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THE

OSPREY Volume 30, No.4

Note from the editor

LETIERS & CORRESPONDENCE: ..

PAPERS: ''Resource Analysis of Red Head · Tony power ..

SOCIETY EVENTS: Tuck Walters Award Presentation Highlights of the NNHS Annual General Meeting ...

BIRD REPORTS & SIGHTINGS:

153 156

Spotted Towhee - Paul Linegar.. 158 Newfoundland Winter Bird Repon (Dec. 01 ,1999 - March 20, 2000 - Paul Linegar . ... .... ................. 160 Bird List ofBumt Island Ecological Reserve..... . 162

POETRY & PERSONAL REFLECTIONS: Rain Torrents - Brian McLaren.

Feeding the Birds in Winter ...

NNHS Membersrup Application Form NNHS Merchandise for sale

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NE\\TOVl''DLAND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY QUARTERLY

The Natural Histo!)' Society

ofNev.rfoundland and Labrador, Inc. PO Box 1013, 51. John's, Newfoundland Al C 5M3

Publication Mail Registralion 11'8302 JSSN 0710-4847

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THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR P.O. Box 1013, S1. John's, Newfoundland. AIC 5M3

Editorial Policy

All members are encouraged to contribute articles and material of general interest to the societies mandate for publication in .. The Osprey",

Articles should, where possible, be submitted on 3.5" High-density IBM-formatted floppy disks. Computer users should prepare articles in Word Pertec1. Font, margins, and spacing can be adjusted by the editors. If articles are submitted in any other fonm, they should be entirely print-ready, using one inch margins, single spaced in Times New Roman font and a point size no greater than 12. The editors reserve the right to re-format any materials received. Please note that all material will be reviewed by the editorial staff and only those deemed appropriate will be published.

Illustrations and photos are welcome, and should be provided in a format compatible with photocopying in black and white, since that is the way "The Osprey" is printed.

Please send submissions for the December 2000 issue no later than November 22. Material should be mailed to:

The Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, C/o Fyzee Shuhood, The Editor

6A, Thorbum Road S1. John's, Newfoundland, A I B-3L8

Or articles could also be a-mailed to: brianmclaren@mail.Qov.nf.ca

"The Osprey" does not print advertising or solicitation without express consent of the executive.

The NNHS Society Officers 200()'2001

Home Work Past President: Allan Stem 895-2056 737-8n2 President· Rita Anderson 895-2564 737-8n1 Vice President: (Vacant) Secretary Don Steele 754-0455 Treasurer· Don Barton 726-032£ Osprey Editor Fyzee Shuhood 738-0144

Co-Editor: Brian Mclaren 739-9960 CNF Board representatives: John Pratt 579-9518 722-7673

Bill Montevecchi 895-2901 737-7673 Members at large: Len Zedel 745-3321 737-3106

David Snow 368-3451 Becky Sjare (indoor events ptanner) 738-0523 722-4049 Pierre Ryan 722-5794 Wendy Zdebiak (outdoor events planner)722-8538 Carol Joyce 895-3959 737-6309

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A Note from the Editor ..... .

"/ am sitting in a comfortable, naturally hollowed-out throne on a large black larva rock formation projecting out into the blue ocean from a beautiful white sand beach. This is my power spot, the place in the whole world where I feel most connected with my soul. In front of me, waves roll in from the open sea, carrying vast oceans of energy. They break right in front of me, showering me with their life force. Underneath me the rock is cold and smooth and as powerful in its solidity as the ocean in its movement. The combination of still rock and moving water brings me into balance and wholeness. When I am here, I offen feel that my soul is talking to me, telling me things I need to remember. And sometimes I feel the earth is talking to me, too" ...

While sitting by the sea in Wester Cove near Branch one cold criSp winters day in December I reflect on this passage from "Return to the Garden" by Shakti Gawain .... It is the 1999 annual X-mas bird count. Now, I know why I am always drown to the sea and why I am happy when I am near the sea. And I am sure some of you reading this ";11 smile and know exactly what I know. If you don't, then take a walk by the sea along a beaten path .... alone.

Winter brings in the fresh cold northen winds and rejuvenates the soul once again. We look forward to long hikes along silent rivers and wooden paths, look for animal tracks zigzagging in the snow, winter skiing, bring out the bird feeders anticipating our winter feathered friends, watch for rare birds, snuggle near the fire place with a favourite book, prepare for X-mas celebrations, or if you are a keen birder look forward to the annual X-Mas bird counts.

However, along with the happy things in life, winter also brings upon unpleasant things such as the chronic oil pollution off our coast responsible for killing waterfowl , illegal hunting, and wildlife habitat destruction to name a few. But, as human beings if we want to live a meaningful life on this earth, it is not enough only to have concern for oneself, but we should strive to live in harmony with the planet, with the trees and rivers , other animals as well as our fellow human beings.

Once again, a reminder to keep sending your articles to the Osprey. If it is worth seeing, then it is worth writing. If it is worth writing, then it is worth publishing in the Osprey! Unfortunately I still haven't received the 1999 X-Mas bird counts or any other winter bird records to include in this issue. So, if you have any please send it to me soon.

We hope you enjoy the December 1999 issue.

Fyzee Shuhood Editor

• December, 1999

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GOVERNMENT OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Department of Tourism. Culture and Recreation Office of the Minister

Ms. Susan Gibson Vice· President, The Lichen Foundation

Mr. Kevin McNamee, Wildlands Campaign Canadian Narure Federation I Nicholas Street, Suite 606 Onawa, Ontario KIN 7B7

Dear Ms. Gibson and Mr. McNamee:

April 16, 1999

On behalf of Premier Tobin, thank you fo r your lener of November 20, 1998 regarding the proposed Tom~al Mountains National Park. I apologize for the delayed response but I assure you that it is not due to an indifference to yuur concerns.

I want to reiterate the Province's commitment to protecting this marvellous area of our province as a national park. Due to the complexities associated with the resource issues in the area. regrenably it has taken longer than I had hoped to move the proposal forward.

I am now pleased, however, to tell you that the Province has taken two imponam steps to ensure that the integrity of the area is not compromised while rurther discursions and negotiations continue towards park establ ishmenl.

In December, 1998, an amendment was made to the Min.eral Regulations (Newfoundland Regulation 104/98) which institutes an exemption order ror the area under consideration for the park, including the Ramah Group. This means that effective December 11, 1998, no further mineral claims staking is allowed in the area. Secondly, Cabinet has also decided that further applications for Crown Land will be prohibited. Together, these are significant measures that demonstrate, I believe, our contim:ed c~:n:r.l!m=!1t ~o park esubE$h::1ent :n the TOfngat Mountain!".

Thank you for you continued interest and support for protection of this outstanding natural area of our province.

Sincereiy yours.

I cLb~~ ./HA SI. ~~YSJ}URE~.

Premier Tobin

P.O. Box 8700. St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. AlB 4J6. Telephone (709) 729-0659. facsimile (709) 729-0662

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND L ABRADOR PO Box 1013, 5l John' s, NF AIC 5M3

Mr. Tony Power Cape 5t Mary's! Branch 51. Mary's Bay, NF

Dear Mr Power;

April 27, 1999

The Natural Histo!>'Society of Newfoundland and Labrador was reconstituted in 1966. Its goals are to increase awareness, knowledge and appreciation of and respect fo r the natural resources (animal, plant and mineral) of the Province and to preserve and protect them for future generations to enjoy. Annually we present the Tuck-Walters Award to an individual or group in recognition of achievements related to the Society's goals.

Congratulations on winning the Tuck-Walters of the Natural History Society for 1998-9.

You were nominated by several Society members who are fami liar with your efforts and

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accomplishments which. like those of the two influential people for whom the Award is named, • have gone far beyond the norm. You were the unanimous selection of our Awards Committee. The Society has arranged to present the Award to you at the official opening of the Cape St. Mary' s EcologicaJ Reserve for the 1999 season on May I .

