FROM THE FIELD

Creatures Great and Small--Spring & Summer 2023

8/25/2023

Although spring in central Massachusetts started out dry and generated concerns about another possible drought year, rainfall was plentiful and very generous. Amongst all the wet and soggy days were clear and sunny periods that enabled photographers and trailcam enthusiasts to find wildlife species in a wide range of sizes. From tiny moths and pollinators to our largest mammals,
we have our share of creatures great and small.

On June 11th this juvenile Porcupine was spotted at Mass Audubon's Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Princeton. Porcupines give birth to a single young. Soon after birth, the baby porcupine's quills harden. For the first two weeks the young rely on their mother--the females provide all parental care-- for sustenance. After this they learn to climb trees and start to forage. The mother of this juvenile was not in sight but probably nearby. Young porcupines stay close to their mothers and continue to nurse for up to four months, which coincides with the fall mating season. Photo by Alan Rawle.

American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) on fleabane in Sterling. Males set up small territories which they will defend vigorously against rival males or indeed any unlucky passing insect. July 7th photo by Alan Rawle.

Immature male Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) and fellow flying creature in Rutland, August 2023. Photo by Anne Greene .

Frisky Gray Fox kits exploring their Brimfield surroundings. Photo by Bill Platenik

Tiny American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) photographed on July 23rd by Alan Rawle.

Gail and Jay Cormier were exploring Mass Audubon's Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary in Princeton on June 23rd when they came across this White River Crayfish (or Crawfish) ( Procambarus acutus) in one of the fields. The crayfish’s gills are a particular, sensitive organ that can pull oxygen from both water and air. Needless to say, they can breathe both under and above the water. Crayfish can take oxygen into the body through moisture in the air as long as the gills are moist. As a result, they can move on land and, in the right conditions, across long distances. They can even live for months on land if there is plenty of humidity in the air.

Great Spangled Fritillary on knapweed, July 10, 2023. Photo by Ted Purcell

A pair of Gray Foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) raised six kits on Bill Platenik's property in Brimfield. Late spring photos were taken by Bill.

Painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) photographed on July 7th in Hardwick by Alan Rawle.

Bill Platenik was fortunate to find and photograph this milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) in Brimfield. As snakes go, milk snakes are one of the smallest species of snake, usually growing to 24-36 inches and sometimes up to 52 inches.

Eastern whitelip snail (Neohelix albolabris) photographed in Hardwick on July 3rd. This species was the first land snail to be named by an American-born naturalist, Thomas Say in 1817. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Large Yellow Underwing moth ((Noctua pronuba) found May 30th in Rutland. It was introduced into North America at Nova Scotia. Since then it has increased its range considerably and has been recorded for Maine since 1985, and then spread throughout the northeast from Vermont and Massachusetts (1989) to New Hampshire (1990) and beyond. This is a quite large moth with a wingspan of 1.9 to 2.36 inches. Photo by Doug Wipf.

Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) These dragonflies, like others of their infraorder, are carnivorous, and are capable of eating hundreds of insects every day, including mosquito and mayfly larvae. The adult dragonfly will eat nearly any flying insect, such as a moth or fly. Photo by Doug Wipf.

Eastern Pine Elfin (Callophrys niphon) May 8th. Eastern Pine Elfin habitat typically contains small to medium pines in addition to more mature trees, but nearby nectar sources are needed. Photo by Alan Rawle.

A relatively-large beetle at 1.25 inches in length is the Eastern Eyed Click Beetle (Alaus oculatus). The adults do not eat much but their diet consists of nectar and plant juice. The larvae diet consists of grubs of wood-boring beetles. Photo by Wendy Howes, June 26th, Hardwick.

A checkered apogeshna (Apogeshna stenialis) moth was found nectaring on flowers July 10th. Flowers paler in color–dull red, purple, pink, or white–and stronger in scent attract moths. Fragrance is an important floral characteristic as moths process smells through two olfactory “channels”–one for their favorite flowers and the other for alternative nectar sources (Hines 2012). Photo by Alan Rawle.

A rather large-looking Eastern Bluebird fledgling is not as small as might be expected. Adult bluebirds weigh .95–1.20 ounces. After a steady diet consisting almost entirely of high-protein insects for 17-21 days (in the nest), then additional time after leaving the nest, the fledglings are well on their way to attaining their adult weight. This fledgling has been out of the nest long enough to appear full-grown although still sporting juvenile feathers. The more downy juvenile feathers contribute to the overall "great" appearance. Photo by Anne Greene .

