Corner Brook CBC Results (2022)

The Corner Brook Christmas Bird Count took place on 27 December 2022 where a total of 4032 birds were counted by 30 people in the field and 27 people at feeders.

Bird species counted include:

American Black Duck 234

Mallard 6

Greater Scaup 165

Common Goldeneye 136

Barrow’s Goldeneye 3

Common Merganser 77

Merganser sp 1

Ruffed Grouse 1

Common Loon 1

Double-crested Cormorant 7

Sharp-shinned Hawk 3

Bald Eagle 5

Black Guillemot 2

Ring-billed Gull 1

Herring Gull 591

Iceland Gull 797

Glaucous Gull 2

Great Black-backed Gull 146

Rock Pigeon 243

Belted Kingfisher 1 

Downy Woodpecker 5

Hairy Woodpecker 2

Blue Jay 53

American Crow 258

Common Raven 11

Black-capped Chickadee 179

Boreal Chickadee 8

Red-breasted Nuthatch 6

European Starling 579

Bohemian Waxwing 17

Dark-eyed Junco 96

White-throated Sparrow 4

Pine Grosbeak 39

Pine Siskin 4

American Goldfinch 205

Evening Grosbeak 50

House Sparrow 94

The Problem With Cormorants

The Double-crested Cormorant is a member of a family of aquatic birds commonly referred to as "shags". These large birds can grow up to 90 centimetres and weigh as much as 2500 grams or 5.5 pounds. They feed almost exclusively on small fish and are considered opportunistic predators, taking advantage of a range of aquatic habitats from estuaries to brackish or freshwater marshes. 

Cormorant Plumage
WhatBird.com

Adults are bronze-black with the exception of a patch of bare orange skin on the face that extends along the lower mandible. They are named after the two white or black crests (facetiously referred to as eyebrows) that are grown during breeding season.

These birds prefer to winter outside of the province but return every spring where they build nests on the ground out of small sticks, reeds, and leaf litter. Double-crested cormorants are very social birds and often nest in large groups with each nest capable of producing up to 7 unmarked pale eggs.

Nesting Site on a small island near Port aux Basques 

The Double-crested Cormorant suffered from eggshell thinning as a result of being exposed to the man-made chemical, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in the 70s and experienced a population crash that led many to believe that the species was well on its way to extinction.

The species recovered, with numbers exploding over the past 15 years. A feat likely attributed to the ban on DDT and their protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in other countries.

This boom has been covered extensively in the media, with Ontario announcing a cull of the species in 2020. Newfoundland followed suit and, on June 1, announced their own cull slated to begin later in the month. The decision to interfere with this species has left people divided on the subject, with many wondering why the government would want to selectively slaughter these large aquatic birds.

Double-crested Cormorant taking down a massive fish.
Photo by Alex McInnis

If you ask outdoorsmen, they'll tell you that the shags are damaging fish stocks, and they're probably right. While it varies from day to day, an individual cormorant can easily consume over 500 grams of fish per day. If you've seen a large colony of these birds, you'll quickly realize how devastating this could be for young salmon or trout.

To make matters worse, cormorant guano (or feces) is detrimental to the vegetation and soil composition surrounding nesting sites and may even interfere with other sea bird breeding and nesting activity.

The governments answer to this is to "...allow the humane, lethal removal of birds from specific areas, such as important fish habitat, water supplies, or aquaculture operations". The province will continue to survey colonies across the island and assess their impact on local ecosystems.

Cormorant drying off after being in the water.
Photo by  Harold Weldon Bradley

If you would like to see a Double-crested Cormorant, visit your local pond, river, or shipyard. You'll often see them drying their massive prehistoric wings on-top of rocks or lampposts after a successful dive.

What is Bird Friendly Coffee?

If you buy any amount of coffee, you may have come across the Bird Friendly logo and wondered: "What is 'bird friendly' coffee and why should I care?"

Evolution of the Bird Friendly logo.
Smithsonian

Bird Friendly is a certification developed by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center to help preserve habitat and protect many species of migratory songbirds. Some species, such as the Black-and-white Warbler and Common Yellowthroat often winter on plantations throughout the coffee bean belt but migrate to Newfoundland every summer where they can be observed across the island.

Coffee stamped with the Bird Friendly seal of approval is USDA-certified organic and grown in agroforests where trees and shrubs are grown alongside coffee plants to create numerous ecological benefits and promote plant species diversity.

