American Black Duck

American Black Duck Photo by Dick Daniels

The American black duck, formally known as anas rubripes, is a large dabbling duck that is found throughout most of eastern North America.  It is found in many aquatic habitats, omnivorious, and migratory.  They are fairly common but have been declining for a long time.

​American black ducks are similar in appearance to a female mallard (anas platyrhynchos).  There are however several easy ways to tell the two species apart.  The black duck is noticeably larger and as evidence from the name, a dark colored duck throughout most of its body.  The exception to this is the head, a black duck’s head is much lighter than the rest of its body.

​Black ducks can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats.  They often use freshwater wetlands for breeding.  In winter they are typically found in saltwater marshes, but they can also be found in flooded timber, beaver ponds, and river areas.  

​Black ducks are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods.  They eat aquatic insects, which are the primary food eaten during the breeding season, and also seeds and tubers. While migrating, black ducks will eat the seeds and fruit of terrestrial plants, foliage, tubers and seeds of aquatic plants, a variety of grains, invertebrates, and sometimes amphibians or fish.  Other foods eaten by black ducks include: widgeon grass, eelgrass, acorns, grains, seeds from wild rice, sedges, pondweed, bulrushes, millet, and many similar foods.  According to Wildlife of Virginia and Maryland and Washington, D.C., “Animal foods, more important in winter, include clams, mussels, and snails” (150).

American black ducks breed throughout the northern east coast and into most of eastern Canada.  They form (or reform) pairs in the winter.  They will start to nest in February in the southern parts of their breeding range, but in the northern parts, pairs will wait until late May.  The nest is usually concealed in tidal marshes, freshwater wetlands, meadows, wooded borders, swamps (particularly those made as a result of beaver activity) or thickets.  The nests will occasionally be made in abandoned nest found in trees.  According The Birders Handbook, a typical black duck nest is a “depression in the ground filled with dry grass, leaves” and other debris.  “During incubation, the nests are lined with down” (62).

​Black ducks begin to assemble near their breeding grounds around the beginning of September.  Soon after that, in September or the beginning of October, they will follow the coast or rivers to arrive in their wintering grounds.  Black ducks are hardy and their wintering grounds stretch from Nova Scotia through the mid-Atlantic states.

​Black Ducks have been in decline for several years.  In fact, the North American Breeding Bird Survey tallied a decline of 84% in the period between 1966 and 2014.  Fortunately, this trend has appeared to slow down since 2004.  The 2014 State of the Birds Watchlist does not include the American black duck.  Things that contribute to declines in the black duck population include, urbanization, logging, and farming.  Overhunting has probably also contributed to the species decline.  Black ducks were hunted extensively in the 1960s and 1970s.  Estimates from that time were that 800,000 black ducks were killed by hunters per year. After a lawsuit from the Humane Society of the US, strict hunting regulations were put in place to stop the overhunting of black ducks.  Now, the estimate of black ducks killed by hunters is down to 115,00 per year.  Another factor that may lead to the decline is hybridization with the mallard.  When forests are logged, the more adaptable mallard begins to take over and hybridize with the remaining black ducks.  Also, black ducks are affected by pollution which causes water quality to degrade even more.

​All in all, the American black duck is an interesting puddle duck found in eastern North America.  They are migratory and experiencing declines throughout their range.

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The Canada Jay

Did you know that the Canada jay commonly takes food from hikers and campers?   The Canada jay (perisoreus canadensis), also known as the gray jay,  is a cute, but hardy boreal bird.  Canada jays can be found across most of Canada and parts of the northern and western US.  They are habitat specialists, non-migratory, and omnivores.  

​The Canada jay lives in boreal and subalpine forests in most of Canada, southern Alaska and the northern Rocky Mountains.  They seem to prefer areas that have either black or white spruce trees.  Tree species that are also present include white birch, aspen, balsam fir, lodgepole pine, sugar maple and many other species.  This habitat is very harsh in winter, so Canadajays must optimize available food.  

​Canada jays are omnivores and will eat almost anything.  They will eat berries, warblers, flying insects, handouts from people, and game that has been shot or trapped.  Their typical foraging method includes scanning the surroundings from several perches near each other.  Other typical foods for the gray jay are nesting birds, small mammals, fungi, amphibians, and much more.  They have even been known to wade into the water to catch prey.  If they catch surplus food, they will cache it under bark or lichens using their sticky saliva to hold the food in place.  They have very good memories and can remember these caches for a long time.  These caches allow them to breed much earlier than other boreal species.

