Hibernation spans a broad physiological spectrum, from being completely conked out for 10 months underground to rousing occasionally to hunt or even breed in the deep snow of February. Here’s what, wh...

Even with the rollback of federal protections, data still matter, especially at state and local levels. Thanks to VPMon and other research programs, VCE is able to contribute to evidence-based decisio...

VCE bee biologist Spencer Hardy first met Bernie Paquette at the 2019 Jericho-Underhill Christmas Bird Count. Paquette had long since retired from his career at IBM in Essex Junction, but had only rec...

One day, I sent my mom a photo of me holding a freshly banded bird. She texted back: “That’s the face of someone who’s found what they love to do.” I hadn’t realized it until then, but she was right. ...

Stick season is here and bird migration is petering off, but don’t let that get you down. The chickadees are bopping around the feeders, and mammals are getting fat and cozy. There are still even butt...

The new study provides the first comprehensive faunal list and conservation assessment of Vermont’s wild bees.

More than 30,000 researchers and community scientists contributed to this milestone.

In the past, many scientists viewed the data that they collected as something belonging to them, sometimes guarding it zealously out of fear that they would be scooped by another scientist or with a s...

Even with the rollback of federal protections, data still matter, especially at state and local levels. Thanks to VPMon and other research programs, VCE is able to contribute to evidence-based decisio...

How one elusive bird inspired generations of biologists—and helped create Vermont Center for Ecostudies.

Nature is putting on its final, colorful autumn show. Leaves are turning and falling, bees are buzzing around the asters, and mushrooms are putting out their final fruit. Don't blink or you'll miss it...

We're studying how we can track the behavior of these skulky, secretive birds. With luck and persistence, we may be able to piece together how the reproductive burden affects females season-to-season ...

Our Slate-Colored Junco capture numbers are half of what they were last year, although all of our other target species are visiting our nets at roughly the same or higher rates as 2024.

As the weather begins to shift, we turn our attention to migration. From Green Darner Dragonflies to Bicknell's Thrush, learn how VCE scientists are uncovering the mysteries of migrating species' annu...

I watched Mark Pokras, a seasoned veterinarian from Tufts University, pull a jig out of the loon's gizzard. “If you can scrape the top layer, it's probably lead,” he explained.

As a wild bee biologist for VCE, I’ve spent the better part of the last five years studying, counting, and watching native bees, which are often overlooked in favor of their domesticated cousins.

For many, current rules on wakeboats, which create ocean sized waves for wakeboarding, may not go far enough to ease concerns about safe recreation and impacts on aquatic environments. Loons and their...

These are not normal times for science or conservation. And many of you have asked how recent federal actions have affected VCE’s work.

In a soon-to-be-published VCE study, tick spraying was associated with a five to 30% immediate decline for most invertebrate groups, especially less mobile and soft-bodied arthropods, like native cate...

In August, birding efforts are fruitful if you know where to look. Berry-bearing trees and shrubs feed thrushes, waxwings, and bluebirds, while migrating shorebirds pause along gravel bars and mudflat...

Unlike iNaturalist, where photos or audio are required to reach “Research Grade” validation, eBird does not require physical evidence of most sightings. So how do we know that people saw what they say...

In Vermont, researchers have investigated the types of creepy, crawly bugs that their avian predators consume and may have found the answers to keeping them both alive

Summer is the season to discover unsung (and often unseen) wildlife—like the wild bees, moths, and beetles who play vital roles in the ecosystem. Dive into July's field guide to learn more about these...

Gardens packed with blooming flowers are extremely popular. But are these highly curated creations actually helpful – or is it better to allow nature to take its own course?

With nice weather finally (finally?) upon us, many are turning their attention to outdoor adventure. Whether on a hike or in your backyard you may come across these early summer sites—montane birds at...

In late June, the route to the 3,839-foot summit of Plateau Mountain remained closed following a late spring storm that dumped heavy snow and ice,… This content is available in the magazine only. Pl...

Using Species Distribution Models based on observations submitted to the Vermont Atlas of Life by community scientists, in combination with environmental data collected by satellites, can help land st...

The term “No Mow May" seems to imply that helping our pollinators is as simple as that: not mowing. But there are drawbacks.