SCORES & OUTDOORS: The red-winged blackbird a sure sign of spring

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Red-winged blackbird

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

The old reliable spring indicator appeared in my backyard over the weekend, twice. The robin made its presence known.

However, it was what happened Monday that certified that old folklore. I know spring officially arrived this past Tuesday, March 19. That is a day or two earlier than usual, but it seems everything is early this year.

Going back to what confirmed spring is here was the sighting of the red-winged blackbird. Of all the migratory bird, it is generally the first species to make its way back north.

The red-winged blackbird is a bird found in most of North America and much of Central America. It breeds from Alaska and Newfoundland south to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and Guatemala, with isolated populations in western El Salvador, northwestern Honduras, and northwestern Costa Rica. It may winter as far north as Pennsylvania and British Columbia, but northern populations are generally migratory, moving south to Mexico and the Southern United States.

Claims have been made that it is the most abundant living land bird in North America, as bird-counting censuses of wintering red-winged blackbirds sometimes show that loose flocks can number in excess of a million birds per flock and the full number of breeding pairs across North and Central America may exceed 250 million in peak years.

Regarding its numbers, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the red-winged blackbird of least concern.

The red-winged blackbird is sexually dimorphic; the male is all black with a red shoulder and yellow wing bar, while the female is a nondescript dark brown. Seeds and insects make up the bulk of the red-winged blackbird’s diet.

The red-winged blackbird is a sister species to the red-shouldered blackbird that is endemic to Cuba. These two species are together sister to the tricolored blackbird that is found on the Pacific coast region of the California and upper Baja California in Mexico.

Depending on the authority, between 20 and 24 subspecies are recognized which are mostly quite similar in appearance.

The red-winged blackbird breeds in marshes, brushy swamps, hayfields; forages also in cultivated land and along edges of water. Breeds most commonly in freshwater marsh, but also in wooded or brushy swamps, rank weedy fields, hayfields, upper edges of salt marsh. Often forages in other open habitats, such as fields and mudflats; outside the breeding season, flocks gather in farm fields, pastures, and feedlots.

One of the most abundant birds across North America, and one of the most boldly colored, the red-winged blackbird is a familiar sight atop cattails, along soggy roadsides, and on telephone wires. Glossy-black males have scarlet-and-yellow shoulder patches they can puff up or hide depending on how confident they feel. Females are a subdued, streaky brown, almost like a large, dark sparrow. Their early and tumbling song are happy indications of the return of spring.

Red-winged blackbirds may come to your yard for mixed grains and seeds, particularly during migration. Spread grain or seed on the ground as well, since this is where Red-winged Blackbirds prefer to feed.

The red-winged blackbird is a highly polygynous species, meaning males have many female mates – up to 15 in some cases. In some populations 90 percent of territorial males have more than one female nesting on their territories. But all is not as it seems: one-quarter to one-half of nestlings turn out to have been sired by someone other than the territorial male.

Male red-winged blackbirds fiercely defend their territories during the breeding season, spending more than a quarter of daylight hours in territory defense. He chases other males out of the territory and attacks nest predators, sometimes going after much larger animals, including horses and people.

Red-winged blackbirds roost in flocks in all months of the year. In summer small numbers roost in the wetlands where the birds breed. Winter flocks can be congregations of several million birds, including other blackbird species and starlings. Each morning the roosts spread out, traveling as far as 50 miles to feed, then re-forming at night.

The oldest recorded red-winged blackbird was 15 years, 9 months old. It was banded in New Jersey in 1967, and found alive, but injured in Michigan in 1983. It was able to be released after recovering from its injuries.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

What Boston Celtics player holds the distinction for hitting the most 3-point baskets in one season?

Answer
Antoine Walker, 222, in 2001-2002 (surprisingly Larry Bird wasn’t even in the top 10).

SCORES & OUTDOORS: What to do about the spotted lanternfly once it arrives in Maine

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Left, the spotted lanternfly. Right, tree of heaven.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Just the other day, my wife showed me a Facebook post warning us about the Spotted Lanternfly, and a clear message to kill it upon sight. So, my curiousity being what it is, I had to find out, first, what it is, and second, how to eliminate it if that is what we’re supposed to do.

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species native to Asia. In 2014 it was found in Pennsylvania, and has since spread to multiple counties and states which are now quarantined.

Kill it! Squash it, smash it…just get rid of it. In the fall, these bugs will lay egg masses with 30-50 eggs each. These are called bad bugs for a reason, don’t let them take over your county next.