The Award consists of an engraved plaque highlighting the Society' s emblem, the osprey with a trout in its talons and a membership in the Society.

Once again, congratulations. I look forward to presenting the A ward to you on May 1.

i~ Al lan Stein, President

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onA ... A, O"T","O CA .. AO .. I( 1 N 71117 CNF+FCN WWW .C .... CA E · .... ' L C .. ,.c .... e .. ~"O"l 613·562-3 .... 7 ~ ... 613-562-3371

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November 19, 1999

Mr. William Barbour President Labrador Inuit Association Nain, Labrador AOP ILO FAX: (709) 922-293 I

Dear Mr. Barbour and Premier Tobin.

Han. Brian Tobin Premier Government of Newfoundland and Labrador St . John 's, Newfoundland AlB IKI FAX: (709) 729-5875

Re: Measuring Progress on proposed Tomgat Mountains National Park

011 tu~ha!f Of the Canadian Nature Federation, the Protected Areas Association of Newfou ndland and Labrador, and World Wildlife Fund Canada. we congratu late you on your continued dedication and progress in establishing the proposed Tomgat Mountains National Park Reserve. While we can only begin to appreciate the complex range of issues you have had to address in land claim negotiations, we do appreciate your continuing support for this proposed park.

In particular, we welcome the commitment in the May 1999 Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) that provides for the establishment ofa Tomgat Mountains National Park Reserve of approximately 3.000 square miles in the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area (s. 9.2.1). And we applaud the December 1998 decision by the Newfoundland Cabinet to give most of the proposed parkland interim protection by designating it as Exempt Mineral Lands under the Mineral AcJ (Newfoundland Regulation 104/98), thereby preventing new mineral claims from being staked in the proposed park area, including the Ramah Area.

As the Endangered Spaces Campaign drives to its June 2000 climax, our organizations are searching fo r a means to publicly acknowledge you r commitment to this national park which has been the subject of intense study since 1992. Indeed. we want to be able to count the park in our final report. However, three omissions prevented us from publicly acknowledging last spring the significant level of progress on this park and count ing the area towards the province' s annual Endangered Spaces grade:

the lack of a written commitment to establ ish a national park or national park reserve; the lack of a published final national park or natio nal park reserve boundary; and the lack of a commitment to maintain the area under interim protection until administration and co ntrol of the parldands is transferred to the fede ral government.

ca nadian nature fed eration" f e d e ration ca ll a dien n e de In nature Cn tlfl dfl's Ilfltio lHrI voice for tIl e proto!ction of /lilll/ fI! , it s div ersi t y, fl lf d tlt e I"ocesses tl/flt Sll s tai" it .

We would like to suggest a number of steps to address these omissions. To a ceJ1ain extent, the May 1999 AlP provides some assurance that a Tomgat Mountains National Park Reserve will be • established at some future date. Public confinnation that the action proposed in section 9.2.2 of the AlP has been completed would allow us to publicly acknowledge that the creation of a national park is a real commitment. Specifically. this section states that "Newfoundland and Labrador Inuit Association will agree on the lands proposed for inclusion in the Tomgat Mountains National Park Reserve and the interim measures for the protection of those lands," It is our understanding that this step is currently underway.

Thus, we suggest that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Labrador Inuit Association publicly confirm and publish the final boundary for the Tomgat Mountains National Park Reserve, one that would include the entire Ramah Area. In addition, we suggest that you confirm that the provincial government will impose the strictest interim protection measures possible over the proposed park, measures that will remain in place until administration and control of the area is transferred to the federal government. Finally. given the existing mineral claims to parts of the proposed park, we would require some indication that they will be revoked as soon as possible in order to prevent any industrial development within the final park boundary.

If we could have written confinnation of these commitments pursuant to section 9 .2.2 of the Agreement-in-Principle, we would be prepared to recognize this as a confirmed commitment to establish a Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve. We look forward to being able to finally recognize the significant progress that the Newfoundland government and the Labrador Inuit Association have made towards a Tomgat Mountains National Park Reserve.

Finally, we would also like to suggest that if the Newfoundland government has not already done so. to officially notify any and all companies that have an active claim within the proposed boundaries that the area will be eventually established as the Torngat Mountain National Park Reserve, and that the area is under interim protection measures that will last until the lands are transferred to the federal government.

Yours sincerely,

Executive Director Canadian Nature Federation

!::: __ 1LP Director, Endangered Spaces Campaign World Wildlife Fund Canada

~&eut Laura Jackson Executive Direc r Protected Areas Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

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1 N'CMOL". 5T"I[I[T SUITe eoe

OTT"W" , O"T""'O. C""'''OA I( 1 N 7B7

November 20, 1999

Honourable Charles Furey

~ CNF"' FCN

MirUster of Tourism, Culture and Recreation Government of Newfoundland and Labrador S1. John 's, Newfoundland AIB4J6

Dear Minister Furey,

WINw eN" CA IE · .... 'L' CN~k .... C: ..

..... 0 .. [ . 1513·582·3447 F •• 013-502·3371

On April 20, 1999, our two Board members from Newfoundland· Dr. Bill Montevecchi and Mr. John Pratt - along with myself, met with you to encourage your government to launch a feasibility study on the proposed Mealy Mountains national park. I am writing to enquire about progress towards an announcement ofa feasibility study, and to see if there is any further information that the Canadian Nature Federation can provide.

You will recall that we urged the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to announce at the earliest opportunity the commencement of a feasibility study, including pubiic consuitation, for a Mealy Mountain national park in cooperation with Parks Canada and the lnnu Nation . And that the provincial government examine and apply interim-protection measures to the study area.

We were pleased to hear that you wanted to get going on the feasibi li ty study. You were quite emphatic that you wanted to establish a model for Canada in terms of how national parks are established. We also learned that you still had to bring the issue oflaunching a feasibility study before Cabinet. And there were still several issues to address including the size of the study area, cottage development on Lake Melville, and the use of interim protection measures. At the end of the meeting, you stated that you would like to get back to us on this issue within a month ' s time. We have yet to hear of any progress on a study

Since then, our membership unanimously supported a resolution at our annual meeting in support of the proposed park and feasibi!i!y s!'..!dy. We Co!!u!'!!..1!"ic!ted this support t('l (!11 members of the Newfoundland Cabinet in June 1999. Our membership will be meeting in Newfoundland in July 2000, to examine, among other things, progress on this resolution.

The Canadian Nature Federation has also provided your officials with some information on the impact of roads on natural and protected areas, and on the economic benefits of some existing nati onal parks to the local economy. We are also close to completing a natural and cultural resource analysis of the proposed study area for the purpose of defining an ecological boundary. This analysis clearly confirms that the Mealy Mountain e area is one of the best protected area candidates in southern Labrador.

cattadian "attlre federation"" federatio" caltadieltlle de la nature Canada ' s national voice for th e protection of tfatllre , its tli\'er s ity, a"tI the processes tllat Sf/s tai" it.

At our meeting, our main points to you were that:

A Mealy Mountain national park would help anchor and build on Labrador's image of being a destination to visit because of its high quality landscapes, undisturbed wilderness areas, and diverse wildlife populations.

2. With the Trans Labrador Highway opening up the Mealy Mountains region to more development pressures, now is the time to set aside a national park to ensure the economic benefits of a national park are secured in advance of development.

3. In addition to identifying a park boundary and consulting the public, a national park feasibi lity study will help determine the tourism potential of the area, as well as the job prospects and economic benefits that would accrue.

