Sightings Report
Vinalhaven Sightings July 24, 2009
Brought to y’all by the kind folks at VLT & MCHT
and alert viewers like you
Highlights-Black-browed Albatross, Shearwaters featuring Cory’s and Manx, Red-billed Tropicbird, Common Terns, Songbird restarts, Turtles, Newts, Otters, Shorebirds, Seals, Fungus of the month, Roadkill news, Springtails, Broad-winged Hawk families and of course - Slime Molds Baby!!!!
(7/16) Birdwatchers aboard the Fluke got an unprecedented surprise when Captain John Drury spotted a Black-browed Albatross resting on the water between Seal and Vinalhaven. Not only was the bird on the water, but it allowed the boat to cruise up along side it for excellent views not once, not twice, but three times! 
The photos have already been forwarded to state rare bird officials (yes, there are people like that out there – and we salute them!) and it has been noted that this is the first confirmed sighting for the state of Maine! (There is a single previous record for Maine from 1978 off Harpswell. That sighting is listed as hypothetical – meaning no photos were taken or the observer has a history of lying or was drinking heavily or all of the above. It should be noted that some of the best wildlife sightings come when one has been drinking heavily and lying).
For those of you who are thinking “Come on! I see those like every other time when I go out to Seal” you are certainly full of it. You see, these Black- browed Albatrosses (Albatrossi?), complete with an 8 ft wingspan, breed only in the way South Atlantic. They prefer isolated islands off the tip of Cape Horn South Africa, South America islands including the Falklands and Georgia and some islands just south of New Zealand. (New Zealand moved about a foot away from these islands with recent earthquakes, but that’s another story). They do have a tendency to wander in a northerly direction (north in the South Atlantic that is), which may account for their almost yearly sightings in the Eastern North Atlantic. Sightings on the Western North Atlantic (where we are) are sporadic and mostly unconfirmed. In fact, if the “Sibley’s Guide to Bird Behavior” is to be believed (always be skeptical – Sibley’s supposed “Guide to Birds” doesn’t even have Black-browed or Yellow-nosed Albatross in it! Geez! National Geographic wins again!), there is only one photo documented sighting for the Western North Atlantic – and that was from Virginia! And Virginia is for lovers. All you have to do is go to the Great Dismal Swamp and you can feel the love. Anyway you cut it (back to the topic), this is a most exciting sighting!
When you add in a recent Basking Shark sighting, as well as trips with 300+ Greater Shearwater and all the classics – Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill, tons o’ Terns, Great Cormorants, blah, blah, blah – it is clear that John offers the premier pelagic trips for Maine. His local knowledge through many years of observation is unmatched by any other on the coast, and his personalized style complete with his (somewhat) charming wit and humor makes it an experience to treasure. So gather a few friends if you have any and give him a call (596-1841) and set up a trip soon. You’ll be so happy you did.
Matinicus Island news - Big things are afloat out on the Rock. First off, they (rock people) recently had an evening of pure Shearwater greatness. One evening (maybe the 17th?) observers from the island watched roughly 2000 shearwaters go by. Most of them were Greater Shearwater - a common summer visitor to the Gulf of Maine which breeds on isolated islands in the middle of the Southern Atlantic Ocean. The stream of shearwaters also included roughly 100 or so Manx Shearwater – Eastern North Atlantic breeders which historically bred on Bermuda and most recently set up a den – complete with egg and all – on Matinicus Rock a few years ago. Also mixed in were another 100 or so Cory’s Shearwaters – an Eastern North Atlantic & Mediterranean specialty whose diving footage in the BBC’s Blue Planet series is or should be legendary. This one evening phenomenon was not observed from Seal Island just a handful of miles away. Anyway.
With record numbers of Manx passing the Rock it should be no surprise that some found the island simply irresistible. Apparently a handful or two have found the island interesting enough to check out dens. Reports of up to 5 dens have been relayed our way – which doesn’t mean much until we get the official word- and we’ll keep you posted on that for sure!
Seal Island – The red-billed tropicbird’s return was a banner event with at least a few people seeing it for a few days after its trip to New Hampshire – Live Free Or Die – Isle o’ Shoals style! Welcome back old friend.
Ferry Rides - Going with our water theme so far – Common Terns have been a plenty on the ledges outside the Narrows on the ferry ride. Upwards of 75 Common Terns have been seen resting on the ledges and flying/diving in the surrounding area. All adults as of this report – makes you wonder how Tern nests have faired with the recent rainy weather which at counting stretches back to around late May. This has been a two month stretch with what – 10 days of sun (generous estimate I think). Are these adults associated with nests that failed due to weather related (including Laughing Gull infiltration) issues of the last month or so? Or are they just catching a break from teenage Terns that are beggin’ like crazy around their nests?
