Nature & Science
A thin crescent moon appears low in the southwestern sky this weekend. The moon will be visible on Sunday night when it appears next to the bright planet Jupiter. The two are in the zodiacal constellation Pisces.
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Feb. 25 44 37 .51
Feb. 26 49 26 .83*
Feb. 27 40 31 .13*
Feb. 28 38 28 .00
March 1 50 32 .12
March 2 42 23 .00
March 3 47 16 .00
*Melted Precipitation
On Thursday, Feb. 17, I led the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation’s winter walk at the Phillips Preserve hoping to hear the great horned owls that nest nearby.
Winter Walk
The hint of spring is upon us. Although the cold weather has not completely given up, the light lingers longer these days and there are moments when the cold wind gives way to a breath of warm air while out on an afternoon walk.
But these glimpses of what is around the corner are fleeting and therefore do not give proof of what is to come. For more concrete evidence that the change of seasons is already upon us, it is best to turn toward nature.
Maybe it is something that we should harp about. We wouldn’t be alone in our complaint.
Come early March, many people are up in arms because winter marks the seal hunting season. Norway, Russia, Canada andGreenland are countries that allow the hunting of gray, hooded and harp seals. There are those few that hunt for tradition, food and sustenance, including tribal Inuitpeople. Others hunt for commerce and profit.
The Trustees of Reservations announced this week that a major staff restructuring will take place around the management of their Vineyard properties with a shifting emphasis toward more staffing in the summer months and less year-round.
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.