I want to emphasize the last point. Groups such as the Canadian Nature Federation are currently pressing the federal government to allocate new funds in the upcoming March 2000 burlget towards the establishment of new national parks. In our presentation to the Standing Comminee on Finance in Halifax on November 15, 1999, we emphasized that a large proportion of these funds should be invested in local communities. We also drew to the Committee's attention the importance of the proposed Mealy Mountain national park.

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There is a high probability that new funds win be allocated, panicularly given the federal government 's commitment in its Throne Speech to extend the national parks system. e Thus, it is important that the feasibility study commence as soon as possible to ensure that it addresses in a meaningful way the potential economic benefits of a national park to the broader region, and the federal investment required to achieve this goal .

In conclusion. we would appreciate an update on the possible announcement of a feasibility study for the Mealy Mountain national park. In particular, we would appreciate hearing of any outstanding impediments to the launching of a feas ibility study and if there is any thing we could contribute to their resolution. If there is any further information we can provide to you or your officials, we would be pleased to do so.

Yours sincerely,

Kevin McNamee Wildlands Campaign Director

c.c. Mr. Roben Thompson, Deputy Minister Dr. Bill Montevecchi, Memorial University Mr John Pratt. St. John 's Ms. Laura Jackson, Protected Areas Association •

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GOVERNMENT OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation Office of the Minister

Mr. Kevin McNamee Wildlands Campaign Director Car.adian Nature Federation 1 Nicholas Street, Suite 606 Ottawa, Ontario KIN7B7

Dear Mr. McNamee:

December 09, 1999

As I noted in our April meeting, I am highly supportive of a National Park in the Mealy Mountains area. I'm sure you can appreciate, however, that there are factors outside the control of my Department, which impact upon the final negotiation for a feasibility study.

My staff have been working on this project to try to bring the Mealy Mountains National Park feasibility study to fruition in the shortest time possible. This is often challenging when there are severa] non-goverrunent players at the table whose input is both desirable and required.

We are, I can asure yOll, persuing the options available to us to move forward on establishing and starting a feasibility study for the Mealy Mountains National Park.

I want to note that the information you provided my staff on the impact of roads on natural and protected areas. as well as the economic benefits of some existing national parks to the local economy. are very valuable and will indeed be used in the negotiation processs for the establi shment of the proposed Mealy Mountains Natonal Park.

Sincerely.

C~/Y' MHA St.~~(~

p.o. Box 8100. St. John's. Newfoundland. Canada. AlB 4J6, Telephone (109) 129-0659. Facsimile (109) 129-0662

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RESOU RCE A ALYSIS OF RED HEAD by Tony Power

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• The author, Tony Power. investi£at ing Bald Eag le tracks o n the beach during his wondcrings

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TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE • References............................. .. .. ....... ... ..... ........... ..... ........ ....... .. .. . 1 Bibliography ..... ........ ....... .............................. ......................... ..... ... 2 Resource Analysis Red Head .......................... ...... .... .... ......... ....... 3 Objectives ... .......................................... .... ... ..... .................... .. ........ 4 History of Red Head ... ....... ........ ........... .. ..... ... .... .. ..... .... ....... .. .. ..... . 5.6.7 Religion .. ....................... .... ........... ... .... ........................... ......... ......... 7 Dewire/Coffey ............ ...... ..... ........... .... .... ............ .... .... ........ ..... ..... .. 7 World War 1 and 11 ., .................................... ........ ................. ..... ..... 8 Fishing/Lumbering ........ ...... ................................ ......... .. ..... .... ..... ..... 8 SchooL ............ ....... ....... ... .... ..... .... ..... .......................... ................ ...... 9 Points of interest ..... ....... .... ......... ............ ........ ................... ...... ..... .. 10 Entertainment and Hoiliday Celebrations ......................... ........ ... ... .. 11 Resources ...... .... ........................................................ ...... .... ....... ...... 12 Vegetation .... ...... ....... ............................. ............. ............... ...... .... .. .... 13 Soils .. .... ... .... .. .... ... .. ..... ........ ...... ..................................... ..... ........ ...... 14 Climate ..... ...................................... .... .. ..... ... ..... ....... ......... ............... 15 .16 Fauna ................ ..... ............. ..... ...................................... ..... .......... .. ... 17.18 • Constraints .... ..... ...................... ....... ...... ............................... .... ...... ... .. 19 Opportunities .. ............. .......................... ...................................... ...... ... 20

MAPS I FIGURES

1 , 2 , 3 • 4 .5 , 6 .7 , 8

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Resource Analysis

Red Head

Red Head is located at approximately 46 57' longitude on the southwest tip of the

avalon. ( See figures 1 and 2) . To get to the site you can take two routes. The first route

might be to take route 1, the Trans Canada Highway, until you reach the intersection at

Salmonier Line route 90. From here drive southward on Salmonier line until you reach

the intersection on route 91 going westward. As you pass through Colinet you take route

92 for 76 km which will bring you to the site.

The second route you leave Witbourne from route 1 and take 100 in southwest direction.

You pass through Placentia and continue on out the cape shore highway until you reach

Branch. From here you head northeast on route 92 approximately 10 km. Red Head is

open to St. Mary's Bay , it is a valley with forested hills on both sides, and a small river

running into the bay. North Harbour road passes across Red Head with a concrete e bridge sanding over the river. There is a road leading down to a cobble beach, which

is surrounded by red and grey cliffs.

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Objectives

The purpose for this objective statement is to provide general statements of potential

and resources of Red Head.

1. To provide a wildemess environment close to population centers of the Avalon, to

be used by residents and tourists for low impact recreational activities. Management

of this use is nessary to maintain the ecosystem but is not restricted to hunting,

fishing, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, boating and swimming.

2. To protect and conserve all species of plants and animals in sufficient numbers to

provide long term populations for our future children .

3. To preserve in an unspoiled and unpolluted condition of the barrens, peatlands,

ponds, lakes and rivers which are undeveloped.

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History of Red Head

It was in 1765 , while lhe dark clouds of rebellion and hatred spread over blood stained

Ireland. lhal Thomas Nash from Callan decided to leave his home and search for peace.

He hooked passage on a sailing vessel and was soon bound for far off Newfoundland .

For many years Thomas lived and worked at capelin Bay, now known as Calvert

Harbour which was a harbour for British ships on the southern shore. Here Thomas

had a boat and considerable fishing property.ln 1773 Thomas and Roger Mc Garth

petitioned the government for the possession of a fishing room in Caplin Bay. This

petition was granted . Records also indicate that Thomas Nash was a literate fellow and

wielded much influence with other Kilkenny men in the area.

In 1789 Thomas Nash decided to leave calvert and move his family to Mosquito Island

in SI. Mary's Bay. Thomas stayed on at Mosquito Island only a short time. Legend as

it that grubs ate the shores out from under his fishing stage thus forcing him to leave.

He came to Branch and was accompanied by an English protestant by the name of

Kingspear. They stayed here because of the abundance of salmon. Very little is know

Kingspear except that be converted to Catholism and changed his name to Kerry. a well

in Easter Cove of Branch still hears the name of Kerry's Spout.

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Thomas built his house next to a basin where boats could be moved and he could be

e next to the sea. Free land was available, much was of which was suitable for farming.

Some sources say Thomas called his new home Branch because of the way the river

branched in several places as it drained into st. Mary's Bay. However , Branch Cove and

Branch Head were chartered by the map maker Lane as early as 1773. Branch is a

French surname and it seams likely that the name could have originated withe the

French fishermen who were in Colinet around 1760.

Thomas Nash had five sons and two daughters. In 1795 Thomas' two brothers Toby

and Walter moved from Capelin Bay to Branch, thus the Nashes became firmly

established in Branch. It is believed that several years later Thomas Nash returned to

Ireland to perlorm Easter Duties since there were no priests in the area at that time.

