Sightings Report
Vinalhaven Sightings April 9, 2010
Brought to y’all by the kind folks at VLT & MCHT
and alert viewers like you
Highlights: American Woodcock, Owls – especially Long-eared and Great Horned, Goldfinches galore, White-winged Crossbills, Salamanders!, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Northern Sea Roach, Gulls wormin’, Spring Peepers, hot Woodpecker action, Mourning Cloaks butterflies, Rusty Blackbird singing, Great blue Herons!, double Crested Cormorant , Raptors, Painted Turtles, Snakes, Funghi, (and the Fungus of the Month - Trembling Merulius), who's drumming, who's singing, who's nesting, who's kissing, and much more!
Tuesday morning bird walks are back in style again – Back and better than ever, our Tuesday morning bird walks last spring turned up many species of birds and plenty of nice people. So what we’re looking at is 7-9am, Tuesday mornings starting April 27th at Armbrust Hill meeting just behind the medical center. We ask for folks to carpool, or even better walk, skip or bike to these as we don’t want to impact the car parking scene in the medical center parking area. These will be VLT/MCHT co-sponsored outings – what a team!
Kid stuff – (3/2) – 5th graders – We had a quick snow flea season (they are so much easier to find when there is snow!) There was nothing that could stop the 5th graders from playing “Shrews and Snowfleas”, which is most likely the dumbest game I’ve ever made up. This group took the game to another level by adding intense talking towards the shrew, who is played by a blindfolded kid in the middle of the group. I was very happy with this development as I am a big fan of sassy talk. It takes a stupid game up a notch. I am from Jersey. Anyway, we ended the session with a dissection of owl pellets, which was a hit as most kids took an extra pellet home to take apart with their family, “the family that dissects owl puke together, stays together!” – Estonian saying. At least one pellet that got sent home was eaten by a dog, or so I heard from one of the parents. Anyway, a week later (3/9) the 5th graders and I took a field trip to Lane’s Island to do the dirty crawl under trees searching for locally produced owl pellets.
And what a success it was! 9 Long-eared Owl pellets and 1 Great Horned Owl pellet as the cherry on top of the regurgitation! This is the first Great Horned pellet I’ve found on Lane’s. Cool beans, and the kids were stoked.
American Woodcocks return! Sightings of the true harbingers of spring have been trickling in pretty much since sent out the last report. Pete Gasperini spotted one on his driveway in late February and Steve Rosen reported hearing one not too long after that. On March 12th 6th grader Lucas Jones excitedly told me of seeing one by his house (big ol’ smile on him) and Donny Ames has been seeing them in a few spots, including pretty close to his (& Jeannie’s) house! Apparently that one is his “pet”! By this time they should be everywhere you want to be. Seeing Woodcocks doing their incredible aerial display is pretty simple if you put yourself in the right place at the right time. You can avoid the “the Woodcocks in my neighborhood are broken!” pitfalls by following these 3 steps – step 1) go outside, step 2) listen, step 3) stay out until its dark. Being inside is by far the leading reason folks might not see Woodcocks each spring even though they are everywhere – (you might even say the place is lousy with them). Heading inside before the show even begins is a big issue, which basically puts you inside and in violation of step 1. Being near an open field, or a shrubby thicket-like habitat (alder, bayberry, huckleberry) increases your chances even more.
