Nature & Science
By LYNNE IRONS
I used the New Year’s Eve storm and the next day’s bitter cold to spend some time in the kitchen. I wanted to “make do” with what was on hand . . .
Use it up
Wear it out
Make it do
Or do without
The annual Christmas Bird Count was held on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009. There was a tremendous effort from the 91 participants; 54 people were divided into 13 field teams, each with an assigned part of the Vineyard to cover and count all the birds that they could find, and 37 others counted the birds that came to their bird feeders.
The bright planet in the western sky, Venus, will dominate the skies through the remainder of the winter. This weekend is an ideal time to enjoy our nearest planetary neighbor, in all of its glory.
West Tisbury oysters were on the market during the holiday season, but they are unavailable now. Tom Osmers, town shellfish constable, said there were three commercial oyster fishermen out on the pond. The season opened on Monday, Dec. 15 and was closed on Wednesday, Dec. 31. The fishermen were limited to one bushel a day, a sparse amount compared to years ago when the fishery was healthy and more productive.
By LYNNE IRONS
My chickens have not given me an egg in almost a month. I have a small flock — one elderly rooster, 11 assorted hens and three teenagers who are too young to begin producing. Hens lay according to the light and since I refuse to force the issue and add a light to the coop, I shall have to wait. I have taken note lately and observed that they went in to roost at 4:29 p.m. on the solstice, but by the Saturday after Christmas bedtime was 4:32 p.m. Almost imperceptibly, the days are lengthening.
Whoa, Vineyard birders have quite a challenge ahead of them. The Nantucket Christmas Bird Count was conducted last weekend and the unofficial total was 134 species! Ouch — we are going to have to work long and hard to match or hopefully beat that total. We are definitely at the mercy of the weather, so let’s hope Mother Nature is good to us.
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.