There he reported to his friends , Nick Power and Bill English that all the land where he

had was free to take. On his return to Newfoundland he was accompanied by his Two

friends . Bill English eventually married one of Thomas' daughters and in 1803 they had e the first child born to Branch. Nick Power married another of Thomas' daughters and

they had three sons named Nick, Paddy and Davey.

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Since fishing was the main source of income for Branch people, Thomas Nash and those

who followed him were primarily fishennen.

Every family had its own boat and it was not uncommon for a boy to become a

fishermen at 11 or 12. The fishing skiffs were about 30 feet in length and had three sails

and oars. They were built locally from the abundance of timber in the area. Since there

wasn't a mill in the community the first settlers used a pit saw to cut the materials.

Before the comming of the Acadia engine the men rowed their boats to the fishing

ground. Many of the early settlers sold their fish to the Sweetmans of Placentia. It was

the custom to get your fishing supplies in the same merchant whom you intended to sell

your catch in the fall. The merchant boats would come to the area several times during

the fishing season to pick up the fish and bring supplies. The fishennen would receive

sugar, flour, tea and molasses. Fish continued being shipped from branch until the

1950s. The skipper of the last boat to come to Branch was Joe Delorey. He also

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shipped the first shipment of fish to the East Coast Fisheries in Bay Bulls.

These ea~y settlers also had their own animals that provided them with milk, butter

cream and meat. They took advantage of the wildlife, and the abundance of cod and

salmon in the area. Although the didn't have much money they lived comfortable.

The people of Branch are mostly Catholic and the church has always played a major role

in their spiritual and social lives. Most of the early settlers came from Ireland which

probally explains why the Roman Catholic Church is so strong in Branch. The first

church was constructed in 1848 and was the first church to be built on the Cape Shore.

The church of St, Josheph was a small building located about thi~ yards from the

Waterfront. The first priest to celebrate Mass in rt was father Vensule. This church was

later replaced by the Holy Rosary Church in 1910. The church was designed by Father

Lynne and constructed by William Collins and Stephen English.

Dewire/Coffey

Red Head was not settled all year round but as a seasonal place to fish, farm and hunt.

A fellow by the name of Dewire moved from St. Brides to live in Red Head. Dewire set

gardens near the river known as Dewires flat. A Coffey family carrying a baby used to

walk from Angle's Cove to Red Head and fished there in the summer and fall. One

spring the Coffey family decided to build a cabin where the rivers fork.

During their first night in the cabin they were suddenly awaken. The cabin started to

shake and Coffey ran out side see what happened. To his surprise a pirate was standing

in from of him. The pirate roared ' Get off my grave'. Coffey and his family

did not hesrtate to gather up their belongings and flee.

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The people of Branch have erected a permanent memorial to those people from the

Cape Shore who served in World War I and Ii . A relative of mine Edmond Collins was

commended for brave conduct. His citation read · When S8 Greyburm was attacked

and sunk by enemy submarines, he cut loose a dingy which was impossible to lower.

Although the boat was leaking and despite disturbances caused by dept charges he

picked up five shipmates and brought them to rescue the vessel. He only detested when

the dingy sunk. This is only a part of what the people in Branch did during the war.

Fishing/Lumbering

Fishermen from Branch used to trap and trawl cod fish off Red Head and they jigged

squid in near by Jigging Cove. Logs were cut and thrown over the cliffs in Red Head

• and then towed to Branch to be used for Building houses, stages and stables. Red

Head was also a good hunting area for ducks, moose, caribou, rabbits and muskrats.

Albert Roche and Kitty Lynch had two cabins in Red Head which they used for hunting

and fishing. In 1957 Dermot Roche and his two brothers Leo and Albert operated a

sawmill for Bursey in 51. John's. They cut and sawed logs in Red Head for two years

and they got Joe Delorey's schooner to take the lumber to 8t. John's for sale.

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Schools

The first school houses were usually a one room buHding heated by a pot belly stove.

Wood was provided by the students who required to bring a stick each day. Some

children were lucky enough to have their parents cut a loas of wood and bring it to the

school for them. The desks were usually double. Generally the one teacher Iaught all

grades. The earliest students wrote on 8- by 12" slates and used sharp rocks as a

writing tool.

Today however the Fatima Academy is the central school for students of both elementary

and high school on the Cape Shore and Branch. This school is located in St. Brides and

students are bused twelve miles to school. The opening of this central high school in

5t. Brides meant the phasing out of small schools.

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In 1966 Branch became incorporated under the leadership of Mr. Dolph Nash who

became the first chairman. The council looks after things such as street lighting,

garbage disposal and the water supply.

In 1967, a community building was erected and house offices allocated for the council

(the Public Health Nurse and Volunteer Fire Dept) . The community council and operates

an outdoor swimming pool, playground and ball field.

There is a nearby constructed Holy Rosary Church and Community Center. There are

two grave yards, one presently used is 1/2 a mile above the community. The second lies

in the heart of Community opposite the site of the first Church built in 1848. The fish

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plant is presently closed because of the cod moratortum . Lump, lobster and crab is the •

only commercial fishery going ahead at this time.

Entertainment and Holiday Celebrations

In the olden days holidays were looked forward to with great anticipation Chrtstmas

preparations were made in advance . Nearly every family killed a sheep from the blood

puddings which were usually served on Christmas moming .Sweet bread and fruit cake

were traditional and menfolk in the family usually managed a keg of home brew .

Christmas was spent visiting friends and relatives . It was a mual for the men visit every

house in the community this rttual is still carned out today by a few .

The peeple of the Cape Shore have always been great lovers of songs and dances .

most of the songs were passed down through genrations that originally came from

Ireland. Because the majority of people on the shore and Branch are of irish decent . e Firing in the New Year is another custom at the stroke of mid night every man who owns

a gun fire a volley of shots the cliffs echoed .

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Resources

Red Head is an ideal place to visit because it is situated open to St. Mary's Bay and

open to the country a half mile back from the shoreline. The road leading to the beach

is made up of large cable and is used by vechiles to get to the beach. (see figure 5)

The walkways on the hiking trails have decayed and nails are protruding. The walkways

were built from found balsam fir sticks. It is almost impossible to walk out the trail on

the wester side towards the steep cliffs. Trees have uprooted and fallen across the tail.

To restore this trail it would take a big effort in removing the trees and upgrading the

trails with treated lumber. The trail going between the rivers on the northwest side of the

road has no walkways but is growing over with young balsam fir and alders. ( see figure

6) I n the park surveyed park area it is mostly tree covered and only has a survey cut trail

on the west side. The east trail is the best one to walk, however the walkways are also

• decayed and a bridge is needed on a small gulley. On the wester side of the trail the

climb is steep for about 150 feet so a stair would need to be put in place, however on

the east side steps would only be needed on the first 25 feet when you enter the woods.

The saltwater pond is a nice swimming area for children . The pond is about 3 feet in

the shallow end and drops off 6 feet. When the trail rises in the pond it puts the water

level up an extra 2 feet depending upon wave conditions. Waves top up about 10 feet

on stormy days before they smash on the beach. It is a scenery to see the strength of

the sea.

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There are 6 lookouts on the trails which give a good view of SI. Mary's Bay and steep

gulches. On the cliffs you can observe nesting Black Guillemot and Northem Gannets

diving during June and July. Harbour seals are always in this area most every day.

Human figures make the seal curious causing them to swim close to the shore. The

caribou herds upon the barrens also attract visitors because they can easily be seen

from the road . However, if you want a closer look there are lots of knobs and trees to

creep behind for a closer look.

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Vegetation

The region is similar in many respects to the forests in isolated deep valleys along the

south coast of the Maritime Barrens Ecoregions. The forests contains primarily Balsam

fir, white birch and black spruce are mixed in with the fir. Along the roadside is the

mountain alder. The bogs are common and contain low shrubs and caribou mosses.