…Speaking of Terns – Common Terns have been showing up all around the island as of late. Mill Creek, The Basin, Carver’s Harbor and Carver’s Pond (never seen ‘em there before) just to name a few. Once again most likely connected to nest failures.
Restart? – And while this weather is great for slime molds, and hopefully will result in a killer year for fungus, signs are showing that the consistent rain may have taken its toll on songbirds and their early nesting season. It has been mentioned by several folks that July seems louder than “usual” in the woods with songbirds singing and staking territories and from my personal observation I would have to agree. Songbirds are fortunate in that they can start over with another batch of young (or two) if things go bad – as opposed to Terns who can start over only if a nest fails really early.
I’ve included a picture of a Hermit Thrush nest I found in the Basin which is a nest that from what I can tell is about 3 weeks behind where it would be in a “normal” year. The woods have been extra loud for sure, a bonus of the recent weather, but probably also a sign of the toll steady weeks of rain can have.
Otters! – Seal Bay is home to River Otters! There’s no two ways about it. A family of Otters was spotted earlier in the month on Hen Island. Undoubtedly the same Otters who left scat on the Penobscot Island dock last summer, it would be interesting if anyone else who frequents the area has seen Otter or their sign. Summer Otter sightings seem to be on the low side, so any sightings or information on their habits would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch.
Shorebirds… - May seem a little early for that sweet post-breeding southward migration, but the movement is already being felt. (7/14) Pleasant River – 4 Short-billed Dowitchers and 2 Greater Yellowlegs all in breeding plumage. (7/16) From the ferry – a Short-billed Dowitcher flew over calling in the Reach. (7/19) 2 Whimbrel flew over my kayak while I was paddling back from Greens. (7/25) Whimbrel along shore of Carver’s Pond. More to come for sure, the ledges of the Basin, State Beach, and Lane’s Island are classic spots to see these.
2 Turtle Bike Ride - (7/16) It’s not every day that 2 Turtles are seen on Vinalhaven, but on this particular bike ride I was delighted to spot a duo of carapaced reptiles while peddling. First was the rather large Snappin’ Turtle that was hauled out on a rock in
Folly Pond. Just another reason not to dip your tootsies in Folly Pond. She was quick to spook from a distance and took to the water very quickly. The second turtle was a Painted Turtle hauled out on a log in the northeast corner of Round Pond not too far off the North Haven road. At the end of my ride that day my grand total of turtle sightings on Vinalhaven had been increased to 3. Since then I have seen Painted Turtles in Round Pond a few times, but no resighting of the Snapper. Be on the lookout – it could be anywhere!
Good ol’ Newt! - Check out this photo by D’Jackson) of a Red-spotted Newt in the Red Eft stage. This little poisonous beauty was found in a compost pile on Poor Farm Road. (“Efts don’t make good compost” – classic Jersey saying). The “Eft” stage is the terrestrial part of Red-spotted Newt life and is seen (in my experience) often crossing roads. As adults they are found in most ponds on the island. The Red Eft is the state Amphibian of Massachusetts, a state that apparently doesn’t care about the adult or egg stages of this amphibian’s life.
Snakes in trees – The “across from Wharf Quarry Road Conlan’s” are featured once again for having shrubs that seem to be ultra attractive to snakes. This time around a Smooth Green Snake was spotted several feet above the ground in a rose bush close to their house (?). Green Snakes often spend time in bushes, maybe in search of food or a little sun.
Fungus of the Month – One might figure that Chanterelles would be the featured fungus this month since hefty amounts are being removed from Vinalhaven’s woods on a daily/nightly basis. But in true selfish fungophile form we don’t want to encourage anyone else into going out and scoring the yum fungus so we will pass on that discussion. Instead we are going to focus on a classic comparison that many of you have written in asking about.
I can only be talking about “Goldenthread Cordyceps” or “Adder’s Tongue” (above) vs. “Velvet Earth Tongue” (right). Behavior wise these 2 fungi couldn’t be any more different. The Adder’s Tongue (Cordyceps ophioglossoides) is a parasite which preys on underground False Truffles of the genus Elaphomyces. Pulling back the ground around the base of these fruiting bodies reveals the “goldenthreads” that connect the Cordyceps fruiting body to the false truffle. It will also expose the false truffle fungus that it’s attacking (who would’ve guessed we’ve got false truffles out here!). Fungus on Fungus! While neither are considered edible the false truffle is sometimes used as an aphrodisiac by Asians and Europeans. (Can you feel the love?) The fungus in the photo was spotted in the middle of the trail on North Perry Creek (7/21). The beautiful Velvet Earth Tongue (Trichologlossum hirsutum) on the other hand is a decomposer that is often found in clumps as they work their magic turning things back into soil. These tiny little dudes were found in VLT’s Mill River Preserve (7/22) and are always a delight to find. Pulling away the soil from their base just makes the fungus flop over – no false truffle or secret presents below!