The spotted lanternfly causes serious damage including oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling and dieback in trees, vines, crops and many other types of plants. In addition to plant damage, when spotted lanternflies feed, they excrete a sugary substance, called honeydew, that encourages the growth of black sooty mold. This mold is harmless to people however it causes damage to plants. In counties infested and quarantined for spotted lanternfly, residents report hundreds of these bad bugs that affect their quality of life and ability to enjoy the outdoors during the spring and summer months. Spotted lanternflies will cover trees, swarm in the air, and their honeydew can coat decks and play equipment.

In addition to damaging trees and affecting quality of life, the spotted lanternfly is a huge threat to agriculture industry. The economic impact could total in the hundreds of millions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs for those in the grapes, apple, hops, and hardwood industries.

The spotted lanternfly adult is approximately 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide at rest. The forewing is grey with black spots and the wings tips are reticulated black blocks outlined in grey. The hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band. The legs and head are black; the abdomen is yellow with broad black bands. Immature stages are black with white spots, and develop red patches as they grow.

While there is no active infestation of the spotted lanternfly in Maine, spotted lanternfly eggs were discovered in the Pine Tree State in 2020. Spotted lanternfly has also been seen in neighboring New Hampshire.

If you think you see any of the life stages of the spotted lanternfly, please report it to Bugwatch@maine.gov. Photos and/or specimens are required for identification and confirmation.

The Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, is a large planthopper native to China. It was first discovered in the United States in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania. SLF feeds on a wide range of host plants, including apple, grape, hops and many ornamental trees. Efforts to eradicate and quarantine spotted lanternfly have slowed its spread, but it has succesfully been able to establish in many additional states.

The Spotted Lanternfly prefers to feed on the invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima or tree-of-heaven. The geographical distribution of this tree in Maine is not fully known. Because of the strong association between spotted lanternfly and tree-of-heaven, the state is asking people to report sightings of tree-of-heaven also. Tree-of-heaven looks much like sumac.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Have any Boston Red Sox pitchers’ numbers been retired?

Answer
One, Pedro Martinez (45).

SCORES & OUTDOORS: How do birds keep warm during the frigid weather?

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Last week I was watching a cardinal at my wife’s bird feeder and wondered how those little critters keep warm. So, let’s talk about how those little feathered friends keep warm during those times.

Birds are warm-blooded animals that have a much higher temperature than humans, usually in the range of 105 degrees, as compared to our 98.6 degrees. Body temperatures can vary during daylight hours but it can challenge the birds during the night to maintain such a high body heat.

Smaller birds run more of a risk of body heat loss since they have a proportionately larger surface area on their bodies to lose heat but a smaller core volume to generate it.

Birds have different ways to maintain body heat during cold weather. Their feathers provide remarkable insulation, and many species will actually grow extra feathers as part of a late fall molt to give them thicker protection in the winter. Oil also coats their feathers to provide, not only insulation, but waterproofing.

Their legs and feet are covered with scales to minimize heat loss. By constricting blood flow to their extremities, they can also reduce body heat loss even further.

Then, there is the old standby: adding body fat reserves to serve as insulation and extra energy for generating body heat. They will gorge themselves in the fall when food sources are abundant.

Another way to produce insulation from the cold is to fluff their feathers. That enables air pockets to be created, keeping them toasty warm. Also, it is not unusual to see birds standing on one leg or crouched to cover both legs with their feathers to shield them from the cold. They also tuck their beaks into their shoulder feathers for protection, and to breathe air warmed from their body heat.

On sunny days, they will perch with their backs to the sun to maximize the exposure area of their body. They raise their wings to allow the skin and feathers to absorb as much of the sun’s heat as possible, even spreading or drooping their wings while sunning.

If you see a bird shivering, don’t worry. They do this to raise their metabolic rate and generate more body heat as a short term solution in extreme cold.

Many small birds will gather in large flocks at night and crowd together in an attempt to share their collective body heat. Even individually, they will roost in places that may contain residual heat from the day’s sunlight.

But, there is something called torpor that birds will use to conserve energy during the cold nights. Torpor is a state of reduced metabolism when the body temperature is lowered, therefore requiring fewer calories to maintain the proper heat. Birds can lower their body temperature from 22 to 50 degrees. Torpor, however, can be dangerous as reduced temperature also leads to slower reactions and greater vulnerability to predators.

Even with all of these Mother Nature-built in safeguards, mortality rate among birds can run high during extreme winters. You can help.