Lane’s Island – or “Not even a peent!” - so I’ve been heading out to Lane’s every few evening as it is my favorite place to welcome back the Woodcocks. Over the last five years Lane’s has been a hotbed for Woodcocks, with several males “doing their thing” starting by March 20th each year, with many following not too far behind. But just when you think you’re starting to know something about something, you find out that nature has its own idea on what is what! And so far this year Lane’s has been a “bust” for Woodcocks, but I have been seeing some things that may shed light on the strange Timberdoodle absence. I start heading up going out there early in March, just in case any of the birds are trying to sneak through without me seeing them (how rude!). (3/12) So while listening from the parking area on this particular Friday, I spotted a Long-eared Owl silhouette on a spruce by the graveyard. I stealthfully (well as stealthful as I can be) made my way up to closest picnic table and watched her, as she looked to be hunting for voles (safe bet). After a bit she took off towards the marsh and “the cesspool” area (and yes, I am the only one who refers to it as “the cesspool”). I followed her with my binos and watched as she made a sudden dash/redirectional as she banked and chased another Long-Eared! Two for the price of one! The slightly smaller of the two (the dude) apparently didn’t like the interaction as I watched him circle and rise up and up and then fly off and over the harbor before I lost him going towards the water tower. What was her deal? Why did he take off (chicken!), and what is really going on with the long-eareds out on Lane’s? None of these questions were even remotely close to being answered. That said, it was just another awesome Lane’s island sight. (3/27) The official Woodcock Walk – this date was chosen months in advance in anticipation of a sky so full of Woodcocks we’d all have to stop, drop and roll just to avoid getting poked in the eye with their 17 inch bills (not really sure how long their bills are). Well, there’s nothing like having a Woodcock walk and having none show! Some nice folks did, even though it was bitterly cold. And though no Woodcock see did we, the group was entertained by a Great Horned Owl that stopped on a few of the spruce trees. We got the scope on it (slap some glass on that bird!), and I got to tell the group about how that was the first I’d seen on Lane’s after spending like a gagillion evenings out there looking. In fact, only 2 weeks before had I found my first GHOwl pellet on Lane’s (found during an epic pellet hunt with 5th graders – for more see below). So this Great horned had been around for a few weeks at this point (assuming it’s the same bird that puked earlier) - very interesting. What’s even better is that I’ve gone out almost nightly since, still have seen not a feather of a Woodcock, but have seen the Great Horned twice more! As recent as last Sunday (4/4)! Could this top predator be having an impact on our Woodcock scene out there? To keep things in perspective I led a Woodcock walk on North Haven – Mullins Head (4/3) and we had about 12 male Woodcock displaying along one road (“now that’s the way Lane’s should be” – one bald naturalist could be heard saying that night). Perry Creek had a few displaying as well (4/5) and even one from my house (4/6)! So they ain’t late anywhere but Lane’s apparently. We’ll keep a close watch on the scene out there, but it kinda looks like a “there goes the neighborhood” sign has been put up on Lane’s as far as the Woodcocks go. Or at least a coincidental timing thing happening.
Lane’s with Leif – (3/17) Leif saw his first Northern Shrike today (or at least the first one he told me about). It flew right over us as he macked on an apple. It was entertaining for a moment and then kicking the ball wiped away any memory of it at all. (Oh, I’m sure it’s in there somewhere, and years from now he’ll reminisce about the first Shrike he ever saw. Maybe).
And more on Lane’s – (3/27) – male Northern Harrier cruises thru - (4/2) – A male Rusty Blackbird was singing his little heart out by the parking area. The high pitched “koo-a-lee” rang clear and over much of the preserve. This is the first I’ve heard a Rusty singing on the island, and only the second time I’ve seen them on Vinalhaven even though their breeding range covers much of the state north of Bangor (not that we are north of Bangor, but let’s just say Rustys aren’t that far away) . The (overall) black bird with yellow eyes took me back to my Brewer’s Blackbird days out west. Good memories and smiles as the tweeter kept on singing. Four fresh long-eared owl pellets that day, so I guess the Great Horned hasn’t run everyone off of Lane’s.Saw-whet owl – little beeps heard by the Ravens (2/27) at the Huber Preserve. The smallest owl routinely found on Vinalhaven, very cute, but in low numbers (in my experience) this year. Could just be the timing - so much is about the timing.
Impromptu Salamander night – (3/23) – I put the word out to a few folks around the island that this night looked pretty sweet for salamandering and while many nibbled, 4 hardy folks had the flexible schedule to partake in a little evening drive searchin’ for the vernal pool headin’ Spotted Salamanders. The pressure was on – 3 teachers and a 2 year-old Isa who could undoubtedly teach me a ton – those salamanders just had to be on the move! And like all good amphibians, the spotted salamanders put on a show! We found about 20 that night, all on the Round the Island road. Ethan Hall also reported seeing a bunch on the Poor Farm Road/Pequot extension. We helped as many cross the road as we could that night, and were told tales by concerned passersby of salamanders in a thermos, and the unsuspecting drinker who picked up salmonella from a swig from said thermos. Man do I love those nature rumors! Oh, and by the way, here’s a rumor - Andrea Smith is hooked on finding those salamanders! She couldn’t make it on the impromptu night, so instead headed out armed only with Arlene (I wouldn’t mess with her) and they found 20 near Round Pond (3/29)! Good for you Andrea! Way to go for it!
