News ~ Sightings ~ Information
SIGHTING
April 6, 2018
Signs of spring are popping up all over the sanctuary - literally! The CSVW Gardens have fresh, green growth pushing through the snow reaching for the sun and pussy willows around Teacup Lake have donned their furry catkins. There has been some melting of the ice on Teacup Lake and a rich, healthy mud is the general condition of most other areas. A large family of White-tailed Deer has been moving through the area in search of food.
Spring fun has only just begun - CSVW is the perfect place to watch the season unfold and come alive!
April 6, 2018
- SPRING!
- Vegetation growth
- White-tailed Deer
Signs of spring are popping up all over the sanctuary - literally! The CSVW Gardens have fresh, green growth pushing through the snow reaching for the sun and pussy willows around Teacup Lake have donned their furry catkins. There has been some melting of the ice on Teacup Lake and a rich, healthy mud is the general condition of most other areas. A large family of White-tailed Deer has been moving through the area in search of food.
Spring fun has only just begun - CSVW is the perfect place to watch the season unfold and come alive!
SIGHTING
March 2, 2018
- MOOSE
Rain, shine, snow or mud - there is ALWAYS something happening at CSVW!
NEWS!
WINTER e-NEWSLETTER coming to your inbox soon!
You may already receive our seasonal e-newsletter. If not, let us know at chapmansanctuary@gmail.com
and we will happily add you to our distribution. Keep up to date on the latest news and information about what's happening at the sanctuary.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!
WINTER e-NEWSLETTER coming to your inbox soon!
You may already receive our seasonal e-newsletter. If not, let us know at chapmansanctuary@gmail.com
and we will happily add you to our distribution. Keep up to date on the latest news and information about what's happening at the sanctuary.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!
TRAILS
XC SKI & SNOWSHOE TRAILS ARE GROOMED & GREAT!
CSVW Winter Trails are ready for you with lots of fresh snow. There is plenty of parking in the upper lot with a groomed path leading directly to CSVW trails. Set out right from your car and spend the day XC skiing in a gorgeous snowy forest or snowshoe the River Trail and experience the Cold River in all it's wintry glory!
GET OUTSIDE AT CSVW THIS WINTER!
XC SKI & SNOWSHOE TRAILS ARE GROOMED & GREAT!
CSVW Winter Trails are ready for you with lots of fresh snow. There is plenty of parking in the upper lot with a groomed path leading directly to CSVW trails. Set out right from your car and spend the day XC skiing in a gorgeous snowy forest or snowshoe the River Trail and experience the Cold River in all it's wintry glory!
GET OUTSIDE AT CSVW THIS WINTER!
SIGHTING
January 2018
What a terrific assortment of birds in the CSVW area this winter! A hefty seed & cone crop has attracted some nomadic species to Sandwich, NH and kept some others from traveling too far. Red Crossbills and Pine Siskins have been seen at CSVW taking advantage of the abundance food source this winter. American Goldfinch have stayed and even kept much of their yellow coloring. Juncos are everywhere in huge numbers it is always nice to see their fluffy little bodies in the bushes or on the ground.
Dust off your binoculars and come out to XC ski, snowshoe or trudge around CSVW and see how many of these birds you can spot on the trails, in the field or around Tea Cup Lake!
January 2018
- Red Crossbills
- Pine Siskins
- American Goldfinch
- Juncos, Juncos, Juncos!
What a terrific assortment of birds in the CSVW area this winter! A hefty seed & cone crop has attracted some nomadic species to Sandwich, NH and kept some others from traveling too far. Red Crossbills and Pine Siskins have been seen at CSVW taking advantage of the abundance food source this winter. American Goldfinch have stayed and even kept much of their yellow coloring. Juncos are everywhere in huge numbers it is always nice to see their fluffy little bodies in the bushes or on the ground.
Dust off your binoculars and come out to XC ski, snowshoe or trudge around CSVW and see how many of these birds you can spot on the trails, in the field or around Tea Cup Lake!
TRAILS
CSVW WINTER TRAILS ARE OPEN
Grab your XC skis or snowshoes and hit the trails!
The CSVW trails are gorgeous in winter and just about as peaceful
as it gets. Plenty of space in the new parking area with a path leading directly to the trails so you can ski or snow shoe right from your vehicle!
Have a great day for yourself at CSVW and get outside in the snow!
CSVW WINTER TRAILS ARE OPEN
Grab your XC skis or snowshoes and hit the trails!
The CSVW trails are gorgeous in winter and just about as peaceful
as it gets. Plenty of space in the new parking area with a path leading directly to the trails so you can ski or snow shoe right from your vehicle!
Have a great day for yourself at CSVW and get outside in the snow!
THANK YOU!
We’re kicking off 2018 with a sincere note of gratitude
for your help in reaching our 2017 fundraising goal!
We’re kicking off 2018 with a sincere note of gratitude
for your help in reaching our 2017 fundraising goal!
Your CSVW membership dollars support our daily, year-round efforts to:
- maintain CSVW’s 160 acres of woodland trails, meadows, streams, gardens and the historic Chapman House
- provide ongoing wildlife habitat management and improvement
- offer educational nature programs
Ways to Give
- JOIN US! or renew your CSVW Membership
- Give the Gift of Membership! Download the membership form, write the name & address of the gift recipient & we'll send them a gift announcement on your behalf.
- Make a charitable contribution in any amount
Your support is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law:
Federal Tax ID EIN #04-2210786
Please make your checks payable to: Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods
Our mailing address is: CSVW ~ PO Box 96 ~ Center Sandwich, NH 03227
SIGHTING!
December 26, 2017
After a couple of quiet months, lots of birds are showing up at feeders and in the bushes and trees at CSVW and in the area. Dark-eyed Juncos are present in especially large numbers! You may have seen their tiny tracks on fresh snow or in the area of trees and bushes that offer seeds and berries in winter. Check for evidence of birds and other small animals around a fallen pine cone
which are another great food source.
Which birds you are seeing at your feeders or in your area? We would love to know!