There is also a dwarf evergreen growth known as tuckamore which is actually spruce &

fir. Its growth is stunted by high winds or excess moisture in the soils. The barrens are

also composed of grasses, lichens, shrubs , blueberries, patrich berries, bake apples

and sheep laurel. These shrubs are part of a group of plants known as heaths.

Soils

At Red Head there are 4 classes of soils that all fall under the Subgroup Gleyed Placic

Ortho Ferro- Humic Podzol. The parent material is greyish brown, cemented , very

gravely and stony sandy loam till derived mainly from grey slate.. Surface texture and

surface stoniness are loan and are very stony. Its capability for agriculture is too stony.

The geological formation of Red Head area is dominantly shrubs with limestone,

siltstone, sandstone conglomerate,manganese beds, and minor volcanic rocks. In areas

1 and 4 on figures 8 they contain peat soils that can be adapted to several uses besides

agriculture. These uses vary from conservation of the peat in its original state for water

control or as wildlife pres9fVe. Through its use for forestry to its removal for sale as peat

moss fuel.

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Climate

The area of the southwest tip of the Avalon has a marine climate having mild winters and

cool summers. Fog is common in spring and summer lasting from May to August. The

average wind speeds are between 25-30 km an hour. However storms often with little

notice during August and are called 'August Gales'. In December of 1994 high winds

up to 130 km were recorded and put the Avalon in a blackout with poles snapped off like

matches.

The table below gives a summary of the climate in the Red Head area.

I ~··""'I .... 0' L.a.I~ V~"lI ... ~D'1' FtOl. s.._ T_>SC

No.oIO.,. ...... fetnp. T_>2'OC

"'" l ~·· ·" I ' 0." FIM ...... T.""'- o.g. .. o.yo FRoSI <lie <lie

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Constraints

Such constraints as cabins going up on Red Head in the Mure may damage the area

and pollute the river. Gravel pits and domestic cutting would ruin this area as a wi ldlife

habitat and tourist attraction. cabins are being built between Red Head and North

Harbour. Someday someone will decide on building cabin lots which will destroy Red

Heads natural state. Crown lands need to change their policy to prevent this from

happening. The recent increase of A.TV in the Red Head area over the past ten years

has left its scars on the peat lands. The rapid breakdown of the peat surface in the area

has forced government to put a control on A.T.V movements.

Species are disappearing at faster and faster rates. Some 54 species of animals are now

listed as endangered or threatened in canada. Wildlife habitat is disappearing due to

drainage, cultivation and industrial use. One strategy for maintaining abundant wildlife

populations is , to remind business executives and decision makers that wildlife

resources should be treated as an assets to be conserved and managed for the benefit

of all humanity.

Opportunities

Red Head provides a place for recreation, relaxation, bird-watching, fishing. swimming and hiking in a natural environmental setting. In the summer of 1994, approximately 10,000 tourists visited Cape SI. Mary's. Most tourists take route 92 on N onh Harbour road passing through Red Head. The area of Red Head is close to the main road (see figure 5), but it is still in the wilderness. If use of this area by campers increases there maybe a need to put signage asking visitors to take garbage out when they leave. Tbe intrinsic benefits provided to the passers by and the local people are compelling reasons for maintaining such places like Red Head (there are countless other threatened areas like this around the Island) in a healthy natural state.

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Fauna

Wildlife for the Red Head area include:

Pine/Rose breasted Grosbeak Merlin Snow Bunting American Robin Goshawk Red cross bill Canada/Snow Goose Black Duck Sharp- Shinned Hawk Purple Sand Piper Green Winged Teal Leach 's Storm Petrel Savannah Sparrow Pine Siskin White Winged Scoter Surf Scoter Common/Thick-Billed Murre Common Loon Kittiwake Oldsquaw Snowy Owl European Starling

King Fisher American Crow Dovekie Raven Double-Crested Cormarant Common Eider Horned Lark Osprey Common/Red Breasted Merganser Great Black Backed Gull

• Herring Gull

Glaucous Gull Bald Eagle Harlequin Duck

Northern Gannet Semipalamated Plover

Order Artiodactyla~ Hoofed) -

Caribou Moose

Lynx Red Fox, Cross and Silver Ermine (weasel) Otter Mink

Beaver Meadow Vole Red Squirrel Norway Rat House Mouse

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Order Legomorpha (rabbit ll! hares) -

Snow Shoe Hare

QrQg[ Insectivora ~ eaters):

Masked Shrew

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References

I wish to thank the following for their help throughout the duration 01 my research.

Mrs. Mary Power

Mr. Dermot Roche

Mr. Ambrose Power

Mr. Pat Quigley

Bibliography

Heringa, PK Soiis Qf the Avalon Peninsula Newfoundland. St. John's: Land Resource Research Institute, 1981

Minty, Groffin and Murphy. Finding!b!! Balance !Qr ~ ~ Tranto: Breakwater, 1993.

Egan, Logan and DuWors. Ibl! Benefits Qf Wildlife. Canada: Minister of Environment, 1989.

O'Driscoll , Lucy. Newfoundland Pine Marten' t; Vanishing IIni!:lli!! Department of Environment and Lands, Wildlife Division, 1991 .

Editors note: The author of this paper wishes to acknowledge that the document was produced in 1995 and has not been peer reviewed. The work was done out of pure personal interest and was not intended to be published until now. We lhink mat the information contained in this paper was worth publishing for those of you interested in this area.

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Resource Anal . R d H

ys~s

e ead

• NEWFOUNDLAND

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Legend

Resource~ysm 'Red Head

PAVED ROADS --

AVALON PENINSULA

~-" .... - -- ,~~ /\ Cap. Bt. . F.r:anaia

....-::: N

t

2

t

"Branch Cultural Features

! Cbat;olio Claaroll 1? i ! LegeJld il _ aDd are~aat; .rP I rift n .. t;. I!

O li'l·

SerYioe stat:i.oa

1 Graveyards t i Grocery St;o,", \,,-- !!l ,

Figure 3 -

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VEGETATION

Balasm fir ~

• ::i::l:i~Ch t'rt't Black spruce + Al.der .$

Legend

.. .......... . ...... :.: ..•.•...

. .. .. .. .. o

:-• .. .

' - r - ~ - -

.J , t ~-+ .. ~ L ~", .

-t +­-f--

~ .. ~ -

-

... ch load ~ P.""d load _ ._ llU:eiag !frail - _ - _ A!fV. !fraU _

Park lIoaDdari •• ""C::J __ to ~

- Figu r e 5

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Legend Rivara _ Pond •• ~ribu~.rJ. •• -­S.lt:wat:ar Pond ~

iiginr Cove Guilky

Water Shed Drainage Red Read

11<4 Head Pond

79 80 81 82

Figure 7

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) Soils ry \~

\

L gend e d very stoney

I - Peat ~~n91Y stoney bedrock.

;:i~c~~ 20 !X~::;~~'Y .;:0 ~=~:~o:~d 50 _ 90 , expo

of Red Head

, ~igure:

153

1999 TUCK-WALTERS AWARD PRESENTATION

(Speech presented by the President of the NNHS, Dr. Allan Stein at Cape St. Mar) 's)

The Natural History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador has a histol) dati!lg back to the 1930's. Like many other activities in the depression year.s, this original Society faded out, was reformed in the 1950's, but faded again before being successfully reestablished in 1966. As one would conclude from the tenn "Natural History" , the Society's goals are to increase awareness, knowledge and appreciation of, and respect for the natural resources (animal , plant and mineral) of the Province and to preserve and protect them for future generations to enjoy.

The Society has members Province wide, from the Cape to Labrador. We are centred in SI. John' s and have a branch, the Humber Field Naturalis ts in the Comer Brook area. They and we will be hosting a joint annual meeting of our Society and the Canadian Nature Federation in Comer Brook in mid­July 2000.