Black-and-white Warbler by John Alexander
Goulds, NL

This designation also adds a number of other standards for canopy height, foliage cover, buffer zones along waterways, and more; all of which are critical for birds and other wildlife to thrive on these plantations.

Over 2.5 million acres of forest have been cleared to make way for sun-grown coffee, a farming practice that actively destroys habitat, leaving no place for birds to winter. By switching to Bird Friendly certified coffee, we can combat deforestation and support the 5,100 farmers across 11 countries who protect and maintain the habitat of birds such as the Black-and-white Warbler and Common Yellowthroat. 

If you would like to try Bird Friendly coffee and support local conservation initiatives while you're at it, you can do so by purchasing Nature NL co-branded coffee beans from Totem Roasters right here.

Further Reading

Meet the Birds Supported by Bird Friendly Coffee Farms

An Experimental Study of Habitat Selection by Birds in a Coffee Plantation 

Guest Post: An Emergence of March Flies

This spring and early summer this year, all across Newfoundland, we experienced a remarkable emergence of March flies (Bibio sp.). Swarms of flies seemed to be everywhere, which led to dozens of posts, newspaper articles, and radio interviews complaining about the inconvenient flies and asking how to destroy them. Some people convinced themselves that they had been stung or bitten by these harmless flies, others were concerned about the safety of their children, their pets, or their car’s paint job. Almost nobody was looking at what the flies were actually doing.

March Fly (Bibio sp.)
Photo by Michael Burzynski

In their juvenile stage most of us are unaware of these flies. Their larvae (unromantically called maggots) crawl through moist soil and feed on decaying organic matter and small roots. Once full grown, they turn into a pupa, and after a short while they emerge from the soil as a fully developed flying adult. Their emergence is coordinated so that the short-lived adults will all appear at roughly the same time and be able to mate. Males swarm in the air waiting for females to emerge from the soil. Once they have mated and laid eggs, their life is over.

These flies appear in huge numbers on occasion. They do not bite or sting, and in fact in western Newfoundland, if we get any apples, plums, or cherries on our trees this year it may be almost entirely because of the presence of these helpful flies. For several years now, cool springs have meant that the usual pollinators—assorted bees, beetles, and flies—are either still hibernating or are too chilled to fly, so there has been little or no pollination of early-flowering fruit trees in the Bonne Bay area—and almost no fruit grew on the trees.

This year, until it warmed up after mid-June, the only pollinators that I saw on our massively flowering cherry and apple trees were two bumblebees, a small flock of Cedar waxwings, and a swarm of March flies. The March flies were gorging on nectar, and in the process they were becoming sprinkled with pollen. A few weeks later, fruit were swelling on the cherry trees, showing that the March flies had done a great job of pollinating the flowers. Meanwhile, insect-eating birds were gorging on the flies as nesting season began.

Fertilized sweet cherries developing on the tree.
Photo by Michael Burzynski

In other parts of the Island, windrows of dead flies piled up on lakeshores and along sheltered bays, sparking concerns about what killed them. But this was a natural mortality caused by the weak flying ability of these insects. The flies swarm for mating, but if they get blown out over water they can only stay in the air for a relatively short time. As they land on the water, they drown, and the accumulating floating bodies are drifted in the same direction by the wind, until they reach shore. Because of the huge numbers of these flies this spring, and the large surface area of some of our water bodies, thick piles of dead flies formed wracklines along windward beaches.

Although they may not be the most attractive of our native insects, these flies are an important part of our natural ecosystems, both as larvae and as adults. When the mature adults emerge from the ground, they live only about a week, and are mainly interested in mating and laying eggs to start the new generation.

March fly feeding on nectar in cherry blossom.
Photo by Michael Burzynski

It would be great if the media could turn down the hyperbole when talking about natural organisms and events, avoiding comments such as “skin crawling”, “like a horror film”, “invasion”, and other terms that disgust people rather than intriguing them. Irruptions (sudden increases in population size) of March flies, Spruce Budworm moths, Hemlock Looper moths, and many other species are a normal part of the natural ecosystems around us. It is important to observe and appreciate these events, and the changes that they bring. It's time to stop complaining about March flies (sometimes called Lovebugs), and to learn to love them!

About the Author

Michael Burzynski was born in England and came to Canada when he was ten. Over the years he has lived in northern Québec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, and moved to Rocky Harbour NL with his wife Anne in 1989. They both worked with Parks Canada until retiring in 2012. Michael is a naturalist, photographer, and writer.

