Nature & Science
Wild turkey numbers are way up, kestrel numbers are way down and robins are holding steady. These are some of the early findings from Breeding Bird Atlas 2, a statewide, volunteer-based initiative by Mass Audubon to map the distribution of all bird species known to nest in Massachusetts. Volunteers are needed to be part of this project to learn more about the breeding life of Island birds. Join us for a discussion about the initiative, how it works and what you can do to help us paint a picture of the lives of the breeding birds on the Vineyard.
By LYNNE IRONS
A dedicated half-dozen volunteers gathered last Saturday to clear a trail in the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, as part of the Island’s first participation in Massachusetts’ Park Serve program.
Sweating from the exertion of running a chain saw through dozens of fallen trees, state forest supervisor John Varkonda looked up and said, “The last time we cleared this trail was after Hurricane Bob, in 1991.”
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
April 24 57 42
April 25 61 44 Trace
April 26 80 48
April 27 86 50
April 28 64 51
April 29 70 50 Trace
April 30 58 33
Water temperature in Edgartown harbor: 56º F.
Naturalist Nicholas Culpepper made a valid observation when he noted that “God and nature made nothing in vain.”
He was speaking of honeysuckles, one of the first plants to leaf out in early spring, when he identified one of its detriments. Culpepper’s unfortunate observation was that “the chewing of a leaf is more likely to cause a sore mouth and throat than cure it.”
Birders have a tough decision, as there are two very important bird-oriented events this weekend; one for least terns and another for the Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas.
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.