During winter, keep your feeders cleared of snow and filled with good food, offer liquid water, and provide shelter. You can build brush piles or protective boxes if you have no natural shelters. I think one of the reasons we have as many birds during winter as we have is because birds are attracted to coniferous trees. My wife and I have three rather large pine trees in our backyard, providing them with plenty of protection from the weather.

Mother Nature, again, provides for its creatures, large or small.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which current NFL team was originally called the Titans?

Answer
The New York Jets.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Ermine population stable; one of world’s top 100 most invasive species

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The different coats of the winter and summer ermine.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Last week, I received a phone call from a reader in Palermo who told me that for only the third time in the last 17 years, he spotted an American ermine crossing his back yard.

The American ermine or American stoat, Mustela richardsonii, is a species of mustelid native to most of North America.

It was long considered conspecific with the stoat, but a 2021 study found it to be a distinct species. The finding has been accepted by the American Society of Mammalogists.

Both ermines and mink belong to the same subfamily, which contains weasels, badgers, ferrets, polecats and wolverines. These two creatures share many features, but differ in several ways.

Ermines resemble the long-tailed weasel in general both appearance and coloration, but is smaller, has a shorter tail, and has white fur on the inner side of the hind legs.

The species is found throughout most of North America aside from most of Alaska (although it is found on some islands in southeastern Alaska), eastern Yukon, most of Arctic Canada, and Greenland. It reaches the northern extent of its range in Baffin Island and a portion of eastern mainland Nunavut and ranges from here to cover almost all of western North America south to northern New Mexico, and eastern North America south to northern Virginia. It is absent from most of the Southeastern United States and the Great Plains.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the ermine population as stable and of least concern.

In North America, where the ecological niche for rat- and rabbit-sized prey is taken by the larger long-tailed weasel, the American ermine preys on mice, voles, shrews, young cottontails, chipmunks, deer mice, jumping mice, and house mice. Usually the ermine kills by biting at the base of the skull. Small birds, frogs, small fish, and earthworms are other types of prey for ermines.

Ermines live and find cover from predators in hollow spaces from logs, burrows and man made structures. Ermines sometimes den within their prey’s nest and use their skin and fur as a lining for their den.

Ermines are mostly nocturnal, but may forage by day.

The ermine is listed as one of the top 100 most invasive species in the world. It was introduced to several areas to reduce rabbit populations and rapidly became a threat to ecosystems because of its vicious nature and ability to sustain itself on a variety of prey.

At one time, the ermine was sought for its attractive fur. During the winter months, the ermine’s fur turns white, making it a valuable and prized material for fur clothing. In medieval Europe, ermine fur was highly sought after for its rarity and beauty, and it was often reserved for use by royalty and other members of the nobility.

They breed in dense parts of the forest. The season for breeding is late springtime to the summer from July to August. The males mature in a year while the females only take three to four weeks to mature. The females carry a litter of four to seven babies for 255 days then gives birth.

Some of the larger wild predators of ermines are minks, martens, fishers, bobcats, coyotes, and large owls and hawks. Occasionally, a domesticated cat or dog may kill an ermine. Their small agile bodies help them evade these predators, while also allow them to compete with their predators for food in more barren months.

In spite of its bad smell and small size, however, the ermine is very self-confident, even rude – it often sits up and stares directly into the eyes of humans. Ermines do not dig its own den when they give birth, instead, they will take over old lemming burrows, food caches or graves.

According to my research, it appears that it is legal to have an ermine as a pet in Maine. However, I would advise to check with the state before owning one.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which NFL team allegedly changed its geographical name in an attempt to attract a larger fan base?

Answer
In 1971, the Boston Patriots changed their name to the New England Patriots, when they moved to Foxborough.

SCORES & OUTDOORS – Weather lore: March in like a lion or lamb?

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

As we look forward to saying “goodbye” to February and welcome March with open arms, a thought comes to mind of an old weather lore, “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” In this case, it could be vice versa, considering the mild weather we have had as we usher in the third month of the year. So, it’s more like, “In like a lamb, out like a lion.”

Much like regular folklore, weather lore is passed down through speech and writing from normal people without the use of external measuring instruments. The origin of weather lore can be dated back to primieval men and their usage of star studying in navigation. However, more recently during the late Middle Ages, the works of two Greek philosopher-poets, Theophrastus of Eresus on Lesbos and Aratus of Macedonia, are known greater for shaping the prediction of weather. Theophrastus and Aratus collated their works in two main collections for weather lore: On Weather Signs and On Winds. These were used for helping farmers with harvest, merchants for trade and determining the weather the next day.