Roadkill News – The Great Blue Heron world lost a star recently on the Granite Island Road. Found in mint condition, the GBH was collected in hopes that someone with the right permits might stuff it or find use of its feathers. A person with permits was found, but not before the GBH was crammed into a freezer for storage.
And yes, there is a subconscious plug for the New Era Gallery in the photo. You must buy things at the gallery – look for the “Art” flag waving and you know Elaine is in there and ready for business.
Harbor Seals – Record numbers of Harbor Seals in the Basin as far as the Basin Watch is concerned. A whoppin’ 59 seals were observed (7/21) most on the ledges towards the southern end of the Basin. August and September are traditionally the months with the most Seals in the Basin (as far as our 2 year study shows) so we could be in line for some huge numbers in the near future. Or maybe they’ll all leave, who knows? We’ll just have to wait and see. Anyone interesting in joining in on a Basin Watch wildlife observation session is more than welcome – just contact me and we’ll try to set something up.
Broad-winged Hawk Families! – Broad-winged Hawk activity continues to be observed around the Pumpkin Ridge area – a place where they have historically bred. That said, 2 Broad-winged adults with begging fledglings in tow in areas I had not previous seen them have been noted the past few days. Heading north on the North Haven Road, down the hill from the Wind Turbine off ramp and highway is VLT’s Marcuse Property where I could hear the young begging over the roar of my car – which is impressive as my muffler and tailpipe seem to be going through a separation as of late which inspires me to turn up the radio even louder. Anyway, this is a new area (for me) of observed Broad-wingeds breeding activity. The 2nd family I saw while turning on my bike, this time onto the Poor Farm road by the transfer station. There has been a Broad-winged family on the other end of Poor Farm road, but a trusted Seal Bay observer mentioned that he’d been hearing Broad-wingeds near the Huber Preserve closer to the water around the 18th or so. This family would be more likely the Huber group if not a separate group altogether. A dead young Broad-winged was also found in the Carrying Place area – close to where Broad-wingeds have bred the last few years (at least). So once again, Broad-wingeds who are famous for being reluctant to cross water undoubtedly are living (and breeding) in numbers throughout the Vinalhaven woods. They make great neighbors, especially if you can’t hear the really high notes as their calls. If you can hear their tones they can be somewhat grating (opinion that is not necessarily shared by the one who wrote it).
Springtails! – Just as we start to dream of winter and snowfleas, a turned over rock on Greens Island (7/19) delighted observers by harboring a multitude of marine springtails! With the catchy latin name Anurida maritime, this is the one insect observers are apt to find while exploring tidepools. They are often seen floating in large blue masses in protected tidepools (they are blue themselves), as they have a specially designed exoskeleton that makes them “unwettable” and apparently very buoyant as well. Good to see a relative of our winter buddies, yet another springtail in a habitat where very few insects visit and survive.
Picture of folks canoeing in the Mill River area. Don’t let the sun fool you! I took this one this summer! And whomever you are – congratulations on making it into the Vinalhaven Sightings Report!
Slime Molds – Once again, I don’t really know if I have the words to explain how special this summer has been for me. Ever since I spotted “my” first Chocolate Tube Slime in the woods around Watts Bar Lake in Ten Mile, Tennessee (1996) I’ve been searching for whatever slimes I can find. I would like to say that I’m going through a “slime phase”, this phase has been going on for way too long to not be permanent. In my fourteen years of slime observation I have never seen enough to have them be the focus of a hike, much less to even find enough that they leave an impression with anyone other than me. This summer continues to blow me away slime wise – the Basin Walk (7/19) was a slime clickers dream. Even with the prime slime time (June) well behind us as a group we managed to click off 49 patches, breaking all kinds of guided hike records along the way. And while Angus the 11 year old - who was as focused as any slime observer/searcher I’ve ever met- may have hung his head as we did not bag number 50 on the trail, the slime and their presence took hold of the hike and the search was contagious as they are what’s going on in the woods. I had my second 100+ slime day (7/21) just walking the trails, and reports having been coming in from Skin Hill and Skoog Park as to the slimy masses making their presence known. Even bike rides aren’t complete without 10 or more slimes roadside! This is the summer to appreciate our goopy friends, so say hello to a slime today - it’s a phase you may never grow out of. “I couldn't make it through your slime mold dissertation” says anonymous. (if you are interested in the dissertation, check the last report)
We’ll see you out there.
Kirk Gentalen