Over the last several nights you could hear the trees cracking and popping from the cold as their sap froze and expanded. We have needed to layer a bit more to maintain our core heat as we ventured out awaiting the big snow Sunday and Monday. Many used the sunny days that gave the illusion of balminess to prepare, water, food, books, puzzles, gas, sand, salt, strategic placement of the shovel, and some time out and about. Birds, too, have been getting ready with much activity around the feeders, the murder of crows that hang together in my trees sounding alarms and talking to the members of their unit about sources of nourishment, as well as danger. Barred owls have been abundant and watchful, even early in the evening, before the dark has settled, some have been successful in their hunts, quiet as they are, the sound of the kill is loud among the trees and stark drifts of snow. Despite the cold, I find it hard to not be out in nature, so walks still happen. One area that I enjoy is going from the Yacht Club to the Pratt’s Island bridge, not crossing, but turning back, there, stunning sunsets, brisk winds, and mostly clear of ice, I am sure many of you can picture that area in your head, so, for our first bit of news, allow me to tell you of a new visitor there.

Over the last several weeks a bobcat has been sighted in back yards and recorded on home video systems, hunting and walking through trees and along ledges. It seems comfortable in this space, but shy, not seeking encounters with humans, but I was asked to mention its presence and suggest that keeping your cats in the house might be best practice for now. Deep snow will sometimes force bobcats closer to towns and residences in search of accessible food. They like fields, and dense woods for roaming, and rock cliffs, outcroppings and ledges for shelter and resting areas, Southport sounds perfect. They have been expanding north since the 1980s, but struggle to survive deep snow winters as this impedes their mobility and ability to catch prey, due to their relatively small feet, only about a two inch print. Home range size varies from about 36 square miles for adult males and about 18 for adult females. Within that range they prey upon a variety of animals such as mice, voles, hare, grouse, woodchucks, beaver, deer and turkey, we have plenty of the last two on that list. Hunting mostly by sight and sound they spend a lot of time sitting, crouching, watching, listening, then stalking and finally a quick dash and pounce. Due to their elusive and cautious nature, they may limit their activity in human areas to evening hours. If you get lucky enough to catch a glimpse, these cats weigh between 20-30 pounds, are about 3 feet in length, are buff/brown with some dark spots and or strips on parts of the body, and the “bobbed” tail is black on top and white on the bottom. My favorite feature are the short ear tufts and the ruff of hair on the sides of the head. I am sure we will be able to coexist well enough.

You could have wildlife information at your fingertips or even get a video or photo of the items of interest, call a friend to tell them all about the event … if only you had your iPhone set up to do all of that. If you are new to the iPhone, or it is new to you, if you still have questions about all it can do for you, then consider coming to the Southport Memorial Library, 1032 Hendricks Hill Road, on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. and have Tarsha Damore demystify your phone and make it the tool that it should be. Computer support can also be had; bring it along, find its potential, short cuts, website possibilities, or sync your devices, all of it. Tarsha is the woman of the hour. As a bonus, you can enjoy some coffee, a sweet snack, and the company of the “Coffee Table,” always open to one and all. Choose some new books to read; they have all the genres covered in a well-organized way. The new fiction and non-fiction are right up front. Regular hours are Tuesday 9-4, Thursday 9-4, and 6-8, and Saturday 9-4, coffee table is Tuesday and Thursday, beginning about 10. Check their FB page for the sweet treat on offer.

The thought of a sweet reminds me that I have wanted to mention the fudge available at Southport Island Treasures, 608 Hendricks Hill Road, a tray for $20 (order a day ahead), or pieces right at the counter for instant gratification, sometimes you know you are worth it. The shop is filling with hues of pink and red as we get closer to the day dedicated to the valentines in our lives, you might just find the perfect something for them, and you still have time to enter the monthly raffle for the reversible table runner, roosters and hens on the top and hearts on the bottom. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10-4, always worth a browse. 

Friday Jan. 16 was the first of the Open Mic nights, it was standing room only and enjoyed by all who attended. The next one will be on Friday, Feb. 6 Sign up for the talented is 5:30 at the Opera House, mic goes live at 6 for those of us applauding the efforts of all, but especially our own Newagen crew. It is $5 to get in, bring the love!

The Southport Island Association is still working out details for their kickoff event of the year, Souper Bowl, when I get the pertinent information, I will pass it on. It was a successful event last year and I am sure it would be again, who doesn’t love warm soups, and gathering to catch up in the middle of winter.

As I had mentioned last column, the Library will be offering Game Nights on the Thursday evenings in February, 6-7:30. Come join them on 2/5, 2/12 and 2/26. For details you can call: 1-207-633-2741. Classic games will be first, chess, checkers, backgammon, cribbage, you see the theme. These evenings are open to all ages, with things for the little ones in the Children’s Room. Bring yourself, bring the family, make some new friends, catch up with the old ones. Circle the dates as a starter. Can you believe we are about to flip another page on the calendar?

As I summarize, I look out on the snow that came steady and beautiful through the night. The cold temperatures made it light and sparkling, at least 16 inches in certain areas of my little piece of property, more coming. Some of you might be eager to enjoy outside on snowshoe, or cross-country skis, an excellent way to enjoy the wonder around us. You could capture the big snow on film as well, even familiar places take on a whole new look with the snow, or stay indoors and try a new recipe, it might be fun to share some in the future, I will get back to you about that. The dog is done with being out, he needs some paths dug. Content to be tucked on the sofa with my son, nested in blankets, he is assisting with the work at hand for the next book, a perfect backdrop for a cozy house and a stay-at-home day with the promise of a good Scrabble game in the afternoon.

May Peace Be With You All.