Corner Brook CBC Results (2015)

Here is a list of birds counted at this years Corner Brook Christmas Bird Count. It was a cold and drizzly morning but that didn't stop the forty-odd people who counted on the go or at their feeder. The final tally lists 37 species and 8638 individuals, a number higher than recorded in recent years. While I didn't get out personally for the count this year, I would like send out a huge thank-you to those that did.

Species	#	Species	#
Canada Goose	7	Downy Woodpecker	3
American Black Duck	85	Hairy Woodpecker	5
Greater Scaup	142	Merlin	1
Common Goldeneye	99	Blue Jay	112
Common Merganser	56	American Crow	416
Red-breasted Merganser	1	Common Raven	12
Ruffed Grouse	CW	Black-capped Chickadee	140
Common Loon	1	Boreal Chickadee	8
Sharp-shinned Hawk	1	Red-breasted Nuthatch	6
Northern Goshawk	1	American Robin	8
Bald Eagle	8	European Starling	364
Black Guillemot	2	Dark-eyed Junco	94
Ring-billed Gull	9	White-throated Sparrow	6
Herring Gull	4315	Pine Grosbeak	22
Iceland Gull	989	White-winged Crossbill	77
Glaucous Gull	16	Common Redpoll	86
Great Black-backed Gull	950	Pine Siskin	8
Rock Pigeon	56	American Goldfinch	323
House Sparrow	209

Documentary: Chasing the Capelin

This short comes to us from Jillian Norrie. It offers up some great shots of our rugged coastline and provides insight into a spectacle that has become a large part of Newfoundland's colorful culture: the annual capelin roll.

Thanks for watching!

The Newfoundland Timberfly

I know insects are the least favorite part of summer for some people, but I eagerly await their return each and every year. I do my best to help people identify what they find, and with the advent of my Facebook group “Insects of Newfoundland,” it has been a lot of fun. We've learned a lot, and helped to dispel a lot of misinformation. Still, it seems new stories surrounding the Newfoundland Timberfly come to light every summer. So let's set things straight.

Urocerus flavicornis, Yukon. (BugGuide.net)

It's worth noting that in Newfoundland the word Timberfly refers to what the rest of the world would call a Horntail or Wood Wasp. Horntails get their name from a short abdominal projection or “horn” that is present in both males and females. 

Scientifically, these wasps belong to the family Siricidae. The family is comprised of around 28 species (throughout North America) of solitary wood wasps. The adult females use an ovipositor on the end of their abdomen to pierce through the barks of hardwoods and deposit her eggs into the wood underneath.

Not just a pretty face. (BugGuide.net)

It is extraordinary that an insect this size has the strength to penetrate the outer layers of these trees so effectively that she may do so several times before finding just the right spot for her eggs. Remarkably, she does this with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue of the tree. In fact, the study of Horntails has even led some neurosurgeons in the development of a new, safer probe for brain surgery.

Most horror stories featuring Horntails will tell you that they are aggressive, and that being bitten or stung by one would result in death, or at the very least, a trip to the hospital.

White-horned Horntail Wasp. (BugGuide.net)

But look at the facts: Horntails do not bite, nor do they possess a stinger. What most people think is a “stinger” is actually the ovipositor of the female, and all that she's interested in are suitable trees in which to lay her eggs.

Their size can be intimidating, however, there isn't a single documented account of a bite or sting from a Horntail, a statement verified by entomologists time and time again. So fear not, nature enthusiasts! Help stop the spread of misinformation and learn to appreciate the true nature of the Horntail.

Further Reading

The Sawflies and Horntails of Newfoundland. 1974. Clark, R.C.; Clarke, L.C.; Pardy, K.E. Newfoundland Forest Research Centre, St. Johns, NF. Information Report N-X-128.

Wild Edibles: Dandelion

Dandelion is one of the most ubiquitous flowers found here in Newfoundland. However, it should never be overlooked as a source of food simply because of its reputation as a weed.

Photo by Cazil Bamhen, Flickr

As it turns out, Dandelion is an excellent source of Potassium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C and is arguably more nutritious than many of the greens that you may find at the grocery store. It is versatile, abundant, and easy to harvest which makes it an excellent option for sustenance in a survival situation or for a tasty snack at home.

The greens can be added raw to salads or cooked much like spinach but may be bitter depending on where they are gathered. It is best to harvest young leaves from a shady site away from roadsides.