Send us a photo via email or social media!
December 26, 2017
- Juncos
- Gold Finch
- House Finch
- American Robins
- Blue Jays
After a couple of quiet months, lots of birds are showing up at feeders and in the bushes and trees at CSVW and in the area. Dark-eyed Juncos are present in especially large numbers! You may have seen their tiny tracks on fresh snow or in the area of trees and bushes that offer seeds and berries in winter. Check for evidence of birds and other small animals around a fallen pine cone
which are another great food source.
Which birds you are seeing at your feeders or in your area? We would love to know!
Send us a photo via email or social media!
NEWS!
2017 CSVW ANNUAL MEETING
November 11, 2017
The CSVW Annual Meeting was held at the Benz Center in Center Sandwich, NH. Open to CSVW Members and the public, the well-attend event was a productive morning covering exciting news and important topics:
NEW! CSVW Members and guests had the pleasure of meeting our new Caretaker, Matthew Harris.
Matt presented a report of his activity over the last 6 months which included many improvements to the Leonard Boyd Chapman House as well as his work on the trails, gardens, and grounds.
NEW! A CSVW Fundraising Committee was formed and the team is already busy working on some terrific ideas for the holidays and for 2018 !
NEW! River Trail East Loop is now open and has been added to an updated CSVW Trail Map available at the Visitor's Kiosk in the parking area.
MORE INFORMATION ON THE EAST LOOP TRAIL COMING SOON!
CSVW values your input and your ideas! We hope for continued member and community attendance and hope you can join us at the 2018 CSVW Annual Meeting!
2017 CSVW ANNUAL MEETING
November 11, 2017
The CSVW Annual Meeting was held at the Benz Center in Center Sandwich, NH. Open to CSVW Members and the public, the well-attend event was a productive morning covering exciting news and important topics:
- NEW! CSVW's Caretaker introduced
- NEW! CSVW updated Trail Map including the new River Trail East Loop
- NEW! Fundraiser Committee
- Treasurer's Report
- Election of Trustees
- Review of on-going projects
- Other business
NEW! CSVW Members and guests had the pleasure of meeting our new Caretaker, Matthew Harris.
Matt presented a report of his activity over the last 6 months which included many improvements to the Leonard Boyd Chapman House as well as his work on the trails, gardens, and grounds.
NEW! A CSVW Fundraising Committee was formed and the team is already busy working on some terrific ideas for the holidays and for 2018 !
NEW! River Trail East Loop is now open and has been added to an updated CSVW Trail Map available at the Visitor's Kiosk in the parking area.
MORE INFORMATION ON THE EAST LOOP TRAIL COMING SOON!
CSVW values your input and your ideas! We hope for continued member and community attendance and hope you can join us at the 2018 CSVW Annual Meeting!
NEWS!
CSVW ANNUAL MEETING IS NEXT WEEKEND!
NOVEMBER 11, 2017 at 10:00am
See Calendar Page or Home page for details!
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU!
CSVW ANNUAL MEETING IS NEXT WEEKEND!
NOVEMBER 11, 2017 at 10:00am
See Calendar Page or Home page for details!
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU!
SIGHTING!
October 20, 2019
October 20, 2019
- MOOSE!
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No photos of the animals were obtained; but they did leave some nice, clear tracks on the road
DON'T MISS THE GRAND FINALE OF FOLIAGE
Autumn in New Hampshire!
October 19, 2017
CSVW Trails & Teacup Lake in picturesque Sandwich, NH are a perfect day trip! CSVW Trail maps are available at The Visitor's Kiosk in the parking area or can be downloaded: CSVW TRAIL MAP
Autumn in New Hampshire!
October 19, 2017
CSVW Trails & Teacup Lake in picturesque Sandwich, NH are a perfect day trip! CSVW Trail maps are available at The Visitor's Kiosk in the parking area or can be downloaded: CSVW TRAIL MAP
GET HERE THIS WEEKEND!
NEWS!
NEW PARKING AREA AT CSVW
September 20, 2017
So many visitors have come to enjoy the natural beauty of CSVW that in response we are creating a brand new parking area for our guests! With the added parking, CSVW looks forward to hosting individuals, groups and organizations for a day outside in nature whether for recreation, education, or volunteer opportunities.
A new entrance and parking area has been cleared adjacent to the current driveway at the Chapman House. Next steps in the process include obtaining fill to level the parking area; plus the creation of a new path leading to the existing system of trails. The new path is being roughed out now and will be ready for fill at the same time as the parking area. The Visitor’s Sign-in Kiosk will be relocated to the new parking and will continue to provide CSVW Trail Maps and other helpful information. The finished project is expected to be ready for gravel by mid November. As always, Mother Nature will play a role in the estimated
progress and completion dates.
NEW PARKING AREA AT CSVW
September 20, 2017
So many visitors have come to enjoy the natural beauty of CSVW that in response we are creating a brand new parking area for our guests! With the added parking, CSVW looks forward to hosting individuals, groups and organizations for a day outside in nature whether for recreation, education, or volunteer opportunities.
A new entrance and parking area has been cleared adjacent to the current driveway at the Chapman House. Next steps in the process include obtaining fill to level the parking area; plus the creation of a new path leading to the existing system of trails. The new path is being roughed out now and will be ready for fill at the same time as the parking area. The Visitor’s Sign-in Kiosk will be relocated to the new parking and will continue to provide CSVW Trail Maps and other helpful information. The finished project is expected to be ready for gravel by mid November. As always, Mother Nature will play a role in the estimated
progress and completion dates.
CSVW is very excited to offer this new parking area that will allow more room for guests and groups to gather in preparation for a terrific outing and regroup at day’s end to share their
experiences and discoveries ...
experiences and discoveries ...
- Hiking
- Birding
- XC skiing & snowshoeing
- Native plant & wildflower identification
- Teacup Lake & Randy’s Pond
- Forest
- Fields
- Wildlife
SIGHTING!
September 10, 2017
There is plenty of activity on the land and in the water at CSVW! After a day of rain showers, amphibians were out and about the sanctuary on the forest floor and in the grasses along
the edges of Teacup Lake.
These species take advantage of the ample food supply at CSVW in the form of worms and insects; eggs and larvae.
This a great time of the season for amphibian exploration at CSVW!
September 10, 2017
- Newts
- Salamanders
- Frogs
- Toads
There is plenty of activity on the land and in the water at CSVW! After a day of rain showers, amphibians were out and about the sanctuary on the forest floor and in the grasses along
the edges of Teacup Lake.
These species take advantage of the ample food supply at CSVW in the form of worms and insects; eggs and larvae.
This a great time of the season for amphibian exploration at CSVW!
SIGHTING!
September 4, 2017
CSVW was host to several variety of warblers over Labor Day Weekend. These smaller species of birds are often hard to spot but they were in abundance this weekend in the trees, bushes and on the ground. Some birds feasted on the plentiful caterpillars and larvae while others pilfered insects out of spider webs or caught them in flight. Many species of warblers eat the berries that can be found all over the sanctuary and they are flourishing this year!
This is a fun time to birdwatch at CSVW and spot some of the birds that can be elusive in summer!
September 4, 2017
- Magnolia Warbler
- Pine Warbler
- American Red Start
CSVW was host to several variety of warblers over Labor Day Weekend. These smaller species of birds are often hard to spot but they were in abundance this weekend in the trees, bushes and on the ground. Some birds feasted on the plentiful caterpillars and larvae while others pilfered insects out of spider webs or caught them in flight. Many species of warblers eat the berries that can be found all over the sanctuary and they are flourishing this year!
This is a fun time to birdwatch at CSVW and spot some of the birds that can be elusive in summer!
NEWS!
FAREWELL TO MIGRATORS
August 28, 2017
When the summer days start getting just a little shorter and foliage starts to wilt and lose the vigor and vibrancy of June & July, it is already time for some of our feathered friends to turn towards the next season. Some birds have already started their migration to tropical climates in Central and South America.
Some will only travel a relatively short distance from where they are right now.
CSVW is very fortunate to have had the opportunity to not only observe but to help provide food & habitat for a great variety of beautiful migrators this year!
Visit our Wildlife Habitat Management page for more bird & wildlife sightings; and for ways to be involved in nature along with CSVW visit our Connect with CSVW page!
FAREWELL TO MIGRATORS
August 28, 2017
When the summer days start getting just a little shorter and foliage starts to wilt and lose the vigor and vibrancy of June & July, it is already time for some of our feathered friends to turn towards the next season. Some birds have already started their migration to tropical climates in Central and South America.
Some will only travel a relatively short distance from where they are right now.
CSVW is very fortunate to have had the opportunity to not only observe but to help provide food & habitat for a great variety of beautiful migrators this year!
Visit our Wildlife Habitat Management page for more bird & wildlife sightings; and for ways to be involved in nature along with CSVW visit our Connect with CSVW page!
SIGHTING!
August 5, 2017
The Common Yellowthroat can be tricky to spot! A small warbler that nests and mostly stays hidden in the cattails and bushes on the water's edge, they will sometimes fly out to catch insects. Watch for a little movement in the foliage and you just might see this little bird hoping from perch to perch - unless he spots you first and disappears into the lower dense brush!
Try your luck at birdwatching and identification this weekend at CSVW and let us know which birds or other wildlife you encountered!
August 5, 2017
- Common Yellowthroat
- Juvenile Yellow-throated Warbler
- American Gold Finch
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak
- Yellow-bellied Sap Sucker
- Gray Catbird
The Common Yellowthroat can be tricky to spot! A small warbler that nests and mostly stays hidden in the cattails and bushes on the water's edge, they will sometimes fly out to catch insects. Watch for a little movement in the foliage and you just might see this little bird hoping from perch to perch - unless he spots you first and disappears into the lower dense brush!
Try your luck at birdwatching and identification this weekend at CSVW and let us know which birds or other wildlife you encountered!
SIGHTING!
July 30, 2017
A Great Blue Heron spent a warm, sunny day camouflaged in the tall grasses and reeds along the shores of Teacup Lake. Great Blue Herons will eat fish, frogs, snakes, and even smaller mammals which makes ponds and lakes a great food source option.
Plenty of summer left! Come spend a day at CSVW on the trails, in the fields and at Teacup Lake!
July 30, 2017
- Great Blue Heron
- Female Wood Duck
- Juvenile Merganser
- Painted Lady & Great Spangled Fritillary Butterflies
- Broad-winged Hawk
- Wild Cherry
- Lillies, Cone Flowers, Blazing Star and Daisies
A Great Blue Heron spent a warm, sunny day camouflaged in the tall grasses and reeds along the shores of Teacup Lake. Great Blue Herons will eat fish, frogs, snakes, and even smaller mammals which makes ponds and lakes a great food source option.
Plenty of summer left! Come spend a day at CSVW on the trails, in the fields and at Teacup Lake!
SIGHTING!
July 23, 2017
Lush vegetation, a fresh round of newly blooming flowers and berries in abundance are all indicators that summer is in full swing at CSVW! Berries of every size, shape and color are providing a great food source for the CSVW birds and other wildlife. Hummingbird Moths have been zipping around in the new blooms of the Perennial Gardens! A unique and interesting creature to observe - you might see one on your next trip to the sanctuary.
Get outside and enjoy a summer day at Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods!
July 23, 2017
- Hummingbird Moth
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Song Sparrow
- Common Yellowthroat
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Gray Catbird
- Frogs and Toads
Lush vegetation, a fresh round of newly blooming flowers and berries in abundance are all indicators that summer is in full swing at CSVW! Berries of every size, shape and color are providing a great food source for the CSVW birds and other wildlife. Hummingbird Moths have been zipping around in the new blooms of the Perennial Gardens! A unique and interesting creature to observe - you might see one on your next trip to the sanctuary.
Get outside and enjoy a summer day at Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods!
NEWS!
