Herons of Heath Exhibit

The Herons of Heath photographs by Henry Josephson are on display in the library through the second week in March.

Two week old herons. Photo by Henry Josephson.

The nine photos were taken last summer while floating in an inner tube in a beaver pond on Swamp Road. Beautiful closeups of the Great Blue Heron chicks at age two weeks and six weeks.

Henry wrote:

This past July I ventured out with paddle and inner tube to photograph Great Blue Herons at the beaver pond on Swamp Road. Two males arrived in early April, with one to repair and occupy an existing nest, while the other began to construct a new one in the same tree with the female that showed up a week or so later.

The lower nest collapsed and I began to wonder about the second family. One day while on a casual hike in June I found the second nest in a nearby tree. The development of the first family (two chicks) looked to be a couple of weeks ahead of the newer nesters (four chicks)shown in the photos.

On the left the birds are two weeks +/-, while the more mature (on the right) are about six weeks old. The center picture (black and white) captures the first nest which produced only two young.

Click on the image for a larger view.

I didn't witness the fledging of either family but the trip was well worth it in spite of the leeches enjoying a liquid lunch coutesey of my leg. Thanks to the McNays for allowing access to their pond.

If interested in purchasing a photo please contact Henry Josephson at 339-4212 or proot65@gmail.com.

Water lilies photographed on the beaver pond by Henry Josephson.

Reminder: Closed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

The library will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day . Be sure to stop by Saturday morning to stock up on books and movies for the holiday weekend.

 The Post Office and Town Offices in Sawyer Hall will also be closed on Monday.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D. C.

Winter Holiday Hours

Peace

Library hours for the end of December and early January will be

• Thursday, December 22:  12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
• Saturday,  December 24:  Closed

• Monday, December 26:  Closed
• Tuesday, December 27:  11 am - 3 pm
• Wednesday, December 28:  Noon - 7:00 pm
• Saturday, December 31:  9:30 am - 1:30 pm

• Monday, January 2:  Closed
• Return to regular hours on Wednesday, January 4:

Monday                     3 pm - 7 pm
Wednesday              Noon - 7 pm
Saturday          9:30 am - 1:30 pm

New books in early December

A few of our new books. More on the way. Click each picture to enlarge the image.

Take a look at our latest arrivals here: https://bark.cwmars.org/eg/opac/results?bookbag=23355

Heath Agricultural Commission Survey

[Survey closed December 7, 2016.]

The Heath Agricultural Commission is conducting a survey for the Towns of Heath, Charlemont and Colrain and ask that you complete this survey now either electronically (see below for link), or PAPER copies will be available in the Heath Town Hall and Library. A post card will be sent out this week for more information – Thank you for your participation!

Here’s the link! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TriTownFood

Numerous farms and small-scale food businesses are located in Heath, Charlemont and Colrain, producing eggs, beef, cider, maple, poultry, hops and much more. The purpose of this survey is to 1) find out what items consumers would like to purchase locally, 2) determine what farmers and food businesses need to be able to produce and/or sell more products and 3) to find out if nearby restaurants and other businesses are interested in purchasing more products locally. It is hoped the answers to this survey will help shape the priorities of the Heath Agricultural Commission, as well as strengthen the economic viability of agricultural and food production in Heath, Charlemont and Colrain, and improve access to and demand for more local food in the tri-town area.