GREAT

One of Jim Morelly's Quabbin area trailcams caught this moose calf and cow (partially obscured) this spring.

Black bear sightings were up this season. This one was a small bear, most likely a young bear born in 2022. Black bear mothers give birth in January and stay with their cubs for 16-17 months. Family breakup happens suddenly during mating season in May or June when the mother is nearly ready to mate.The sudden presence of a male can precipitate family breakup. At first, the mother is torn between her yearlings and the persistent male, but within a day after family breakup, she will chase her yearlings away whenever she encounters them. Photo take on June 5th near Quabbin Gate 43 in Hardwick by Alan Rawle.

By August 18th male White-tailed Deer antlers are noticeable. The main factors affecting antler size of an individual white-tailed deer are age, nutrition and genetics. As males mature, their antlers become heavier and better developed. Photo by Alan Rawle.

This bull moose captured on another of Jim Morelly's trailcams in August is standing by a beaver dam that couldn't withstand the increase in pond size due to heavy rains all season.

On July 28th this Black Bear spent some time on the roof of a Hardwick backyard shed, where it was attracted to old birdseed residue. Photo by Alan Rawle.

A still shot from a video of this bear, which was caught wandering by Doug Wipf's Rutland wildlife camera on August 21st.

Another trailcam capture is this photo of a bear in Brimfield in August, which also appears to be a yearling born in early 2022. Virginia's DWR' site says: "Yearling bears (those between 1 and 2 years old) often will look tall and slender with very little belly fat, making their legs appear long for their body, much like a young deer. If you can see a lot of daylight under the bear’s belly as it walks, it is likely a young bear. " Photo from Bill Platenik

A beaver gathers some food in Hardwick on May 16th. Beavers are the largest rodents in North America and Eurasia and the second largest rodents worldwide. They weigh from 35 to 66 pounds. The fur-lined lips close behind the incisors, blocking water from the mouth and lungs and allowing beavers to cut, peel, and carry branches underwater. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Maybe not so GREAT in size, but great to see!

Still not as great in size as it will be when mature, this Gray Fox was found taking a stroll at Quabbin Gate 45 in Hardwick on August 5th. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) at a pond in Warren. A muskrat's body measures up to 25 inches, plus another 7 - 11 inches for the tail. It weighs about 4 pounds, a hefty size for a rodent. Photo by Bill Platenik.

Raccoon in Brimfield, early spring. Photo by Bill Platenik.

A Bobcat in the Quabbin region in June is captured on one of the trailcams deployed by Jim Morelly.

Some bird species are GREATER than others.

Four Turkey Vultures find the top of a bulldozer a perfect perching place. This August sight was photographed in Warren by Bill Platenik.

By August 23rd, the Sandhill Crane colts hatched in May in Hardwick were nearly as large as the parent birds. Photo by Alan Rawle.

A very vocal juvenile Broad-winged Hawk was found in Hardwick on August 15th. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Common Raven, a member of the Corvid family of birds, in Hardwick, August 22nd. Corvids display remarkable intelligence for animals of their size, and are among the most intelligent birds thus far studied. This individual quickly honed in on a recently-mowed field, a good source of "fast food." Photo by Alan Rawle.

Osprey coming in for a landing. Photos taken in Warren by Bill Platenik.

This Bald Eagle was photographed in the Quabbin Reservoir area--one of the best places in Massachusetts to look for eagles--by Jim Morelly. An eagle’s body is about 2.5 feet long (head to tip of tail) and can weigh from 8 to 15 pounds.

The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is the largest heron native to North America. Males arrive at colonies first and settle on nests, where they court females; most males choose a different nest each year. The herons build a bulky stick nest. Nests are usually around 20 inches across when first constructed, but can grow to more than 47 inches in width and 35 inches deep with repeated use and additional construction. Photo by Jim Morelly.

As for SMALL birds. . .

A male Ruby-throated Hummingbird in breeding plumage finds a source of nectar in Rutland. Photo by Anne Greene.

This fledgling Chestnut-sided Warbler was on its own in Barre on August 19th. When it migrates to wintering grounds in Central America in the fall, it will join in mixed-species foraging flocks with the resident species. It will probably return to the same area in subsequent years, joining back up with the same foraging flock it associated with the year before. Photo by Alan Rawle.

A small Eastern Bluebird chick makes a very great and strong demand for food. Photo by Anne Greene.