Weather lore is the body of informal folklore related to the prediction of the weather and its greater meaning.

Astrology and weather lore have been closely interlinked for many years – with each planet often being associated with a weather state. For example, Mars is red and must therefore be hot and dry. Prevalent in ancient Roman thought, astrologists used weather lore to teach commoners of the star and cloud formations and how they can be used to see the future.

Before the invention of temperature measuring devices, such as the mercury thermometer, it was difficult to gather predictive, numerical data. Therefore, communities used their surroundings to predict and explain the weather in upcoming days.

Weather folklore, therefore, refers to this mid-latitude region of daily variability.

Other common proverbs are:

When clouds look like black smoke
A wise man will put on his cloak

(Thick, moisture-laden storm clouds absorb sunlight. It gives them an appearance that somewhat resembles black smoke.)

Red sky at night:

A red sunset probably means dry weather the next day.

Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight.
Red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning.

(In a common variation, “shepherd” is replaced by “sailor”.)

A red sky – in the morning or evening – is a result of high pressure air in the atmosphere trapping particles of dust or soot. Air molecules scatter the shorter blue wavelengths of sunlight, but particles of dust, soot and other aerosols scatter the longer red wave length of sunlight in a process called Rayleigh scattering. At sunrise and sunset, the sun is lower in the sky causing the sunlight to travel through more of the atmosphere so scattering more light. This effect is further enhanced when there are at least some high level clouds to reflect this light back to the ground.

When weather systems predominantly move from west to east, a red sky at night indicates that the high pressure air (and better weather) is westwards. In the morning the light is eastwards, and so a red sky then indicates the high pressure (and better weather) has already passed, and an area of low pressure is following behind. That is a scientific fact.

So, what does that have to do with March coming in like a lion or a lamb? Whether you believe in the myth or not is up to you but it sure is fun to think about.

Does a phrase that originated in England and Wales centuries ago even have relevance in a state in our northern part of the country?

Sandi Duncan, managing editor of that old standby, the Farmers’ Almanac, once said the lion/lamb saying is probably more wishful thinking than fact.

They do a lot of articles on weather sayings, but sometimes they are awfully true because they’ve been handed down by people who observe the weather, according to Duncan, from her office, in Lewiston.

“The ‘in like a lion’ one is based on the idea if it comes in bad it will go out nicely. People really do hope March is at the end of winter.”

The phrase is based on the beginning of the month being in winter and the end being close to spring.

But a weather phrase like ‘red sky at night, sailors’ delight’ is much more accurate. With that, there is scientific backing, but not with the lion saying.

In the last 16 years, March has come in with a roar eight times and gone out with a “baah” 10 times.

But March has also roared once at both ends of the month while braying four times at the beginning and end of the month during those years.

If you’re worried about amounts of snow and spring floods, March is the type of month where snow can come at any time. It doesn’t really matter how the month goes out or comes in, but what happens in between. Always remember, two thirds of the month is still winter.

March is a very variable month. It can be winter-like and cold with snow, while other times it can be mild and lots of snow melt like last year.

Alas, the interpretation is up to you.

There is one thing for certain. Only 27 days ‘til spring.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Who is the highest scoring defenseman in NHL history (goals and assists)?

Answer
Ray Bourque, (Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche: 410 goals, 1,169 assists, for 1,579 points.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Robins migrate south for the winter: fact or fiction?

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American robin

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Just the other day a friend told me she thought robins went south for the winter. That is the common thought.

The American robin, Turdus migratorius, is a migratory songbird. While robins occasionally overwinter in the northern United States and southern Canada, most migrate to Florida and the Gulf Coast to central Mexico. Most will depart south by the beginning of September and begin their northern migration in February and March, which gives the illusion that they don’t migrate during a regular winter, when snow covers the ground during those times.

Despite being depicted in the film Mary Poppins, in London, this species is actually a rare occasion to western Europe.

Robins breed in woodland and more open farmland and urban areas. It becomes less common as a breeder in the southernmost part of the deep south of the United States.

The sexes are similar but the female tends to be duller than the male, with a brown tint to the head, brown upperparts and less bright underparts. However, some birds cannot be safely sexed on plumage alone.

Robins are active mostly during the day. During the winter, they flock in large groups at night to roost in trees in swamps or dense vegetation. The flock breaks up during the day when the birds feed on fruits and berries in smaller groups. However, during the summer, the American robin defends a breeding territory and is less social.