High School Salamander nights – as it is quickly becoming a tradition, I had the pleasure of cruising the streets of Vinalhaven in the pouring rain with a bunch of high schoolers looking for salamanders. (3/29) was the night that Jack, Steve-o and Brian Stanley hopped into the ol’ blue goose and we went-a-driving “around-the-island” so to speak. It was a quality 50 minutes or so – 30+ spotted salamanders, 2 Spring Peepers (doubling the record from last year) and 1 red-backed salamander (See photo 4). It’s pretty classic, a new crop of salamander hunters but the same behavior – I could barely stop the car before they leapt out, flashlights blazing, and full steam ahead. (3/30) the next night rocked as well, and for this outing my man Everett (7th grader) came along and I finally remembered to bring my clicker, which made a smooth transition from clicking slime molds to clicking salamanders. Anyway, we clicked off 46 in just under an hour, from North Perry Creek parking to the Coke bottle.
Spring Peepers – they are out in full force now, and started out earlier than I’ve heard them before. (3/7) A crepuscular bike ride on a super warm day, I heard 2 different peepers calling from around-the-island road. Always great to hear, a soothing crepuscular sign of spring.
Reptiles –Snakes – The Ravens (humans) had a good sized Garter Snake in their yard (3/21), and I saw a Garter Snake in the Basin (4/3). (4/2) Roadkill red-bellied snake, North Haven Road….Painted Turtles (4/8), 2 in Folly Pond – far eastern shore, by the road, on a log. Classic spot for them.
Mourning Cloaks – everybody loves a hardy butterfly and this time of year there is none hardier (judgment) than the Mourning Cloak butterflies. To overwinter in Maine as an adult butterfly is impressive (cozy up in a hollowed out stump, a cavity or some cracked, peely bark and it’s “see you in the spring”), but coming out in March is downright gutsy. (3/25) on the Poor Farm Road, afternoon bike ride, the day before (probably) the last snow. And you know there’s a snow coming (that’s partly why you are on your bike) and you see this freshly awoken Mourning Cloak soaking in the sun’s warmth. Didn’t see another until this week (4/5) up near Zeke’s Point, another individual warming up on the road. I do believe the only other time I’ve seen a Mourning Cloak in March was when I lived on Cape Cod (3/31/07), the day before a huge April Fool’s Day snowstorm. Early this year? For me, yes.
Clear water + horny worms = happy gulls! – Like clockwork, the gulls have been gathering at low/shallow tides in coves and tidal ponds to feast on marine worms. It’s a springtime phenom for sure, and while working at the Huber Preserve (3/13) John Drury and I noticed a group of herring gulls that sent the day lounging (interpretation up for discussion) on a ledge in eastern Seal Bay. We speculated that they were “waiting for the worms” (best Pink Floyd song ever) and sure enough the next day I saw my first group of Gulls wormin’ in Carver’s Pond. Since then, well, this yearly activity has been seen in the Basin, Indian Creek, around Greens, Mill River, Polly Cove, etc., etc., etc.. It’s a dangerous world out there, and to be a worm and let your hormones get the best of you as you drop your guard/awareness of the 2-3 dozen pairs of gull feet dangling in the water above you… if this isn’t a case of “get a room” I don’t know what is. (this “get a room” was sponsored by the good folks over at the Tidewater Motel).
What’s that drumming? – For the last month there’s been a buzz in the woods that sounds kinda like minor construction or the drummer from Def Leppard (best rockband ever). Woodpeckers, specifically of the Downy and Hairy varieties, are getting things going and they are not shy about it at all. Woodpeckers are masters at “non-vocal” communication (example – flipping someone the bird) and when the hormones get turned on and the woodpeckers are, too, actions often speak louder than words. Sure you can still hear the woodpeckers calling and that’s a great way to find them. But these birds also use an array of displays and communicative methods that gets to the heart of the creativeness that can only be described as “woodpecker”. Take drumming for instance – Individual woodpeckers will pick out hollow branches and snags to bang their heads (bills mostly) against in an effort to relay the message that they really mean business. They ain’t looking for no food in these branches, it’s all about how loud and proud they can make that drum sound! The woodpeckers will have favorite limbs that are of such perfect pitch and decibel level that they’ll use it for years! And as if that wasn’t enough, when two woodpeckers of the same gender come across each other things can escalate very quickly. Fox Rocks, Perry Creek, Greens Island, Huber Preserve, the Basin, and locally in the neighborhood all have reports of woodpeckers chasing each other and performing some terrifying displays –including “bill waving” – where two birds face off on a limb of a tree and shake their bills at each other (there’s always a chance you might see one poke an eye out!). Or “still-pose” where 2 birds in a heated battle suddenly freeze for several minutes, or even up to 20. (Fox Rocks – 5 minutes! (3/10)). It’s like a wickedly, vicious staring contest! Someone’s gotta give! And sometimes you get to see the scariest display of all – the “V-wing”! This is where a woodpecker, while hanging onto trunk or limb, raises its wings high above its back and spreads its tail forming a big ol’ “V”. Here’s a Stokes quote on the “V-wing” – “Given in conflicts with other birds, an extreme threat, often preceeding a direct attack!” There you have it, a little trash-talking “v-wing” before being handed your beak on a platter. And that’s what’s been going on in the woods around the island - woodpecker wise that is. These intense interactions continue, so keep your eyes open for them. Cavities should be carved soon (if not started already) and eggs probably won’t be laid until late April! (4/1) found my first woodpecker nest cavity of the year in the Lower Mill River Preserve.
