What a Strange Year We're Having!

Well, all we can say is WOW! 

This has been the strangest counting year we've had. It just goes to show you that you cannot predict anything when it comes to herring!
We started out very slowly, with just a few fish counted a day. Then, as the weather warmed up, we got such a great rush of fish, for about 3 days. And then the cold weather came back. And it doesn't look like it's going to warm up anytime soon.  Very frustrating!
I put together a chart comparing this year to the last 2 years. You can see that we are running way behind. If it would just warm up a little!!! I think it's important to note that we started the count earlier this year than we have in the past, so that may have been a factor.

 But the good news is that hundreds of fish have been spotted up at the flume going into Middle Pond. So, they're here, we just aren't seeing too many of them jump!

They're Here!

The fish have finally arrived!  If you haven't been down to the run, go soon! The past 3 days have been great, but now the cool weather has returned, so it's slowed down a bit. I think these are the Alewives moving through, and the Bluebacks will be here soon!

So, look at the schedule and see if you can fill any of the open slots. Look at the weather and pick a nice sunny & warm day!

And here are some pictures of the neighbors!

Thanks to Betsey Godley for these pictures!

Here is a video of the fish jumping!

Thanks to Jessica Kozik for the video!

They ARE here, believe it or not!

We have had a few days where there have been no fish sighted at the run, but they are around!  One of our counters, Ruth, took this video of one crossing over!!  And, if you go up to the flume at Middle Pond, they are pooling there. So, patience pays!  We just need a few days of warm, sunny weather and they will be flying through!!

Still Waiting...

It's Spring, right?
Taken by Betsey Godley

Still ice on the pond!
Taken by Bob Parsons

So, we had a great start, almost 100 fish counted in 2 days!  And then, winter came back. But, we will not give up.  The fish are still around. It's just been a little too chilly for them to move upstream.

Thank you to everyone who has braved this chilly, rainy, blustery weather!

And just to brighten up your day, I had these guys at my feeders this week. At least you could go inside to warm up!!

So, we will continue with the count. Even zero counts matter!! It is warming up every day.

They're Here!!

The fish have arrived!!  Amy Croteau from the Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that they've seen fish in the run. So they went and removed the boards up at the Middle Pond flume and the fish now have a nice flow of water going through. Now is your chance to sign up to count! Look at the schedule and decide when you're available to count. Send us an email and we'll put you on the schedule.

 

 Our email is: herringcount@yahoo.com.

Thanks so much for everyone who has signed up to help!  And if you have any friends who would like to get involved, it's never too late!!

It's Almost Time!!!

We had a great turn-out for the herring training meeting last Saturday.  Thank you to everyone who attended.  Scott Horsley gave a great presentation about the Mill Pond restoration plans and Amy Croteau was very informative about the various active and potential herring runs in town. Just remember, it's not too late to volunteer.  Just shoot an email to herringcount@yahoo.com

Amy Croteau from Barnstable Natural Resources

A look at the plans to restore the flume into Middle Pond

Scott Horsley explains Mill Pond restoration efforts

It's Herring Training time again!

Amy Croteau from the Town of Barnstable Natural Resources Department.

So, it's almost time for another herring year!  In just about 2 1/2 months, the herring will make their annual trek up the river and into the pond.  It's time to start thinking about getting prepared for another year.  This year, we will have Scott Horsley from Horsley and Witten in attendance to give an update about the plans for Mill Pond.  Believe it or not, we have finally gotten approval to move forward with cleaning up the pond! And, Amy Croteau from the Town of Barnstable will once again give us an update on the status of all of the herring runs in the town. Very exciting stuff!

The white board at Mill Pond

We hope you'll be able to join us!

When:                      Saturday, March 19, 2016  -  12:00 pm

Where:                     Liberty Hall

                                 2150 Main St, Marstons Mills, MA 02648