Eric Orff - New Hampshire Wildlife Biologist

We are extremely delighted to bring you articles and stories written by long time wildlife biologist Eric Orff. Eric is a talented writer as well as wildlife biologist and has over 30 years experience in the field. Below you will find stories from his "New Hampshire Nature Notes" published at Eric's own website. Eric also writes for several other state and regional publications as well as worked for the New Hampshire Fish and Game since 1976. We publish many of his other writings in our New Hampshire News section.

All writings published on this page are those of Eric Orff and are copyright protected by law. You must seek his permission to reuse in any way. Please take the time and visit Eric's website at: New Hampshire Fish and Wildlife.

New Hampshire Nature Notes

and other writings by Eric Orff

Contents

Tuesday 11/22/05 - See-Sawing on the Edge of Winter and Weird Compass Readings

Here we are at the end of November in one of the warmest, and record setting wet falls, I can remember. But I'm pretty sure that is about to change. In fact snow is predicted here on Thanksgiving Day afternoon. The temperatures took a tumble last week. By Friday and Saturday ice covered the meadow down back.

Tuesday 11/15/05 Leafless trees, cloudless skies and a full Beaver Moon to decorate it all

Sure practically all the color of fall is gone with the wind and the heavy rains of the last storms stripping even the oaks bare. Only the beeches have maintained their modesty cloaking themselves in the browning brilliantly colored yellow leaves of late fall. But the woods are naked for the most part.

Deer Camp 2005

I have been going to "Deer Camp" in Maine annually or frequently since the 1970's. Deer camp is such a special place. Our family camp in Maine near the family homestead has been a part of my life for 40 years or so. And the lake it sits on for all my 55 years. But the family camp becomes more magically when it turns into "Deer Camp" each fall.

Sounds and Sights of Summer - July 26, 2005

Tuesday 07/26/-5 The sunny sun dappled Suncook River and I can hear summer!

Deer Yards, Duck Boxes and Dicey Ice to Boot 03/23/05

Over the last two days I have made my deepest runs into the wilderness of Region 3 to wrap up the duck box work.

Spring Has Arrived 03/21/05

Spring has officially and actually arrived on River Road in Epsom! How a day or two can change things this time of year.

St. Patty's Deer Yard Check 03/17/05

Old man winter has tested me this year and today even forced me to strap on my snowshoes to do a winter deer yard check

One Week Until Spring? 03/15/05

We currently are experiencing the worst that this winter has had to offer

And the Freeze Goes On 03/11/05

It seems like everyone you talk to has the same question "When is the winter ever going to end?"

Grasping for Spring Straws 03/08/05

Another winter storm is barreling down on us this Tuesday into Wednesday. The temperatures have been running 20 degrees below normal

Unrelenting Winter 03/02/05

Our festive Christmas looking bushes have been turned into a Halloween look in Durham.

Moosely Sunny 2/24/05

Well, yesterday turned out far different than I had expected. In fact there was a sharp left turn to the North to my day by around 10:00 am.

Mid-Winter Coastal Waterfowl Survey 2/24/05

We turn south dropping altitude as we head up the Squamscott River all the way to Exeter as the river is all open save for a patch of ice with a gap in the center in town by Swazey Park.

Spring Signs are Scarce 2/15/05

Despite a day into the 30's with a mix of snow and rain overnight, today is more winter-like than spring like. The cold air held fast to this part of New Hampshire

Ducks Galore and More 2/9/05

Ever single duck box we checked had the remnants of a successful duck nest, mostly hooded mergansers, and two boxes had different bird nests. It was a fantastic hike

Up to My Waste in Water in a Swamp 2/03/05

New Pup Has Arrived 2/03/05

Hold on to your hats, gloves, mittens and various articles of clothing at my house. A new German Shorthaired pup has taken up residence

January Thaw is Over 1/31/05

What January thaw? You are right; there wasn't one in NH. But in Mexico there was! And that's where I managed to escape winter last week.

Fishing For Ice Fishing Prospects in New Hampshire 1/20/05

Boy did I get a creel full, as they ran with stories about the fantastic fishing prospects! There was no stopping them as the conversation leaped from one lake to another about the opportunities

Finally We Flew - 1/17/05

We finally got into the air for the annual NH waterfowl mid winter coastal survey on Saturday. Thank goodness we opted for the next flyable day, which happened to be Saturday, as the weather has turned sour again. What a glorious day for flying.