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MassWildlife News is published 1-2 times/month. If you are interested in receiving the MW News electronically, send an e-mail to the following address: Join-MassWildlife.news@listserv.state.ma.us

February 2011

February 1, 2011

METAL POSTS NEEDED FOR WOOD DUCK BOXES

Beavers pose an unexpected challenge for wood duck housing when they chew down the cedar poles state biologists have traditionally used to mount Wood Duck boxes in lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Resourceful as ever, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has begun using metal posts, most commonly U-channel, whenever possible. This metal alternative can be very expensive when dozens of boxes across the state need new poles. Conservation-minded citizens are invited to help solve this problem!

Part of the solution could involve local departments of public works (DPW). When sign posts are damaged by auto accidents or snow plows they are replaced by state, city, or town highway or public works departments and the old posts are scrapped. Often the damage is minor and the posts are still usable as Wood Duck nest box supports. Even badly-bent posts can be cut and two sections bolted together to provide sufficient support. Holes in U-channel poles are spaced every few inches, so boxes can easily be mounted at any height.

Consider calling or stopping by the DPW in your town to see if you can salvage any old metal sign posts for Wood Ducks. At $26 per pole, a new 12-foot U-channel is relatively expensive for the average Wood Duck, or state wildlife agency. The poles scrapped by DPWs all over the state provide an efficient, low-cost foundation to anchor Wood Duck boxes firmly in the ponds and wetlands these birds share with beaver. Depending on where you live in the state, you can deliver the poles to the Westborough Field Headquarters 1 Rabbit Hill Rd (off North Drive) (508) 389-6321; or to one of the five Wildlife District Offices: Ayer-85 Fitchburg Road; (978) 772-2145; Belchertown-East Street; (413) 323-7632; Bourne-195 Bournedale Road; (508) 759-3406; Dalton-88 Old Windsor Road; (413) 684-1646; West Boylston-211 Temple Street; (508) 835-3607.

If the department of public works in your town has poles, but you have no vehicle space, MassWildlife will try to arrange to pick up the poles. To facilitate this process, please call H Heusmann at (508) 389-6321. For those interested conservationists who don't have the time or ability to find poles, but want to support this project, the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation, Inc., has partnered with Mass Wildlife for the past two years by accepting cash and material donations that go directly toward the Wood Duck housing effort. Gifts to the Foundation are tax-deductible. To contact the Foundation go online to www.massoutdoorheritage.org or call (413) 230-4945.

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February 1, 2011

SALTWATER ANGLERS REMINDED TO PURCHASE FISHING PERMITS

The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) would like to remind saltwater anglers that as of January 1, 2011, recreational saltwater anglers are now required to obtain a Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit. The permit, which costs $10 for both residents and non-residents, was established in response to a federal mandate and is valid for the calendar year. Saltwater fishing permits may be purchased using a credit card online through the Department of Fish and Game's new electronic licensing system, MassFishHunt. More details and an FAQ page on the permit and permit purchase. Anglers who are under 16 years old, who are disabled, or who are fishing on permitted for-hire (charter or headboats) are not required to purchase a permit. Anglers age 60 and over are required to obtain a permit, but are exempt from the fee. A small fee will be charged by the vendor to process the permit through MassFishHunt. Permits are also available at DMF offices located in Boston, Gloucester, and New Bedford . Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted in the Boston office, but only checks and money orders are accepted at the Gloucester and New Bedford offices.

"We are pleased to have the 2011 recreational saltwater fishing permit available to anglers via the MassFishHunt system," said Division of Marine Fisheries Director Paul Diodati. "This new program will ensure improved recreational fishing programs and new fishing access opportunities for anglers all along the Massachusetts coastline."

Diodati noted that saltwater fishing permit fees will be deposited in a dedicated account managed by DMF. The fund can be used only to administer the permit program, improve the management of Massachusetts' marine recreational fisheries and enhance recreational fishing access opportunities in the state. An advisory panel will assist DMF in developing programs for the expenditure of all collected funds.

The new permit system will also allow federal and state marine fisheries biologists to collect better data on saltwater recreational fishing. Managers need quality data to make the best decisions possible on bag limits, seasons, and sizes. Governor Patrick signed the state's Permit Act into law on November 23, 2009, after it was passed unanimously by the Legislature. Support for the Act was driven by a large group of recreational saltwater stakeholders seeking a state permitting program that would exempt anglers from a higher cost federal permit in 2011 and ensure that permit revenues went to local user benefits.