​The Canada jay starts the nesting season in late winter with harsh, snowy and foodless conditions.  This is why it is critical for them to have sufficient food stores.  Both the male and female work to build the nest.  The male does most of the work, and the female gradually pitches in.  The nest is usually made of spruce twigs held together with caterpillar cocoons and lined with fine twigs lichens and eventually feathers.  The nests are placed at relatively low heights and face south to take advantage of the sun.

​The Canada jay is a common species in the boreal forests and is classified as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.  The remoteness of the Canada jay’s habitat makes it hard to accurately monitor populations on a large scale.  There has been a study in Algonquin Provincial Park, located 200 miles north of Toronto (on the southern end of the bird’s range), to monitor Canada jay populations there.  The study has been gathering data since the 1960’s.  The study has found declines in the Canada jay population to be directly linked with unusually warm winters.  The warm weather spoils the gray jay’s perishable food stores, so there is not enough food for the nestlings as well as the adults.  This is reinforced by the fact that the winter of 2014-2015, which was extremely cold in Algonquin, was also the highest breeding success recorded in the history of the study.  

​All in all, the Canada jay gives a new meaning to the phrase “eats like a bird” with its food caches and varied diet.  This bird is doing quite well in spite of the many threats to the boreal forests it calls home.

 

Pangolins of Africa- Nature’s Knights in Plated Armor

By Sophie Landrum

Imagine if you were being chased through a nearly bare savanna with a hungry leopard on your tail. How helpless you would be if the animal chasing you is ten times faster, with teeth as sharp as daggers, and hasn’t eaten in three days? What would you do? Would you keep running? Well, for a pangolin that’s not an option. But with her unique adaptations, this pangolin may have a second chance.

Pangolins are an endangered species unique to Africa and Asia. However, this article only focuses on African pangolians. They reside in dense African forests, and forested savannas, and its witty adaptations are the key to its survival. There are four main species of African pangolins- the giant pangolin (smutsia gigantea), the tree pangolin (phataginus tricuspis), the ground pangolin (manis temminckii), and the long tailed pangolin (phataginus tetradactyla). Similar to armadillos (although they are not in any way related, even distantly), this species has two especially unique adaptations- their keratin “armor”, and their ability to roll themselves into a ball as a defense mechanism.

A pangolin’s scales are made out of a material called keratin, the same substance that makes up our fingernails and hair! A pangolin’s many scales take up 20% of its body weight. You may be wondering what pangolin’s scales are used for. Well, as the title states pangolins use these scales as a natural suit of armor. Although it may not be the prettiest, it sure gets the job done. When a pangolin is frightened or in danger, and has nowhere to run, it turns to this defense mechanism as its emergency escape plan. A pangolin can roll itself into a tightly compacted ball, covered by its scaly covering. When a predator tries to break through a pangolin’s rock hard outer layer, it nearly always fails, and once the predator leaves the scene, the pangolin is safe until the next time it encounters its enemy.

Another interesting perk of the pangolin is its diet. Many people compare this species to the anteater (although, once again, they are not related even in the slightest.) because of its long snout and 40 centimeter tongue, and especially strong liking for the taste of ants and termites. Even if they are not kin, pangolins do use the same eating methods as the anteater. They use their long tongues to slurp up ants or termites from the ground or reach into their hills and scoop them out, while their long, curved claws help them dig out insects from underground. They are classified as insectivorous because of this.

Other fun facts about pangolins include the origin of their name. The word “pangolin” is derived from the malay word “pengguling” meaning (loosely) “something that rolls”. Also, pangolins are mainly nocturnal animals, and prefer hunting at night. Most people also don’t expect it, but pangolins are toothless! Therefore, they cannot chew (partially why they prefer eating insects to anything else). Since they can’t chew, these animals have also developed  special adaptation in their digestive system- their stomach contents is ground with small pebbles (much like in a bird’s gizzard) to make the process easier and less painful for the animal.

Although these creatures seem cute and harmless once you learn about them, unfortunately, they are the world’s most trafficked animal. Over 100,000 pangolins are hunted and killed by humans each year, and that number continues to increase, but with your knowledge of these creatures, now you can help to save the pangolins by educating people in your community about this extraordinary species. Also, donating to any website or other organization such as the one listed here (http://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/pangolin scroll down to the bottom for donation options.)  that are supporting the pangolin could bring this species back.  Other ways you can help the pangolin and other endangered species include participating in or organizing public-awareness campaigns to support these animals, as well as learning more about them at places such as our website (www.naturestewards.wordpress.com). And remember, every little thing counts.

