder, Jason Dain is the focus of this season’s installment of Behind the Oculars. What do you do, in the ‘real world’?I work as an enterprise software product manager for a large multinational software company.

What got you into birding?I had recently purchased a digital camera for a trip to Europe and was getting into taking pictures of various living things around my area. We were travelling to New Brunswick for the Thanksgiving weekend and I brought my camera with me. Around Enfield my wife saw a Bald Eagle perched in a tree beside the road and pointed it out. We pulled over and stopped to take a closer look and I took some photos of the bird, as this was the closest I had ever been to a Bald Eagle. From that point on, I gradually spent more and more time focusing on birds with my photography and looking around for eagles in the woods around home. As part of that process I saw a number of different species and started to learn more about the local birds. Soon after, I became a member of the Nova Scotia Bird Society and

B E H I N D T H E O C U L A R S | 24


the Facebook group, and I have continued to bird locally and abroad since then.

How often do you bird, and what’s the most important part of a birding outing?I like to get out birding as often as I can, which can be three to four times per week if I’m lucky. For me, getting out and exploring is a very important part of birding. I like to balance seeing a range of species with exploring new areas and finding areas containing species at risk for conservation. I very rarely bird without a camera. When I started out, I only had my camera, but I quickly learned from some experienced birders how valuable a pair of binoculars and scope can be. It really depends on the day as to how much I focus on photography. Some days I like to get out and just listen for different species and try to find as many as I can, and if I find something interesting or rare I will get a photo. Other times I will go out specifically to photograph a species that I enjoy seeing or that is uncommon. Most of the time that I’m out it is a combination of the two situations. I also enjoy looking for and photographing other wildlife, like mammals, reptiles, and insects while I am out birding.

What’s helped you become a better birder?I would say that there are a number of things that have helped me become a better birder. Probably the most important thing is the great community of birders we have here in Nova Scotia. I have learned so much from different folks since I started, and I continue to learn from them. I hope that I can pass along what I have learned to others as they get into birding. There are a few other things that helped me develop as a birder.

When I started, I took the time to learn bird calls. At first I would hear a bird and would try and find it so I could associate the sound to the species.


FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Cape Sable, Shel, Aug 28, 2019.

Bald Eagle at Harten Pt., Hfx, Sep 28, 2018.

Gyrfalcon near Joggins, Cumb, Feb 2017.

All photos by Jason Dain


I tried to learn to identify one species per outing and just kept working from there until I could confidently bird by ear.

The second thing that I focused on was the association between habitat and species. Birds seem to be pretty faithful to habitat types, so learning what species are expected in a given habitat at certain times of year makes it easier to identify the usual suspects, plus spot things that are rare or out of place.

The third thing that has helped me become a better birder is learning how weather and time of day impact the number and variety of birds that can be seen. Using various tools like wind and weather forecasts and tide tables helps to determine the optimal times to find birds. During migration these tools are even more important to study to help determine the best times to bird.

I know you’ve become very active in the NSBS. What other bird-friendly activities have you been involved with? As far as other bird-friendly activities go, I have participated in the local Christmas Bird Count, Nocturnal Bird Surveys, and Nightjar Surveys. As part of the Nocturnal Bird Survey in my area we discovered some areas that had Saw-whet Owls. I contacted Bernard Forsythe from the Annapolis Valley and Randy Lauff at St. Francis Xavier University for some advice on the potential for nest boxes. Based on what I learned, I

built and installed a few nest boxes in the forest with Andy de Champlain’s help. I have monitored the boxes for the last two breeding seasons and haven’t had any tenants yet, but I’m still hopeful. I hope to build and install a few more boxes this fall in some different areas that we have heard owls in. I have had some Barred Owl activity in the woods behind my home and have installed an owl box there as well. This spring, an owl checked out the box and called for a mate for about a week. It ended up nesting nearby and I am hopeful it will take up residence with its mate next spring if I am lucky.

To what extent are your family members into birding?My wife is a veterinarian and loves animals, so she enjoys venturing out with me from time to time to go birding and has learned to identify some birds from following the NSBS Facebook group. My kids, for the most part, range from disinterested to indifferent, with an occasional glimmer of interest, depending on the species. Through osmosis they have picked up some birding knowledge, and I sincerely hope they take up the hobby later in life.

What have been one or two of your best birding experiences, either in Nova Scotia or abroad?My favourite birding experience so far was searching for and finding my first Gyrfalcon near Joggins, NS, in February

Canada Warbler at Jerry Lawrence Park, Upper Tantallon, Hfx, Jun 3, 2019. Photo by Jason Dain



2017. The bird had been reported in the area a day or two previously and I really wanted to see it. Raptors are my favourite type of bird and the Gyrfalcon was at the top of my most wanted to see list. I got up very early that morning and headed up to the area to try and locate the bird. I was prepared to spend the entire day looking if that is what it took! I spent almost six hours searching the area before I was able to locate it along the road and get some photos. I spent a good while watching the bird perched on a power pole and then saw it take off and chase after some gulls for a bit over the water. I headed home a happy birder with some good shots of a great species.

With my job I am fortunate to be able to travel all over the world for different projects that I am involved in. To date, I have had the opportunity to bird in 14 different countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Australasia. It is difficult to choose a single experience abroad, but I would probably have to say that Brazil, South Africa, or Australia were my favourite experiences. Seeing birds in those places was very interesting, as the habitat and climate were completely different from Nova Scotia and there was a very wide variety

of new species to observe.

What advice would you give to more novice birders?I think it is very important to find experienced birders to learn from. Joining a group like the NS Bird Society can be a good way to meet other birders online and during scheduled events such as monthly meetings or birding outings. It is also important to invest in some good birding resources such as a field guide or birding app to help with identification. I think it is very helpful for beginning birders to look at field marks and learn to identify birds using those marks with the resources at hand. In terms of equipment, I think it is important to invest in a decent set of binoculars to help you see the birds better. A camera can be a good tool, but there is a whole range of things to learn about photography that can take away from learning about birds. I started with photography first, but I think it might be better to learn the birding aspect first and then take on photography. That being said, a decent point-and-shoot with a good zoom might be a good starting camera for birding before diving into DSLR cameras and interchangeable lenses.

eBirding Tip: Forget the "x" answer = 280 shorebirds

seasonal summary putative pine siskin x american behind

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