Snowy owls have recently been seen in Vermont. We’ve all heard that they leave their arctic home when food there is scarce but another reason for these erratic irruptions might instead be that they occur following an unusually successful breeding season – successful because of an abundance of prey.

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John Douglas Most wild plants can be encountered on an every-day walk, but usually not showy ladies slippers. The time is now for a pilgrimage, to a place where they are in masses among lesser – but also beautiful – bog plants.

John Douglas We’ve gained an hour and 9 minutes of light since the winter solstice.

John Douglas Late in the evening tonight and through the early hours of the 14th, the Geminid meteor shower will put on a good performance if it’s clear. The new moon will not interfere and these quite reliable meteors come in yellow, green, and blue, as well as white.

John Douglas If you have a flashlight and a bit more patience than I have, I think you could see squash plants grow. Overnight they leapt through the garden fence and onto the grass.

John Douglas When woodpeckers feed their fledglings there’s a big racket, including relentless shrieking.

John Douglas Side Hill Cider Mill

John Douglas The first cut of hay is coming down. Farmers around here are leaving 4″ instead of the traditional 2″ because it’s been so dry.

John Douglas The berries of red baneberry are ripe, shiny, and bright. But they are named baneberry for a reason.