HONEY BEE PRESENTATION WAS OUTSTANDING
Sunday July 16, 2017
The Benz Center was buzzing and a huge THANK YOU! goes to Athena Contus of the Wonalancet Honey Bee Co.! Athena gave an excellent presentation to a great crowd eager to learn all about one of Earth's most important pollinators.
This was a highly informative and interactive experience! Audience members learned about this essential species and their biology, which garden plants will attract them, beekeeping techniques and lots more.
CSVW was happy to have sponsored this great event and offer it FREE to the public!
HONEY BEE PRESENTATION WAS OUTSTANDING
Sunday July 16, 2017
The Benz Center was buzzing and a huge THANK YOU! goes to Athena Contus of the Wonalancet Honey Bee Co.! Athena gave an excellent presentation to a great crowd eager to learn all about one of Earth's most important pollinators.
This was a highly informative and interactive experience! Audience members learned about this essential species and their biology, which garden plants will attract them, beekeeping techniques and lots more.
CSVW was happy to have sponsored this great event and offer it FREE to the public!
SIGHTING!
June 17, 2017
Hungry dragonflies are out in force in New Hampshire! These colorful creatures can be found in fields and meadows, around lakes and rivers, on the ground and in the air. Dragonflies are predators who feed mostly on other flying insects and do many of us a great service by gobbling up mosquitos and horseflies! With so many sizes, shapes and colors dragonflies are endlessly fascinating.
Be sure to notice the variety of dragonflies on your next trip to CSVW!
June 17, 2017
- Dragonflies
- Red-winged Blackbird
- Broad-winged Hawk
- Song Sparrow
Hungry dragonflies are out in force in New Hampshire! These colorful creatures can be found in fields and meadows, around lakes and rivers, on the ground and in the air. Dragonflies are predators who feed mostly on other flying insects and do many of us a great service by gobbling up mosquitos and horseflies! With so many sizes, shapes and colors dragonflies are endlessly fascinating.
Be sure to notice the variety of dragonflies on your next trip to CSVW!
CSVW is home to a variety
of beautiful Woodpeckers!
The Hairy Woodpecker survives by eating insects, wood-boring bugs, caterpillars, nuts, berries and fruits. Although it is more elusive than it's abundant look-a-like, the Downy, this Hairy Woodpecker is thriving and taking advantage of the food offered at CSVW feeders and the surrounding forest.
Some of the other woodpeckers you might see at CSVW include:
Bring your binoculars to CSVW and make some wild bird discoveries!
of beautiful Woodpeckers!
The Hairy Woodpecker survives by eating insects, wood-boring bugs, caterpillars, nuts, berries and fruits. Although it is more elusive than it's abundant look-a-like, the Downy, this Hairy Woodpecker is thriving and taking advantage of the food offered at CSVW feeders and the surrounding forest.
Some of the other woodpeckers you might see at CSVW include:
- Downy
- Yellow-bellied Sap Sucker
- Red-headed
- Red-bellied
- Three-toed
- Pileated
Bring your binoculars to CSVW and make some wild bird discoveries!
SIGHTING!
June 10, 2017
A nesting pair of Tree Swallows was very busy catching insects for their young. Although they often skim the surface of Teacup Lake for insects, there was ample supply of food buzzing all around and they never needed to fly too far from their nest box.
Baby birds at this time of year are beginning to emerge and take their first steps out of the nest!
The Phoebe babies under the Chapman House eaves were out of the nest and holding on to an old house chord for dear life. Soon they will gather up their courage and fly! The youngsters will follow their mother out into the nearby trees where they will learn to find food and fend for themselves.
More flowers blooming means more pollinators! Swallowtails and other butterflies are fluttering all around the gardens and water's edge adding beauty wherever they fly.
Come experience these magnificent spectacles of life happening all around CSVW!
June 10, 2017
- Tree Swallows
- Eastern Phoebe Nestlings
- Butterflies
- Blooms
A nesting pair of Tree Swallows was very busy catching insects for their young. Although they often skim the surface of Teacup Lake for insects, there was ample supply of food buzzing all around and they never needed to fly too far from their nest box.
Baby birds at this time of year are beginning to emerge and take their first steps out of the nest!
The Phoebe babies under the Chapman House eaves were out of the nest and holding on to an old house chord for dear life. Soon they will gather up their courage and fly! The youngsters will follow their mother out into the nearby trees where they will learn to find food and fend for themselves.
More flowers blooming means more pollinators! Swallowtails and other butterflies are fluttering all around the gardens and water's edge adding beauty wherever they fly.
Come experience these magnificent spectacles of life happening all around CSVW!
NEWS!
May 27, 2017
The 2017 CSVW BIRD WALK was a terrific day in nature
learning from an expert birder!
This event, led by Christine Costello of USFS started off with a very special sighting of a Scarlet Tanager in the trees right behind the Chapman House! Through the forest & fields participants learned to identify dozens of bird species by their songs and calls. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak’s musical song was loud and clear. Other species required a more skillful ear and Christine Costello was able to identify Blackburnian Warblers from high in the tree tops and the Ovenbird from the lower to the ground. Another nice treat was to hear a Wood Thrush off in the forest.
The USFS expert was impressed with the Wildlife Habitat Improvements CSVW has made throughout it’s forest and trails commenting on the importance of this effort and it’s apparent success so far. CSVW has worked to clear some wider open spaces which allows larger species to come in to those areas as well as smaller animals who take refuge in brush piles left after clearing. A Hermit Thrush was spotted who had done just that and was happily hopping around it’s under-brush nest site. Part of CSVW's Wildlife Habitat Improvement included planting fruit-bearing trees and bushes last year and these were observed thriving after the long winter.
Other notables from the day were the beautiful wildflowers along the trails (including a Jack-in-the-Pulpit!), bright orange Efts scurrying under fallen leaves and a swallow nesting in a bird box in the field. Dozens of birds offered up their song while mostly staying out of sight in their habitat - photos from the day are on the Calendar Events page. Many thanks to Christine Costello of USFS who made the day an extraordinary experience on the CSVW Trails!