These Spotted Sandpiper fledglings were being tended by their male parent at Quabbin Reservoir on July 3rd. In this species, the male takes the primary role in parental care, incubating the eggs and taking care of the young. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Warblers are some of our smallest bird species, so if their striking plumage characteristics are evident, their identification becomes easier. American Redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla) are only 4.25- 5.25 inches in length. Weight changes with the seasons. Males like the one pictured here weigh an average of .3 ounce in summer but drop to .25 ounce in winter, while females drop even more from an average of .31 ounce to an average of .24 ounce. (Perhaps they weigh a bit more when they're soaking wet.) Photo by Anne Greene

Averaging around 5 inches in length and weighing only .32–.35 ounces, Yellow Warblers (Setophaga petechia) stand out in the foliage due to their bright yellow plumage. This female was in Hardwick on July 1st. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Some GREAT insects

Grapevine beetles (Pelidnota punctata) are about 1" in length. Adults are found on grapevines from June through August, where they feed on the leaves and fruit. They're often attracted to lights at night. Photo by Anne Greene.

A striking moth due to both its lime-green color and large size is the Luna Moth (Actias luna). Wingspan is typically 3.1–4.5 inches and, in rare instances, as much as 7 inches. Central Massachusetts sightings of this moth are uncommon. Unfortunately, A parasitoid fly deliberately introduced to North America as a biological pest control for the invasive species spongy (formerly gypsy) moth appears to have had a negative impact on luna moths and other native moths. Photo July 9th in Hardwick by Alan Rawle.

Larvae of Spotted Apatelodes (Apatelodes torrefacta) on spicebush (Lindera benzoin) on August 18 in Hardwick. After the larva reaches its final instar, it will overwinter as a pupa. Overwintering at this stage usually means sheltering under tree bark or beneath fallen leaves (leaf litter) or other plant matter on the ground. These overwintering sites shield the insect from adverse conditions associated with winter. Photo by Wendy Howes.

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is one of our largest and most striking butterflies. The wingspan ranges from 3.1 to 5.5 inches with females being the larger sex. Adults use a wide range of food sources, most preferring to nectar on sturdy plants with red or pink flowers, or on the pale purple anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) pictured here. Photo by Alan Rawle on July 30th.

The Eastern Dobsonfly, (Corydalus cornutus) is a large insect that can reach 5.5 inches in length, with a wingspan of up to 5 inches. This 4-inch-long individual showed up at lighted "mothing" sheets in Ware on July 26th, in a spot fairly close to Muddy Brook. Dobsonflies require fast-flowing streams where its aquatic larvae--hellgrammites--develop. Hellgrammites are among the top invertebrate predators in the streams in which they live. They are commonly used by anglers as bait. Photo by Alan Rawle.

We're pretty sure this large beetle is Prionus laticollis, also known as the broad-necked root borer, a type of longhorn beetle. They can reach almost 2 inches in length. These beetles are widespread throughout eastern North America. The larvae can damage trees and other plants by feeding on their roots. Larvae tunnel downward to feed on the living roots of a variety of trees and shrubs. At first, they may feed on bark, but then proceed to hollow out small roots. But they often feed on dead wood, too. Found in Hardwick on July 5th.

A relatively-large moth, growing to about 1 inch in length, is the Nessus Sphinx moth (Amphion floridensis). This striking moth was found nectaring on wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata) in Rutland in early spring. Photo by Anne Greene.

Some SMALL insects

Confusing bumblebee (Bombus perplexus) on purple coneflower Photo by Doug Wipf

On July 9th in Hardwick, this dung beetle (Aphodius sp.) was found not moving dung but resting on a stem of grass. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Not an insect, but a small creature of interest, American dog tick or wood tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is a species of tick that is known to carry bacteria responsible for several diseases in humans, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever (rare in Massachusetts) and tularemia (Francisella tularensis) (relatively uncommon in Massachusetts, occurring on Cape Cod and the islands). It is one of the best-known hard ticks. Though D. variabilis may be exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, these ticks are not competent vectors for the transmission of this disease. Dog ticks were abundant in some areas of central Massachusetts this season. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Little Glassywing (Pompeius verna), a member of the butterfly family known as Grass Skippers, is a small creature, with a wingspan of only 1 - 1.5 inches. The larvae feed on Tridens flavus, known as purpletop, tall redtop, or greasy grass, a large, robust perennial bunchgrass native to eastern North America. This adult was found nectaring on common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) on July 8th. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Hickory Tussock Moth (Lophocampa caryae) caterpillar. Photo by Anne Greene.