The Society is active in many environmental issues and education activities. We annually give two awards, one for post-secondary education to a student who is pursumg a program related to natural history and the environment and has been involved in act ivities advancing the goals of the Society. ThiS is the Natural History Society/ Wild Things Scholarship.

We also present the Tuck-Walters Award, named after Dr. Les lie M (Les) Tuck and captain Harry (Harry) Walters .

It is my pleasure today to announce and present the 1999 Tuck Walters Award for advancing the principles of the Society. This year' s recipients known to most of you, Mr. Tony Power of Branch and the Cape SI. Mary's EcologIcal Reserve.

In their nomination letters to our Award Committee, the nominators

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stated, among other positive comments, the following:

Mr. Power, although employed as an interpreter at Cape St. Mary's, and thereby compensated in part for his work on the sea birds and sea ducks in that area, has gone far beyond the requirements of his employment and contributed untold hours of volunteer effort: --to collect information on the distribution, number, and behaviour of sea birds, sea ducks and other species that occur on the SE Avalon, including valuable information on the endangered Eastern Harlequin. --to document the occurrence of oiled birds and oil on Newfoundland beaches. --to inform government agencies and to empower local residents regarding the problem of marine pollution and strategies to deal with it's effects. --to communicate to school children, residents and visitors, including local, national and international media, the beauty and diversity of Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve. --and to communicate effectively and simply to local hunters the importance of conservation of migratory game birds .. and the message has been heard! In this respect Tony Power's influence, as one ofthe people, and an honest and straight talking person, has been instrumental in the observed regrowth of wintering HARLEQUIN DUCK POPULATIONS AT CAPE ST. MARY'S. This regrowth has occurred in sometimes difficult and trying circumstances.

One nominator closed with the statement: " I believe that if Messrs. Tuck and Walters could meet Tony Power, they would agree that his personal contribution and example embody principles that these men thought important."

Another nominator closed with: "Mr. Power once said to me that what he does for a living (his work) is his LIFE."

Ladies and gentlemen, I present Mr. Tony Power, recipient of the 1999 Tuck-Walters Award.

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The TucklWaltell Award

This award is named in memory or Leslie M. Tuck and captain Harry Walters.

Dr. Les Tuck was Newfoundland's first Dominion Wildlife Officer, and Harry Walters was the Director of the Newfoundland Rangers Force. Following Confederation with Canada, Les headed the Canadian Wildlife Service in the province - a position he held for more than twenty-five years. In the latter part of his long and distinguished career, Dr. Tuck held the LJ. Paton Research Professorship in !.he psychology Department of Memorial University. He was instrumental in the reactivation of this Society in the 1950's. Captain Harry Walters, served for many years as the Head of the Newfoundland Wildlife Division, which he was instrumental in establishing.

Both Walters, working provincially, and Tuck, working federally. were instrumental in establishing our province's Seabird Ecological Reserves and the former Avalon Wilderness Area. Their combined efforts PUl natural history awareness, protection and appreciation on a solid footing in Newfoundland and Labrador. Although they were employed in resource conservation and management careers, their enthusiasm and dedication transcended their duties. and it is for these qualities that the Society has chosen to honor their memory with this award.

!be TucklWalters Award is discretionary - it does not have to be given out every year. On the other hand, it may be given to more than one recipient if the Nominating Committee feels that this is appropriate. Succesful candidates are individuals who have made outstanding and enduring contributions to the advancement of natural history appreciation and protection in Newfoundland and Labrador, outside the parameters of their employment responsibilities.

George Brinson George Chaffe Bill Davis

TucklWlaters Award Winners

Dr. John Gibson Dr. Harold Peters Dr. Leslie Tuck

Dr. Roger Tory Peterson Stephen Herder

Dr. William Threlfall Charlie Horwood

Clyde Tuck Tony Power (1999)

Bernard Jackson Gregory Mitchell ( 1998)

Michael Nolan

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For more infonnation or to make a nomination fo r the TuckIWalters Award contact:

Dr. Bill Momevecchi. Chair TuckIWalters Award Committee

Biopsychology Programme Memorial University of Newfoundland

St. John's Newfoundland

AlB 3X9

phone 737-7673

HJGHLIGHTS OF THE 1999 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE NATURAL HJSTORY SOCIETY OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

By Fyzee Sbuhood

The 1999 AGM was held at the Memorial University Botanical Gardens and was attended by over thirty members and non members. During the meeting, the special Guest speaker Mr. Tony Power, the 1999 Tuck/Walters Award recipient. gave a presentation 10 the public titled "Live and Let Live; Reflections on the Use of Natural Resources in Newfoundland ". He shared his thoughts and experiences on the evolution and impacts of modem technology and resource extraction of our provinces natural resources and their impact on our ''traditional way of living from the land". Also during the evening the President of the Natural History Society, Dr. Allan Stein, presented two cheques worth $500 each to Joel Heath and Andrea Carew. They were Lhe 1999 winners of the Natural History Society of NewfollOdland and Labrador and Wildthings Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded lO any post-secondary education student who has demonstrated an active commiunent toward environmental issues.

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Dr. AHan Stein, the President orthe NNHS presenting the Newfoundland and Labrador Natural History Society & Wildthings Scholarship Awards to Joel Heath and Andrea

Carew

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RUFOUS -SIDED TOWHE E •

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SPOTIED TOWHEE

DCl:cmhcr 15 ~ IX. Cllrner Bronk. Newfoundland

Pholoi;lko.:ll fmm Ihe Pclo.:rson Field Guido.:

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Rare Bird Report

SPOTTED TOWHEE Pipilo maculatus

prepared by Paul Linegar

During December, 1999, I called and e-mailed a number of birders around the province to see if there had been any interesting bird sightings that could be included in the next issue of the Osprey. Lois Bateman e-mailed me on December 16 and indicated that Louise Butler identified a western race Rufous-sided Towhee in Corner Brook the previous day. Years ago that would not have drawn too much attention but recently the Rufous-sided Towhee has been spl it into 1\\'0

species - the Eastern Towhee (which we find occasionally in Newfoundland), and the Spotted Towhee. a species that breeds in western North America and is a very rare vagrant in the east. I e-mailed Lois pleading for more details. Fortunately. Monique Vassallo was able to find the bird that day and sent the following description to the news group " nf.birds";

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" It is a Spotted Towhee, probably articus race. The head is black, the back is lighter in color, e more like a Junco, and the tail is black also. The underside of the tail shows white at least half way up. There are three rows of white spots on the back running at an angle from the side of the black hood towards the top of the back. A white wingbar is present on the wing. White is also visible on the edges of the tertials and primaries. The bird is very tame and easy to observe. It is doing a lot of foraging and appears to be eating earthwonns. It seems to keep its mouth open a lot as it shuffles around. Any explanation why?"

I spoke with Monique on December 19 and she described all the features of the bird incl uding the red eye, prominent white markings on the back, white outer tail feathers, and rufous on the sides of the flanks. Betty LeDrew and Dr. Herder Butler were also able to see the bird and it was successfully photographed Unfortunately the Sponed Towhee was not seen after December 18, the date of the first significant snowfall in Comer Brook.

The only other report of this species for Newfoundland was a sight record by Richard Northcon on Ramea in October 1990. There are only four or five previous records of this species for Atlantic Canada.

