Winter Wonderland

This morning the snowflakes were coming down fast and furious. Then around noon it stopped and the sun came out which made for a mild day with lots of fluffy snow that had fallen from the morning. As i took a hike towards Northern Light i noticed 4 Turkey Vultures soaring over. An abundance of pheasants have been visiting my back yard along with Black-capped Chickadees and Dark-eyed juncos flying in my trees. I also got a report that three puffins were sighted in the harbor! Just goes to show you never know what you will see come through Grand passage.

Storm

Last night we had a terrible snow storm that turned to ice pellets. The lawns and roads are very icy and slippery today. AS i look out my front window it has not deterred the Ring-necked Pheasants from their feeding ritual from my next door neighbors feeders. I counted about 4 males in the same area all taking turns feeding.The wind is still pretty wild today but the sun has found its way out. Maybe we will get some interesting birds visit our Island in the next few days. Will keep on the lookout...

Right Whale Skeleton installations at museum

Images of the installation of what we believe to be a unique museum display of
a right whale skeleton and her fetus at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
New Bedford Whaling Museum.
www.whalingmuseum.org

This was a vessel strike case from the Mid Atlantic in 2004

Redpolls

Posted by Carl Haycock: While touring the island and walking the dog on wednesday the 21st it was hard to miss flocks of redpolls. I encountered 3 different flocks. Each flock had perhaps 80 in count.

White-winged Crossbills and Bald Eagle

Today was clear but still a bit chilly. Great to see the sun though and the deep blue sky and ocean. Our fisherman got a chance to haul their gear today. The weather has not been cooperating as of late with gale force winds and terrible weather conditions it was good to finally see blue skies again! Took a hike at Northern light and sighted 2 crows diving at a mature Bald Eagle. Some loons and Eiders ducks are in the harbour. When i got home i noticed cones dropping out of the trees and looked up to my surprise a large flock of White-winged Crossbills was busilly plucking them from the tree and opening up the cones with their beaks!

Right Whales sighted in the Gulf of Maine

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2008/20081231_rightwhale.html
Follow this link to an interesting article about Right Whales found in the Gulf Of Maine. Could this be their winter breeding ground?

Storm and birds

Hello Everyone
Today was very dark and we soon found out why. The Islands was hit by snow that turned to sleet and has covered the Island in ice. Before the weather hit i sighted many Common Grackles and Black-capped Chickadees in the trees by the library. Soaring overhead were three Turkey Vultures. Should be interesting to see what the storm may bring in.