The adult robin, however, must stay alert. It is preyed upon by hawks, cats, and larger snakes. Brown-headed cowbirds lay eggs in robin nests but robins usually reject the cowbird eggs. Juvenile robins and eggs are preyed upon by squirrels, snakes and some birds such as blue jays, common grackles, crows and ravens.

The robin is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan and Wisconsin. It ranks behind only the red-winged blackbird as the most abundant bird species in North America, just ahead of the European starling.

American robins have an extensive range, estimated at 6.2 million square miles. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the bird as “least concern” when evaluating its position as a threatened species. At one point, the robins were hunted for their meat, but it is now protected throughout its range in the United States by the Migratory Bird Act.

The species was first described in 1766 by Carl Linnaeus in the 12th edition of his Systema Naturae. The term robin has been recorded since 1703.

Despite its wonderful song, the American robin is known to carry West Nile virus. While crows and jays are often the first noticed deaths in an area with West Nile virus, the American robin is suspected to be a key host, and holds a larger responsibility for the transmission of the virus to humans. This is because, while crows and blue jays die quickly from the virus, robins survive the virus longer, thus spreading it to more mosquitoes, which then transmit the virus to humans.

Robins eat primarily (approximately 60 percent) on wild and cultivated fruits and berries, and (approximately 40 percent) on invertebrates, such as earthworms, beetle grubs, caterpillars and grasshoppers. That ability to switch to berries allows them to winter much farther north than most other North American thrushes, of which it is a member of that family.

Legends about robins:

• What does it mean to see a robin? Symbolic characteristics and traits of a robin: The robin in the spirit world is known as the divine bird. The Robin is a symbol of good luck and the fact that spring is impending. To see a robin flying can indicate a symbol of renewal, passion and new beginnings. Alternatively, it could represent patience and wisdom.
• Robins entering a house have always been thought of as a sign of forthcoming death, while robins are long associated with religious buildings which, if nothing else, helps to cement its image as the most churchgoing of our birds.
• Robins in Winter. Robins can withstand very cold temperatures. In most places you can see robins in the wintertime. You’ll see them wandering around and yet it’s not considered migration because basically they’re moving in a nomadic way, following the food.
• Bird Continually Hitting Window. It’s a common myth that a bird pecking at your window on three successive days means a death will occur inside that house. This is a problem that is most common in spring as male birds are establishing and defending territories. The male sees his reflection in the window and thinks it is a rival trying to usurp his territory. He flies at the window to try and make the rival leave.

The answer to the question as to whether they go south for the winter or not, is that it does migrate, but some don’t travel as far as others, and some will stay behind, probably depending on the severity of the winter. Their return in February and March also contributes to the belief that they don’t migrate.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Who was the last non-quarterback to be named Super Bowl MVP?

Answer
The last non-quarterback to be named Super Bowl Most Valuable Player was Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, in Super Bowl LVI, for the 2021 season. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 23–20.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: UMaine research making new frozen foods from squid fins

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Now, here’s something you don’t hear every day. This press release came across my desk this week, and I just have to share it with my readers. I have to preface this by saying that during my tour of duty in Vietnam in 1968-69, I had the occasion to taste squid jerky from a street vendor. Though it had the texture of beef jerky, I found it to be extremely salty, not unusual for Southeast Asian cuisine.

This is what is going on at the University of Maine:

Squid has become a staple menu item and ingredient in many seafood restaurants, whether it’s fried, baked, grilled or served raw. In North American markets, however, only about half of each squid is used for culinary applications.

To reduce food waste and open new markets, a University of Maine-led team of researchers and students will devise new frozen food products that can be created from squid fins, one of their byproducts. The project is supported by $229,376 from the NOAA Fisheries Saltonstall-Kennedy Competitive Grants Program.

The group, led by UMaine professor of food science Denise Skonberg, will devise and develop several frozen food prototypes at the Dr. Matthew Highlands Food Pilot Plant, in Hitchner Hall, using processed fins from North Atlantic longfin and shortfin squid. Possible goods, which will be designed for preparation at home or in restaurants, may include frozen appetizers, entrees, nuggets and sliders. Researchers will recruit people to sample their prototype food products at the UMaine Sensory Testing Center and evaluate them based on appearance, texture, aroma and flavor.

As part of their initial work, UMaine researchers recently invited local chefs to prepare various dishes with squid fins, some of which they may be able to freeze. Those dishes included meatballs, egg rolls and dumplings, all made from squid fins.