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February 1, 2011

RECORD BREAKING MIDWINTER EAGLE COUNT

On Friday, January 7, 2011, sightings of at least 107 individual bald eagles were reported from Pittsfield to Plymouth as part of a concentrated 1-day effort by state wildlife biologists, volunteers and other eagle enthusiasts, breaking the record count of 81 birds seen in 2009. This event is part of an annual national bald eagle survey conducted over a 2-week period from late December into early January.

A crew of biologists in a helicopter supplied by National Grid spotted 33 birds and a new eagle nest at Quabbin Reservoir. The same team also observed 18 eagles perched or flying along the Massachusetts stretch of the Connecticut River. Elsewhere across the state, 11 eagles were spotted on the Merrimack River and 5 eagles at Wachusett Reservoir. In the Lakeville/Middleborough area 5 eagles were reported and 2 eagles were seen at the Wattupa Ponds in Westport. There were 2 eagles spotted on the Mystic Lakes in Arlington, 2 on the Housatonic River in Sheffield, and 1 in Orange. On the Chicopee River, 3 eagles were reported, 2 eagles on the Deerfield River, and 1 eagle reported on the Westfield River.

"We thank National Grid, our long time partner in the eagle restoration program, which flew agency biologists by helicopter to survey the Quabbin and Connecticut River," said Dr. Tom French, Assistant Director of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species. French also noted that citizen interest in the eagle survey has been very useful. "With higher numbers of eagles dispersing throughout their range, we can't possibly cover the entire state. Citizen spotters play an increasingly important role in our survey efforts. This year, we received 61 emailed reports from people who saw eagles during the 2-week survey period."

Listed as endangered in Massachusetts since the 1980s, bald eagles remain on the state list, but are gaining ground in the Bay State - thanks in large part to the restoration project begun in 1982. MassWildlife and its partners brought young eagles from Canada and Michigan and raised them in cages overlooking the Quabbin Reservoir. Some of the eaglets remained and began to nest in the Quabbin, later spreading to the Connecticut River and eventually across the state.

The annual Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey is a nationwide event coordinated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The nationwide total of bald eagles counted during this annual event ranges from 13,000 to 16,000 birds.

A fact sheet about bald eagles on DFW's website.

A blog about the helicopter crew's eagle counting experience posted on the Great Outdoors Blog at: http://environment.blog.state.ma.us/blog/.

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February 1, 2011

CONSERVATION CONFERENCES

Several conservation conferences in early March are valuable for conservation commissioners, educators, youth group leaders, bird enthusiasts, and other conservationists. Register now for these March meetings.

March 2-Massachusetts Environmental Education Conference, Worcester - The Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) will be holding its annual conference at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. This year's theme is "Navigating Massachusetts Environmental Education." This conference is useful for educators in both formal and non-formal settings. Registration information.

March 5-MassAudubon Birders Meeting, Waltham - The 19th Annual Bird Conference with the theme of "Bird is the Word" will be held at Bentley College, Waltham. Novice and experienced bird enthusiasts will enjoy the varied offerings at this conference. Registration information or call Linda Cocca at (781) 259-2151.

March 5-Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Conference, Worcester - The 2011 MACC Annual Environmental Conference will be held at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. DFW staff will be hosting a display at this conference as well as making presentations about BioMap 2 and the Mass. Endangered Species Act. Registration information or call MACC at (617) 489-3930.

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February 1, 2011

2010 BLACK BEAR HARVEST FIGURES

During the 2010 fall bear seasons, licensed hunters took a total of 144 black bears. During the 17-day September season 114 bears were taken, and 30 were taken during the 18-day November season. The breakdown of figures by county is as follows: 57 bears taken in Berkshire County, 42 in Franklin, 16 in Hampden, 26 in Hampshire, and 3 in Worcester County. The largest field-dressed bear to be checked in weighed 387 pounds and was taken in Becket with a bow.

Bear hunters are reminded that their 2011 bear permit application and $5 application fee are due by July 16, 2011. Online license holders must apply and pay for their bear permit application by using the new MassFishHunt system at www.mass.gov/dfwele/licensing/index.htm.

Hunters who purchase licenses from a license vendor will find their permit application on their hunting or sporting licenses. The application and fee must be mailed or dropped off at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters in Westborough.