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NEWFOUNDLAND WINTER BIRD REPORT

December I , 1999 to March 20, 2000

Paul Linegar

Loons to Gulls· Up (0 48 Red-necked Grebes gathered from time to time al The Drook. Cape Race, during the winter, a traditional area of concentration (TB). During the December 18 Cape Sl. Mary's Christmas Bird Count (CSC) 1619 Northern Fulmar flew past Cross Point in a two hour period. possibly setting a new North American CSC record (PL, PR, JP). Double-crested Cormorants showed up in St. John's Harbour January 5-6 (PL, AH) and Cape Sroyle February 21 (BMI). A Great Blue Heron stayed through the winter at Branch and a rare blue phase Snow Goose overwintered at St. John 's from December 311hrougb the period (m.ob.). A cold snap the day before the St. John's CSC concentrated a record 2143 ducks intO a few choice ponds around the city (see chart below). The number of overwintering Wood Ducks in St. John' s increased to lhree by January 20 (BMt), and three more were reported from the Comer Brook area during February (MV). A male Gadwall at O' Donnell's January 28 remained through the season (AB, MPi et al). In addition to the six Tufted Ducks that wintered at St. John 's, a male kept company with a flock of 100 Greater Scaup at Haricot on January 28 (PL, AH, JS). Two Lesser Scaup

resided at St. John' s and there was one at Elliston Deceinber

SI. John's CBC 'Freshwater' 30 (JJ), twO at Cape Broyle January 2 (PL et all and one at Duck Totals Spaniard 's Bay January 15 (PL, BMt). Two Barrow' s

Wood Duck Eurasian Wigeon American Wigeon Black Duck Mallard Mallard x Black Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal 'Common' Teal Ring-necked Duck Tufted Duck Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Ruddy Duck

Total:

1244 440 31 I 318 77 8

2143

Goldeneye were at Traytown during the winter (KB) and three at Comer Brook February 21 (fJde TB). Port Blandford hosted a pair of Hooded Mergansers Fel>ruary 3 - 13 (v.ob.), and a single female was located at Soulis Brook February 12 and a male at Gambo February 27 - March 5 (KB). The SI. John's Ruddy Duck, present since November 10, barely made it to the turn of the century. There were three Peregrine Falcons seen, including an adult that spent the winter at S1. John's. A Killdeer at Portugal Cove South December 30 was late, but an influx of birds during the last week of January was more unusual and included one at Blackhead January 24 -27 (DBr) and five between Patrick' s Cove and Branch in late January (TP). On January 20 visiting birders to Newfoundland discovered a Great Skua on the ice at Quidi Vidi Lake. Although able to Oy it, was in weak condition. It was captured on February 3 and despite best efforts, it died several weeks later at the Salmonier Nature Park. This represented the firs t January and February records of Great Skua in Newfoundland. Single Bonaparte' s Gulls were reported from

Boldlaced numbers '" record highs five widely separated locations in eastern Newfoundland during the winter (v.ob.). The two Mew Gulls found in St. John's during the late fall were joined by a second winter bird

161

on January 25 , and another was spotted at Rocky Harbour on December 30 (BB). Newfoundland reinforced its title as the North American center for Yellow-legged G ull . One adult remained in e Ibe SI. 10hn 's area from February 24 to March 12 (BMt). About 15 Lesser-black Backed Gulls and several Glaucous x Great Black Backed and Glaucous x Herring Gull hybrids were detected among the 15,000 plus gulls around St. John 's over the winter (BMt, PL el all. South of its nonnal winter range, an immature Ivory Gull was well seen at Cape Spear December 26 (U), and an adult at Little Hearts Ease, Fortune Bay, on January 23 was lame enough to be fed table scraps (MlIl< Thomhill, fide IP).

Doves to House Sparrow- There were numerous repons of Mourning Doves from Newfoundland and Labrador, including a flock of 17 at Foxtrap March 8 (PL, AH). The secood Varied Thrush record for Newfoundland was seen at a Pouch Cove feeder on February 7 and again March 19-29 (Dorcas Klartoft, v.ab.; ph.). An influx of Northem Mockingbirds occurred early this winter with four or five around 51. John' s (at least one regularly seen through the winter), and o!hers at Brigus December 3 (MPi) , Pon Kirwan December 4 (GK), and Ferryland January 2 (D, OF). A Drown Thrasher was an unexpected treat at Renews on the January 2 Ferryland eBe (BMt, DBr et al.). The Bohemian Waxwin gs invasion that began during !he fall grew to well over 5,000 birds in the 51. John' s area, but once the Mountain Ash berry crop was stripped in early January their numbers declined rapidly and only a few remained through the winter. Lingering warblers included single YeUow-rumped Warblers on the December 18 Cape St. Mary's CDC and January 2 Ferryland CBC; a YeUow-throated Warbler on the lower Rennies until December 26 (JP, PL) and another one reported from Victoria 5treet in late December; a Black-and-White W arbler in St. John' s through December 26; a Common e Yellowthroa \ on !he barren coastline sculb of Cape Spear December 29 (BMt); and !he last of two Yellow-breasted Chats in St. John's on January 25 (fide AH). An Eastern Towhee at Millenown January 29 to the end oftbe period had apparenLly been at that community since early December (DBu). The first photographically confinned record for Newfouodland of a SPOTfED TOWHEE was an adult at Comer Brook December 15 -18 , much to the enjoyment of local birders and dismay of those from eastern Newfoundland who unsuccessfully attempted to chase it (Louise Buller, LB, m, MY, el al., ph.). A late Chipping Sparrow at Gander March 20 was carefully identified (KB). The Eastern Meadowlark at Mundy Pond remained into late January. Other Lhan good numbers of Common Redpoll and American Goldfinch , overall it was a drab season for finches.

Observers: Andrew Barren, Lois Bateman, Todd Boland, Bruce Bradbury, Julie Briffet, David Brown, Diane Burton, Louise Butler, Anne Hughes, Ian Jones, Jon Joy, Genevieve Kenny, Paul Lmegar, Bruce Mactavish, Mac PilCher, Tony Power, John Pratt, Pierre Ryan, l ytte Seln0, Monique Vassallo

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Bird List ofBumt Island Ecological Reserve

Red-throated Loon Gavia stellato Common Loo~ Gavio immer Northern Fu lmar Filimorus giacialis Greater Shearwater Puffinus gravis Sooty Shearwater Puffinus grlseus Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus Leach 's Storm-Petrel Oceanodromo leurcorhoa Northern Gannet Marus bassanus Canada Goose Bronta canadensis American Black Duck Anas rubrlpes Northern Pintail A nos acuta Green-winged Teal Anas ereeca Greater Scaup Aythya monla King Eider Somareria spectobilis Common Eider Soma/eria mol/iss/rna Harlequin Duck Histrlonicus hislrlon;cus SurfScoter Melanitto perspiciflola White-winged Scottr Me/onillajusca Black Scottr Melanilta nigro Oldsquaw C/ongulo hyemalis Common Goldeneye Bucephala c1angulo Red-breasted Merganser Mugus serralor Osprey Pandion holioelus Bald Eagle Haliaeerus leucocephalus Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus Northern Goshawk ACCipiter gentilis Rough-legged Hawk Buteo IDgapus American Kestrel Falco sporwrius Merlin Falco coillmbarius Gyrfalcon Falco rustlcolus Peregrine Falcon Falco peregr/nus Wi llow Ptarmigan Logopus lagopus Black-bellied Plover Pluvialus squotarola European Golden-Plover Pluvia/us apr/coria AmeJican Golden-Plover Pluvialus dominicus Scmipalmated Plover Choradr/us semipalmatus Greater Yellow legs Tringa melonoleuca Lesser Yellowlegs Tringoflavipes Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Whimbrel Numenius phoeopus Ruddy Turnstone Arenoria imerpres Red Knot Calidris conutus Sanderling Calidm alba Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Least Sandpiper Calidris minurillo White-rumped Sandpiper Colidrirfuscicollis Pectoral Sandpiper Calidrls melanotos Purple Sandpiper Calidris moritima

