E-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - January 2016
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e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - January 2016 CHRISTMAS MOON IN 2015 Hi Everyone, Hope you all had a chance to step out on Christmas to see the Full Christmas Moon – another chance will not occur until 2034. The moon is on a Metonic cycle which is named after Menton, an Athenian astronomer from 432 B.C. He was the first to discover that every 19 years the moon phase will occur on the same day of the solar year. A total of 235 cycles or lunations will occur during that time. A lunation is the average time from one new moon to the next or in this case – one full moon to the next. Pretty cool discovery! With the cold weather about to arrive, many of us think of traveling to a warmer winter home. The people that do that are commonly called “snowbirds”. Following that theme, let’s take the journey with a pair of brightly colored birds that makes Winding Trails their home during the summer and “move” south for the winter. These birds are the Baltimore Orioles pictured here by Julia Flanagan. The brightly colored orange and black male on the left and the olive and yellow-orange female on the right are seen around the Camp area of Dunning Lake and near the Boat area of Walton Pond. The female weaves a sock-like hanging nest in a tree in these spaces. She and the male fly to and fro bringing insects, spiders, and snails to their young. After raising their three to seven offspring, they spend two to three weeks preparing for their journey south in August. This preparation begins by molting – shedding old feathers and growing new ones – similar to our “snowbirds” packing their bags with new travel clothes. The preparation continues by feeding to build up fat needed for their migration. This fat provides the energy needed for the long journey. No need for our “snowbirds” to take this step since they will likely fly via an airplane. Traveling over the eastern coastal states, averaging 150 miles each night, the Orioles will take advantage of many favorable factors. These include avoiding their predator, the hawk; cooler air temperatures which keep them from overheating; generally less head wind to fly against; and hopefully clear nights for navigation by the stars. They rest and feed during the day making the most of short stopovers. Upon reaching the Gulf of Mexico, most will fly 18 to 24 hours non-stop to Central America and the northern coast of South America. After this two to three week journey, they will winter as large flocks in habitats of coastal brush and flowering trees. Doesn’t this get you thinking of some new and different warm places to go this winter? Some Orioles do remain in Florida for the winter because of our wintering “snowbirds” providing them with tempting full birdfeeders. I wish all of you a wonderful New Year! Miss Judy Page 1 of 12 e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - January 2016 SCROLL DOWN THROUGH THE NEWSLETTER TO FIND THESE SECTIONS: · WINDING TRAILS NATURE EVENTS . HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH . COMING NEXT MONTH . READ OF THE MONTH · NIGHT SKY WATCHING · OTHER NATURE EVENTS IN CONNECTICUT WINDING TRAILS NATURE EVENTS Registration is required 3 days prior to event. If not enough signup, the program is cancelled. Date/Time Event Saturday, January 9th Saturday Family Walks: Nature’s Secrets 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Introduction to Ice Fishing Fee-based family program Open to the public and Winding Trails’ members Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=542 Saturday, January 9th Explore the Night Walk… 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Winter Exploration I Fee-based family program Open to the public and Winding Trails’ members Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=543 Sunday, January 10th Sunday Family Walks: Nature’s Secrets 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Winter Tracking Fee-based family program Open to the public and Winding Trails’ members Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=542 Saturday, January 23rd C.A.R.E. Ice Fishing Class 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Free family program Open to the public and Winding Trails’ members Click on this link to register: https://www.windingtrails.org/register/?id=544 Page 2 of 12 e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - January 2016 HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH FRIDAY, JANUARY 1st FIRST DAY HIKES All around Connecticut – See OTHER NATURE EVENTS IN CONNECTICUT section First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. Think about joining one of these free guided hikes to start your New Year! SATURDAY, JANUARY 9th SATURDAY FAMILY