Left, Short-fin squid. Right, Long-fin squid.

Skonberg is working on the project with Rob Dumas, food science innovation coordinator at UMaine and facility manager for its School of Food and Agriculture, and Brianna Hughes, vice president of operations, supply chain and quality for The Town Dock, a wholesale calamari product company in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The team plans to recruit a graduate student and several undergraduate students who will complete laboratory and sensory analyses and assist with processing and prototype ideation and development.

A chef prepares meatballs made from squid fins in the Dr. Matthew Highlands Food Pilot Plant, in Hitchner Hall, at the University of Maine. (contributed photo)

Commercial squid fishing and processing brings in millions of dollars annually to New England and mid-Atlantic states, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. In 2022, 40.4 million pounds of longfin squid were harvested, valued at $60.2 million, and 12 million pounds of shortfin squid were landed, valued at $6.4 million, according to NOAA Fisheries.

A chef preparing squid fin.

“I am really pleased that we have been able to build a multidisciplinary team, including food scientists, professional chefs and seafood processors for this research and development effort,” Skonberg says. “Although our overall goal is to help reduce seafood waste in the food industry, training our students in industry-relevant research is another big plus.”

Chefs from the New England region will be recruited to help develop ideas for new products, prepare and taste them in an innovation challenge. Once the final prototypes are developed, the chefs also will be asked to test them by preparing them for various applications, then provide feedback on their quality, ease of handling and preparation, likeliness of use in restaurants and price value.

In addition to devising new food products, researchers will investigate how to effectively process and freeze wings from the two squid species, and determine how short-term frozen storage affects the quality of the frozen products made from them. The team plans to share their results with North Atlantic squid processors, product developers, foodservice professionals, seafood technologists and consumers in a variety of ways to benefit the industry at large.

“It’s exciting to see a project with such potential,” says Hughes. “Reducing food waste while also bolstering profitability is a win for everyone.”

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

What was the highest scoring Super Bowl?

Answer
75 points: Super Bowl XXIX, on January 29, 1995, in which the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers defeated the AFC champion San Diego Chargers, 49–26.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: It’s the time of year for Woody’s bold prediction for the remaining winter

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

It’s the first of February, and time for my annual trek into the woods to find my friend, the weather prognosticating groundhog named Woodrow Charles. So, for the umpteenth year, I bundle up and head out the door, not quite sure where I was going.

Last year Woodrow had relocated into a shamble of a tree stump, from which he has since moved. A strange message on Instagram gave me directions to the new place. It was still in center Vassalboro somewhere west of China Lake, and east of Webber Pond.

His instructions took me off the Crowell Hill Road, and down some tote road. I knew I was getting close when I could smell the aroma of a wood burning stove. Ah, there it is, a rather large stump that looks as though it could be from a fresh fallen tree during the storm of December 18. There were boxes strewn outside, evidence of a recent move. A light shown inside the hastily installed window, with smoke billowing from a new chimney.

I knock on the door.

After a few seconds, Woody appeared.

“Come on in, friend,” he said happily.

I didn’t know what to expect. He can be kind of surly at time.

“I’m glad you were able to find me,” he said.

“Well, it took a while, but luckily I’m a little familiar with the area,” I responded. “Is this a permanent move?”

“I intend it to be,” he replied. “I’m getting tired of all this moving around. It’s hard for my friends to keep track of me.”

“Speaking of your friends,” I said, “How are Butch, Slim and Frank?”

“Good, they helped me move in here. Now I’m trying to get settled before the Super Bowl.”

“So, what’s your prediction this year?”

“I think it’s going to be a boring Super Bowl. Both teams’ primary color is red. I can’t root for the Chiefs because before the Europeans arrived, the indigenous people ate some of my ancestral relatives. And the 49ers, well, a bunch of grown men and women killing each other for some glittering rocks. Doesn’t make sense to me. I may just skip the game all together.”

I cringed. I fall into that trap every year.

“No, not the game. For the rest of the winter,” I shoot back.

“It’s been a really mild winter so far, hasn’t it?” he asks.

“You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know,” I answer back.

“Well, you don’t have to get snippy about it,” he snapped back. “Do you want to hear what I have to say or are you going to go all arrogant on me, he retorted.

We sat there for a moment, staring at each other. I guess we were trying to figure out who would speak next.

Finally, I initiated by saying, “OK, I’m sorry, what is your forecast for the rest of winter?”