Remove the parachute and even the seeds can be eaten. Photo by Paul Hudson

Unopened flower buds can be eaten raw while the petals can be added to tea or used to make a delicately flavored wine or jelly.

Dandelion has long been used to aid digestion and has even been said to alleviate symptoms of rheumatism and liver disease. They can be used in an absurd amount of different recipes and are only limited by your own creativity. What follows is my own modified recipe for jelly. Folks who have had it can attest to its surprising honey-like flavor. Honestly, can you think of a better way to enter the world of wild edibles?

Ingredients

7-8 cups of dandelion petals
8 cups water
1 package of dry pectin
4-5 cups of sugar
1/2 of a split vanilla bean
1 splash of lemon juice

Directions 

Always harvest your petals away from human traffic. This is perhaps the most time consuming part of the process, but at the very least, it's time spent outdoors.

Rinse the petals to remove any possible contaminants or bugs. While you're at it, remove any green matter to ensure that your jelly comes out a beautiful yellow rather than a mossy green.

In a large pot, bring your Dandelion petals to a rapid boil in approximately 8 cups of water for 10-15 minutes. Remove them from heat and allow them to cool for a few minutes before moving on to the next step.

While you’re waiting, it’s a good idea to have your sugar measured out, your vanilla bean split and your jars clean and ready to go. 

Use a strainer to seperate the bulk of the petals from the liquid. Once you've done that, restrain the liquid through a cheesecloth. A coffee filter works great too. 

In a large pot, mix 2 3/4 cups of Dandelion liquid with your pectin (for best results, follow the instructions that come with your pectin!) and place on high heat, whisking continuously until it reaches a hard boil. 

Add the sugar, vanilla bean and a spash of lemon juice if you have it. Continue to boil until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. 

Continue to boil for one minute and remove from heat. 

Let the jelly settle for a few seconds. Remove the vanilla bean and skim the foam from the top of the jelly. Ladle your concoction into mason jars and seal tightly. Leave the jars on the counter until they're room temperature. You will hear them begin to 'pop' in around half an hour or so. 

Once they have cooled, you can refrigerate and enjoy.  

Dandelion Jelly by Erica Burke

Go Outdoors, It's Good For Your Lungs

Have you ever walked through a coniferous forest on a warm summer's day to feel rejuvenated with each breath you take? You can thank alpha-Pinene (α-Pinene) for that, an anti-inflammatory compound found in the oils of many species of conifers, notably the pine.

Tortoise Mountain
Photo by Robert White

α-Pinene has been used for centuries as a bronchodilator in the treatment of asthma, which may explain why your lungs seem to open up when hiking through a coniferous forest. 

Not only is α-Pinene good for your lungs, it may also be a broad-spectrum antibiotic and act as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, a chemical used medicinally to treat Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson's disease, and a host of other afflictions. It has also been known to increase the chances of lucid dreaming by prolonging REM sleep.

Time spent in nature is time spent healing your body. Not only will you breath easier, but your mind will thank you too. Studies from around the world show significant health gains for those who spend time in nature. Health gains such as reduced anxiety and depression, increased energy and immunity, and reduced symptoms of A.D.D.

As American naturalist, John Burroughs once said: "I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order once more..."

Check out this infographic for more benefits of getting outdoors.

Polymorphism: The White-throated Sparrow Story

Everyone knows the White-throated Sparrow. Ordinary, abundant, and widespread. Its call is unmistakable, nostalgic even. A gentle oh-sweet-canada-canada on a crisp Spring day.

What most people don't know is that this bird has a secret.

White-throated Sparrow by Matt MacGillivray (Flickr)

It exhibits a unique feature considered rare in birds. Polymorphism. In other words, the White-throated Sparrow may display two very different color forms or phenotypes—the observable characteristics and traits of an organism.

These phenotypes, commonly referred to as "morphs" can be observed in both sexes. The "white-stripe" morph typically has black and white stripes on the crown accompanied by bright yellow lores, characteristic of a text-book White-throated Sparrow. These individuals sing louder, are generally more territorial, and are more likely to breed with more than one partner.

White-throated Sparrow Tan-striped by Matt MacGillivray

The "tan-stripe" morph takes on a muddier appearance with black or brown and tan stripes on their crown and mottled yellow lores. Tan-stripe birds tend to practice different breeding strategies than their white-striped counterparts. They sing less, are much less territorial, and tend to provide better care to their young.

