As the weather gets colder, animals must adapt to survive the winter. Some animals forgo dormancy completely. Birds migrate, deer grow a thick winter coat, and squirrels cache nuts to have a reliable food source. Other species undergo physical, chemical, and habitual changes to their bodies to counteract the cold and the reduced daylight. Many people are familiar with hibernation in mammals, but unique processes also exist in other species.

The 70th Annual Nantucket Christmas Bird Count (CBC) held on Sunday, Dec. 29, was one for the books. A record number of volunteers — 78 participants, including 12 dedicated feeder watchers - came together to celebrate the long-standing island tradition. They observed 138 species and counted an impressive 40,601 individual birds despite the challenges brought by the “Grey Lady” as the fog lingered until 10:30 a.m.

This year, Nantucket’s beloved Christmas Bird Count (CBC) celebrates its 70th year, and you're invited to join the party. On December 29, 2024, help the Linda Loring Nature Foundation mark this milestone by contributing to one of the island’s longest-standing community science projects. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or love the outdoors, this is a unique opportunity to be part of a meaningful event.

Unlike the mainland, Nantucket has a very limited roster of mammals. We lack New England mainstays such as coyotes, raccoons, and skunks, and although some animals, such as White-tailed Deer are ubiquitous on-island, in general, the mammal diversity is much lower than elsewhere.

Anyone else still sweating? It’s been an unseasonably warm fall, and it’s had some weird effects on our local plants. Many people have noticed that the plants in their yards have flowered for a second time and that some have started to produce new leaves. So what exactly causes this, and how will it affect the health of not just our plants but our entire ecosystem?

October 12th is World Migratory Bird Day. This time of year, millions of birds are migrating south for the winter, many of which make stops here on Nantucket. World Migratory Bird Day falls around the peak of migration and has been around since 2006. This event brings awareness to the importance of protecting migratory birds since their populations are declining at an alarming rate largely due to human activity. Every year WMBD has a different theme that emphasizes the importance of protecting these birds. This year's theme is insects!

This year, the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative (NBI) celebrates a remarkable milestone—its 20th anniversary! Since its founding, NBI has worked tirelessly to protect, study, and raise awareness of Nantucket's unique ecosystems and species by supporting researchers and naturalists in these efforts. To mark this special occasion, NBI invites everyone to join a week-long celebration from October 1st to October 6th, 2024, filled with engaging events for the whole community. It's a rare opportunity to meet the people behind these vital conservation projects and to actively participate in the work that helps safeguard Nantucket's diverse ecosystems.

In the past couple of weeks, there has been a flurry of humpback whale activity around Nantucket. They have been splashing around the south shore, putting on a show for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse. These sightings usually coincide with a boom of Sand Lance fish off Nantucket’s coasts; in the past few years the Sand Lance population has been booming, bringing more whales to Nantucket's waters to feed. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been keeping a close eye on where the whale action has been (via TheCurrent’s Instagram) in the hopes of spotting one yourself. While I have yet to see one, I’m glad to know these magnificent creatures are close by