Nature & Science
By LYNNE IRONS
The weather on the proposed date (Jan. 3) for the Christmas Bird Count wasn’t fit for man nor beast. Rob Culbert made an excellent decision and moved the count to Tuesday, Jan. 5. The only problem with this change was that some participants were unable to join us as they were working. We were very shorthanded. However, the Vineyarders who participated should be proud, because even with a much reduced crew at the end of the day the unofficial total number of species seen was 115. Now that is a lower tally than CBCs of milder winters but was the same as Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually has the highest number of bird species seen on CBCs statewide. Rumor has it that Nantucket had the highest count in the state this year with a total of 118. So we were only three down from the “top dog.” The Vineyard had the best weather of any of the state CBCs, and with a few more participants we probably would have bested Nantucket!
This could be the ultimate home away from home.
A place that is miles from civilization, inaccessible to even your craziest relatives, and isolated from anyone’s day-to-day trials and tribulations. In fact, it is almost as far out as you can get.
Explore the State Forest
The Vineyard Conservation Society (VCS) will hold a guided winter walk this Sunday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m., with a tour of the 5,200-acre Manuel Correllus State Forest.
The forest is managed by the Commonwealth Department of Conservation and Recreation; the supervisor is John Varkonda.
Walkers should meet by 1 p.m. at the main parking area at State Forest headquarters off Barnes Road, following VCS signs. The walk is free and will last approximately two hours. Cider and cookies will be served.
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Dec. 24 31 17 .00
Dec. 25 39 31 .00
Dec. 26 40 36 .00
Dec. 27 50 38 .23
Dec. 28 51 29 Trace
Dec. 29 44 25 Trace
Dec. 30 26 14 .00
Water temperature in Edgartown harbor: 36º F.
If you haven’t found Mars yet, tomorrow night, Jan. 2, offers a great opportunity. The moon and Mars appear side by side. The moon is one day past full moon, and the two rise together about an hour after sunset. They are in the zodiacal constellation Cancer, near the Sickle in the constellation Leo, the lion.
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.