This is how we looked a little earlier this morning. The ground was pretty much all white with snow, and the pond was a mix of snow and water on the ice. Really wet, spring-like weather such as we expect in April. I think we'll have rain most of the day and that will be the end of our snow, even in our back yard. It's getting more and more scarce, but there are still large patches where the sun hasn't hit. The snow is melting away rapidly now and water is beginning to run off the hillsides again.


We can hear a lot of birds this morning, among the calls I hear some geese from down by the pond. There are more song birds chirping away in our woods, too. This robin wasn't singing about the rain or anything else. I guess even robins get tired of too much water running down their backs.

This came from Sam and Judy Lewis on Sandy Beach Road:

On Sunday afternoon, we were treated to the sighting of a young bald eagle. It came down from the head of the pond and landed on a pine tree about 25 yards from our window. After a few minutes it was chased off the tree by several crows and it flew up to where the brook enters the pond and stood on the ice for about 10 minutes. It didn't seem to be feeding but was very alert and constantly looking around. The ducks and geese stayed out of sight for a while but then started coming back in. The eagle then flew down to the large pine on Pearls Island and stood sentry there for about 15 minutes and then moved on. The plumage and markings were similar to a 2 year old bird (picture from our field guide) and the feathers were quite bedraggled looking as if it was having a bad hair day.We have never seen a wild eagle this close and were awed by the size.

Thank you for sharing this with us, Sam and Judy. It must have been interesting to watch. I wonder if a pair might one day nest here? or maybe they need cliffs or something. The picture at the right is of the channel, or the "head of the pond," Sam mentioned. I took it just a few minutes ago. It's a wild and protected area, so the bald eagles might find it acceptable for nesting. This is also the general area of where the loons nest, too. Each summer we remind people to use caution when boating in this area as there is so much wild life there. It is a wonderful place to kayak or canoe in, with shallows along the deep channel where you'll find all sorts of living things to watch and photograph.

We're in the final days of our 23rd annual Ice-Out Contest. April 1st is the end, so get your tickets in. The last week is always a little wild, so Diane and I are bracing for it. We're organized, though, and Fred and Bill are standing by. We'll let you know as soon as we have all tickets logged in how many were sold - right now we don't have a clue. And we'll let you know here and on the web site when the flag is down and we have a winner.

This came this morning:

$20 Adults | $7 Kids 12 and under

A Taste Of West Africa

Music, Dinner & Dancing with:

Movement Of The People: The Fela Kuti Project

(13 piece Afrobeat Musical Experience)

Menu Highlights

Jollof Rice and Shrimp, Ground Nut Chicken Stew,

Lentil Kansiye, Assorted Flatbreads with Dips and Sauces

Cash Bar provided by The Black Door & Bistro.

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

OR BY CALLING 802.563.2289

Tickets available at the door by availability.

All proceeds support

The Cabot School Performing Arts Center