Observers often mistake these differences for sexual dimorphism, believing the colorful white-stripe morph to be male and the dull tan-stripe morph female, an error made even by some identification guides. In reality, the differences between a male and female White-throated Sparrow are much more subtle, nearly indistinguishable. 

Morphs, side by side. Photo by Hilton Pond Center

Interestingly, individuals almost always mate with a bird of the opposite morph. This union provides the best of both worlds for their young, with studies showing that dimorphic pairs often fair better in the wild than same-morph couples.

These discoveries just go to show that sometimes even a common species deserves a closer look. I imagine we can all learn a thing or two about avian behavior and breeding habits from the White-throated Sparrow. To learn more, check out the links below.

Hilton Pond Center - Spring Birds, Migrants, and Otherwise
A Closer Look at an Ordinary Species

Danger In Newfoundland

Loss of habitat, pollution, and human interference. These are all very real threats to the well-being of plants and animals across the globe. The provincial government has taken steps to protect nine species in our own backyard by adding them to Newfoundland and Labrador's Endangered Species Act. These species include six plants, one lichen, and two birds, several of which appear in only a few known locations on the island.

Male Bobolink, one of two species of birds recently added to the Endangered Species Act

In 2008, the Gmelins Watercrowfoot was reported to have only 250 individuals left in Newfoundland with the most notable population being found in the shallow backwater of Robinson's River on the southwest corner of the island. Also on the list are Griscom's Arnica and Wooly Arnica, two flowering plants of the Sunflower family, the latter of which is found in only two known locations near Port aux Choix.

Birds include the Grey-cheeked Thrush, which has seen a population decline of 11.5 percent since the 1960s, and the colorful Bobolink (pictured above) which normally summers on the South Coast.

These species join others such as the Common Nighthawk, Piping Plover, and American Marten on the endangered species list of Newfoundland.

Endangered

• Gmelin's Water-crowfoot (Ranunculus gmelinii)
• Griscom's Arnica (Arnica griscomii subsp. griscomii)
• Wooly Arnica (Arnica angustifolia subsp. tomentosa)

Threatened

• The Newfoundland Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus minimus)
• Sharpleaf Aster (Oclemena acuminata)
• Trandescant's Aster (Symphyotrichum tradescantii)

Vulnerable

• Blue Felt Lichen (Degelia plumbea)
• Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
• Water Pygmyweed (Tillaea aquatica)

Species at risk in Newfoundland - Department of Environment and Conservation

Corner Brook CBC Results (2014)

Last week 36 individuals set out for the annual Corner Brook Christmas Bird Count. I was lucky to have the time to participate this year so I set out early, tasked with tallying the birds observed around Massey Drive. Unfortunately, my personal list did not amount to much with the most exciting encounter being with the always beautiful Pine Grosbeak, 6 in total.

The final results, however, were much more satisfying despite numbers being lower than in previous years. 35 unique species were spotted as opposed to the 38 spotted last year with the final number of individuals reaching just above 4200 with 2000 of those being gulls. The final tally, as you can see for yourself, is located below.

Species	#	Species	#
Wood Duck	1	Gray Jay	6
American Black Duck	93	Fox Sparrow	1
Northern Pintail	4	Blue Jay	113
Greater Scaup	175	American Crow	287
Common Goldeneye	102	Common Raven	15
Red-breasted Merganser	1	Black-capped Chickadee	134
Common Merganser	36	Boreal Chickadee	15
Ruffed Grouse	3	Red-breasted Nuthatch	9
White-throated Sparrow	1	Brown Creeper	2
Evening Grosbeak	1	House Sparrow	315
Bald Eagle	6	Hairy Woodpecker	7
Sharp-shinned Hawk	2	European Starling	443
Downy Woodpecker	6	Bohemian Waxwing	11
Herring Gull	950	Dark-eyed Junco	61
Iceland Gull	388	Pine Grosbeak	27
Glaucous Gull	22	American Goldfinch	286
Great Black-backed Gull	568	Pine Siskin	10
Rock Pigeon	129

Related Articles:

Dozens Turn Out For Christmas Bird Count - The Western Star

Poll: Top 5 Survival Tools

Pelican Case Survival Kit, Photo by Ian (Flickr)

Benjamin Franklin once said: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This statement couldn't be any more true than it is in a survival situation. We must plan for the unexpected. Last week I asked reddit users for their top five survival items, items that are always on their person or close at hand. I was impressed with how closely the results represented Dave Canterbury's First Five C's of Survival. Here they are:

5. First Aid Kit 

It is important to carry a first aid kit in your backpack, regardless of the amount of time you plan to spend on the trail. It is equally important to become familiar with your kit and know how to use each item packed inside. We suggest stashing a few band-aids and alcohol swabs in an easily accessible area and some larger bandages, gauze, tape and medication such as pain killers or personal prescriptions in your main kit.

