Birdwatching in May

Looking across the field at the Eagle Point Wildlife Management Area toward Lake Memphremagog

In my opinion the best time of year for birdwatching is during the spring migration. Not only is there the potential to see a wide variety of species, no matter what the weather, spotting a bird that has traveled hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of miles to reach its summer breeding ground is inspiring. I had the opportunity to go birding twice this morning. Two weeks ago, my son and daughter-in-law joined me and a group of New Hampshire birders early in the morning for the New Hampshire Audubon Society's annual warbler walk at Concord's Horseshoe Pond. It was a cold and damp, but any discomfort was quickly forgotten as the first bird, a yellow warbler, was spotted. The participants included several seasoned birders and one kept track of all the species that were identified and uploaded the list to the eBird website, which is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It was a highly successful walk, as 51 species were identified by the group. I only saw about half that number and the documented "loon" flyover just looked like a dark speck in the sky to me. But, I keep adding to my birder's life list and each year I can recognize a few more species.

This past weekend, I visited Eagle Point in the Missisquoi Wildlife Refuge, Derby, Vermont. The refuge is comprised of 420 acres in the U.S. and an additional 420 acres adjacent to the property in Canada. The area boasts a variety of habitats including open water, wetlands, fields and woodlands. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service has created a hiking path around the perimeter of the U.S. portion of the property, which makes it easy to explore.

Just before arriving at the parking lot, a pair of loons were skirting the shore of Lake Memphremagog. I have seen loons on the lake before, but never so close to the shore. They were just asking to be photographed.

Loons on

Lake Memphremagog

I parked my car at the second entrance off of Eagle Point Road. The open fields here provide the perfect habitat for swallows and grassland species such as the Bobolink.

Tree swallows in sumac bush

Bobolink on burdock

After crossing the field, the path continues along the Canada and United States Border with the Canadian side being mostly wooded. In this transitional area I spotted a Northern Oriole and a Northern Parula in an apple tree. Upon emerging from the Woodland loop, I saw a Northern Flicker which appeared to have been injured, but perhaps it was molting. One eye was closed and some feathers were missing from its breast. Right after that, I saw a beautiful Scarlet Tanager and a Yellow-rumped Warbler. 

Northern Flicker

Scarlet Tanager

Two and a half hours quickly passed and I returned to our condo the bird watching continued with a pair of Double-breasted Cormorants hanging out on our dock.

A pair of Double=breasted Cormorants appear engaged in conversation.

As the Memorial Weekend approaches, many, if not most, migratory birds have reached their breeding grounds. However, observations of migratory birds arrival dates is showing that they are being affected by seasonal variations as a result of climate change. This article in Scientific Reports shows that some species are making adjustments to their arrival dates, while others are not. What the long-term affects of this will be remain to be seen, but arriving to their breeding areas too soon may mean that food and shelter may not be available, which could result in dwindling populations.    

Quinoa and Artichoke Casserole

Finding time to post a blog is difficult this time of year, since I am outside until it gets too dark, or the bugs become intolerable. The past two weekends were rainy, which means I need to squeeze in a couple hours of yard and gardening chores each night after work. This means dinner is getting on the table much later. Casseroles are great because they can be made ahead and then simply warmed up. Young kale is available in the garden right now, which makes this recipe somewhat seasonal;  and,since the evenings are still cool, I don't mind turning on the oven.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups dry quinoa

1 medium onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup cream or buttermilk
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 jar artichoke hearts rinsed and chopped
2 cups baby spinach
2 cups chopped kale
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper
-Cook quinoa in water according to package directions. Set aside. Heat 1 Tablespoon oil in large skillet and saute garlic and onion over low heat, then add artichokes. Prepare kale by massaging with 1 Tablespoon oil. Add spinach to skillet and stir just until wilted. Whisk cornstarch, salt and pepper

Heat all ingredients, except for cheese on stove

with milk, then add to skillet. Top with kale, cover and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in cheeses, saving some for topping. Pour into greased 13" x 9" baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until set. Cool slightly, then serve warm.

