1-31

1-31
Today a group of male Hooded Mergansers dodged ice floes in the West River.
A flock of Cedar Wax-wings, robins, starlings and English Sparrows fed on apples and bittersweet in West Dummerston village.
And yesterday an adult Bald Eagle was cruising at tree top height just north of the covered bridge.
John

1-18

1-18
If you have hemlock trees, now is the time to survey for Adelgids.
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid is most visible in mid and late winter. This infestation was along Camp Arden Road on a tree that I've checked frequently over the past few winters. This year adelgids are for the first time both present and easily visible.
John

1-17

1-17
For the first time in the 20 plus years that I've been offering suet to birds, Pileated woodpeckers are coming to feed!
As you can see, suet feeders, designed for downy and hairy woodpeckers, are inadequate for these birds.
Pileateds are carpenter ant and borer grub specialists and can demolish an infested tree while excavating for food.
They also eat a lot of berries and fruits including grapes and bittersweet berries.
John

1-15

1-15
Today along Camp Arden Road this Chipmunk surveyed its territory … and enjoyed a bit of sun!
And along the north border of my field, on the dry, sun-warmed leaves, a Grouse Locust also took advantage of the day.
John