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Tuesday 03/08/05 Grasping for spring straws.
Another winter storm is barreling down on us this
Tuesday into Wednesday. The temperatures have been
running 20 degrees below normal for this time of March.
The cold temperature trend and another snow storm
predicted for the end of this week seem to have us
locked into winter mode.
I have been grasping for signs of spring the last few
sunny days. So far only two have revealed themselves.
Last Friday I assisted a conservation officer in
removing a road killed deer from Rt 155A in Durham. As
we arrived at the scene of the freshly killed doe-fawn a
flock of crows were at the banquet as well as a turkey
vulture. I felt bad as I lobbed the deer into the back
of the CO's truck for disposal somewhere else more
appropriate. I did check the femur bone marrow condition
on the deer. She was in great condition for this late in
the winter with the second highest score possible for
bone marrow fat content. At least this seemingly endless
winter has not been difficult on the deer in the coastal
region it would seem. Although a count of only one deer
isn't much to hang my hat on. But since it was a 8 month
old deer it is more significant.
Sunday I saw a moth flutter across the road as I
returned from a visit to my moms a mile south of me.
Hey, I'll even take a moth as a sign of spring if I have
to.
There was a great set of tracks and a slide of an otter
at the Yeaton Farm over on Route 28 Sunday morning. Just
as I crossed over New Rye Road on my way home I spotted
a large male adult otter on the ice of the Suncook River
rolling on the ice. I stopped to watch him until he
plunged into the frigid water and disappeared. This is
the third otter I have seen in the last few weeks.
Otters are always a joy to watch.
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