WALKS – NATURE’S SECRETS Topic: Introduction to Ice Fishing In the Lodge Conference Room at Winding Trails, Farmington, CT This winter join Miss Judy for a fun afternoon of learning something new about the great outdoors. If ice conditions are safe, the Saturday program begins with an indoor introduction to the sport of ice fishing and moves outdoors to Dunning Lake for some hands-on experience. It is very important to dress in layers for the weather and to wear boots for the outdoor component – no sneakers are allowed. All ages are welcome. SUNDAY, JANUARY 10th SUNDAY FAMILY WALKS – NATURE’S SECRETS Topic: Winter Tracking In the Lodge Conference Room at Winding Trails, Farmington, CT This winter join Miss Judy for a fun afternoon of learning something new about the great outdoors. This month’s Sunday program will give you an indoor introduction to the art of tracking animals with a hands-on outdoor component following tracks and feeding sign along the snowshoe trails on property. Please dress in layers so you will be comfortable during the indoor introduction and warm enough for the outdoor activity. Boots are needed for the outdoor activity… If we have snow, feel free to bring along your snowshoes. All ages are welcome. SATURDAY, JANUARY 23rd C.A.R.E. ICE FISHING CLASS & PRACTICE In the Lodge Conference Room at Winding Trails, Farmington, CT The Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (C.A.R.E.) Program offers a free in-depth ice fishing class that introduces you to the wonders of water, fish and fishing during the winter. Miss Judy and other state certified volunteer instructors will pass along the knowledge they have learned through years of angling. The morning class includes a video, hands-on demonstrations, and activities that will teach and entertain youths and adults alike. If ice conditions are safe, an outside ice fishing practice will be offered and all equipment is provided for your use. It is very important to dress in layers for the weather conditions and to wear boots for the afternoon practice – no sneakers are allowed. Program recommended for 9-years-old children through adults. Please register by Monday, January 18th. FRIDAY, JANUARY 29th to SUNDAY, MARCH 13th EAGLE WATCH & WINTER WILDLIFE BOAT CRUISES At Connecticut River Museum in Essex, CT This time of the year is prime viewing time for visiting eagles and other birds wintering along the lower Connecticut River Valley. The CT River Museum is happy to partner with Project Oceanology to offer many opportunities to get out on the river to see them. Cruises depart on Friday to Sunday within the dates above. Bring your camera and binoculars aboard the Project Oceanology Enviro Lab III to get close views. Visit the museum to view the Eagles of Essex exhibit and learn more about the Connecticut River Valley. For additional information: http://www.ctrivermuseum.org/calendarevent/eaglewatch-season-winter-boat-cruises/ Page 3 of 12 e-Nature Newsletter from Winding Trails - January 2016 SATURDAY, JANUARY 30th C.A.R.E. FAMILY ICE FISHING DERBY At Patriot’s Park, 172 Lake Street in Coventry, CT This derby is designed to introduce families to all aspects of this winter sport. Shut off the TV, get off the couch, and join Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) Instructors out on the “hard water”. Participants of this family oriented derby tell us that this event is one of their favorite wintertime activities. Instructors will give on-ice lessons on how to drill a hole, set up a tip-up and jig rod, and give you bait to catch a fish through the ice. Kids get a prize for just attending. We even provide a warming hut complete with hot chocolate. Dress for cold weather and leave your sneakers at home! Fishing starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 12 noon. Come join the fun! Do check the CARE Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CTFishAndWildlife, before coming to make sure there is enough safe ice to run the derby. In case of cancellation, there is a backup date of Saturday, February 13th. COMING NEXT MONTH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6th NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE WINTER FESTIVAL At Burr Pond State Park, 384 Burr Mountain Road in Torrington, CT Come out and enjoy a day full of outdoor adventure. Activities will include ice fishing, snowshoeing, tracking, ice safety rescue demonstrations, a bonfire complete with a marshmallow roast and storytelling, and much more! This program is free and no registration is required. Waterproof boots and warm clothing highly recommended. Do leave your sneakers at home! Activities start at 10:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. Come join the fun! For more information, please contact Teresa Gagnon at [email protected] or call (860) 529-5816.