Downtown – As a 2 ft. long deep sea isopod that came up on the side of a submarine recently in Australia (Bathynomous giganteus), Leif and I felt a little connection with our submarine using friends from down under with our find of the Northern Sea Roach. We didn’t have to go far for our isopod find – just down to the Main Street bridges. They have become a favorite stop for rock chuckin’ on any trip and the boy and I were pleasantly surprised to find this little rascal running along on the sidewalk between chucks. Unfortunately for the Sea Roach, both antennae appeared broken, or bent, which might have been why it was roaming around on the sidewalk in a confused state (interpretation). Their usual habitat is “on rocks and pilings, near high-tide line and above. So they are probably all over the place on the island, but this was definitely the first I’ve seen. It was like a glorified roly-poly, and Leif really enjoyed checking out the dude’s legs. Needless to say the chuckin’ resumed shortly after….
Kinky Minky – It’s mink breeding time (and I bet they shag like a minx) and sightings around the island have been on the rise. Mike Mesko has seen a few and was on a walk with me and some nice folk to the Basin bench when one zipped past us on the beach. Shannon Campbell saw one on Lane’s and then I saw another out there (4/3). If there were any snow we’d undoubtedly be seeing mink tracks all over the place. My first March out here (‘05) there was a day where mink tracks suddenly covered the island (somewhere around 3/15). We’d been watching the tracks all winter and the mink stayed pretty much to well established routes, but this day everywhere you looked there were mink tracks, drops of blood, and even some rolling. Females drop blood when in estrus (ready for mating) to attract a mate and the rolls were from a couple making good on her announcement. Classic case of “get a room”, this one sponsored by no one.
Who’s singing – The island has come alive with bird song. In town Robins, Grackles, Doves, Goldfinch, Chickadees can be heard belting out tunes all day. In the woods it’s been all about Brown Creepers, lots of White-winged Crossbills in the Basin and Huber, Ravens, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Purple Finch, Winter Wren (4/6). An impressive invasion of Song Sparrows showed up singing (3/21). It was a “literally overnight” invasion of the Sparrows as well. Flickers have been seen in small numbers around the island since (3/23), flying away from the road mostly, flashing that big ‘ol white patch at the base of the tail.
Who’s kissing – Cloacal kissing that is! Those Red-breasted mergansers of course! Here the male is riding on top and the female is barely keeping her head above water. This was in the Basin, of course (4/1). And Common Grackles (4/6)– in my back yard no less! And so to both of you couples we send out a big – “Get a Room!” (this “get a room” was brought to you by the Tidewater Motel– “where getting rooms for creatures of all kinds is our business! And frankly, none of yours!”)
Who’s nesting - (4/2) mourning dove nest in my yard. Common grackles have been building nests for weeks now in the yard as well.
Raptors – Sharp-shinned Hawks are being seen around the island – Pumpkin Ridge area chasing other birds, over the water by Hurricane Island, and (4/8) in my yard perching, most likely hunting some of the wonderful bird feeding stations in the hood….Merlin! – for a second year the school yard Merlin falcon is back and as loud as ever. 15-20 minutes spent listening on/near the ball field behind the school would undoubtedly result in hearing the falcon cries, and a possible sighting as well. Last year this individual (if it is the same) spent most of its time in trees around a rather exposed old crow’s nest out closer to the graveyard. Last year’s effort produced no offspring or a mate, at least none were observed. We’ll see what this amounts to this year.