Five things to remember on Earth Day

1.  Recycle

Did you know that 75 percent of  waste is recyclable?  Still, on average we only recycle 30 percent of our waste.  While many people recycle some things, it is important to try to recycle everything that you can recycle.  So next time you go to throw something away think “Could I recycle this?”  That way we can reduce trash and save energy.

2.  Compost

Composting is a way to recycle food and yard waste.  This will keep your food waste out of landfills and leave room for other items.  You can compost all plant matter, eggshells, coffee grinds, and fruit and vegetable waste.

3.  Plant Native Plants

Planting native plants in your yard is a great way to increase the amount of local animals that you see.  If you do some research you will be able to find the best plants for your area.

4.  Limit Your Use of Insecticide

Insects are an important food source for birds and other creatures.  When they are treated with insecticides then they not only die, but before they die animals can eat them and be poison by the same insectide.

5.  Enjoy Nature

It is important to spend time in nature.  Try to spend some time outside and observe nature.  A lot of important data can come from people like you!  People who understand the importance of observing nature.  If you see something especially unusual please leave a comment about it.

Bison Back in Banff

For the first time in a century wild American bison have returned to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.  A group of 16 bison were released earlier this month as part of a five year plan to reintroduce them.  Bison roamed in the park in the early 1900’s but due to human interference they were extirpated.

The American bison is an amazing animal with lots of amazing features. The American bison weighs between 900 and 2,200 pounds.  They usually live between twelve and twenty years in the wild.  The International Union for Conservation of Nature has the American bison classified as near threatened.  This is due to habitat loss and overhunting in the 1800’s and early 1900’s.  Many efforts are being made to reintroduce them to Midwestern prairie ecosystems.  These efforts are important because when there are bison in a prairie, the whole prairie becomes a much healthier habitat.

American bison eat grass.  This is important to the health and diversity of the prairie because it allows forbs to flourish.  Forbs are herbaceous flowering plants that are not grasses.  This increases the plant diversity which also helps birds and all the other wildlife that live in this ecosystem.

We are thankful to the Canadian Park Service and all of the other bison reintroduction programs.  We hope that other groups will also try to reintroduce bison into their native tallgrass prairie habitats.

Results of the 2017 Dark-eyed Junco Experiment

This year, the Nature Stewards conducted an experiment regarding the feeding habits of the dark-eyed junco (junco hyemalis). The dark-eyed junco is the most common feeder bird in the United States, being observed at over 80% of feeder sites. The experiment looked at the level above ground that the dark-eyed junco feed at, with seed on the ground, seed in a feeder two feet above ground and seed in a feeder four feet above ground. It was conducted in Annapolis, Maryland. As this data shows, the dark-eyed junco clearly prefers to feed on the ground. This is consistent with other new world sparrows.

Date	# on ground	# 2 ft. above ground	# 4 ft. above ground
2/4/17	9	0	0
2/5/17	1	0	0
2/6/17	3	0	0
2/7/17	0	0	0
2/8/17	0	0	0
2/9/17	7	0	0
2/13/17	0	0	0
2/14/17	3	0	0
2/15/17	7	0	0
2/16/17	0	0	0
Total	30	0	0

The Wild Turkey

A wild turkey spotted in a Manitoban Provincial Park
Photo by Vince Pahkala

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, what is a better animal to think about than the wild turkey?  The wild turkey is one if the most amazing conservation stories that there is. About a hundred years ago, in the early 1900’s, many people thought that the wild turkey would go extinct. The wild turkey was so rare because of overhunting and habitat loss. Then their population was estimated at 30,000 individuals. This may seem like a lot, but it is still less than the estimated numbers of orangutans, African elephants, or polar bears. The amazing part is that now there are 7 million wild turkeys in North America.

This is an incredible success story.  Still, this plan didn’t work immediately; it took some fine tuning.  At first, people tried to breed wild turkeys on farms, but the turkeys became used to being fed and not having predators and hunters trying to kill and eat them.  Due to this, they were susceptible to hunting and predation. Then, people tried to relocate wild turkeys from their original habitats to new ones.  This worked because the birds were already adapted to living in the wild.  The turkeys bred in their new habitats, and their total population began to grow.  Also, strict hunting regulations and regrowth of habitat have helped this awesome bird come back.

