Nature & Science
Driving around the Island recently, one is likely to encounter flocks of American robins. They seem a little more conspicuous at this time of year since, other than starlings, there are few flocks of anything around.
At this time of year the robins are eating fruit and seeds, so places with crab apples, bittersweet berries, juniper berries, etc., are good places to find them. Often they will concentrate in an area until nearly all the food is gone and then move on after a day or two.
The sky tomorrow morning will be an impressive, memorable sight for anyone up early. The two brightest planets in our sky, Jupiter and Venus, appear within a degree of each other in the southeastern sky before sunrise. To the right, a crescent waning moon appears nearby. The three are in the zodiacal constellation Sagittarius.
Edgartown selectmen voted not to suspend the commercial scalloping license of fisherman Richard Morris Monday, going against the recommendation of the shellfish committee at a heated public hearing.
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Jan. 25 35 18 .00
Jan. 26 32 19 .00
Jan. 27 36 23 .00
Jan. 28 36 25 .48*
Jan. 29 38 26 .00
Jan. 30 47 37 Trace
Jan. 31 48 26 .04
* indicates melted precipitation.
Water temperature in Edgartown harbor: 40º F.
The 48th annual Martha’s Vineyard Christmas Bird Count was held on Jan. 5. This was an Islandwide event with 69 observers out in the field counting all the birds they could find and another 35 observers counting the birds visiting their bird feeders.
The final results are presented below. We had close to ideal weather, with only a light breeze and temperatures ranging from 23 degrees at dawn to a high of 43 degrees in the afternoon.
Sometimes you just have to face the facts, even if they seem rather unpleasant.
Most people use the term habitat without realizing that they are one. Yes, you read right: whether you know it or not, you are a habitat and a home base for ectoparasites.
Almanac
A comprehensive guide to weather and tides on the Island.
Vineyard Gardener
I guess this past week weather-wise is called a January thaw. We did not really experience it the last several years as December was unseasonably warm.
Farm & Field
Beige and brown and tan and black, with horns spiraled or semicircular or in undulating waves, a legion of goats marched up the hill toward us, bleating in anticipation of fresh grass and leaves.