Noted absence this winter – Alright, back to Lane’s. Anyway, the status of a winter Bayberry scene is the key to whether Myrtle Warblers are hanging in your zone. (And yes, they are split again! Not that the birds cared much, but I guess we can overlook a little bit of hybridization. (What really is the definition of “species“ anyway?) I mean they have also hybridized with Townsend’s, Palm, Cape May, Pine and Bay-breasted Warblers. They have even hybridized with Northern Parula – and they ain’t even in the same genus! That’s gross! Anyway, Thanks for the tip Big Al). And so, Lane’s has been the place to find the “birds formerly known as Yellow-rumped Warblers” the last few winters. Last year there were a good 20+ that spent the entire winter there, and most years I see them at least thru the 1st half of February. This year, well, it just hasn’t been the case at all. I have seen 0 Myrtle’s since early December, and 0 bayberry fruits on Lane’s at all. Last year was a bomber year for the fruits, most likely some sort of cyclic thing going on. That said, a trip to Calderwood Island off the Little Thoroughfare (3/8) turned up 5-10 Myrtles working the Bayberries up thata way. Good to see ‘em, didn’t really see any Bayberry berries either. There must have been some around. Anyway, as of this writing still have not seen any on Lane’s, or around the island for that matter.
A note on “winter fungus”- Winter fungus, as a term for any Maine fungus you find in the winter, is more of a joke to myself than anything else. And since it doesn’t even make me laugh, it can’t be considered funny at all. Anyway, after living in California for several winters and seeing the big ol’ boom of the fungal kind (peak season in central California Coastal Mountains), let’s just say that the winter fungus scene out here is covered in snow. “Year-round” would be more appropriate a term for many of the polypores we see in the winter. I think that was the joke. Anyway, this was not the case in late February when things warmed up a bit, with a bunch of rain and a lot of melting. And did the fungus respond! (2/27) Warm and wet up at Fox Rocks and it obviously was the place to be! 
Orange jelly is a warm winter standard but not in the numbers present this day. They were everywhere. Also the Orange Mock Oyster was plentiful on this fine February day even though it’s more of a Nov/December sight in these parts. Audubon “Mushroom” Guide has a “September-October” season for the Northeast. Bessette has the Mock Oyster as “August-November but also sometimes during winter thaws”. I’ve only seen it on White Birch, and from what I’ve read they are a little whiffy. Here are some quotes:
Audubon “Mushroom” Guide - “this species is not known to be poisonous, but it tastes as bad as it smells” –so stinky it might as well be poisonous. That’s an awesome message?
Bessette, Mushrooms of Northeast – “odor offensive, often compared to rotten cabbage, taste very disagreeable”
And, of course - Arora, Mushrooms Demystified – “”Odor typically strong and disagreeable (like sewer gas or rotten eggs) but sometimes mild…….the odor is so disgusting that only a zealot with the iron constitution of Charles McIvaine would consider eating it”. Not sure who this guy is, but it must be a huge smell.
Also seen: this Witches’ Butter. I believe is the 2nd or 3rd specimen I’ve found out on Vinalhaven, and there was quite a collection of fresh Turkey Tails.
But the real treat for me was the Trembling Merulius I found on a birch log. Haven’t seen this guy on Vinalhaven before, and so far have found out very little about it other than it is not a polypore as its “fertile surface, or hymenium, is continuous, covering both ridges and pits, and not a tubal lining”. How about that? Pretty cool I’d say. So it gives me great pleasure to announce that “Trembling Merulius” is our featured Fungus of the month! Get down with your bad self oh Merulius tremellosus! Congratulations!
And finally – Double Crested Cormorant – a returner in Old Harbor Pond (3/29), first of the season for me. Folly Pond and Carver’s Pond (4/8). I predict lines of them to fly by soon. Not a real bold prediction….4 Great Blue Herons from Skoog Park (4/6)…Female Belted Kingfisher seen often at Pleasant River….
See you out there!
Kirk
P.S. Welcome to a few newbie receivers of the report and to the planet (!) out there to mention – Julius in California (Leif’s newest cousin), Levi out in Wyoming, as well as Nation and lil’ Charlie out in Santa Cruz! Big ol’ hugs and welcomes to them all, I think y’all are going to love this world, there’s plenty of stuff to see!
If you would like to be notified when Kirk’s report has been posted on the web, please send your email address to info@vinalhavenlandtrust.org.