Along with CSVW “regulars” some of the many birds encountered included:
We hope you will join us next year for this CSVW birding event!
May 27, 2017
The 2017 CSVW BIRD WALK was a terrific day in nature
learning from an expert birder!
This event, led by Christine Costello of USFS started off with a very special sighting of a Scarlet Tanager in the trees right behind the Chapman House! Through the forest & fields participants learned to identify dozens of bird species by their songs and calls. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak’s musical song was loud and clear. Other species required a more skillful ear and Christine Costello was able to identify Blackburnian Warblers from high in the tree tops and the Ovenbird from the lower to the ground. Another nice treat was to hear a Wood Thrush off in the forest.
The USFS expert was impressed with the Wildlife Habitat Improvements CSVW has made throughout it’s forest and trails commenting on the importance of this effort and it’s apparent success so far. CSVW has worked to clear some wider open spaces which allows larger species to come in to those areas as well as smaller animals who take refuge in brush piles left after clearing. A Hermit Thrush was spotted who had done just that and was happily hopping around it’s under-brush nest site. Part of CSVW's Wildlife Habitat Improvement included planting fruit-bearing trees and bushes last year and these were observed thriving after the long winter.
Other notables from the day were the beautiful wildflowers along the trails (including a Jack-in-the-Pulpit!), bright orange Efts scurrying under fallen leaves and a swallow nesting in a bird box in the field. Dozens of birds offered up their song while mostly staying out of sight in their habitat - photos from the day are on the Calendar Events page. Many thanks to Christine Costello of USFS who made the day an extraordinary experience on the CSVW Trails!
Along with CSVW “regulars” some of the many birds encountered included:
- Scarlet Tanager
- Wood Thrush
- Hermit Thrush
- Ovenbird
- Brown Creeper
- Alder Flycatcher
- Least Flycatcher
- Blue-headed Vireo
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Blackburnian Warbler
- Pine Warbler
- Chestnut-sided Warbler
- Black-throated Blue Warbler
- Black-throated Green Warbler
- Tree Swallows
- White-throated Sparrow
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak
We hope you will join us next year for this CSVW birding event!
SIGHTING!
May 20, 2017
A Solitary Sandpiper stopped by Teacup Lake and picked around in the water near the resident muskrat's mound looking for things to eat. Most species of sandpiper migrate in flocks but this bird, if it is seen at all, is usually alone. Another distinction of the Solitary Sandpiper is that it takes advantage of unoccupied song bird's nests in trees instead of building a nest on the ground.
CSVW has enjoyed some very interesting wildlife this spring!
May 20, 2017
- Solitary Sandpiper
- Chestnut-sided Sparrow
- Common Yellowthroat
- Green Frogs
- Water Snake
A Solitary Sandpiper stopped by Teacup Lake and picked around in the water near the resident muskrat's mound looking for things to eat. Most species of sandpiper migrate in flocks but this bird, if it is seen at all, is usually alone. Another distinction of the Solitary Sandpiper is that it takes advantage of unoccupied song bird's nests in trees instead of building a nest on the ground.
CSVW has enjoyed some very interesting wildlife this spring!
SIGHTING!
May 19, 2017
CSVW has been absolutely ALIVE with spring migrators as well as "old faithfuls". Whether at the feeders, on the trails or on the water there is so much happening in nature! Photos on Wild Life Habitat page do not even begin to show the variety of birds and wildlife that call CSVW home.
Grab your binoculars or camera and join us at CSVW soon!
May 19, 2017
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak
- American Robin
- Myrtle Warbler (Yellow-rumped Warbler)
- Chipping Sparrow
- Eastern King Bird
- Painted Turtles
CSVW has been absolutely ALIVE with spring migrators as well as "old faithfuls". Whether at the feeders, on the trails or on the water there is so much happening in nature! Photos on Wild Life Habitat page do not even begin to show the variety of birds and wildlife that call CSVW home.
Grab your binoculars or camera and join us at CSVW soon!
SIGHTING!
May 13, 2017
HUMMINGBIRDS ARE BACK! Several Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were spotted in the gardens around the Chapman House and Teacup Lake enjoying the new blooms. Meanwhile, there was a great variety of birds at the feeders and in the grasses, trees and bushes around Teacup Lake. A pair of Tree Swallows skimmed the surface of the water snatching up bugs while a large turtle poked it's head up from underneath
to get a look too!
There is always something remarkable to see in nature! Be outside at CSVW this weekend!
May 13, 2017
- Hummingbirds
- Tree Swallows
- Goldfinch
- House Finch
- Purple Finch
- Turtle
HUMMINGBIRDS ARE BACK! Several Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were spotted in the gardens around the Chapman House and Teacup Lake enjoying the new blooms. Meanwhile, there was a great variety of birds at the feeders and in the grasses, trees and bushes around Teacup Lake. A pair of Tree Swallows skimmed the surface of the water snatching up bugs while a large turtle poked it's head up from underneath
to get a look too!
There is always something remarkable to see in nature! Be outside at CSVW this weekend!
SIGHTING!
May 5 - 7, 2017
A busy muskrat spent the late day hours swimming
back and forth from it's nest to a grassy area of Teacup Lake diving for vegetation and building materials. Earlier in the day a male/female pair of Hooded Mergansers were on the water together while a pair of Mallards flew over headed for parts unknown. You have probably been hearing the Eastern Phoebe lately with it's distinctive song. There have been several spotted all around CSVW.
Don't let the rain stop you from visiting CSVW !
Some wildlife species are more active and visible on the gray days!
May 5 - 7, 2017
- Muskrat
- Mallards
- Hooded Mergansers
- Eastern Phoebe
A busy muskrat spent the late day hours swimming
back and forth from it's nest to a grassy area of Teacup Lake diving for vegetation and building materials. Earlier in the day a male/female pair of Hooded Mergansers were on the water together while a pair of Mallards flew over headed for parts unknown. You have probably been hearing the Eastern Phoebe lately with it's distinctive song. There have been several spotted all around CSVW.