“Well, like I said, the winter so far has been relatively mild and quiet. Don’t look for that to continue. The rest of the winter weather will be unsettling. We are going to see a lot of mixed precipitation. Rain and snow, with some cold spells sprinkled in there. Also, don’t think the high winds we have experienced are a thing of the past. More of them to come. All in all, look for six more weeks of winter.”

“Well,” I sighed. “Not exactly what I was hoping to hear, what with the mild winter so far,” I said in disappointment. “My readers won’t be happy with this forecast.”

“What can I say,” queried Woody. “It is what it is! Which reminds me: what’s your take on Bill Belichick leaving New England?”

“With all due respect, Woody, I’d rather not get into that.”

That being said, I bid my farewell to Woody, wished him well, exited the abode, and made my way back to the office to write this column, and hope not to get any hate mail.

SUPER BOWL SNACKS

It’s official: Here are the 10 top snacks that Mainers will enjoy during the Super Bowl. It has to be official, the survey was conducted by a gambling company. Imagine that!

Here they are, in order of popularity: chicken wings, ice cream, subs and sandwiches, meatballs, corn dogs, chips ‘n dip, potato skins, cookies, nachos and BBQ ribs.

Enjoy!

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

What five NFL teams have won only one Super Bowl?

Answer
New York Jets, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles.

SCORES & OUTDOORS – Dogs: breed or trainer?

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Wolf hybrid dog: Public enemy No. 1?

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Although I don’t usually write about domestic pets, here is something that came across my desk last week that I must share with my readers, especially where it deals with a very sensitive subject when it comes to the family canine.

Each week seems to bring a fresh headline featuring a dog attack, stirring public debate and concern. This trend has led authorities in recent years to implement breed-specific legislation, with measures that often include bans or severe restrictions on certain breeds, notably pit bulls, rottweilers, dobermans, and other large breeds. These laws have sparked a counter-argument among large breed enthusiasts who contend that it’s not the dogs that are inherently dangerous, but rather the training and treatment they receive from their owners. In response to this debate, movements advocating for responsible dog ownership have gained momentum across the country, presenting a humane alternative to breed-specific bans.

Personal injury law firm Bisnar Chase undertook a comprehensive study to examine this contentious issue. Their goal was to gauge whether public skepticism is directed more towards the so-called ‘dangerous’ breeds or the owners who may fail to provide proper training. They surveyed 3,000 people, asking them to reflect on their personal encounters and identify the dog breed owners in Maine they find least trustworthy.

Public Perception Rankings: The Breeds and Their Owners

#1 Wolf-Hybrids: In first place are owners of wolf-hybrids. Known for their close genetic ties to wild wolves, these canine owners face skepticism due to the unpredictable nature often associated with these animals. The debate continues on whether their wild instincts can be entirely domesticated.

#2 Pit Bulls: Next up are Pit Bull owners who are perceived as the second least trustworthy in Maine, a stigma fueled by media portrayals and controversial headlines. However, advocates argue that pit bulls can be among the most loyal and affectionate breeds when raised in a loving environment.

#3 Rottweilers: The third least trusted dog owners are those who own rottweilers. Owners of this German breed are often met with skepticism. Despite the breed’s capacity for loyalty and guardianship, the imposing nature of rottweilers can be intimidating if not paired with rigorous and consistent training.

Following these two breeds, I have to interject personal experience. My granddaughter has had both a pitbull and rottweiler. Both dogs, although loyal and highly protective, are two of the most gentle dogs I have ever encountered. The pitbull is no longer with us, but the “rottie”, at five years old, will lick you to death when greeting you. He will actually get up on his hind legs, put his front paws on your shoulders, and give you a “hug” before smothering you with affection.

#4 German Shepherds: German Shepherds are fourth on the list among Mainers, which may surprise some given their esteemed role in police and service work. Nevertheless, the breed’s strong protective instincts can be misinterpreted as aggression, highlighting the need for thorough training and socialization.

Again, personal experience tells me it’s the training. Although this was a state police canine, when not at work, he was as gentle as a family pet could be.

#5 Bullmastiffs: Known for their strength and protective nature, Bullmastiffs can be gentle giants under the guidance of a firm, caring owner.

#6 Alaskan Malamutes: Similar to Siberian huskies in their thick fur and robust build, Alaskan Malamute owners are challenged to meet their high exercise needs, often a point of contention for those unfamiliar with the breed.

