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Vermont Winter Finch Report 2020

December 2, 2020  |  Nathaniel Sharp

Way back in August, there were murmurings in the birding world of increased numbers of Purple Finches and Red-breasted Nuthatches in northern North America, with some trickling farther south than their usual late-summer range.

Examples of Motus tower arrays on Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick (left) and in a field (right). Photos courtesy of Birds Canada.

Host a Motus Tower On Your Property and Help Track Tagged Wildlife

December 2, 2020  |  Jason Hill (he/him)

If you own property in Vermont or New Hampshire, you have an incredible opportunity this winter to benefit wildlife populations and make a real contribution to conservation science by hosting a Motus tower.

Field Guide to December 2020

December 2, 2020  |  Vermont Center for Ecostudies

December is off to a gentle start this year; the annual blanket of snow and ice has yet to drape across the land. Cozy up with our Field Guide and a warm cup of tea to learn how species from birds to bats and mice to moose face the coming cold-weather challenges.

November 2020 Photo-observation of the Month

December 2, 2020  |  Nathaniel Sharp

Congratulations to Joshua Lincoln for winning the November 2020 Photo-observation of the Month for the Vermont Atlas of Life on iNaturalist. Joshua’s image of a pair of Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa…

October 2020 Photo-observation of the Month

November 4, 2020  |  Nathaniel Sharp

Congratulation to Pete Kerby-Miller for winning the October 2020 Photo-observation of the Month for the Vermont Atlas of Life on iNaturalist. Pete’s image of a congregation of Woolly Alder Aphids…

Field Guide to November 2020

November 2, 2020  |  Vermont Center for Ecostudies

As leaves continue to fall and the first flakes begin to fly, the oncoming cold weather seems to bring nature to a standstill. On the contrary, there remains a lot to be discovered in Vermont during this transitional period. Learn more in our Field Guide to November.

A Misplaced Avian Visitor from the West

October 8, 2020  |  Chris Rimmer

Most birders (present company definitely included) are shameless thrill-seekers; nothing electrifies us like the unexpected appearance of a rarity. To be sure, keeping track of common species throughout the year…

Field Guide to October 2020

October 2, 2020  |  Vermont Center for Ecostudies

October is a month of change. The forested hills fade from green to a kaleidoscope of red and gold that dazzles the eyes. Here’s your field guide to some moments that you might not otherwise notice during these few precious weeks.

September 2020 Photo-observation of the Month

October 2, 2020  |  Kent McFarland

Congratulations to Tom Norton for winning the September 2020 Photo-observation of the Month for the Vermont Atlas of Life on iNaturalist.

A New Endeavor for the Vermont Loon Conservation Project: Necropsies

September 29, 2020  |  Eric Hanson

In the past, the Vermont Loon Conservation Project collected all reported dead loons to send to Tufts University to determine the causes of death. Now, we’re going to learn how to perform necropsies ourselves!

Mansfield Wrap-up: Bountiful Migrants and a Venerable Thrush

September 22, 2020  |  Chris Rimmer

VCE’s 2020 wrap-up banding session on Mt. Mansfield may have been our most memorable. It yielded an impressive diversity of birds, including our first-ever Western Palm Warbler and a truly venerable 10 year-old Bicknell’s Thrush.

Loon Departure Times

September 21, 2020  |  Eric Hanson

Those lucky enough to still be spending time on their favorite Vermont lakes may have noticed the disappearance of their resident adult loons, even with chicks still around. When do loons take to the skies? Read on to find out.