Tiny Syrphid fly on early spring dandelion. Syrphid flies (or flower flies or hover flies, in the family Syrphidae) are common and important natural enemies of aphids and other small, slow-moving insects. The adults resemble bees or wasps, and are often seen visiting flowers, hovering over the flowers and darting around. Photo by Wendy Howes /

GREAT and SMALL together

On May 10th, two bright yellow recently- hatched chicks were found with the pair of Hardwick Sandhill Cranes that have nested successfully here since 2021. Photo by Alan Rawle.

A Wild Turkey captures a vole on June 22nd in Hardwick. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Adult Canada Geese and their goslings illustrate the "great" and "small" stages of this species. An average adult male weighs from 5.7 to 14.3 pounds, while an average female weighs from 5.3 to 12.1 pounds. Larger geese can have an impressive wingspan of up to six feet. As soon as the goslings hatch, and starting off at a weight of only a few ounces, they are immediately capable of walking, swimming, and finding their own food. This family was photographed May 29th in Hardwick by Alan Rawle.

The Eastern Kingbird truly deserves its Latin name of Tyrannus tyrannus. On its breeding grounds, it can often be seen attacking and chasing much larger birds, such as Bald Eagles. This immature Bald Eagle took flight and was chased mercilessly by a kingbird on July 30th near Quabbin Reservoir in Hardwick. Photo by Alan Rawle

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Winter Mammal Watch

3/25/2023

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Whether passing through backyards under cover of darkness, encountered while hiking, or captured by a well-placed trailcam, the mammals of central Massachusetts allowed some Club members
a glimpse into their winter lives.

Doug Wipf's backyard wildlife camera in Rutland revealed a raccoon helping itself to a drink out of the pond.

This Eastern Coyote could have been picking up the scent of Gray Foxes that visited Bill Platenik's Brimfield property a couple of weeks earlier. (See below.)

A Virginia Opossum--the only opossum in North America--visits a Hardwick backyard in early winter.

American Mink on a frozen section of Winimusset Brook, New Braintree, 29 December 2022. Photo By Wendy Howes

As this camera-capture shows, bobcats become more diurnal during fall and winter in response to the activity of their prey, which are more active during the day in colder weather. This one was exploring Bill Platenik's Brimfield property.

Mink like to live near water and establish long and narrow territories, some as large as several miles, that stretch along river banks, or around the edges of lakes or marshes.

When walking, the bobcat usually "directly registers", meaning its hind prints fall exactly on top of its fore prints.

But sometimes the forepaw lands slightly to the side of the rear print, an "indirect registration." Photos by Doug Wipf

Bobcat track in mud showing indirect registration. January 2023 Quabbin Gate 43 Hardwick. Photo by Alan Rawle

This video "grab" of two bobcat kittens was shared by Jim Morelly, who found some excellent footage on one of his remote trailcams. To view the entire video, go to https://hikingcamerawildlife.smugmug.com/

Another photogenic mammal crosses the path of one of Jim Morelly's trailcams. This bull moose has shed the antlers that are important in the mating season and is sporting pedicles (flat bony protrusions on the skull). He still retains a good-sized dewlap or bell under his chin. This flap of skin is larger in males.

This unaccompanied young moose in Hardwick's Quabbin area may be a male born last spring. As the female who raised him gets closer to calving--around May--she begins ignoring her male calf (or sometimes, calves) and he becomes independent. Cow moose don’t usually chase female calves away, so young females are usually found with their mothers for several years. Photo by Alan Rawle, 15 March.

This River Otter image was taken from a video produced by yet another trailcam placed by Jim Morelly in the Quabbin region.

Otter tracks and belly-slide impressions over a frozen shallow pond in Hardwick. Photo by Alan Rawle.

The same set of otter tracks and slides as above. The arrow points to the endpoint of the tracks where the otter entered the water through a hole in the ice. 15 March 2023. Photos by Alan Rawle

Two healthy-looking Gary Foxes visited Bill Platenik's yard on 27 January and got their pictures taken. The stripe of black hair that runs along the back of their tails is seen well here.

Porcupine tracks in the snow, showing the swaying gait and slight foot drag that are noticeable when a porcupine is seen walking. Photo by Doug Wipf

For American red squirrels, the odds are against their survival, but the central Massachusetts population is secure. On average only 22% survive to one year of age. They have many predators. And if juvenile red squirrels are to survive their first winter, they must acquire a territory and midden. They can acquire a territory by competing for a vacant territory, creating a new territory or by receiving all or part of a territory from their mothers (Wikipedia) Photo by Alan Rawle

A North American Porcupine pair emerges from a den under a strong, protective stone wall. Captured on trailcam placed by Jim Morelly. A male and female establish a strong biological tie and mate for the rest of their lives.

