Poltrack Blog

I attended the Sea Lamprey Appreciation Day at the Amoskeag Fishways in Manchester, NH. It offers the opportunity to handle this fascinating primitive fish. In the video you'll see children wearing gloves, these are being worn to protect the slime on the fish. I was able to feel the suction when I placed my fingers near the mouth parts.  Amoskeag Fishways Close up of Lamprey mouth. Its tongue rasps and eventually penetrates the skin of its host fish. Secretions prevent the blood of the host from coagulating. By I, Drow male , CC BY-SA 3.0 , Link Young lampreys are filter feeders and have no means of digesting blood Impressive looking machine which I guess is used to capture a bucket of fish for stocking streams Fish ladder, note the path to the exhibit hall marked with blue fish icons Topological Sandbox was a big hit Mural at observation deck Fish delivery Up close with a painted turtle Staff member explains how young lampre...

It was a cold raw Memorial Day when I took a short hike around the wildlife pond at Beaver Brook Association in Hollis, NH. Trail Head is located on Route 130 (Proctor Road) in Hollis, NH Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) Ladyslipper (Cypripedium acaule) - our hardy orchid I saw so many of these wonderful flowers on the walk. I didn't have to get my feet wet Along with the lady slipper, I spotted flower buds on a  mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia).  I intend to return when they are fully in bloom. Starflower (Trientalis borealis) It started to mist about half way into my walk, but I think it added to this photo's mood. Beaver Brook is well named, this is one of several beaver lodges. Lots of lily pads and a few yellow flowers. Almost back to the car and the mist is turning to rain. I never noticed this before on previous visits, the remains of a foundation in the woods.   www.poltrack.net

New Ipswich observed Memorial Day on May 21, 2017. The weather was beautiful and the black flies were tolerable. I attended the morning and afternoon ceremonies. Smithville, New Ipswich Once again Peter and Bonny-Jo Aho provided nissu, coffee and lemonadeat their home in Smithville, New Ipswich Carl Toko, the governor of Smithville The Somero brothers Bonny-Jo Scout Leaders The morning parade had a float Lance makes a point Ceremony at South Cemetery in Smithville The National Anthem was sung acappella, Taps Decorating the waters while the Navy Hymn was played  Ollie Niemi has been organizing this observance for 20 years. The Veesers at the New Ipswich Congregational Church Afternoon ceremony at Central Cemetery Boots on the ground Nice to see so many people watching the observance We had a band for the afternoon parade Great place to wa...