Site Discussions

Unfortunately for us the porcupines on our woodlot in Downeast Maine are doing a job on our white pine. We have lost more small white to porcupines than we find acceptable. This saddens us because we like diversity on our woodlot and would prefer to leave the porcupines. Perhaps live trap and relocation. Any help on ideas, or how far to move them….we don’t think they have passports so Canada is out.

Fascinating article! Thank you!

Eric sadly passed away spring last year (2022) suddenly in an accident.

Do you know the species or genus of the perennial target canker on the red maple?

The article says Burbot also called cusk and lingcod, which are definitely different fish and are salt water fish?

Lovely!!

Grouse have completely disappeared from the West Virginia coverts I hunted in the 80s and 90s. I believe a combination of factors have led to the decline. It’s not simply aging habitat as many people are quick to claim. Our DNR maintains an open season on these birds until Feb. 28 as if populations are fine. They are making no effort to investigate or solve the problem of what is basically a regional extinction of a beloved, iconic species.

What a full and interesting life Walt has had! Thank you to Northern Woodlands for giving us a glimpse into all he has done and continues to do. Ryman setters and heritage apples; pretty nice legacy to introduce to this world of ours. Thanks for sharing with us!!

Hi Walt. Reading this article in Northern Woodlands, The photo of you and your Setter really caught my attention. I was struck by our similar interest in English Setters. Like you, I have owned and hunted over these wonderful bird finders since 1973…a half-century! Unlike you, I have not been a Veterinarian or wildlife biologist, but rather a working guy with arguably traditional tastes: among them, Grouse hunting with a classic companion and double gun. Nice to find a kindred spirit. Best wishes!

In my research I found that the color blue in history was very rare in any kind of writings before about 2000 BC. I don’t know the evolution of the blue jay and when it came to be, but what was it in the blueprint that nature thought it should create an illusion of blue in the jay bird.

I always enjoyed the mourning doves when they came to my yard here in Concord, but was shocked this afternoon when one that had been sitting on the wires above my driveway suddenly swooped down toward the ground and leaving small feathers flying every which way flew off with a small bird in its beak! Examining the feathers I’m guessing it must have been a titmouse that was attacked.  Never thought of a dove as a raptor!

Thank you for an insightful article. A couple of years ago, a small flock of rock pigeons discovered my backyard feeder. Although they could gobble the seed at an alarming rate, I fell in love with their stunning feather colors and sheen as well as their bright orange eyes. One “couple” in particular won my heart with their friendliness. They would perch nearby waiting for me to come out of the house and fly down to greet me to see what I might have for them. I look for them daily and worry if they don’t show up on occasion. How can anyone not love such amazing birds?

What will you do if there are babies?

An extremely touching article!

Please don’t feed wild racoons! It artificially increases the carrying capacity of developed areas so that their populations become more concentrated, leading to expedited outbreaks of disease, especially rabies. We don’t have the forests any more to support higher populations, and its honestly unfair to the animals to provide a food source but no place to live. Never feed wild animals.

I have two questions about Nimbus Kitty.

Does she walk and sit on your keyboards while you are trying to get work done?

Does she ever give you advance weather warnings? My cat has a built in barometer . He slinks into the closet about 30 minutes before thunderstorms hit.

I find your work very interesting!

Thank you!

Thank you for sharing a post, nice to read it, good work keep going

I’ve bought sawn cedar from Colleen for many years, both 1x6 and 8x8, and never been disappointed. In fact she has always gone out of her way to not only make sure I’m happy with what I have purchased, but to also appreciate me as a customer. Even it there is five years between our calls, she remembers me and what I bought. She is a gem. I hope the business and the “boss” are around for a long time to come.

Coleen and the Goodridge family are gems and what the forest products industry in the northeast is all about.  They make fantastic cedar products and are a pleasure to work with.  Keep up the great work!

I usually don’t see Morning Doves until the spring. However, this winter I’ve see seveal in my yard and on high wires while driving in my car. Where do they roost during the cold weather at night if they don’t migrate?