Dunlin Calidris alpin~ Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngiles subiuicollis Short-billed Dowitcher L/mnodromus grlseus Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobarus Red Phalarope Phalaropus folicaria Great Sirna Catharacta sha Pomarine Jaeger Stercororius pomorinus Parasitc Jaeger Stercorarius paras/ficus Long-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus Ring-billed Gull Lorus delawarens;s Herring Gull Larus argentarus Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides Lesser Black-backed Gull Larusfoscus Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus Black-legged Kittiwake Risso tridactyla Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea Common Tern Sterna hirrundo Arctic Tern Sterna porod/saea Dovekie Aile aile Common Mum: Urio aalgae TIUck-bilied Mum: Urla lomvia Razorbill Alca torda Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctfca Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca Short-eared Owl Asio jlammeus Northern Flicker Colapter auratus Yel low-bellied Flycatcher Empidonox j1aviventrls Northern Shrike Lanius excu.bitor Gray Jay Per/soreus canadensis American Crow Crows brachyrhynchos Common Raven Corvus corox Homed Lark Eremophila alpestris Tree Swallow Tachycineta birolor Boreal Chickadee Porus hudsonicus Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus salrapa Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula Gray-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus . American Robin Turdus migratorius American Pipit Anthus rubescens Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendro/ca coronata Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata Wilson 's Warbler Wi/sonia pusilla Savannah Sparrow Passercu/ur sandw/chensis Fox Sparrow Passerella Waco

Lincoln's Sparrow Melospjza lincoln;; Swamp Sparrow . Melospiza georg;ano White-throated Span-ow Zonotrichia alb/collis Whitc-crowncd Sparrow Zonotr;ch;a lel/cophrys Dark-eycd Junco Junco hyemalis Lapland Longspur Co/conus lapponicus Snow Bunting Pleclrophenox nivalis Pine Grosbeak , Pinicola enuclealor

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Purple Finch Corpodacu..r purpureus \\"hite-winged Crossbill Loxia leucoptero Common Redpoll Corduelis jlammeo Hoary Redpoll Carduelis hornemonm Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus Evening Grosbeak Coccolhrausres vesperttnuS

List of Birds Regular Breeding on the north end of the Great Northern Pe~insula but Not Recorded for Burnt Island Ecological Reserve

American Bittern Bo/allnts lengtiginosus Great Homed Owl Bubo virginianus Boreal Owl A egolius fllnereus Belted Kingfisher Cery/e lorquala Downy Woodpecker Pieoides pubeseens Hairy Woodpecker Pieo/des vil/osus Three-toed Woodpecker Pieoides Iridactylus Black-backed Woodpecker Picoides arcticus Black-capped Chickadee Paros airicaplllus Red-breasted Nuthatch Silla canadensis Hermit Thrush COlhorus guuatus Tennessee Warbler Vennivora peregrina Yellow Warbler nendrociapetechia Magnolia Warbler Dendrocia magnolia B lack-throated Green Warbler Dendroc/a virens Palm Warbler Dendrociapa/marum Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilla Yaria Northern Waterthrush Seiuros noveboracensis Mourning Warbler Oporornis philadelphia Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis Irichas

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164

Sheets, in the distance, only grey; Closer, although transparent, and quicker,

The rain has a hold on things, Changing the course of the day.

Showers may last just for seconds, But their fresh scent, louder, and longer,

And the leaves, the grass, the soil, Their scent lingers less ] reckon.

Drizzle, in their shadow, comes and goes, Keeping the rocks wetter longer -

And less hospitable for some creatures, While others relish the rain I suppose.

Mist, rising from the rocks to the air I Takes my spirit (rom below to above,

Like seeds, to be planted elsewhere, Hope that life will be fair.

Rain torrents are a kind of surprise. I listen for their arrival.

I watch them paJe the colors. And I try not to miss the next sunrise.

Brian McLaren

MUSEUM MINI-NOTES Facts and Fun from The Newfoundland Museum 1.

Feeding the Birds in Winter

Pam Edgecombe For 1be Newfoundland Museum

Maintaining a blrdfeeder during the winter months is a great way to attract birds into your backyard to observe and learn more about them.

By providing a selection of high energy foods you can help resident birds get through another long Newfoundland winter. One very important point to remember is that feeding birds is a big responsibilfty. Once you start to feed them. birds will count on your birdfeeder for their meals. If you suddenly stop putting out birdfood, they may die.

The best time to start feeding is in the fall, so that birds get used to your feeder before the cold weather sets in. Remember. once they are using your feeder. you must continue to fill it with food through the winter months until spring arrives and they have lots of plants and insects to choose from.

You can either make or buy birdfeeders to put in your yard. Keep them filled with mixed birdseed such as millet, sunflower seeds. peanuts or black thistle seed. Though peanuts are a very good food for some birds. peanut butter is dangerous for small birds because it is so sticky and may get caught in their throats. Beef suet. a type of fat. is another good food source for many birds. Suet can be purchased from most supermarkets.

When choosing a location for your feeder. try to keep it close to trees:so that the birds can fly to safety if a hawk attacks. If you have a cat. tie a small bell onto its collar so that the birds can hear it.

If you have binoculars at home, use them to get a better look at the birds using your feeder. A good field guide will also help you to identify and enjoy the birds visiting for a meal.

Depending upon where you live, in town or out in the country, here are some of the birds you may see at your feeder: the junco. blue jay, chickadee. house sparrow. starling. pine siskin. flicker. evening grosbeak. or cedar waxwing.

If you take care to provide a variety of fresh blrdfoods. you may be lucky enough to attract even more varieties of birds. That is what makes winter birdfeeding so much fun . not knowing who may visit your birdfeeder next! •

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The Natural History Society of Newfoun dland a nd Labrado r

Membership Application

• Na me: --,-,-_ _ ___ _____________ ___ D3te: Home address: _________________________ _

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E-mail address: ____ _ __ ---,:::-___ ____ -:;-____ ____ _ Telephone - home :, ____ __ office: ______ f3X: ____ _

Renewing members: _ cOnli nue Osprey from last received issue _ conti nue Osprey with next issue

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My int t rtsts a re: (Please be specific. to help us with our program planni ng. ) birds? wildflowers? ani mals? marine mammals? indoor events? indoor work- shops? outdoor events? walking? interpretive walks? hi ki ng? cross-country skiing? canoeing? cycling? back-pack camping? winter camping? Other : ___________________ _________ _ _

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Ph'nse make yo ur cheque payable to:

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and send it together with this form to:

The Membership Coordinator T he Natural History Society of Newfou ndland ~ n d Labrador P.O. Box 1013 SI. J ohn'" NF A l e 5M3

$ 20.00

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or bring this fo rm with your cheque to the nexi regula r Society lllC'cling 31 The Memorial University Botanical Ga rden on the THIRD THUR SDAY of each momh from Septemrcr t('l June. There are no meetings during July ~nd Augu51.

Or OonSleele

DeptofBic*lgy MUN

~Mar01

RARJTlE5-ONLY FR OM THE

I\~ ruRAL HISTOR Y SlJCIETY

Getting to Know the Weeds - the Collected Writings of Charlie Horwood. Charlie was a faithful and long-serving member of the Society. He was also a thoughtful and insightful naturalist with a gift for capturing his view of the 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· color enamel pins reproduce the Society's "Osprey", originally designed by John Maunder, in blue, brown and white on a gold

•

back. Oval. • Lapel Pins ...••.............................•................. $3.00

Society Jacket Crest. 1\TEW! These crests are based on the original "half moon" design drawn by Newfoundland artist Reginald Shepherd. They feature a stylized osprey snatching a fish. They are embroidered in five colors, and are approximately 4" wide by 1 %" high. Embroidered Crest ••.•••.•••.•••..•....•....•..••..••••.•. $4.00

Society Memberships. Any time is a great time to give a membership to the Natural History Society. The cost is $20.00, good for one year. It includes four issues of The Osprey, and notices to all Society functions. l\1embership •..•..•.•..••..•.••••••.••••••.....••..••..••••••••• $20.00

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