The letter concluded: “I wonder if you could write some columns on these subjects?”
Four subjects were suggested: (1) “The nesting pair of Mississippi kites in Newmarket”; (2) “Peregrine falcons in cities”; (3) “Eagles’ nests on Lake Winnipesaukee”; and (4) “National Wildlife Refuge at Pease.”
Two items, the nesting of Mississippi kites and of peregrine falcons in cities, especially the pair that have regularly nested in Manchester, have been covered in past columns. I have not yet reported on this year’s hatch numbers but will plan to do so in a future column.
Through the courtesy of the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, I learned that the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Newington is one of more than 545 refuges in the National Wildlife system that is administered by them. This network is composed of more than 95 million acres of lands and waters, managed specifically for wildlife.
Established in 1992, the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located along the eastern shore of Great Bay and protects 1,000 acres along the Atlantic seacoast for migratory birds and other wildlife. It is one of the longest stretches of undeveloped shoreline along the bay and contains mud flats, salt and freshwater marshes, swamps, ponds, streams, woodlands and fields. These diverse habitats support many native plants and animals including New Hampshire’s greatest concentration of wintering bald eagles, as well as several state-listed rare and endangered species. In addition to bald eagles, because of its open coastal water and abundant prey, this refuge also plays a significant role as migration and wintering habitat for peregrine falcons. Many state-protected birds, including the common loon, pied-billed grebe, osprey, northern harrier, upland sandpiper, and common tern use the Newington refuge. The Bay area is also known as a major wintering area for black ducks. Wild turkey and white-tailed deer are frequently seen in the undergrowth.
Visitors to the refuge find a variety of recreational opportunities available. The Ferry Way and Peverly Pond pedestrian trails are open daily from dawn to dusk and are excellent walks to observe and photograph wildlife. Winter visitors can also enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
There are some restrictions, however. Motor vehicle and bicycle access is limited to the entrance road and parking lot. Pets are not allowed and don’t bring a trowel with you thinking you might be able to collect plants. That is prohibited along with fishing and disturbing the animals. Interestingly, seasonal deer hunts under state and federal regulations are allowed under certain circumstances. To participate, one should contact the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Newington, NH, C/O Parker River NWR, 6 Plum Island Tpk. Newburyport, MA 01950 for further information.
One of our Manchester readers offered a column suggestion. That letter read: “I have always enjoyed reading your columns. I wish you would reprint the one of the little goat butting you in the rear with Millie around. I don’t remember the details. I think you took it in your home for some reason. I cut it out and showed it every time I went to visit a friend and to the office. This reminiscing story is equally precious. (Reader’s reference to our column ‘Memories Precious in One’s Golden Years,’ Sept. 26, ’09.)
“I am ‘with you’ on these precious stories. I am 90 years old. I have always loved ‘humble’ people BEST.”
As of this writing I have not been able to locate the particular column our reader requested to be reprinted. It had to be sometime after 1966, as the “bunting goat” was really a pet lamb that my late wife Mildred kept after we dispersed our flock of sheep, the laying hens and our herd of purebred Jersey cattle.
I certainly recall that little Hampshire-cross ewe that Mildred bottle fed and raised here in the house until it was ready to add into the flock. The lamb’s name was Jennifer and whenever she was out of her pen followed Mildred’s every step no matter where she went traveling about the farm. As Jennifer grew to adulthood neither of us could part with her so when all our other livestock was gone, we kept her in a ground floor hen pen for the rest of her life.
Jennifer continued her walks with Mildred during the day. Other than nights and weekends I was not around and thus our personal contact lessened. Hopefully, the requested column will be found.
Stacey Cole’s address is 529 W. Swanzey Road, Swanzey 03446.