Small Businesses Struggle to Survive

Quality Cash Market is set to be auctioned May 23rd

This week, when I needed to pick up some last minute grocery items, I swung by Quality Cash Market in East Concord. I was disappointed that the freezer that held the locally made ice cream from Walpole Creamery was empty and the corner that had displayed wine from the Gilmanton winery was also empty. When I asked the clerk if they would be restocking the ice cream, she just shrugged and said that the freezer was broken. So, I was not surprised, but nevertheless saddened, when the Concord Monitor reported on Thursday that the market is scheduled for a foreclosure auction later this month. Two years ago (March 2, 2015) I blogged about sources of local products and included the Quality Cash Market.

This is another example of how difficult it is for small businesses to survive, even when a business is seemingly doing well. I hope that the Quality Cash Market remains a market, because the local community needs and wants stores that are convenient and that provide a place to meet with your neighbors. This weekend is another NH Open Doors weekend as well as the first Capital Arts Festival in New Hampshire. The forecast is for rain, so it is a perfect opportunity to get out and see what local artists and businesses have to offer. And, whenever possible, support their endeavors with your dollars. 

May 25, 2017 Update: The Concord Monitor reported that a family member stepped in to pay off the mortgage and save the business from foreclosure. For now, store manager Liz Duncan, daughter of owner Tom Heath will be able to keep serving the customers of East Concord, and for that many are  grateful. 

Life is abundant in Spring

scilla siberica

Springtime is full of signs of new life that reach all our senses. First it is seeing the spring bulbs that emerge from the earth overnight after a long winter dormancy. The Siberian Squill (scilla siberica) isn't flashy, but I love it since it is one of the first flowers to appear in my rock garden. And of course the daffodils are so bright and cheery that they always make me smile.

Then as the temperatures creep above freezing in the evenings, we hear the sound of spring peepers filling the air. This is a sure sign that winter is over. April showers not only brings flowers, but they also bring amphibians out of their hibernation, creating the conditions that allow these animals to  travel long distances, even surviving dangerous road crossings, to return to their breeding grounds, or in their case, wetlands and vernal pools, year after year. Vernal pools are created from snow melt, rain, and a high water table. Although some pools can hold water all summer, most are wet for only a few weeks in the spring. They do not contain fish and serve as a safe spot for species such as the Wood Frog and Spotted Salamander to lay their eggs. Once hatched, water needs to remain in the pond long enough for the amphibians to develop their lungs and leave the pond before it dries up. If a Spring is very dry, like last year's, the amphibians may forego a season of breeding. Fortunately, this year conditions were good and at an April 19th workshop with a field trip to some vernal pools in Keene, we found several egg masses in the water.

Wood frog eggs

Blue-spotted Salamander eggs

It is easy to take wetlands for granted and it takes getting out in the spring and actually investigating  the life that they support to bring an appreciation for their value. A scoop of water will also be filled with many insect larvae which are fascinating in their own right. While many people will only think of mosquitoes, vernal pools and wetlands support a large variety of insect populations, providing a needed food source for creatures up the food change.

Nematodes thrive in the muck of ponds

Tadpole (above leaf stem)

I am not sure what the insect is in the photo below. A larvae of a diving beetle? Please share if you can identify.

The three photos above were taken from from a sample of water from a small pond behind our house. At first it looked like there was nothing but dead leaves, but it was fascinating to take the time for a closer look and realize that it was actually teaming with life. I will look forward to periodically checking it throughout the Spring and Summer and see how it changes.

Happy Earth Day!

