[GypsySoul22]

That's good.
I respect nature and would like to just let things go their own way. I never heard of these animals till about a year or 2 ago so forgive my ignorance. I know some weasels are a bit feisty but it's not like we are talking about a wolverine or something.

[sugarmaple]

Hi, could have been a black mink; if it was a fisher cat, aside from being icky, their backs sort of slope down and they do not generally run straight but rather zig zag..I think it is their clever way not to get caught. I understand that fisher cats were brought here from Virginia (correct me if I am wrong) to deal with the porcupine issue (several years ago, overabundance of porcupines); so the fisher cats took care of them, and now of course, no one really thought of the potential of too many fisher cats - proliferating so now there are actually bounties on their heads or perhaps hides.

[blacksmith14]

I did see a weasel today. They are still in their winter-white coat with white tail with black tip. Pretty distinctive. The climate is much more harsh in Vermont than downstate NY. (Champlain Valley and Connecticut River Valleys are milder.) You can expect fewer species of birds in winter.

[nhrocky]

We saw a bald eagle flying over the CT River on Saturday, it was pretty thrilling. I've seen different wildlife this past winter on our road, bobcat, grey fox, and now the eagle. I know that there had been a nesting couple on the Retreat Meadows in Bratt for a while, but I read they had left the area. Perhaps they're back!

[arctichomesteader]

Originally Posted by sugarmaple

Hi, could have been a black mink; if it was a fisher cat, aside from being icky, their backs sort of slope down and they do not generally run straight but rather zig zag..I think it is their clever way not to get caught. I understand that fisher cats were brought here from Virginia (correct me if I am wrong) to deal with the porcupine issue (several years ago, overabundance of porcupines); so the fisher cats took care of them, and now of course, no one really thought of the potential of too many fisher cats - proliferating so now there are actually bounties on their heads or perhaps hides.

True, but they were in VT originally, driven out as a pest. Then, oops, porcupines became a problem. So now the fishers are back, perhaps too many of them too. Same thing happened with a lot of our wildlife, wiped out when so much land was cleared for farming. Martens were another one, they tried re-introducing them back in the 90's but it failed, they didn't survive the winter for some reason, but there's been some sightings in recent years so maybe they'll make a come back...wolves eliminated too, deer were, elk too. Canadian lynx, despite being listed as "endangered" were never in VT in any high numbers, they live further North in high numbers (hence the name Canada Lynx). There's more wildlife in VT now than 100 years ago, because so much of the state has returned to forest...

No bounty anymore on fishers but a pretty decent open season (a month long) on them for trapping compared to many states...their valuable fur is enough to get people to get them...

[GypsySoul22]

We saw an eagle last fall and it was so awesome!!
I've seen some birds (a few weeks ago) that were grey with yellow undersides..In summer I have spotted all yellow birds the size of canaries while hiking.

Anyhow, we have had chickadees and crows all winter. The cardinals are around now and more blue jays and the odd birds I mentioned above. Spring is coming!!

[arctichomesteader]

I watched a falcon eating a pigeon (I think it was a pigeon) this winter in my backyard...

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by arctichomesteader

I watched a falcon eating a pigeon (I think it was a pigeon) this winter in my backyard...

We had the same experience! A couple of months ago, a Cooper's hawk landed in the yard beside ours, right outside our kitchen window. One of his wings was hanging somewhat limply but then we watched him catch and eat TWO large pigeons. It was tough to watch but totally amazing.

Yesterday when we were walking our cats, we walked to where we'd seen the carnage in the snow. The snow had thawed and the ground there had a pile of pigeon feathers.

[fishnfool]

True, but they were in VT originally, driven out as a pest. Then, oops, porcupines became a problem. So now the fishers are back, perhaps too many of them too.

Yes they were originally native to the area and are making a comeback all over New England.

As far as "too many" of them....in nature there can only exist as many animals as habitat and food supply can allow. The idea that there is some correct "magical number" is purely a man made concept.

The population will balance itself out. If there is an overabundance of fishers, food supplies (porcupines, squirrels, chihuahuas ) will dimish, and so too will the fishers.

[arctichomesteader]

Originally Posted by fishnfool

Yes they were originally native to the area and are making a comeback all over New England.

As far as "too many" of them....in nature there can only exist as many animals as habitat and food supply can allow. The idea that there is some correct "magical number" is purely a man made concept.

The population will balance itself out. If there is an overabundance of fishers, food supplies (porcupines, squirrels, chihuahuas ) will dimish, and so too will the fishers.

Nature is boom and bust. There's plenty of food, the predators' population booms. They get overpopulated and the prey population collapses and then the predators starve out. Eventually it starts all over again. Sometimes this leads to extinctions though.