Posted on

Fishers, sometimes called “fisher cats,” on the East side of Taunton

East side of Taunton, down by the Glen. May 6th

Fishers, sometimes called “fisher cats,” are elusive and often misunderstood creatures. Though they’ve gained a reputation as vicious predators, fishers are shy and solitary, preferring to avoid humans whenever possible. Because they are rarely seen, many people don’t know much about them. This has led to some common misconceptions about their behavior.

You may have heard the claim that fishers let out a blood-curdling scream before making a kill, but that is not the case. Making too much noise while hunting would alert prey to their presence, decreasing their chances of catching food. It would also let other predators and scavengers know that there is an easy meal to steal nearby.

While fishers do make a number of sounds, they tend to be quiet creatures. Most of their vocalizations are limited to quiet growls and chuckle-like grunts. They are able to make a screaming sound, but this is a very rare occurrence that only happens when the animals are under extreme stress or in unusual circumstances. However, the fisher above was wailing like a new born baby.

Posted on

Diatoms of East Taunton, MA

In 2002, the hit series Forensic Files featured the first case where Diatom evidence was used to place a suspect at the scene of the crime. The episode was called Reel Danger. Check it out

Diatoms are unicellular algae which form distinct and beautiful cell walls from silica. They are widely distributed throughout the upper layers of the oceans of the world, and can also be found in fresh water or moist environments, such as the undersides of plants. There are over 16,000 recognized diatom species, with many more being constantly identified. Because diatoms are so plentiful, they form an important part of the pelagic food chain, serving as a food source for most of the animals in the ocean, either directly or indirectly. which form distinct and beautiful cell walls from silica. They are widely distributed throughout the upper layers of the oceans of the world, and can also be found in fresh water or moist environments, such as the undersides of plants.  This group of unicellular, photosynthetic microorganisms is well-known for a wondrous, intricate architectural beauty. However, there is more to a diatom than simply its pretty face. As a major branch in the tree of life, over the past 250 million years from a mosaic of genetic sources it has evolved molecular metabolic machinery adaptive to a variety of circumstances, and it has generated a species diversity rivaling that of flowering plants. Diatoms have evolved to become important local and global players in recycling life’s critical nutrients, influencing the composition of the earth’s environments and powering the planet’s aquatic ecosystems, as well as elucidating their history. This web site focuses on their evolution and ecology.

Tap the gear icon for higher quality video

 

Posted on

Oliver Mill Park, Middleborough, MA

Herring In The River

The Spring migration of the herring from Mount Hope Bay up the Taunton and Nemasket Rivers to Lake Assawompsett and other ponds to spawn announces by the sea gulls who follow them, always ready for a meal. This migration of herring has always governed any changes considered on the Nemasket River. The fish were generally used as food or fertilizer, or lobster bait, but there is a record of them being used as a payment of services.

Below: 2024 Video    More for 2024 coming soon.

New Epic Show Now Available Here

 

Below: 2023 Video

 

Below: March 21, 2023

 

Posted on

Coyotes of East Taunton

The eastern coyote is well established throughout
Massachusetts except on Nantucket and Martha’s
Vineyard. A medium-sized predator, it is an opportunistic
feeder and extraordinarily adaptable to a wide range of
habitats. Coyotes thrive in suburban, urban, and rural
areas. They will utilize whatever food is naturally available,
including small animals, birds, insects and fruits, as well as
artificial sources such as garbage, pet food, birdseed, and
compost. The video below are clips from trail cam, East Taunton, MA.

Down by the Glen

Posted on

The Haunting

The Common Grackle’s gregariousness has not made it popular with agricultural interests, since large flocks of blackbirds can cause extensive damage to crops. In addition, roosts in urban areas are messy, noisy, and potentially a source of disease. As a result, grackles are viewed as pests in some areas and subject to a variety of control measures, including hazing, spraying crops to make them distasteful, or – in some cases – killing the birds themselves.