More Wildlife News

 Yesterday I heard from Diane Rossi (West Shore Road) that evidence of a bear was left in the area of her house and unmistakable skat (poop) by Ray Rouleau's garage across the road. Then I had an emal last night from Marti Talbot with this photo - taken on Brickett's Crossing Road. She said this mama bear stood her ground and watched carefully until her cub was safely into the woods. Don't tempt a sow with a cub - she will tear you to shreds if you get too close. Marty said both animals looked very healthy.

This morning I had this message from my friend, Mary Whitcomb:

Jane,
I turned on the radio to WDEV and heard the last 5 minutes of For The Birds.  Chip was telling Anson how he and some friends went to Joe’s Pond to try to see the possible Gannet.  He commented it was hard because of all the camps, but thinks they covered most of the pond and did not find the bird.  He did see photos though and he verified it was indeed a northern gannet. How about that!!!

I haven't heard recently if the gannet is still here or has taken off, but last I heard, it's still in the middle pond.

Someone posted a comment asking about our goose population. I haven't heard anyone complain about geese on their property much so far this year, but I assume there are a few families around. I think there was some concern earlier in the spring that they would be bothersome again, probably when adult geese were looking for appropriate nesting places, but I haven't heard anything since. The northern end of the pond is now almost completely protected through the Passumpsic Valley Land Trust, and much of that is prime nesting area for geese and other water birds, so I expect the population is growing steadily here. The goose population got so bad a few years ago it was necessary to have the wildlife folks come in and capture them. The young were transplanted to more remote locations, and the older birds were harvested and given to food shelves. 

Our concern right now is about marauding bears and other critters. Please keep any food or garbage out of reach of animals. Bears learn quickly where there's an easy meal, and will keep returning. That often ends with the animal having to be killed as it becomes a threat to humans or causes damage to property. We don't want that to happen, so be sure your grills, garbage, and composting are all secured inside. Don't put your recycling/trash out for pickup until just before pickup time. If the bears don't get into it, a curious skunk or raccoon will, and they will make a royal mess of things. If you rent your cottage, leave instructions for your renters, with warnings about the prevalence of wildlife here. This is Vermont.

Thanks to everyone who contributes information for me to write about here. I love hearing about what you are doing, seeing, thinking - and always appreciate photos. So like they used to say on the radio, "Keep those cards and letters coming!" -- only now it's "emails and texts"! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone, and "stay tuned." There's always something interesting happening at Joe's Pond!