Don't let the rain stop you from visiting CSVW !
Some wildlife species are more active and visible on the gray days!
SIGHTING!
April 24 - 26, 2017
CSVW has sprung to life with all sorts of plants and animals! Leaves are opening on the trees, Day Lilies are in bloom and grasses are starting to green. Waterfowl have been at Teacup Lake daily and at night the Spring Peepers can be heard loud and clear! The boggy edges of the lake have been teaming with Eastern Newts beginning to mate and deposit their eggs. A pair of Canada Geese spent a day staying close to each other with the male displaying very protective behavior . A female Common Merganser had Teacup Lake all to herself on an overcast day and she paddled leisurely close to shore and then torpedoed under the water for food.
The CSVW wildlife has been very active - don't miss witnessing the most beautiful and natural earthly rituals of spring! Visit CSVW Trails and Teacup Lake soon!
April 24 - 26, 2017
- Canada Goose pair
- Eastern Newts
- Female Common Merganser
- Spring Peepers
CSVW has sprung to life with all sorts of plants and animals! Leaves are opening on the trees, Day Lilies are in bloom and grasses are starting to green. Waterfowl have been at Teacup Lake daily and at night the Spring Peepers can be heard loud and clear! The boggy edges of the lake have been teaming with Eastern Newts beginning to mate and deposit their eggs. A pair of Canada Geese spent a day staying close to each other with the male displaying very protective behavior . A female Common Merganser had Teacup Lake all to herself on an overcast day and she paddled leisurely close to shore and then torpedoed under the water for food.
The CSVW wildlife has been very active - don't miss witnessing the most beautiful and natural earthly rituals of spring! Visit CSVW Trails and Teacup Lake soon!
SIGHTING!
April 22, 2017
There were 2 pairs of Hooded Mergansers on Teacup Lake for the majority of the day and evening over the weekend. Hooded Mergansers are a small species of cavity-nesting duck who form monogamous pairs. Common on ponds and streams, they dive underwater for fish and other prey.
Spring is a such an active, busy time for birds and other wildlife and CSVW is a beautiful place to explore and enjoy nature! Visit the trails and Teacup Lake this spring!
April 22, 2017
- 2 pairs of Hooded Mergansers
There were 2 pairs of Hooded Mergansers on Teacup Lake for the majority of the day and evening over the weekend. Hooded Mergansers are a small species of cavity-nesting duck who form monogamous pairs. Common on ponds and streams, they dive underwater for fish and other prey.
Spring is a such an active, busy time for birds and other wildlife and CSVW is a beautiful place to explore and enjoy nature! Visit the trails and Teacup Lake this spring!
SIGHTING!
April 9, 2017
It just took a little warmth and sunshine to bring out the birds and there were plenty at CSVW this weekend!
This Yellow-bellied Sap Sucker has drilled neat rows of holes into a birch tree and will feed on the sap that flows out as well as any insects that become stuck in the sap. This male (red throat) also had wells
drilled into neighboring trees.
Put a trip to CSVW on your "to do" list this spring!
There is something new to see every day at this time of year!
April 9, 2017
- Yellow-bellied Sap Sucker
It just took a little warmth and sunshine to bring out the birds and there were plenty at CSVW this weekend!
This Yellow-bellied Sap Sucker has drilled neat rows of holes into a birch tree and will feed on the sap that flows out as well as any insects that become stuck in the sap. This male (red throat) also had wells
drilled into neighboring trees.
Put a trip to CSVW on your "to do" list this spring!
There is something new to see every day at this time of year!
NEWS!
Spring 2017
IT JUST GOT A LOT EASIER to JOIN US!
CSVW is happy to offer a PayPal option to it's Membership Page. Now with just a few clicks
you can enjoy a CSVW Membership at a level that works for you!
Check it out! We hope you will support the birds and wildlife at CSVW while you have fantastic experiences on the forest trails and around Teacup Lake & the Cold River.
A day at CSVW is beautiful, natural fun!
Spring 2017
IT JUST GOT A LOT EASIER to JOIN US!
CSVW is happy to offer a PayPal option to it's Membership Page. Now with just a few clicks
you can enjoy a CSVW Membership at a level that works for you!
Check it out! We hope you will support the birds and wildlife at CSVW while you have fantastic experiences on the forest trails and around Teacup Lake & the Cold River.
A day at CSVW is beautiful, natural fun!
Welcome Resident Caretaker
Matthew Harris
Join us in welcoming Matt Harris as Resident Caretaker for CSVW. Matt and his significant other, Shayna Purdy, reside in the Chapman house. Matt's a Plymouth State University graduate with
a B.S. in Business Administration.
He's an avid year-round outdoors-man and nature lover. If he looks familiar to you,
it's because he's worked at Booty Farm in Sandwich, as well as Huckins Farm in North Hampton. Matt enjoys designing and making furniture from re-purposed wood and is the owner of Recycled Roots LLC.
Shayna graduated from UNH with a B.S. in Zoology, minoring in Animal Behavior. She works at Meadow Pond Animal Hospital and volunteers at two wildlife and science centers.
Matt and Shayna are nature enthusiasts who enjoy hiking NH's mountains and exploring woodland trails.
Spring is a great time to come and enjoy the natural beauty of the Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods trails, woodlands, meadows, and gardens. Visit the Calendar of Events page for dates and times of upcoming CSVW nature and wildlife programs.
WELCOME SPRING TIME!
It may be coming at a slug’s pace but SPRING IS HERE!
If you haven’t already, you will soon start to see the return of bird species who flew the coop in winter. Some of the birds you may be seeing now include the American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Phoebe and some waterfowl. Soon to follow will be warblers, other tropical migrators and hummingbirds.
Bears will be emerging from their dens - some might have new cubs! Skunks and other mammals that hunkered down for winter are beginning to stir. Wildlife will count on warmer weather to bring to life new vegetation and insects to eat. With so much melting snow this year, Teacup Lake and the Cold River should be an abundant water source for mammals, amphibians and plant life.
