April On Martha's Vineyard

by Vera Thornton

It’s springtime and we’re all anxious to get out and enjoy the outdoors again. Luckily, the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Martha’s Vineyard has scheduled events every weekend during the month of April that are inexpensive and fun for the entire family. Felix Neck is owned and operated by the Massachusetts Audubon Society and members receive discounted ticket prices. April is a wonderful time to visit Martha’s Vineyard and I hope that you can include a few of these events to make your visit enjoyable and memorable.

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary – April, 2008 Events:

Osprey Festival
Saturday, April 12th - 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This is the 15th annual festival for this bird of prey, also known as the fishhawk - it feeds exclusively on live fish, diving into the water feet first to catch one. Activities include a craft tent, guided walks, live raptors, and more. Did you know that osprey’s mate for life? Which makes them a favorite of mine! Come and celebrate this remarkable bird.

Admission Fee:
Members: $3.00; Non-members: $6:00

Woodcock Wandering
Tuesday, April 15th & Wednesday, April 16th – 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

What a romantic bird – it only mates at sunset! Then it struts around a little, flies into the air about 200 feet, and spirals back down to the ground – all to impress the females. We’ll be watching and hoping to catch one of these impressive performances.

Admission Fee:
Members: Free; Non-members: $5.00

Moonrise Meander
Sunday, April 20th – 7:30 p.m.

Doesn’t this sound wonderful: a guided walk in the moonlight. The full moon will be rising over Sengekontacket Pond as the sun sets over the marsh and fields behind you. Suzan Bellincampi, Sanctuary Director, will be your guide on this brisk early evening walk. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.

Admission:
Members: Free; Non-members: $5.00; Children under 8 are free.

Work for Wildlife-Volunteer Day
Saturday, April 26th – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Felix Neck Garden Party: Help us get our butterfly garden ready for summer; participate in bench building and be on hand for feeding time (12:00 -1:00 p.m.) at Felix Neck. This event is fun for the whole family.
Admission Fee: Free

Salamanders & Sundaes
Sunday, April 27th – 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate spring with an ice cream social and a salamander stroll. We’ll search under rocks, logs, and leaf litter for red backed salamanders and top the walk off by making sundaes.

Admission Fee:
Members: $2.00; Non-members: $4.00; Children under 3 free

Pinkletink Prowls
Wednesday, April 30th – 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Listen to the cacophony of pinks and tinks from the frogs as we take a walk to some of the different ponds at Felix Neck to listen for the male pinkletinks calling for their mates. These tiny little male frogs softly begin their nightly mating calls as they thaw from their winter hibernation. As the temperature continues to warm, they create a symphony of spring that islanders wait for every year.

Admission Fee:
Members: Free; Non-members: $5.00

For More Information, visit: Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

Photo #2: Justen Walker
Photo #3: Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary