December 29, 2019: My Favorite Things

Here we go again, my favorite moments from the past year around Lake Wicwas - one from each month of 2019.  These are, of course, in addition to...

     Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
     Silver-white winters that melt into springs.... 
          (Rogers and Hammerstein)

Click on a title or the picture to see more about each event.


Flying Squirrel - January 13
These cute little squirrels come out at night, and I only see them in winter when the bird feeders are out.

Barred Owl - February 17
This patient owl came to watch for prey on a snowy day.  It sat on this branch so long that it became covered with a layer of snow.

Bobcat on the Prowl - March 10
We had several visits of the local bobcat last winter including this day where it stayed for quite some time.  There was also a deer killed by coyotes on Lake Winnisquam that week.

Red Fox in a Warm Fur Coat - April 7
This could be the same fox I've seen a couple times this year.  It must have eaten well last winter as it still looked healthy and well fed in April.

Goose Hiding on its Nest - May 19
For the first time I came across a goose nest during a paddle around the lake.  At least two pairs of geese nested on Lake Wicwas this summer, as did two pairs of loons.

White Tail - Mother's Day, May 12
This white-tailed deer stopped by the house to visit Linda on Mother's Day.

Harley and Davidson - June 23
Our two loon chicks hatched during motorcycle week.

Loon Banding - July 7
The highlight of the summer was being able to participate in the capture, banding, and release of our male loon (the father of Harley and Davidson).

Water Testing - August 18
Once again, Dave and Marge Thorpe provided transportation and expertise in collecting samples for annual watering test as part of the Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP).

The Chicks Grow - September 15
We enjoyed watching the loons feed and protect the chicks all summer, resulting in the first successful fledging since 2014.  (Photo by Amy Wilson)

The Eagle Flies - October 6
Eagles are not a rare sight anymore in the Lakes Region, but it's always an exciting event to see these huge, majestic birds.

Dozens of Ducks - November 24
The Lakes Region is a popular stopping point for migrating birds.  In November we had an unusually large flock of mallards stop on Wicwas, and I learned they eat acorns!

Spring is on the Way - December 22
December brought us a little wintry weather, but so far the weather has been pretty tame.  We'll what January has in store for us....

Here's to wishing everyone a happy and safe New Year's Eve as we remember 2019, and anticipate what discoveries we'll find in the 2020s!