#7 Siberian Huskies: Taking the seventh spot, Siberian Husky owners often face trust issues from the public, largely due to the breed’s independent nature and resemblance to wolves. Owners must actively work to channel the breed’s energy and intelligence in positive ways.

#8 Doberman Pinschers: In the eighth position, Doberman Pinschers and their owners are often viewed warily. Historically bred for protection, these dogs can exhibit a powerful presence that demands an owner who is committed to their disciplined training.

#9 Boxers: At ninth, boxer owners are often perceived as having their hands full managing the high energy and playful antics of their pets. While boxers are generally friendly, their boisterous behavior requires dedicated training to manage effectively in public spaces.

#10 Akitas: Akitas carry a noble stature and a reserved temperament, and while they can be fiercely loyal, they require an owner who understands the nuances of the breed to prevent aggressive tendencies.

I have had my share of large dogs in my life, and I have to attest, and go along with the position, it’s not the breed but the upbringing. When getting a dog, know the breed, and do your homework as to their nature and best training regiment.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

What was the lowest scoring Super Bowl?

Answer
New England Patriots’ 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 53, following the 2018 season.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: The lady beetles seem to be everywhere

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Lady beetle

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

All of a sudden, there they were. One was walking up the side of my computer monitor at work, the other, traversing across the top of my steering wheel on my home from work later that day. And finally, on the east side of my house, in the windows, the following morning at sunrise.

Lady beetles, ladybugs, or ladybird beetles are among the most visible and best known beneficial predatory insects. Over 450 species are found in North America. Some are native and some have been introduced from other countries.

Just to set the record straight, they are not bugs, but beetles.

Most lady beetles in North America are beneficial as both adults and larvae, feeding primarily on aphids. They also feed on mites, small insects, and insect eggs. The two exceptions are the introduced Mexican bean beetle, and the squash beetle. The adults and larvae of both species feed on plants.

Lady beetles are usually red or orange with black markings. Some lady beetles are black, often with red markings. They have alligator-like larvae.

Many crops benefit from lady beetles. They are helpful for growers of vegetables, grain crops, legumes, strawberries, and tree crops; however any crop that is attacked by aphids will benefit from these beetles.

Most lady beetles found on crops and in gardens are aphid predators. Some species prefer only certain aphid species while others will attack many aphid species on a variety of crops. Some prefer mite or scale species. If aphids are scarce, lady beetle adults and larvae may feed on the eggs of moths and beetles, and mites, thrips, and other small insects, as well as pollen and nectar. They may also be cannibalistic. Because of their ability to survive on other prey when aphids are in short supply, lady beetles are particularly valuable natural enemies.

Adult lady beetles are small, round to oval, and dome-shaped. The most well known have black markings on red, orange, or yellow forewings, but some are black. The area immediately behind the head, the pronotum, may also have a distinctive pattern. The color and pattern of markings for each species may vary, but can aid identification.

Lady beetles overwinter as adults, often in aggregations along hedgerows, beneath leaf litter, under rocks and bark, and in other protected places including buildings. In spring, the adults disperse in search of prey and suitable egg laying sites. This dispersal trait, especially strong in migratory species such as the commercially available convergent lady beetle, can affect the reliability of control by released adult beetles.

Lady beetles are voracious feeders and may be numerous where prey are plentiful and broad-spectrum insecticide use is limited. Lady beetles need to eat many aphids per day so that they can lay eggs. The convergent lady beetle may eat its weight in aphids every day as a larva and consume as many as 50 aphids per day as an adult. Sevenspotted lady beetle adults may consume several hundred aphids per day and each larva eats 200 to 300 aphids as it grows. Once the adults and larvae have eliminated an aphid colony, they will search for additional food.

Lady beetles are effective predators if aphids are abundant (high pest density) but are thought to be less effective at low pest densities. There may also be some crop damage before lady beetles have an impact on an aphid population.

Most lady beetle species are active from late spring to early fall if food is available. Lady beetles are mobile as adults and reasonably so as larvae, and they are generalists. They will not remain on a plant, or in the vicinity, once the readily accessible prey has been consumed.

Early season populations of some lady beetles may develop on aphid-infested perennials or shrubs. Collection and redistribution of lady beetles is effective but time consuming. The beetles should be handled gently and placed in groups at the base of plants, rather than broadcast. Hibernating adults, congregating in protected spaces, should not be disturbed as they are vulnerable to attack by predators and parasitoids if uncovered.

Roland’s trivia questionn of the week:

Name the four NFL franchises to have never appeared in a Super Bowl.

Answer
Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns.