Hawk Watching for Science
This fall marked the first season of an official hawk watch site on the top of Mt. Ascutney. Prior to that Vermont had three official sites throughout the state. With the help of VINS staff and volunteers we were able to staff the site for a total of about 46 hours. A total of 108 birds were observed in that period.
NestWatch Season Wrap-Up 2020
And just like that summer is almost over. While we are still running several research projects through the fall and winter, the end of warmer temperatures means an end to nesting birds. Even in the rehab department, they are almost through baby bird season with only a few straggling fledgling chimney swifts in care. This brief period of down time allows us to look back at the results from nesting season here on our campus.
A Week of Citizen Science
Each week starts off with walking the trails and checking on the camera traps around campus. There are currently four game cameras at VINS positioned strategically along wildlife trails in the hopes of inventorying the diverse species on the property. They are off the main hiking trails in areas of quality animal habitat. There are also two cameras at Old Pepper Place that are checked monthly. So far the cameras have revealed several interesting species including some that are not routinely seen on campus. So far the highlights have included, three deer fawns, bobcat, fisher, bear, coyotes, gray foxes, mink, raccoons, skunk, and a flying squirrel.
Monarch Health, A Citizen Science Project
As monarchs slowly return to Vermont, reports of observations are starting to come in throughout the state. With sightings all around it was only a matter of time before they returned to our campus meadow.
Citizen Science at Old Pepper Place
Old Pepper Place is a unique homestead located in Chelsea Vermont near the end of a class four road. Its remote location makes it a great place for VINS camp in the summer and more importantly a perfect home for wildlife. With that in mind I ventured out on a citizen science mission. My goal was to start an index of wildlife and document as many species as I could. Armed with binoculars, a couple of wildlife cameras, and iNaturalist on my phone I set off.
2019 Monarch Tagging Season Wrap-Up!
You may have noticed that this year was a big year for monarchs. At VINS, we were right in the middle of what is being called a “banner year” for these butterflies. Now that fall is in full swing, many of them are on their way south for the winter.
NestWatch Season Wrap-Up 2019
I am often floored by how quickly the seasons go by, from our brief spring in Vermont, to the flurry of autumn colors. But what I find even more impressive is the speed of the full nesting cycle of our native songbirds.
A Summer of Mothing
Once the sun is set, a whole new world awakens. While owls are hooting, thousands of insects start buzzing. Needing only a light and a sheet, “mothing” is the amazing experience of observing the hundreds of moths and other insects you can attract right in your backyard.
What is a Flat Fly? Curiosity and Research at the Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation
By Anna Morris Lead Environmental Educator A flat fly (Christian Hugues) The birds that arrive for care at VINS’s Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation have had a rough time out in the wild. Not only may they be injured from car accidents, window strikes, or cat bites, but they often have acquired parasites. Some of…
Stellar Monarch Tagging Season at VINS
By Jim Armbruster Seasonal Environmental Educator As the leaves begin to change color, the days grow shorter, and the temperatures get colder, monarchs are still on the move south. During a short break from the rain, on a nice sunny day, we at VINS tagged our last seven butterflies bringing our season total to 74…
