Vinalhaven Sightings

Welcome to the Vinalhaven Sightings Report – December 19 2019

Brought to you with pleasure by MCHT and VLT

Blip – sent in – winter moth, pileateds, and some limited editions

“You know it’s warm when you see snow fleas!” – Estonian motto

This should have been posted in December. A lot of things should have happened in December! Anyway, with some recent editions

PSA – PSA – hey – its winter and the preserves on Vinalhaven are ready to be explored. Animal tracking and snowshoeing are the two activities most normal people get do after a snow, but regardless of whatever gets you out there, here’s a word of caution. At certain times each winter, puddles that have formed in trails freeze up and create slippery situations (for stretches). The ice is not constant for the winter (some winters it may feel like it) and any ice may come and go, or only be found in select locations. Grippy, spikey shoe things that prevent slippage may come in handy, but usually just being ready for the ice and adjusting walking style can be enough to prevent a fall. Just a heads up!

Thanks of course to all those who have shared and continue to share sightings – natural and beyond – because sharing is what the VSR is all about. Send your photos, stories and emails to vinalhavensightings@gmail.com – its what the cool kids are doing!

winter moth
photo by Linnell Mather I think! its been too long!

New stuff – Winter moth – David Wylie and Linnell Mather sent in photos of Winter Moth adult males that took flight November 25-28, or so.

Word on the street - It always has to do with timing when it comes to Winter Moth. This same week Winter Moths were active on Watts Avenue in Tenants Harbor. easily missed

pair of pileateds
photo by Kerry Hardy

Pileated Woodpeckers at Marcuse Wetlands - VLT Steward Kerry Hardy this photo of a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers working over a tree at the VLT’s Marcuse Preserve. Pileated numbers have increased on Vinalhaven over the last ten years. Will be fun to see where they turn up in 2020!

otter slides
photo by Linnell Mather

Otter Sign abound – out on the east side of Vinalhaven, an active otter den with a view of Isle au Haute has been discovered. Linnell Mather sent in these photos of well used trails and a well place spraint or two just feet away from the den opening. The message is clear – we are home!

spraint strategically located between den access points
photo by Linnell Mather

Also have some photos from a sweet tracking session, early December – way back then! Mill River area – river otter turned up again. They do not like to go through culverts – and who can blame them! – so island bridges can be good areas to look for their trails as otters cross bridges when they get to them.

otter trails coming out of the water

bounding/lopping in crusty snow

crusty conditions made belly slides difficult

I love seeing where this raccoon slid down
this small rock

Mink and raccoon were certainly part of the fun tracking that day.

raccoon track

mink track

more mink

where a mink hit the brakes

snow fleas!

Warmth inspired snow fleas – our favorite winter insects (trust me, it’s your favorite). “You know its warm when you see snow fleas” is a classic Estonian saying.

they come out from openings in the snow like
this exposed root system

deer track with snow fleas

Red Crossbills were everywhere as well. And will continue to be if things continue the way they are currently! Can’t argue with that!

photo by Mike Windsor

Limited Edition – long time reader, and even longer time friend (hazard pay!) Mike Windsor sent in one of the more disturbing limited editions we have received. It’s pringles and its gross. Thanks Mike!