A mammal we'd rather not encounter outdoors is a domestic cat like this free-roaming feline. Although domestic cats (Felis catus) can make wonderful pets, they threaten birds and other wildlife and disrupt ecosystems.

Not a mammal we see in winter, the woodchuck, or groundhog, is one of the few species that enter into true hibernation. Instead its appearance signals the end of winter. Male groundhogs emerge from hibernation before females, anytime from early March to April, which is when the breeding season begins. Like this Hardwick animal, they emerge from hibernation with some remaining body fat to live on until the warmer spring weather produces abundant plant materials for food. Photo by Alan Rawle

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Season Finale: Farewell to the Warm-Weather Months of 2022

11/13/2022

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Summer 2022 brought many days of very hot temperatures and drought conditions leading to water woes. Fortunately severe drought was avoided as rain events became more frequent from September onward. Our contributing photographers managed to get out in the field and/or explore their backyards, and they encountered
opportunities for some great shots.
These highlights from summer and early fall represent the great diversity of wildlife and habitats
in central Massachusetts.

Left: Immature male Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Rutland. Photo by Anne Greene.

Painted Turtle on the Ware River in New Braintree on August 30th. Photo by Alan Rawle.

An immature male Scarlet Tanager feeds on a wild grape on August 21 in Hardwick. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Red-spotted Newt Doug Rutland 10 18 22

Juvenile Eastern Bluebird Photo by Anne Greene

White-crowned Sparrow in New Braintree, October 8. Photo by Alan Rawle.

White-tailed Deer in Hardwick. Photo by Alan Rawle.

A Pine Warbler strikes a pose in Rutland. Photo by Anne Greene.

An aptly-named Ruby Meadowhawk (Sympetrum rubicundulum), a species of dragonfly whose flight period is from late summer to late fall, was photographed by Alan Rawle on September 3rd.

Late-season Scarlet Tanagers taking a dip in Rutland. Photo by Anne Greene.

A Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, and Gray Catbird were just a few of the species attracted to Bill Platenik's specially-constructed birdbath in Brimfield.

Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) has been abundant here in recent years. Cottontails typically live only 12 to 15 months, but they have a high reproductive rate and can raise as many as six litters, averaging five young per litter, in a year. Photo by Alan Rawle.

A Great Black Wasp (Sphex pensylvanicusis), a species of digger wasp, a solitary species. The adults drink from nectaring flowers while hunting for insect prey items for their young. Photo by Doug Wipf.

Eastern Bluebird photographed in Rutland by Anne Greene.

Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice ), one of the last of the season, on November 5. Photo by Doug Wipf.

Bill Platenik's trail cam in Brimfield.

Alan Rawle's backyard trail cam in in Hardwick captured this Gray Fox ((Urocyon cinereoargenteus).

Doug Wipf's backyard trail cam in Rutland.

Snowberry clearwing moth (Hemaris diffinis) nectaring on Verbena bonariensis. Photo by Anne Greene.

Laetiporus sulphureus, commonly known as Chicken-of-the-Woods,
is perhaps one of the most distinctive fungi around.
Photos by Anne Greene.

A Wilson's Warbler stopped in Hardwick on its way south on September 28th. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Golden Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia). Argiope spiders are not aggressive. They might bite if grabbed, but other than for defense they do not attack large animals. Photo by Anne Greene.

Migrant Palm Warbler in Rutland. Photo by Anne Greene.

Alan Rawle's backyard trail cam in Hardwick.

Dark-eyed Junco on November 5 in Rutland. Photo by Doug Wipf.

Doug Wipf was fortunate to get good looks at this Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) in Rutland on August 22nd. This species of snake is social with others of its species during fall and spring. They have been observed coiled together, basking in the sun. In the warmer months, they are solitary creatures found on overhanging branches, walkways, and cattail stems.

Spotted Sandpiper at Quabbin Reservoir in Hardwick on August 28th. Photo by Alan Rawle.

This beautifully-marked American Toad was at Harvard Pond in Peterhsamon August 27th. Photo by Doug Wipf.

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Now You See Them. . . The Ephemeral Lives of Wildflowers and Insects

8/1/2022

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The perfect early-spring blend of adequate moisture and moderate temperatures in central Massachusetts resulted in a spectacular show of our favorite native wildflowers. Red columbine and pink lady's slipper were particularly abundant. Ever-fascinating insects emerged and lived out
their short life spans, sometimes with an audience.
At the time of this post, the beauties here are long gone.
Watch for their reappearance next spring!

Foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) in Rutland. Photo by Doug Wipf.

Gaywings or fringed milkwort (Polygaloides paucifolia). Photo by Christy Barnes

Northeastern sculpted pine borer (Chalcophora liberta) in Petersham 27 May 2022. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Gaywings or fringed milkwort (Polygaloides paucifolia), in the less-common white form. Photo taken in Rutland by Christy Barnes

Pink lady's slippers (Cypripedium acaule) 6 June 2022 in Hardwick. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Snowberry clearwing ( Hemaris diffinis) on bluets (Houstonia caerulea) in Petersham, 27 May 2022. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Rue anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides) 6 May 2022, in Hardwick. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Red baneberry (Actea rubra) on a wooded roadside in Hardwick, 16 May 2022. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Lady's slipper (Cypripedium acaule) in Rutland 2 June 2022. Photo by Chris Purington.

Cuckoo bee ( Nomada ruficornis sp) on Robin's plantain fleabane (Erigeron pulchellus) Photo by Alan Rawle.

Early azalea (Rhododendron prinophyllum) in Hardwick, 24 May 2022. Photo by Alan Rawle

Downlooker snipefly (Rhagio mystaceus) in Petersham, 27 May 2022. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) at Riis Hill in Barre, 5 June 2022. Photo by Mike Perkins.

Red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) growing in masses along a Hardwick stone wall on 24 May 2022. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Millipede (Narceus americanus-annularis complex) at Quabbin Gate 40, near Dana Common, Petersham on 27 May 2022. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) close-up, in Petersham on 27 May 2022. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Wild honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica) at Muddy Brook WMA, Hardwick, 18 May 2022. Photo by Alan Rawle.

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Birds of Prey Gallery: Not for the Faint-hearted

4/4/2022

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Sharp-shinned Hawk preys on female Cardinal, March 2022. Photos by Anne Greene.

Red-tailed Hawk captures a Gray Squirrel
Photos by Doug Wipf

Above: Immature Bald Eagle scavenging a deer carcass
Below: Osprey making a meal of a fish
Photos by Bill Platenik, March 2022

Red-shouldered Hawk scavenging a deer carcass left out by hunters
Photo by Alan Rawle, December 2019

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Photogenic Fungi

11/3/2021

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Black trumpet or horn of plenty (Craterellus cornucopioide) August, 2021. Doug Wipf

Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) September 19, 2021 Photo by Alan Rawle.

Sulphur shelf (Laetiporous sulphureus) October, 2021. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Fringed or sessile earthstar (Geastrum fimbriatum) Photo by Doug Wipf.

September, 2021. Photo by Pam Landry

We think this is yellow fairy cups (Bisporella citrina). Barre Falls Dam October 17, 2021. Photo by Anne Greene.

Eastern stinkhorn (Phallus ravenelli) September 2021. Harvard Pond, Petersham Photo by Pam Landry

Violet-toothed polypore (Trichaptum biforme) September, 2021. Photo by Pam Landry

Scrambled egg slime mold (Fuligo septica) Rutland, August 2021. Photo by Doug Wipf.

Dryad saddle (Polyporus squamosus) September, 2021. Photo by Pam Landry

Clitocybe sp? Dingy bowl cap (Clitocybe tarda)? September, 2021. Photo by Pam Landry

Purple coral fungus ( Clavaria lavandula) Warwick, late summer 2021. Photo by Jack Cadwell.

Inky cap (Coprinus sp.) cluster. September, 2021, Quabbin Reservation. Photo by Pam Landry.

Blue-green cup fungus (Chlorociboria aeruginascens) found at Barre Falls Dam, October 17, 2021, is a very common fungus, although it's more common to see the green- stained wood than to actually see the fruiting bodies. Photo by Anne Greene.

A chipmunk at Moore State Park in Paxton nibbles a mushroom of unknown species. Photo August 14, 2021 by Alan Rawle.

Barre Falls Dam, October 17, 2021. Photo by Anne Greene.

Parasol mushroom (Leucoprinus sp.), September 13, 2021. Photo by Alan Rawle.

A younger and more colorful fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), poisonous no matter what color or age. September, 2021.

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Chicks, Colts, Fledglings, & Ducklings 2021

9/30/2021

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The first successful breeding of Sandhill Cranes in Worcester County was documented in Hardwick this summer. Family group seen here on 27 June shows colts at about 6-7 weeks of age.

Throughout June and most of July, each colt was "supervised" by one of the parent birds and kept apart from its sibling, probably a parental strategy to reduce aggression between the two young birds, which can be intense in some cases. Photo 18 July.

