Contributed by Harriet Hofheinz
Lots of individual sightings this fall. Bill Vander Clute reported seeing a Bald Eagle by the lake’s edge August 14th and may have been the first to spot the all-to-tame Cormorant enjoying the Little Lake as early as Aug. 17th. At that time, Bill was amazed at how close he could get to it before it dove. I would presume (maybe wrongly) it was the same bird that so boldly occupied the big Lake later in August. Often taking up residence on the Wheeler’s raft and not budging when various swimmers arrived. Some thought he (she) was possibly hurt or ill, but I think it was just unafraid of people. David Farley has a photo of it sitting on the bow of someone’s kayak while being paddled. Another immature Bald Eagle and an Osprey were sighted later in August. Thrushes too were in evidence. Ken Smith sighted two Wood thrushes around his house and a number of Hermit thrushes were singing from time to time right up to Labor Day.
On the mammal side, perhaps 4 or 5 moose have been sighted particularly this September and of course, deer, fox and coyote and a bear or two. Fischer cats also have been sighted near the Rubel’s house in their new clearing.
During the summer months, July and August there was some unfortunate delinquent hunting going on in and around the Philbrick, Loring and Lake Roads. Shots could be heard both after dark and during the day. The culprits were after the hind ends of both deer and young moose, skinning them on the spot and casting away the part of the animal they did not want. Some of these incidents were reported to both the Tamworth police Dept. and the Fish and Wildlife Agency, but there wasn’t a coordinated approach to this and nobody was caught. Next summer if such activity continues, there will be a greater attempt to report all gunshots heard and carcasses found.