Earth Image from NASA

The first Earth Day was celebrated in the United States on April 22, 1970 as a way to demonstrate the importance of the environment and the need to protect it. It was the beginning of an era of new environmental regulations and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) later that year. In 1990 it expanded to an international event and is now celebrated worldwide. So it was fitting that on Earth Day 2016 174 countries and the European Union signed the Paris Agreement to address climate change. This year, with the current administration's position to drastically slash EPA's budget by over 30 percent and to roll back regulations designed to protect public health and the environment, it may seem that there is not much to celebrate.

As EPA Administrator Pruitt calls on reconsideration or abolishment of protections such as the Clean Power Plan, Oil and Gas Rule, Clean Water Rule under the guise of President Trump's executive orders and Pruitt's own "Back to Basics" agenda, it is important to remember the roots of that first Earth Day. Co-chaired by Senator Gaylord Nelson and Congressman Pete McClosky the day provided an outlet for an estimated 20 million people to demonstrate that something had to be done to curtail the pollution that was destroying the air, water and land of the earth. Although significant progress has been made, the threats are the same - private and corporate interests alone cannot protect the environment. We need the backing and support of our government leaders and agencies to provide the funding, research and expertise to guide the implementation of actions that will not only prevent harm, but that will help reverse the damages of the past. This is imperative in order to ensure a world for the future. 

So today get out and proclaim your support for the environment - write your local, state and U.S. representatives; post your support on social media; participate in peaceful gatherings such as today's March for Science; and remember that collectively our individual actions can make a difference.
Update: If you weren't able to attend an event in person, check out the March for Science Earth Day 2017 coverage in Washington D.C. for inspirational music and speeches. 

Looking Forward to Spring Birds

It's been two weeks since our last snowfall. The spring peepers are now out, the daffodils are up and the forsythia are in bloom. I am looking forward to the return of the migratory birds as they pass through, or in some cases stay to nest.  However, even before the snow left, the spring arrivals started to appear. The first were the robins and red-winged blackbirds.

Robins are better known for digging up worms, but crabapples and other fruit offer an alternative when the ground is frozen

An article in the Winter issue of Living Bird magazine explained that 25 years of data show that American Robins are returning earlier to their northern breeding grounds, and in some cases, are not bothering to migrate south. 

Like the spring peepers, the trill of red-winged blackbirds are a sign that wetlands are coming to life, and I was pleased to hear these birds in our backyard a few weeks ago.

These Red-winged Blackbirds didn't appear happy to have snow on the ground

The male Red-winged Blackbirds (above) return first and establish their territories. The females will return later, when their diet of insects is more readily available. 

Cedar Waxwings are one of the most distinguished looking birds around, and finding a flock of them in a fruit tree is always an amazing sight. Two weeks ago, these birds spent the better part of two days feasting upon the same Crab-apple tree. From what I read, Cedar Waxwings remain in New England year-round. That may be the case, but in our neighborhood I typically only see them one or two times a year, always in a group, and always in a fruit tree.

Cedar Waxwing

Cedar waxwings and Robins in Crab-apple tree

Last week, I dutifully took down our bird feeders in order not to attract bears as the awake hungry from a long winter's sleep. I do miss seeing all the birds feeding in the morning, but for now I know that it is the  right thing to do and that the birds will manage just fine.

Easy Quinoa with Navy Beans

This is a quick and easy vegetarian dish - perfect for those busy weeknight evenings.

Ingredients:
3/4 cups uncooked quinoa rinsed
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup trimmed and sliced kale leaves
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1 15 oz can navy beans drained
2 Roma tomatoes diced
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
Parmesan cheese (optional)
salt and black pepper to taste
 
Directions

1. In pot bring broth to a boil. Add quinoa and boil for 20 minutes, then add kale. Cook until liquid is absorbed.
2. In a large skillet heat olive oil and saute garlic, then add beans and tomatoes. When quinoa is done add to bean and tomato mixture. Stir in olives and add salt and pepper.
3. Add remaining ingredients, and toss to combine. Serve warm topped with Parmesan if desired. Serves 4.