On August 10 all four birds flew several hundred yards together, moving from a favored uphill foraging spot to the location where they usually started their afternoon downhill walk to a large grass expanse at the edge of a beaver pond marsh. Before the colts could fly well, the family spent the night at the pond edge, mostly hidden in the marsh vegetation.

The Sandhill Crane family established a daily routine of walking and foraging as a group through three adjacent Hardwick properties. This photo 4 July. All crane photos by Alan Rawle.

As the colts matured the family foursome comingled more frequently. On a hot 28 July the parent birds stood sentry as the young birds bathed in a shallow farm pond.

During August all cranes seemed to spend more time exercising their wings. Photo 20 August.

Hardwick Sandhill Crane family 27 August, shortly before they took wing and began expanding their home range to other locations in Hardwick and New Braintree. They are expected to stay in the area until November before moving to a milder region for the winter.

Female Wood Duck with one of her ducklings in Rutland 25 June. Photo by Doug Wipf.

A Downy Woodpecker fledgling and male parent were observed by Anne Greene in Rutland.

By August 1st Eastern Bluebirds in Hardwick were raising their second brood. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Two fledgling Gray Catbirds use a convenient perch while waiting to be fed by their parents on July 4 in Hardwick.

This juvenile Song Sparrow found on September 4th represented a second brood, a common event in this species. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Ted Purcell monitored the successful nesting of a pair of American Kestrels in Rutland. These juveniles were present on July 29.

Anne Greene observed this Tufted Titmouse parent and fledgling at close range in Rutland.

A pair of Turkey Vultures in Hardwick chose an abandoned treehouse on a quiet property abutting forest land as a nesting site. The fledglings remained out of sight for many weeks, but started venturing out to the balcony to wait for their feedings around the end of July. On 7 August this chick was still covered in fluffy down feathers.

By August 13 both young vultures were beginning to grow black feathers on their wings. All vulture photos by Alan Rawle.

At the end of August the juveniles were venturing away from the treehouse and spending time exploring on the ground, retreating when disturbed by heading to a tree near the treehouse and climbing the trunk and low branches. Photo 27 August.

Eastern Kingbird fledgling on July 4. Photo by Alan Rawle.

A Downy Woodpecker fledgling photographed as it begs for food (which arrived soon after this photo by Anne Greene was taken).

Birds that frequent backyard feeders often bring their offspring to the feeder area to be fed. Doug Wipf spotted this Rose-breasted Grosbeak feeding a juvenile male on July 14.

A male White-breasted Nuthatch found a stable feeding platform for feeding one of his fledglings. Photo by Anne Greene.

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Welcome to Tropical Central Massachusetts!

9/3/2021

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WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
From late May to the end of August 2021 the weather in central Worcester County was truly something to talk about. An abnormally cold and rainy Memorial Day weekend was the beginning of a roller-coaster pattern. Summer started off dry, and then very hot temperatures alternating with occasional cool spells managed to keep us guessing about what to expect from week to week. A constant theme was rain and more rain. Massachusetts may break the record for the wettest summer, according to various sources. As of August 25th,Worcester had the fourth wettest summer with 20.64 inches of rain.
We can speculate about the effect of the see-saw precipitation, temperature, humidity, etc. on our plants, insects, birds, and other wild creatures.

Mallard hen in flight. Mallards are abundant in central Massachusetts, in both high-water and low-water years. Photo by Alan Rawle, Hardwick.

Song Sparrows thrive in wet areas, as long as they manage to situate their nests far enough above the high water line. Nests are placed on the ground or in shrubs as high up as 15 feet. Photo by Alan Rawle, Hardwick, 20 June.

Water was present in places where it's dry or slightly damp most years. Sections of rails like this one at Moore State Park in mid-July were inundated. Photo by Bill Platenik.

A great year for ducks! Many Wood Duck pairs raised two broods. Doug Wipf found this hen with ducklings in Rutland on 8 July.

Juvenile Hooded Mergansers in Rutland 25 June. Photo by Doug Wipf.

A successful Song Sparrow nesting was confirmed in Hardwick on 26 June when a begging fledgling (left) was seen being fed by one of its parents right). Photo by Alan Rawle. This species generally raises 2-3 broods per season in our region.

Given the conditions, frogs weren't hard to find during summer 2021. But Bill Platenik of Brimfield was astonished to find this Green Frog in a drainage area in his Brimfield yard, about 1/8 mile from any wild wet areas.

