Princeton Landing News

Not Just for Birds Anymore

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:34:00 +0000

Because so many of our readers contact us to say how much they enjoy our nature posts, our Nature Guide and I are always on the lookout for stories involving the natural world — even when they're as nutty as this one. When we heard about an advertiser on Glenn Beck's Fox News program, we couldn't resist bringing it to the attention of our readers. The company is called Survival Seed Bank and it peddles seeds that can be used to grow a "crisis garden" if we should experience an "economic meltdown."

The commercial, which aired on Beck's March 8 show, included a pitchman who suggested that should the American government collapse "securing a source of food for your family is the single most important thing you can do." Their website goes on to say, "If you don't have the ability to grow your own food next year, your life may be in danger."

As for where to store your Survival Seed, the company suggests it "can be buried to avoid confiscation." For the less paranoid, perhaps you can store the seed in the single bird feeder that is allowed under Princeton Landing's Third Amendment to Policy Resolution No. 22.

The video from Media Matters is below. It's not a skit from Saturday Night Live, honest.

Sign of Spring

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:26:00 +0000

At Kate Spade, people had already started to take the pinwheels . . . but it still looked like spring.

Nature Guide: Sharp-shinned Hawk

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:35:00 +0000

Photo: Dave Herr, USDA Forest Service

You may see Sharp-shinned Hawks flying swiftly through the woods in our area. Referred to as "sharpies," they are the smallest hawks in North America. The kestrel, or sparrow hawk, is smaller, but the name is misleading because it's actually a falcon. Our Nature Guide Jon Latimer tells us about sharpies and how to identify them.

"A Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipter striatus) is about the size of a pigeon you might see on a city street. Its wings are short and rounded and its long tail has a square tip. An adult's back and wings are blue-gray, and its chest is marked by reddish bars. Females can be nearly twice the weight of a male and are browner on their back. The tail of both sexes has black and gray bands. Sharp-shinned refers to the exposed lower portion (or shin) on this bird's long legs.

"Sharpies are generally found in or near thick stands of trees, especially oaks. They specialize in hunting small songbirds such as sparrows and robins. Sharpies are agile fliers, able to pursue their prey through dense vegetation. They may use trees or even man-made structures to conceal their stealthy approach, then capture their prey after a short chase. They have also adapted to human habits and are often regular visitors at bird feeders, looking for birds not seed.

"Sharpies can be seen throughout the day, often close to the treetops in the morning and soaring higher later on. When they fly, sharpies typically make several quick wingbeats and then glide a short distance. But in spring, both males and females may engage in a territorial display known as 'slow flight.' The birds fly with slow, exaggerated wingbeats while exposing the white underside of their tail. Both sexes may give a 'kik-kik-kik' call during these flights.

"The number of Sharp-shinned Hawks declined following the introduction of DDT in the mid-1940's but rebounded after DDT was banned in 1972. Today large numbers of sharpies can be observed during their fall migration. Over 11,000 were counted on one day in October at Cape May Point, New Jersey. However, we can see sharpies throughout the year."

Attention Parents: Albert Einstein's Birthday

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:00:00 +0000

On Sunday, March 14, the Historical Society of Princeton will host its annual birthday bash celebrating the life of Princeton's famous former resident, Albert Einstein. Children (ages 6 and above) will learn about Einstein's many contributions to science and to the world. They will also listen to his favorite music and examine his treasured possessions. And yes—there will be cake!

The Historical Society will hold two sessions. The first is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The second session is from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The cost is $5 per child; $4 for Historical Society of Princeton members. Space is limited, so registration for the event is recommended. The phone number is 609-921-6748, extension 100. You may also email Jeanette@princetonhistory.org.

Photo by Orren Jack Turner

Pie in the Sky

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:46:00 +0000

The snow hanging from the eaves looked like a giant meringue.

Storm Damage

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:04:00 +0000

Trees on the Loop Road sustained a lot of damage and lost many branches during the last snowstorm. Unfortunately, according to the latest weather reports, more wet snow and strong winds are headed our way. Neighbors, take care.

Squirrel Throwdown

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:47:00 +0000

Bobby Flay and the other Iron Chefs have nothing on these two squirrels, who staged their own throwdown over some sunflower seeds. This video's gone viral, but in case you haven't seen it yet, we didn't want PLNews' squirrel-loving readers to miss out.

Attention Parents: Event at Terhune Orchards

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0000

Terhune Orchards tells us that they will hold another session of Read & Explore Animal Tracks on Tuesday, March 2, at 10:00 am. Anyone who missed this session yesterday due to the inclement weather will have a second chance to participate. Click here for our post with the details about the program.

Winter Rain

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:31:00 +0000

First winter rain—

even the monkey

seems to want a raincoat.

— Matsuo Basho

Translated by Robert Hass

Attention Parents: Event at Terhune Orchards

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:29:00 +0000

On Tuesday, February 23, at 10:00 am, Terhune Orchards will host the second session of their Read & Explore Program. The topic of this session is Animal Tracks. Two storybooks will be read and each child will make a bird feeder to take home.

Read & Explore is Terhune Orchard's winter education series with sessions in January, February and March. The program combines reading stories and doing related craft activities. Parents/guardians and young children (ages preschool to 8 years) are welcome. Each session lasts about one hour and costs $5.00 per participating child, which includes the materials for the activity. Parents should call ahead to reserve a space. The number at the farm is 609-924-2310. Check-in is at the farm store. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Terhune Orchards is located at 330 Cold Soil Road in Princeton.

Winter Water Views

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Tuesday's snowfall gave Princeton another soft, white coat. Serene scenes were all around us, especially along Lake Carnegie and the D&R Canal.