CSVW is looking forward to seeing ALL the birds and beasts and flora AND FOLKS this spring!
Start making your plans now to come visit Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods to experience the excitement of spring in the forest, gardens and Teacup Lake!
It may be coming at a slug’s pace but SPRING IS HERE!
If you haven’t already, you will soon start to see the return of bird species who flew the coop in winter. Some of the birds you may be seeing now include the American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Phoebe and some waterfowl. Soon to follow will be warblers, other tropical migrators and hummingbirds.
Bears will be emerging from their dens - some might have new cubs! Skunks and other mammals that hunkered down for winter are beginning to stir. Wildlife will count on warmer weather to bring to life new vegetation and insects to eat. With so much melting snow this year, Teacup Lake and the Cold River should be an abundant water source for mammals, amphibians and plant life.
CSVW is looking forward to seeing ALL the birds and beasts and flora AND FOLKS this spring!
Start making your plans now to come visit Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods to experience the excitement of spring in the forest, gardens and Teacup Lake!
CSVW IS EVERYWHERE THAT YOU LIKE TO BE!
Now you can keep up with what is new and happening at CSVW
where ever you are !
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook
Join us on Instagram
Email us your photos & comments
JUST CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW!
where ever you are !
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook
Join us on Instagram
Email us your photos & comments
JUST CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW!
THANK YOU!
A BIG THANK YOU TO CSVW TRAIL VOLUNTEERS!
February 2017
CSVW would like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU! to the many volunteers who recently answered the call for help grooming the trails! The CSVW Trails are absolutely beautiful and the perfect place to spend a day this winter!
Freshly painted trail blazes lead the way to stunning natural scenery that offers hours of fun in the great outdoors!
Visit us during School Vacation Week!
PLEASE sign in at the kiosk and leave us your comments!
A BIG THANK YOU TO CSVW TRAIL VOLUNTEERS!
February 2017
CSVW would like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU! to the many volunteers who recently answered the call for help grooming the trails! The CSVW Trails are absolutely beautiful and the perfect place to spend a day this winter!
Freshly painted trail blazes lead the way to stunning natural scenery that offers hours of fun in the great outdoors!
Visit us during School Vacation Week!
PLEASE sign in at the kiosk and leave us your comments!
NEWS!
THE GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT IS THIS WEEKEND!
February 17-20, 2017
This is a great winter activity that is fun for all ages! A terrific learning opportunity that is beneficial to the birds!
THE GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT IS THIS WEEKEND!
February 17-20, 2017
This is a great winter activity that is fun for all ages! A terrific learning opportunity that is beneficial to the birds!
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FROM the GBBC WEBSITE ….
"Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count was the first online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real-time.
Now, more than 160,000 people of all ages and walks of life worldwide join the four-day count each February to create an annual snapshot of the distribution and abundance of birds.
Why count birds?
Scientists and bird enthusiasts can learn a lot by knowing where the birds are. Bird populations are dynamic; they are constantly in flux. No single scientist or team of scientists could hope to document and understand the complex distribution and movements of so many species in such a short time."
For more information about the Great Backyard Bird Count go to:
http://gbbc.birdcount.org/about/
To get started go to:
http://gbbc.birdcount.org/get-started/
"Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count was the first online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real-time.
Now, more than 160,000 people of all ages and walks of life worldwide join the four-day count each February to create an annual snapshot of the distribution and abundance of birds.
Why count birds?
Scientists and bird enthusiasts can learn a lot by knowing where the birds are. Bird populations are dynamic; they are constantly in flux. No single scientist or team of scientists could hope to document and understand the complex distribution and movements of so many species in such a short time."
For more information about the Great Backyard Bird Count go to:
http://gbbc.birdcount.org/about/
To get started go to:
http://gbbc.birdcount.org/get-started/
NEWS!
February 4, 2017
CSVW Trails have been broken open by snowmobile and debris removed! (exception: Tappen & River Trails) Trails will be packed and groomed as soon as mother nature delivers more snow. Today there is about 1” of snow on a hard surface making skiing conditions fast but not a very soft landing if one falls . There are plenty of animal tracks to investigate and it is a beautiful day!
Great day to be outside at CSVW!
TRACKS ON THE TRAILS IN THE WINTER WONDERLAND AT CSVW!
Searching for animal tracks on the CSVW Trails is a FUN way to investigate what kinds of animals are active during the winter! Look for identifying track features such as:
- track patterns
- track size
- position of front and hind feet
- distance between prints
- location of tracks
Come see what animal tracks you can find! It is great exercise and an excellent opportunity to learn lessons about the wildlife activity visible in the snow!
Did you know that when deer walk they leave tracks that make them appear to be a 2-legged animal? In the deep snow this energy-conserving method of walking involves stepping the hind foot into the track already made by the front foot.
While deer are considered “Walkers", squirrels and hares are considered “Gallopers” or “Hoppers”. In this case the hind-foot prints are actually the forward and larger prints in the track with the smaller front feet slightly behind those. If you find tracks that are running from tree to tree, you can be pretty sure they are that of a red or grey squirrel.
You might also find footprints of fox, coyote and moose on the CSVW Trails. Maybe even a bobcat! All of these wildlife creatures live in the area of the Chapman Sanctuary and are active in the winter.
Come on XC-skis or snowshoes or come on foot! Be observant and you will find many kinds of animal tracks as you enjoy the CSVW Winter Trails!
Please sign in at the Kiosk!
Leave your comments and observations for us. We’d love to know what you saw on the CSVW Trails!
Visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages (links top of page).
Did you know that when deer walk they leave tracks that make them appear to be a 2-legged animal? In the deep snow this energy-conserving method of walking involves stepping the hind foot into the track already made by the front foot.
While deer are considered “Walkers", squirrels and hares are considered “Gallopers” or “Hoppers”. In this case the hind-foot prints are actually the forward and larger prints in the track with the smaller front feet slightly behind those. If you find tracks that are running from tree to tree, you can be pretty sure they are that of a red or grey squirrel.