4. Fire Starter 

I strongly believe that everyone should have at least three different ways to start a fire. For me, I often carry a butane lighter - the kind that acts like a mini blowtorch. Surprisingly, the majority of those who answered on reddit prefer to carry some form of FireSteel, perhaps due to its durability, waterproof design and longevity.

3. Stainless Steel Bottle 

Staying hydrated means staying alive. Carrying a stainless steel water bottle means having a durable vessel to collect and store water. It also means that you will be able to boil water or melt snow to make it safe to drink because lets face it: diarrhea isn't fun at home let alone out in the wild.

2. Waterproof Shelter 

It's important to stay dry in a survival situation, especially in Newfoundland where the days are cold and the nights colder. For this reason, you need the ability to quickly erect a shelter to keep you warm and dry. A simple tarp or garbage bag will often serve you well even though some folks will opt for a rain poncho or high end bivvy.

1. Knife 

I can't say that I was surprised to see that everyone listed a knife as part of their survival kit. Why wouldn't they? Some of the first knives date back as far as two million years ago when blades were made from rock and bone and lashed to a wooden handle for ease of use. Knives have evolved alongside humans and have been carefully crafted throughout history from copper, bronze, iron and steel. Today's knife designs often utilize stainless or carbon steel blades with a full tang—the steel extending into the handle—that allows the user to perform an array of tasks ranging from meal preparation to splitting firewood.

How do you feel about this list? Are there some items not listed here that you wouldn't leave home without? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Southhead Hiking Trail

The Bay of Islands has seen the construction of several fantastic walking trails overseen by the Outer Bay of Islands Enhancement Committee. One of these trails, the Southhead Hiking Trail, is one of the better, more rewarding trails, providing an excellent view of Guernsey Island, our rugged coastline and, if you look closely, Cedar Cove.

The Southhead Hiking Trail is located forty-five kilometers outside of Corner Brook on the South Shore Highway. It starts at the top of Beacon Road, just above the Bottle Cove Day Use Area and is approximately 3.5 kilometers ascending 330 meters into the mountain range behind Lark Harbor known as Murray Mountains.

The trail features mixed terrain with a combination of boardwalks and logs over muddy areas and rope to aid in the steep uphill portions with plenty of rest areas.

Along the way you will cross several types of wild edibles including Silverweed, Strawberry, Blueberry and Dandelion. Wildlife is also abundant and if you are lucky you will encounter the White-winged Crossbill or hear the haunting song of the Swainson's Thrush. Moose are also known to be in the area so it is important to remain vigilant.

The trail opens up into a valley shortly after the halfway mark where you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Cedar Cove and Little Port.

The trail ends at mountain's top with 360 degrees of breathtaking scenery and a gorgeous lookout with rest areas suitable for whale watching that overlooks The Friar where the Southhead Lighthouse once stood.

Trailhead Coordinates:  49 07.264′ N and 58 24.387′ W

Gear Review: Vortex 8x42 Diamondback Binoculars

The Vortex 8x42 Diamondback Binoculars

Preliminary Review

I've been in the market for a good set of binoculars for quite some time. I wanted a set with a good reputation without breaking the bank. I also wanted to purchase them on the island to support the local economy.

It eventually came down to the 8x42 Diamondback by Vortex, who offered a lifetime warranty at a reasonable price. In my research, I came across a lot of birders and wildlife enthusiasts who suggested purchasing them from The Bird House and Binocular Shop in St. John's and while this will be a review of the binoculars, it will be a review of the shop as well.

Babs, the owner of The Birdhouse and Binocular Shop provided phenomenal customer service, giving me the information I needed to make an informed purchase. I received the Diamondbacks for less than MSRP plus taxes and $20 to ship them from St. John's to Corner Brook. Babs processed my order on a Friday, the following Monday they were in my mailbox waiting to be collected. Needless to say, I was very impressed with the shipping and the customer service was something not experienced anywhere else.

The Diamondback binoculars look much nicer in person and the padded neck strap makes carrying the binoculars a joy, however, the carrying case is bulky and takes up a lot of space in your pack but it is a good option for long-term storage or if you need to transport your binoculars long distances.

