An Elm Tree Dating Service on Outdoor Radio
In this episode of Outdoor Radio, VCE biologists Sara Zahendra and Kent McFarland join scientists from the Nature Conservancy and local enthusiasts at the foot of a disease-resistant elm. Like an online elm dating site, they are matching resistant trees in hopes of restoring them to their former glory.
Painted Bunting Delights Vermont Bird Watchers
Bird watchers are flocking to Pittsfield, Vermont as news spreads of a male Painted Bunting visiting a feeder at a residence there. This represents the sixth state record for the species.
Record-breaking warmth continues in Vermont and around the globe
February 2016 continued the string of unusually warm months. Average global surface temperature ran a full 1.35 degrees above normal. In Vermont, the lack of a winter has meant little snow, tough times for ski areas, and some early bird arrivals.
February 2016 iNaturalist Vermont Photo-observation of the Month
Congratulations to Larry Clarfeld for winning the February 2016 iNaturalist Vermont photo-observation of the month contest.
2016 TechGrant Awarded to VCE
From birds to butterflies, vernal pools to zebra mussels, VCE biologists harness the power of technology to help solve conservation issues. A 2016 TechGrant award from the TechFoundation will now enable us to do even more.
Visit a Winter Deeryard with Outdoor Radio
This month on Outdoor Radio we visit a winter deeryard. White-tailed Deer use these special woodlands to help them survive Vermont winters. Hike with us to a small deeryard and learn what makes deeryards and deer winter adaptations special.
New Online Database Will Guide Conservation of Vernal Pools
It’s hard to protect a wetland you can’t find. A new online database containing nearly 60,000 vernal pool locations in eight states and two Canadian provinces is now available to…
Vermont eBird Shatters Weekend Count Records
Vermont eBirders were a big part of the 19th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, shattering the records set just last year. During the 3-day event, birders found 88 species and contributed 1,128 checklists to Vermont eBird, a project of the Vermont Atlas of Life.
Salt Pans and Elfin Forests: a Birding Tour de Force on Puerto Rico
A 2 1/2 day birding trip in western Puerto Rico, under the auspices of the Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña (SOPI), yielded 80 species and 13 of the island’s 20 endemics. A memorable experience was enjoyed by all 20 participants!
Puerto Rico Scorecard: Endemics 17, Bicknell’s Thrush 7
VCE’s second winter of Bicknell’s Thrush surveys across Puerto Rico has so far confirmed 7 birds, all in high-elevation forests of Cordillera Central. While the island may not qualify as an epicenter of the species’ overwintering distribution, it is important and reassuring to know they are regular, if rare.
Habitat? It’s critical.
The Vermont House Committee on Fish, Wildlife, and Water Resources currently is considering updates to the state’s threatened and endangered species act. This past Thursday, VCE’s Director of Science offered testimony on the proposed changes.
January 2016 iNaturalist Vermont Photo-observation of the Month
Congratulations to Shawneevt for winning the January 2016 iNaturalist Vermont Photo-observation of the Month contest. The image of a Red Squirrel feeding on an old apple, was the most popular photo-observation as measured by clicked ‘favs’.