You might also find footprints of fox, coyote and moose on the CSVW Trails. Maybe even a bobcat! All of these wildlife creatures live in the area of the Chapman Sanctuary and are active in the winter.
Come on XC-skis or snowshoes or come on foot! Be observant and you will find many kinds of animal tracks as you enjoy the CSVW Winter Trails!
Please sign in at the Kiosk!
Leave your comments and observations for us. We’d love to know what you saw on the CSVW Trails!
Visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages (links top of page).
NEWS!
The 22nd Annual Sandwich Christmas Bird Count Results are IN!
January 2, 2017
The 22nd Annual Sandwich Christmas Bird Count Results are IN!
January 2, 2017
The 22-year old Sandwich, New Hampshire Annual Christmas Bird Count was started by Margaret and Jim Vernon of North Sandwich. Tony Vozzano has compiled the tallies and information for nearly 15 years now.
On January 2, 2017 the weather was ideal for the annual count with seasonable temperatures, sunshine and light wind. The total of 43 species of birds is close to Sandwich, NH's long-term average as is the 2737 number of individual birds. With hardly any open water at the time of the count, it is not surprising that waterfowl numbers were down considerably from the past couple of counts.
New count highs were established for:
Other Hightlights:
There were no shrike counted for the second straight year and only 1 Purple Finch, 2 Red Crossbills,
5 Common Redpolls, and 1 Pine Siskin were seen. The 6 Barred Owls ties the record from 11 years back.
Bald Eagle-3; Belted Kingfisher-1 (4th consecutive year); Pine Grosbeak-8
THANK YOU!! to Tony Vozzano who compiled these counts and THANK YOU!! to the
Sandwich, NH residents who participated!
These Sandwich, NH numbers will be added to Audubon's Society's Annual BIrd Count.
On January 2, 2017 the weather was ideal for the annual count with seasonable temperatures, sunshine and light wind. The total of 43 species of birds is close to Sandwich, NH's long-term average as is the 2737 number of individual birds. With hardly any open water at the time of the count, it is not surprising that waterfowl numbers were down considerably from the past couple of counts.
New count highs were established for:
- Wild Turkey - 190,
- Red-bellied Woodpecker - 6
- Tufted Titmouse - 118,
- Bohemian Waxwing - 178
- Snow Bunting – 78.
Other Hightlights:
There were no shrike counted for the second straight year and only 1 Purple Finch, 2 Red Crossbills,
5 Common Redpolls, and 1 Pine Siskin were seen. The 6 Barred Owls ties the record from 11 years back.
Bald Eagle-3; Belted Kingfisher-1 (4th consecutive year); Pine Grosbeak-8
THANK YOU!! to Tony Vozzano who compiled these counts and THANK YOU!! to the
Sandwich, NH residents who participated!
These Sandwich, NH numbers will be added to Audubon's Society's Annual BIrd Count.
22nd ANNUAL SANDWICH CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
(with 21-year average in parentheses)
|
House Sparrow 28 (28)
Pileated Woodpecker 13 (8) Belted Kingfisher 1 Blue Jay 454 (222) American Crow 50 (71) Common Raven 13 (17) Black-Capped Chickadee 761 (822) Tufted Titmouse 118 (61) Red-breasted Nuthatch 25 (56) White-breasted Nuthatch 118 (112) Brown Creeper 8 (12) Golden-cr Kinglet 4 (14) Eastern Bluebird 5 (4) American Robin 77 (59) European Starling 36 (95) Cedar Waxwing 163 (47) Bohemian Waxwing 178 (22, irruptive) American Tree Sparrow 29 (22) Snow Bunting 14 (7) Dark-eyed Junco 40 (109) Northern Cardinal 37 (14) |
American Goldfinch 84 (388)
American Black Duck 4 (13) Mallard 1 (36) Hooded Merganser 3 (6) Common Merganser 8 (45) Wild Turkey 190 (64) Ruffed Grouse 1 (6) Bald Eagle 3 (1) Red-tailed Hawk 1 (1) Ring-billed Gull 2 (1) Herring Gull 1 (1) Rock Pigeon 25 (20) Mourning Dove 112(150) Barred Owl 6 (3) Red-bellied Woodpckr 6 (1) Downy Woodpecker 46 (48) Hairy Woodpecker 57 (48) Pine Grosbeak 8 (8) Purple Finch 1 (8) Red Crossbill 2 (2) Common Redpoll 5 (118, irruptive) Pine Siskin 1 (67) |
Totals: 43 species (43): 2737 individuals (2893)
Count Week birds: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Northern Flicker, White-throated Sparrow
Count Week birds: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Northern Flicker, White-throated Sparrow
SIGHTING!
January 4, 2017
Who left this nest?
Looking at the materials used, it's open-cup shape and it's location in the forks of a tree branch about 6 feet off
the ground - a good guess might be that this nest was once used by one of the many warblers who came to CSVW over the summer! Did it belong to the
Black-throated Green Warbler who is now basking in the southern tropical sunshine?
CSVW WINTER TRAILS are a wonderful place to get outside, explore and make discoveries!
January 4, 2017
- Abandoned Nest
Who left this nest?
Looking at the materials used, it's open-cup shape and it's location in the forks of a tree branch about 6 feet off
the ground - a good guess might be that this nest was once used by one of the many warblers who came to CSVW over the summer! Did it belong to the
Black-throated Green Warbler who is now basking in the southern tropical sunshine?
CSVW WINTER TRAILS are a wonderful place to get outside, explore and make discoveries!
NEWS!
November 12, 2016
CS/VW Annual Meeting
The CSVW Annual Meeting was well attended at the Benz Center. The following agenda items were addressed:
November 12, 2016
CS/VW Annual Meeting
The CSVW Annual Meeting was well attended at the Benz Center. The following agenda items were addressed:
- Treasurers Report
- Election of Trustees
- Review of on-going projects
- Approval of Actions take by Officers and Trustees
- Any other business