Compared to the 7x35's that the Diamondback replaced, the image quality and sharpness are unsurpassed. The binoculars are argon gas purged to ensure that the glass remains fog-free and watertight.

Vortex offers an amazing warranty and will "repair or replace defective or damaged products no matter the cause..." with the exception of lost, stolen or deliberately damaged items. This warranty, along with the great price and customer service provided by The Birdhouse and Binocular Shop is what persuaded me to purchase the Diamondback binoculars over other contenders such as the Monarch 5 by Nikon.

Gear Review: Benchmade 551H20 Griptilian

First Impressions

I received the 551H20 Griptilian as an early Christmas present in 2013 and was quite impressed by the packaging that it came in. My initial concern was the size, as it felt big in the hand, and had even considered exchanging it for a 556 Mini.

I immediately fell in love with the AXIS Locking Mechanism and after some time playing with it, got used to the size and feel of the knife. The NorylGTX scales provided the perfect gripping surface with the added benefit of being resistant to excessive hot and cold temperatures and commonly used fuel, grease, and oil.

The Griptilian arrived pre-sharpened and was sharp enough to shave the hair off my arm. I also learned of Benchmade's Lifesharp Service where they will resharpen your knife to a factory edge for a small fee of 5 dollars, which I thought was nice.

The bright orange handle makes the large blade "less scary" and suitable for an EDC. I also noticed that the knife had a lot of jimping—notches in the spine—to provide a better gripping surface. Deployment was smooth and effortless although I did loosen the pivot screw to make it easier to flick open with one hand.

After Several Months of Carry

The Griptilian has held its edge quite well and looks and performs as it did out of the box with no signs of wear and very minimal side-to-side play. My only gripe with the knife is the blade centering and its ability to collect pocket lint. Thankfully, the Griptilian is easily cleaned with a Q-Tip and some lubricant without having to take it apart.

Another feature worth mentioning is that the blade of the 551H20 is corrosion resistant, meaning that it is designed to be used around saltwater. As a born-and-bred Newfoundlander, I can appreciate this.

Overall, this knife has become a favorite of mine and has even gotten some well-earned praise from those who I have let borrow it. I believe that it is well worth the $135 price tag, although you could probably find it cheaper by shopping around, and would definitely recommend it to anybody in the market for a new blade.

Corner Brook CBC Results (2013)

Lois Bateman of the Humber Natural History Society was kind enough to forward the results of the recent Corner Brook Christmas Bird Count which saw up to 6000 birds spanning 38 different species. While the overall number is slightly lower than in other years, those who participated were rewarded with such highlights as the American three-toed Woodpecker, the Black-backed Woodpecker, and the Willow Ptarmigan.

Species	#	Species	#
Canada Goose	20	American three-toed Woodpecker	2
American Black Duck	87	Northern Shrike	cw
Mallard	5	Blue Jay	51
Greater Scaup	142	American Crow	412
Common Goldeneye	211	Common Raven	53
Barrow’s Goldeneye	2	Black-capped Chickadee	50
Common Merganser	38	Boreal Chickadee	6
Ruffed Grouse	6	Red-breasted Nuthatch	4
Spruce Grouse	2	Brown Creeper	cw
Willow Ptarmigan	1	Golden-crowned Kinglet	cw
Bald Eagle	33	American Robin	cw
Sharp-shinned Hawk	1	European Starling	231
Ring-billed Gull	30	Bohemian Waxwing	331
Herring Gull	2049	Dark-eyed Junco	74
Iceland Gull	42	Pine Grosbeak	19
Glaucous Gull	92	Purple Finch	1
Great Black-backed Gull	1347	White-winged Crossbill	3
Rock Pigeon	177	Common Redpoll	5
Belted Kingfisher	cw	Pine Siskin	1
Downy Woodpecker	3	American Goldfinch	109
Hairy Woodpecker	5	House Sparrow	307
Black-backed Woodpecker	2

Did you take part in the Christmas Bird Count? Tell us about it in the comments.

Related Articles:

Numbers down, but just as many birds spotted during Christmas Bird Count - The Western Star

Pirates of Shellbird Island

Looking Down On Shellbird Island, Photo by Peter Brake

The Man in the Mountain is a natural rock formation resembling a face that overlooks a small island in the middle of the Humber River. As a child, I was often told stories of how the old man in the mountain was a guardian of a secret treasure that had been buried long ago. Although there has been no proof of treasure actually being buried on Shellbird Island, the fact remains that the story of pirates is a priceless gem that should not be forgotten.