Now, wild turkeys roam the forests of North America looking for acorns, insects, fish, berries, and more.  They will also come to farms to eat corn from the cornfields.  Thanks to people like Theodore Roosevelt,  George Bird Grinnell and many others, this amazing species has made an incredible comeback.

So, do you want to see a wild turkey?  If so, you’re in luck!  The wild turkey is present in every US state except Alaska.  This story is definitely something to add to your list of things to be thankful for and let’s hope that we will hear many more stories like this in the future.

Ellen O. Moyer Nature Park at Back Creek leased to Annapolis Maritime Museum

A view of the cove in Ellen O. Moyer Nature Park at Back Creek

The city of Annapolis and the Annapolis Maritime Museum have signed an agreement to lease Ellen O. Moyer Nature Park at Back Creek to the Annapolis Maritime Museum. This should be a great improvement because this wonderful 12 acre nature park has been basically forgotten.  Our hope is that the Annapolis Maritime Museum will restore it and maybe even use it to educate the public about nature.  The Nature Stewards hope to help the Annapolis Maritime Museum reach their goal by volunteering and supporting the restoration of this wonderful park.  Nature Stewards President and Founder Hannes Leonard has aready started to make a bird list for the park.

Louisiana Black Bear: A Unique Subspecies that is Making a Great a Recovery

By Sophie Bose

The Louisiana Black Bear, formally known as the Ursus americanus lutelous is one of 16 subspecies of Black Bear. This subspecies tends to be smaller and have longer, narrower skulls than other black bears as well as proportionally larger molars. These bears copiously inhabit Louisiana, but do inhabit Texas and Mississippi as well. Louisiana Black Bears rely on Bottomland Hardwood forests for shelter and survival. (Bottomland Hardwood forests are a very low and wet type of hardwood forests.) Bottomland Hardwoods are usually at at the bank of a river or lake.

In 1992, the Louisiana Black Bear was listed as a threatened species due to habit reduction. This bear continued to be threatened until very recently; March 10th, 2016. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that the Louisiana Black Bear would be officially delisted from The Lists of Threatened and Endangered Species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The estimated population of the Louisiana Black Bear is currently about 500-750; approximately double the population size at the time of listing.

The Louisiana Black Bear was recently delisted because the majority of threats to this Black Bear species have been eliminated or decreased. Also, much of the Bears’ habitat has been regained. The recovery of this bear species was managed with an abundance of support from governmental and private organizations or individuals. From 2001-2009 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service implemented a Louisiana Black Bear recovery which also helped to enlarge the population.

The Louisiana Black Bear population will be sustained with population trend monitoring. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will tracked with live-capture, collaring, den checks in Winter and a variety of other strategies. The Service will also track the Bears’ habitat routinely.

Overall, this small subspecies is doing uncommonly well. The Louisiana Black Bear is no longer a threatened species; instead this species is on a path to a full, healthy population. According to http://www.fws.gov, The places that are best to see Louisiana Black Bears in the wild are:
1) Mary and Iberia Parishes in south Louisiana
(2) Point Coupee Parish in central Louisiana
(3) the Richard K. Yancey WMA and vicinity in Concordia and Avoyelles Parishes, in east-central Louisiana, and
(4) Tensas, Madison, and West Carroll Parishes in northeast Louisiana.
You can view these websites for more information.
http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/louisiana-black-bear-history
http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/mississippi/explore/louisiana-black-bear.xml
https://www.fws.gov/southeast/es/recovery/louisiana-black-bear/frequently-asked-questions/

If you want to make sure that this amazing species has suitable habitat for years to come go to http://www.nature.org/membership-giving/adopt-an-acre/northern-gulf-coast/index.htm and symbolically adopt and acre (or more) to make sure that the Louisiana Black Bear and other species like it have suitable habitat to live in far into the future.

Marine Debris Monday

If you live in Annapolis, Maryland, and want to help nature you can participate in an on the water trash cleanup.  Marine Debris Monday is an event started by the Back Creek Conservancy to encourage residents to clean up their creek.  To find out more, visit their website at http://backcreekconservancy.org/bcc/2016/07/07/marine-debris-mondays-and-you/. The set dates are August 8 and August 29.

If you don’t live on Back Creek, how about starting your own neighborhood trash cleanup?  If you start your own cleanup please leave a comment and tell us where you started it and how it went.