February 16 , 2008

What a marvelous day for the Great Backyard Bird Count! Sightings included the following: At South Hero there were a large flock (130+) European Starlings, a few House Sparrows, and a Rock Dove. At the Grand Isle ferry landing there were 25 Common Mergansers and a few Herring Gulls. At a feeder in Grand Isle there were Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, Black-capped Chickadees, Mourning Doves, and a pair of House Finches, and a Hairy Woodpecker. By Winooski High School there were large mixed flocks of American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, and at least one Bohemian Waxwing. At Technology Park in South Burlington there was a flock of about 30 Pine Grosbeaks. Also seen were American Crows throughout the day, and a Red-tailed Hawk and a Great Black-backed Gull on the Islands.

February 6 , 2008

The snow didn't stop NBNC staff from making some interesting observations today. Larry spotted a flock of 10-15 Pine Grosbeaks on the corner of Bailey Ave and State St, feeding on berries. Chip spotted a winter crane fly resting on the snow. And Sandal spotted a firefly larvae, also resting atop the plentiful snow. Also keep your eyes out for "snow fleas", which are actually springtails, for they too are insects that can be found on warm winter days when carpets of snow still cover the ground.

January 30, 2008

Today has brought some wild weather, from rain to sleet to snow. A small group of crows has been hanging around the Nature Center, searching the field for scraps from the Ice on Fire celebration this past Sunday. We're glad the weather waited until after the weekend to put on its show!

January 23, 2008

While scouting a trail for the full moon snowshoe hike, Sandal and Heather stumbled upon fresh beaver clippings resting on the snow's surface. This is among the many signs you may come across during these cold winter months which remind us that some animals in Vermont remain active all winter long.

January 21, 2008

A group of intrepid teens enjoyed a day of birding in the Champlain Valley today, and made some exciting observations. Highlights included a flock of Bluebirds near the Crown Point Bridge in Addison, a Rough-legged Hawk off rt-117 in Addison. In the Shelburne Bay area, two Common Loons were sighted, along with several Horned Grebes. Perhaps the most notable observation was that of a juvenile Northern Shrike, which was caching pieces of meat in the tree branches. What a gift it was to see! Next teen birding program: Great Backyard Bird Count.

January 16, 2008

Bright sunny skies are always enjoyed here at the Nature Center. In addition to the mobs of Chickadees at our birdfeeders, a pair of Mallards was seen on the river.

January 15, 2008

Participants of our astronomy program braved cold temperatures and peered through thin clouds to observe the constilations of winter, the craters of the moon, and the red glow of Mars.