A Winter Landscape

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:35:00 +0000

All night, all day, in dizzy, downward flight,

Fell the wild-whirling, vague, chaotic snow,

Till every landmark of the earth below,

Trees, moorlands, roads, and each familiar sight

Were blotted out by the bewildering white.

And winds, now shrieking loud, now whimpering low,

Seemed lamentations for the world-old woe

That death must swallow life, and darkness light.

But all at once the rack was blown away,

The snowstorm hushing ended in a sigh;

Then like a flame the crescent moon on high

Leaped forth among the planets; pure as they,

Earth vied in whiteness with the MIlky Way:

Herself a star beneath the starry sky.
— Mathilde Blind

Happy Valentine's Day

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:59:00 +0000

Snow Persons

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:33:00 +0000

Morning After The Blizzard

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:31:00 +0000

Blizzard 2010

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:55:00 +0000

Your Moment of Zen . . . and Warmth

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:53:00 +0000

Cherry Pie Sale at Terhune Orchards

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:22:00 +0000

Terhune Orchards is holding its annual cherry pie sale from February 8 through February 24. Take $2.00 off the regular price of their fresh-baked cherry pies — a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day and Presidents' Day.

Store hours at the farm are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Pies are also available on Saturdays at the Trenton Farmers' Market. Terhune Orchards is located at 330 Cold Soil Road in Princeton.

Photo by Peggy Greb, USDA ARS

Here

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:00:00 +0000

Just by being,

I'm here—

in the snowfall.

— Kobayashi Issa

Digging Out

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:31:00 +0000

Nature Guide: Red-tailed Hawk

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:57:00 +0000

We are fortunate to live in an area where several different species of hawks can be seen throughout the year — with even more species here during migration in spring and fall. New Jersey's most common large hawk is the Red-tail, named for the rufous color of the adult's tail. Our Nature Guide Jon Latimer tells us about this year-round resident.

"Red-tailed Hawks, Buteo jamaicensis, are found in open country. They soar slowly in wide circles high overhead or perch on a telephone pole, fence post or tree along the edge of a field or highway. You are likely to see one any time you take a long car ride during daylight. You've probably heard one too. Whenever a hawk or an eagle appears in a movie, the shrill cry on the sound track is almost always a Red-tailed Hawk, no matter what species is being shown.

"Red-tails are large hawks with very broad, rounded wings and a short, wide reddish tail. Adults can grow to over two feet long and have a wingspan of over four feet. Their wingbeats are slow and heavy. They sometimes hover in the wind without flapping their wings at all, keeping their eyes fixed on the ground to catch the movement of a vole or a rabbit. When they spot their prey, they make a slow, controlled dive with their legs outstretched.

"There is some variation in the coloring of Red-tailed Hawks that can make identification difficult. Most have a rich brown back and a pale belly with dark streaks. Their tail is usually pale on the underside and cinnamon-red on top, with thin black bands near the tip. The tail of young birds is brown with light bands. However, 'dark-phase' Red-tailed Hawks are chocolate-brown all over with a warm red tail. 'Rufous-phase' birds are reddish-brown on their chest and have a dark belly. Even at a distance, if you see a flash of red on the tail of a bird of prey, you can be sure that it is a Red-tailed Hawk."

Your Moment of Zen . . . and Warmth

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:47:00 +0000

Jazz at Camillo's Cafe

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:33:00 +0000

Camillo's Cafe is hosting an "Evening of Fun & Romance" tomorrow night at 6:00 pm. There will be live jazz and a menu of grilled specialties. Camillo's Cafe is located at 301 North Harrison Street in Princeton Shopping Center. Call 609-252-0608 for a reservation.

Winter Sunset at Herring Cove

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 04:09:00 +0000

Photo by Patricia Zur

Nature Guide:Red Fox

karen@princetonlandingnews.com (Karen Stray Nolting) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:47:00 +0000

Photo: John Sarvis/USFWS

The Red Fox is a member of the Canidae family, which includes wolves, foxes, jackals, coyotes and the domestic dog. Although the Red Fox is a common and widespread species, it's still exciting to see one while walking in the area. Our Nature Guide Jon Latimer gives us some information.

"A Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) usually has a rusty red back and head, but may be gray, brown or white. Its underbelly is white and its ear tips, legs and feet are black. Its bushy tail has a white tip which distinguishes it from the Gray Fox and the coyote. An adult Red Fox weighs from 7 to 15 pounds and can grow more than two feet in length with an 18-inch tail. A Red Fox has eyes like a cat, with vertically split pupils that are gold or yellow.

"Although Red Foxes are considered carnivores, they are actually very opportunistic eaters. Their most common prey includes mice, squirrels, rabbits and birds, but their diet ranges from insects and bird's eggs to berries, fruits and grasses. Red Foxes sometimes scavenge carrion and are even known to steal pet food from bowls left outside houses. They are nocturnal and usually hunt alone, relying on their acute sense of hearing to locate small animals in thick grass or even underground. They stalk their prey like a cat, sneaking close and then pouncing on it, sometimes jumping high in the air. Red Foxes are known to bury leftover food to save it for later.

"The Red Fox is native to Europe and Asia. It was introduced into the United State by would-be fox hunters in the 17th century and has since become an established resident everywhere except the Southwest. It makes its home in wooded areas, priairies and farmland, but it is also found in suburban and even urban areas.

"Red Foxes mate from January through March. The female, known as a vixen, will dig one or more dens or occupy a den abandoned by a groundhog or other burrowing animal. The extra dens are used if the original one is disturbed. A little less than two months after mating, the vixen gives birth to a litter of between one and ten kits. The male brings the female food while she is caring for the kits. The kits start playing outside the den when they are about a month old. The mother begins feeding her kits regurgitated food, but eventually she will bring them live prey. Kits leave their mother when they are about seven months old."