Peter Easton was a pirate who operated along the Newfoundland coastline from 1611 to 1614. He is often hailed as being one of the most successful pirates of his time. Easton was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth I to protect the Newfoundland fishing fleet and often pressured local fishermen into service to attack the Spanish. Easton crossed the line into piracy in 1603 when he continued to attack the Spanish, despite the fact that the King had initiated peace talks with Spain and had cancelled all letters of commission to privateers, Easton being included.

It is believed that Easton not only attacked the Spanish but attacked merchant ships traveling from Quebec as well. During one of his raids, Easton was interrupted by a French warship and was forced to retreat into the mouth of the Humber River. Some versions of this story say that Easton’s ship ran ashore and the pirate and his crew escaped upriver to Shellbird Island, where they stashed their treasure. In this version of the story, a prisoner by the name of Hughes was found on board the grounded ship. It is said that this man later built a log cabin on the bank of what is now known as Hughes’ Brook.

Other accounts state that Easton sent his First Mate and another member of his crew to Shellbird Island with three chests which were to be buried in different locations. At the final location, the First Mate shot and killed his companion, believing that his ghost would guard the treasure. He never returned to Easton, having later drowned when his boat was swept away by the mighty current of the Humber.

Easton never learned the location of his treasure and spent years of his life searching for what was never to be found. Legend has it that only the Man in the Mountain knows the secret of the buried treasure and that anyone who goes looking for it will be received by the cold, dead hands of a vengeful pirate ghost.

Cedar Cove Hiking Trail

Cedar Cove is a great destination for hikers of almost all calibers. The trail is rugged and natural, without being so hard as to exclude anyone. This trail is a favorite of mine, and I try to hike it a few times each summer when I can.

Cedar Cove Sign.
Photo by Robert White

The trail begins at the very end of the road in little port, where a set of wooden steps bring you over the hill and into the forest. From there, it’s a relatively simple walk through the woods with a few mild hills.

This hike offers a fantastic variety of wildlife and countless opportunities to teach your little ones about the natural world around them. Home to numerous edible wild plants and berries, countless inspiring views, and even a wide array of colorful bird species, Cedar Cove never ceases to impress and is a must-see location for tourists.

Once you’re at trail’s end, you’ll find a large pond that is teeming with life. There are nearly always flocks of gulls, crows, ravens, and sparrows to be seen and heard around the pond, and if you look closely you’ll find the insect life here is fascinating and plentiful, as the pond is filled with charming whirligig beetles, dragon and damselflies, and numerous other water-loving species.

The rugged cliffs and tumultuous waves of Cedar Cove embody the spirit of Newfoundland, a raw and natural beauty that is undeniably captivating. This is the kind of place where you could sit and watch the shorebirds flying, the fisherman passing through, and spend hours basking in the extraordinary beauty that the cove has to offer.

If you’re here on the west coast of Newfoundland, take a drive to Lark Harbor and hike Cedar Cove, you’ll be thrilled that you did.

Kumlieni vs. G.Glaucoides

I recently made a trip to the Glynmill Inn Pond in Corner Brook in hopes of seeing some ducks for my 2013 birding list. While I was there I observed several American Black Ducks and some Great Black-backed Gulls, but what really stole my attention was the Iceland Gull, a species that I was severely unfamiliar with.

Pictured above are just two of the many Iceland Gulls that I saw today. The specimen shown is actually—what I believe to be—the Kumlien's Gull, currently described as a subspecies of the Iceland Gull by the American Ornithologist's Union.

After quite a bit of research, I've come to recognize some of the differences between the aforementioned bird and its parent species, the Iceland Gull. However, it seems that there is still much to learn about the species as a whole.

Possible g.glaucoides in flight.

Take a look at the photo above, for instance. Due to its light eyes, pale mantle, and lack of primary coloration, I feel that the specimen photographed above should qualify as the nominate sub-species of the Iceland Gull known as Larus glaucoides glaucoides (g.glaucoides) which has been described by Wikipedia as being very pale in all plumages due to the lack of melanin in the tips of adult primary feathers.

Regardless of whether or not the above specimen can be considered a g.glaucoides, the amount of research done on the Iceland Gull in general has made this one of my most interesting encounters to date.

For more information on Iceland Gulls check out Dave Brown's birding blog here.