Smile for the camera Mr. Kestrel! 📸🐦 This past week, staff from UVLT and @vinsraptors went to Brookmead Conservation Area to inspect the kestrel box for nesting activity and potentially band one of the adults. Luckily one of the adults (a male) was captured and the VINS biologists were able to place a numbered band on the leg of the bird. Banding birds is an important part of studying bird habits as it can help biologists track migratory patterns of the bird as well as keep an eye on overall health. In addition to banding, photos were taken of the kestrel’s coat. Back in the UVLT office, we determined that his name should be Rusty, after his beautiful reddish-brown coat. We hope that Rusty wasn’t too ruffled from the experience! ❗Disclaimer: This bird was handled for the purpose of scientific research under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey and in accordance with all state permitting requirements.❗ #wildlife #birds_nature #nuts_about_birds #kestrel #kestrelfalcon #bird_captures #PlanetBirds #ConservationMatters #VermontWildlife #UVLT #NorwichVT (fb)

Happy #FieldNotesFriday ! 🌱 This week Cassie Bernyk, Stewardship Programs Coordinator, was out at our Brookmead Food Pantry Garden in #NorwichVT harvesting some rhubarb plants after working with volunteers in the garden. We've been able to harvest over 25 pounds of #rhubarb so far this season and donate to our partners over at Willing Hands ! ​With the help of our volunteers at our weekly workdays at the garden, we have planted over 900 🧅 onion sets, full beds of peas, watermelons, and cantaloupes. In the coming weeks we will be getting winter squash, zucchini, broccoli, beans, and potatoes into the ground as well! 🥦🥔 Throughout the summer we will be hosting monthly weekend work days at our gardens as well. Join us for our first weekend volunteer day this Saturday, June 1st at Brookmead! To sign up, visit uvlt.org/events Want the OUTside delivered directly to your INbox?! Sign up for field notes at UVLT.org and never miss out! #UVLT #LandConservation #Community #UpperValleyVTNH #fieldnotesfriday #FoodPantryGarden (fb)