2019: Norwich Year of the Bird
Norwich 2019 Year of the Bird is underway. This is an informal (but serious) challenge to birders to explore the avian diversity of Norwich, get outdoors, share the thrill of discovery, and learn. The collective goal is to document 175 species within the town’s borders during 2019. A special web page will allow everyone to keep track and share their sightings through Vermont eBird. Grab your binoculars and join the quest!
The 2018 Vermont eBird County Quest Awards
From a tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl in Ripton on January 1st to a Snowy Owl on the Burlington Waterfront on New Year’s Eve, Vermont birders scoured fields and fens, mountains and meadows, lakes and lawns to discover as many bird species as possible during the 8th annual Vermont eBird County Quest.
Move over Monarchs: VCE and Colleagues Reveal Astonishing Dragonfly Migration
A recent study examines the chemistry locked in dragonfly wings to uncover the surprising annual migration of the Common Green Darner.
Vermont Atlas of Life on iNaturalist Builds Biodiversity Big Data in 2018
In 2018 almost 2,400 naturalists contributed nearly 72,000 observations representing more than 3,100 species verified. Over 1,940 naturalists helped to identify and verify data.
December 2018 Photo-observation of the Month
Congratulations to Kyle Tansley for winning the December 2018 Vermont Atlas of Life iNaturalist photo-observation of the month. The image of a Barred Owl with a rodent in its bill was the most popular photo-observation.
Field Guide to January 2019
Although the days are slowly growing longer, life in the Northeast now finds itself in the coldest depths of winter. Here’s a few tidbits of natural history happening outdoors this month around you.
Outdoor Radio: Pine Grosbeak Irruption
In this episode of Outdoor Radio, join us as we chase after Pine Grosbeaks and learn about winter finch irruptions.
VCE Presents the 2018 Julie Nicholson Citizen Scientist Award
For her many contributions to advancing wildlife conservation as a volunteer citizen scientist, the staff and board of VCE are proud to present Elinor with the 2018 Julie Nicholson Citizen Scientist Award.
VCE Staff Picks 2018: Books for Nature Nerds
Still unsure what to get your nerdy loved ones this holiday season? Looking for a good book yourself and don’t know where to turn?? Never fear, Vermont Center for Ecostudies…
Study Reveals Striking Decline of Vermont’s Bumble Bees
A new study examining 100 years of bumble bee records reveals that almost half of Vermont’s species, which are vital pollinators, have either vanished or are in serious decline.
The Secret to Better Berries? Wild Bees
Want bigger, faster-growing blueberries? New research shows wild bees are an essential secret ingredient in larger and better blueberry yields – producing plumper, faster-ripening berries.
Where are the Whip-poor-wills? 2018 Field Season Update
For more than a decade, VCE has led a project that takes place while most folks are fast asleep. Learn about our 2018 Whip-poor-will Project survey results, and find out how you can get involved!
