The threat of rain, drizzle and leaden skies did not diminish the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club’s annual trout tournament held at Duarte’s Pond in West Tisbury last Saturday. In the early hours of morning, fishing was great and the youngsters caught plenty and saw only a few raindrops.

This little plant is the apple of my eye.

Found in wet meadows and woods, May apple beckons the botanist with its unique appearance, ancient lore, and potential for danger.

‘Tis spring migration and time for the annual Bird-a-thon. What is a Bird-a-thon? It is a fundraiser for Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary that is fun and educational. This year is special as the monies will go to raising funds for Felix Neck’s Coastal Waterbird Program. The chain of events goes thusly: contact friends and businesses and ask them to pledge a certain amount per bird or a flat rate donation. Then go out birding with friends between 6 p.m. tonight, May 11 and 5:59 p.m. tomorrow, May 12. Submit your list of birds to Felix Neck and collect the money that you received pledges for, or you can pledge through firstgiving.com/fundraiser/suzan-bellincampi/bird-a-thon-2012.

Feather-Spotting for Funds

Who is the best birder? Let’s ask that question again, so it sings. Who is the best birder?

Most days, who really knows. After all, birders often lurk in the shadow of sunrise, doing their spotting and counting among misty riverbanks and gray shorelines. The only sounds are often a lugubrious foghorn, the call of birds, and perhaps the slight turn of the focusing knob on the binoculars.