Current Nature: Seal-y Season
Our marine year-round residents are always a fun sight, whether from the water’s edge or lounging on the sand, they are a staple here on Nantucket. As pupping season gets underway, there’s a flurry of activity along the shore, and we encourage everyone to be mindful when walking or driving on the beaches.
The island is home to four seal species, two of which are more abundant - the gray seal and the harbor seal. Hooded seals and harp seals have been spotted here, but due to their dependence on pack ice for breeding, their range is restricted to areas where pack ice forms seasonally, and may be a reason why we don't see them as often.
Avian Influenza on Nantucket: What We Know and How to Help
This winter, many people have observed a rise in the number of dead seabirds along Nantucket’s beaches. Although it is difficult to distinguish between normal seasonal mortality rates and elevated rates, researchers have been collecting samples from various locations on the island and are currently awaiting their results.
Current Nature: Resilient Restoration
On the banks of Long Pond, the Linda Loring Nature Foundation has been working on a restoration project that provides an example of how sea level rise can affect even seemingly inland areas of our island. As many of you know, Long Pond is connected to Madaket Harbor via the historic Madaket Ditch which was dug in the 1670s by English colonists and native Wampanoag. Because of this estuary connection, Long Pond itself is brackish and undergoes regular tidal turnover. In addition to the water being salty, this connection also means that Long Pond is subject to predicted sea level rise. Looking at various sea level rise scenarios expected with future climate change, even the most conservative projections show that sea level rise will impact the shoreline of the North Head of Long Pond, home to the Linda Loring Nature Foundation
Current Nature: Snowy Owl Season Returns
After a two-year absence, snowy owls have returned to Nantucket, with three recorded during the 2024 Christmas Bird Count! These striking Arctic birds, last seen here in the winter of 2021, have graced our beaches and open landscapes again, reminding us of their tremendous journeys. But how do they end up so far from their tundra homes? Let’s explore the story of snowy owls, their travels, and how we can be good stewards during their winter stay.
Current Nature: Overwintering Strategies
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.
70th Nantucket Christmas Bird Count Recap
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.
Current Nature: Nantucket’s Christmas Bird Count Turns 70!
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.
Current Nature: Small But Mighty Mice
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.