Nature & Science
I hope you all had a merry Christmas and that you are now thinking about spending some time outside scouting different Vineyard habitats for birds. This is important because Jan. 3 is the day set we aside for the Martha’s Vineyard Christmas Bird Count.
By LYNNE IRONS
About 30 years ago I spent my first Christmas morning alone. My children had a spend-over visit with their father. I was lounging in bed, feeling a bit sorry for myself, when I heard a ruckus in my kitchen and a loud, “Hey!” It was Craig Kingsbury with my donkey, Juan. He had apparently been roaming State Road in search of a Christmas pageant perhaps when Craig apprehended him. Talk about an eventful morning — removing a 700-pound animal from one’s kitchen in a nightgown with the help of an amused man.
Temperature: Precip.
Day Max. Min. Inches.
Fº Fº
Dec. 19 41 27 .00
Dec. 20 37 31 1.08*
Dec. 21 36 31 Trace
Dec. 22 47 19 .62*
Dec. 23 24 18 .00
Water temperature in Edgartown harbor: 38º F.
The nights ahead this weekend are moonless. New Moon is tomorrow. The moon appears only briefly on Sunday night, when it is right under the bright planet Jupiter and Mercury. All three are close to the horizon and tough to see.
Ivy is in a league of its own.
However, this plant is never really alone. Since it is a parasite, it needs a partner to survive. English ivy, which adorns buildings and trees, is called Hedera helix by botanists. Its scientific name means twist and turn, which aptly describes its ascent up walls and trees.
Farmers across Massachusetts who are interested in becoming more energy efficient are invited to apply for a new audits and incentives program offered by the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program. The program will provide energy audits, renewable energy assessments and financial incentives for implementation of audit recommendations, including those recommended by public utility programs.
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.