More information about black bears.

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February 1, 2011

CRITTER OF THE MONTH--The Woodchuck

Is Punksatawney Phil a groundhog, a woodchuck, or a whistle pig? Actually, he's all three! With Groundhog Day right around the corner, some facts and fiction about this seasonally famous mammal are in order. Common folklore holds that on February 2, a groundhog (woodchuck) emerges from its burrow. If it is a cloudy day and "it doesn't see its shadow" the animal leaves the burrow, signifying that winter will soon end. If it is a sunny day, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into the burrow, and winter will continue for six more weeks. The facts are that a woodchuck is a true hibernator, meaning that the heart, respiration, and overall metabolism rates are greatly reduced and the animal is living off its fat reserves. On Groundhog Day, woodchucks in Massachusetts are still in hibernation! Some people misidentify woodchucks as badgers. Woodchucks (Marmota monax) are stocky (16-20" in length) ground-dwelling squirrels, with short, strong legs and a short, bushy, almost flattened tail. Their fur ranges from light to dark brown, with lighter guard hairs, giving them a frosted appearance. When alarmed, woodchucks emit a shrill whistle, followed by a chattering "tchuck, tchuck" sound; hence the "whistle pig" moniker. Woodchucks dig burrows with multiple entrances in well-drained soil along woodland edges, brushy hedgerows, and, as many homeowners know, under sheds, porches, decks, or walkways. Woodchucks are herbivores (plant eaters), eating a wide variety of soft, leafy vegetation. One little known fact is that woodchucks will climb trees to escape predators or feed on leaves. Celebrate Groundhog Day with the DFW Living With Woodchucks fact sheet.

February 1, 2011

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS

The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will meet at DFW's Westborough Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd (off North Drive) in Westborough on Thursday, February 10, from 1:30-4:30 PM.

The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will meet on Tuesday, February 22, 2010 at Noon DFW's Westborough Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd (off North Drive) in Westborough. In case of inclement weather, the Board meeting will be held the following day at the same location.

Both meetings are open to the public and the building is handicapped accessible. Directions.

February 1, 2011

CALENDAR OF EVENTS


February 2 - World Wetlands Day - An international day marking the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971. The International 2011 theme focuses on "Forests for Water and Wetlands." Learn about wetland-related natural communities and their importance to Massachusetts wildlife by visiting DFW's Natural Communities webpage.
February 5 - Wildlife Rehabilitator's Association Annual Conference, N. Grafton - Dr. Tom French, DFW Assistant Director of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species will be giving an update on the status of bats and research on White-nosed Syndrome. The conference runs from 9am-4pm. Registration is required. More details are found at: www.wraminc.org.
February 9 - Natural History of New England Cottontails, Barnstable - As part of the Cape Wildlife Center's winter speaker series, Dave Paulson, MassWildlife biologist, will talk about the natural history of the New England Cottontail. The free talk is at 6:30pm at the Wildlife Center's facility at 4011 Main Street (Rte 6A), Barnstable Village. For more information, call the Center at (508) 362-0111.
February 10-13 - Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition, Worcester - This annual show is held at the DCU Centre in Worcester. DFW staff will be on hand to sell licenses and offer recreation information. More information about the show or call (603) 431-4315.
February 12-Merrimack River Eagle Festival, Newburyport/Amesbury - A free, full day of outdoor and indoor activities celebrating Bald Eagles sponsored by MassAudubon and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Watch eagles from viewing hot spots, see a falconer with a live eagle, enjoy nature games and activities indoors. Visit DFW's Biologist Pat Huckery at the Chain Bridge who will be scanning the skies and ice floes for eagles! More details on the Eagle Festival OR call MassAudubon at 978-462-9998.
February 16 - Living With Coyotes, Nahant - A talk on coyotes will be presented by DFW's Laura Hajduk, Furbearer Biologist, by invitation of the Nahant Board of Selectmen. A question and answer period will follow. Information will include coyote behavior and natural history as well as tips on keeping pets safe and keeping coyotes wary of people. The talk will begin at 7 pm at the Nahant Town Hall, 334 Nahant Road. Coyote fact sheet.
February 24 -27 - Springfield Sportsmen's Show, West Springfield - DFW staff will be on hand to sell licenses and offer information on the Angler and Hunter Education programs and wildlife-related recreation. Information on the show.

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Last Updated: 02/01/2011