Wetlands-lovers Common Yellowthroats had plenty of habitat to choose from this season. Photo by Doug Wipf, 21 July.

Majestic Interrupted Fern (Claytosmunda claytoniana), the only species in this genus, was photographed in June by Doug Wipf.

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). Some Native American tribes used various parts of this plant in herbal remedies for certain ailments, and Native American men also rubbed crushed seeds on their hands as a love charm. Photo by Doug Wipf.

Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis), so named by early American settlers due to its sensitivity to frost. Photo by Doug Wipf.

One species of moth that flies early in the season is Crocus Geometer (Xanthotype sospeta). Photo by Alan Rawle.

Brown rot fungus on dead wood with New York Fern (Parathelypteris noveboracensis). This fern often forms spreading colonies. Photo by Doug Wipf.

Round-leaved Pyrola or American Wintergreen ( Pyrola americana) blooming in Petersham on 27 June. The heat and humidity of the season spurred plant growth in general.

On 9 June Pam Moen found this Painted Turtle laying eggs in her yard in the Templeton area. Myriad factors determine egg survival and hatching time.

Painted Turtle basking in Hardwick on 20 June. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Great Blue Herons and wetlands go hand-in-hand. This season's conditions replenished shallow ponds and reservoirs brought low by the droughts in 2016, 2018, and 2020. Photo by Doug Wipf, Rutland, 25 June.

A female Blackburnian Warbler eyes the photographer, Alan Rawle, on 2 June.

Some Painted Turtle eggs will hatch in the fall, others in spring. This hatchling was one of two found in Hardwick on 8 May.

This hatchling--same as above-- was found wandering on a driveway close to its "home pond" and was carried to a spot close to the pond. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Great Crested Flycatcher in Rutland on 25 June. Photo by Doug Wipf.

Red-spotted Admiral, Red-spotted Purple form (Limenitis arthemis) found by Ted Purcell in August.

Hummingbird clearwing moths (Hemaris thysbe) collect nectar from a wide variety of flowers using a long proboscis while hovering above the bloom. They show a preference for pink and purple flowers. Several including this one were in Hardwick in July.

White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata) in Ashburnham 15 August.

Calico Pennant (Celithemis elisa) in Petersham 27 June. Although odonate numbers in general seemed to be down this summer, certain local populations, like this species on the east shore of Quabbin Reservoir, appeared to be robust.

Cass Meadow Conservation Area in Athol hosted numerous pollinators like this Brown-winged Striped-Sweat Bee (Agapostemon splendens) in vast fields of Joe-Pye-Weed, but butterflies and odonates were scarce in early August. Photo by Alan Rawle on 7 August.

Common Green Darner (Anax junius) by Ted Purcell, 5 July. As this web-page is being published, large swarms of this species are migrating south after spending the summer here.

Yellow-legged Meadowhawk (Sympetrum vicinumin) Hardwick on 1 August.

A male Northern Walkingstick (Diapheromera femorata) was found by Doug Wipf on 15 August in Rutland.

Monarch butterflies appeared to be having a good year. Sightings of caterpillars and adults throughout August were frequent. Photo by Doug Wipf.

This Bobcat visited Doug Wipf's Rutland yard on 27 June.

American Coppers (Lycaena phlaeas) and other insects, including a scarab beetle, in Sterling, 5 July. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Bill Platenik's Brimfield trail cam video captured this daytime image of a Bobcat on 4 July.

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A Waning Pandemic and Emerging Spring

6/5/2021

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Pandemic-weary nature-lovers, tired of restrictions on activities, winter in general, and
a cold and windy April, found spring to be especially welcome and inviting this year.
There were many great encounters and observations to be enjoyed and shared.

Common water strider (Aquarius sp.) is an early-emerging insect. This individual was in Hardwick 6 April. Photo by Alan Rawle.

By the end of April Red-bellied Woodpeckers were selecting nesting cavities. Doug Wipf found this bright male in Rutland on 27 April.

One of our earliest ephemeral spring wildflowers, Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica) blooms briefly at Mt. Wachusett in Princeton. Elaiosomes, fleshy structures attached to the seeds, are present and allow for ant dispersal. Photos showing color variations are by Doug Wipf.

Black squirrel with Red-winged Blackbirds 21 April in Hardwick. Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is one of the two most likely squirrel species (the other is Fox Squirrel) in which this melanistic sub-group occurs. Black morphs are the result of an abnormal pigment gene.

Marsh marigold ((Caltha palustris), a member of the buttercup family, peaked here the second week of May. Those "petals" you see are NOT petals. Instead, each cluster of flowers is made of five to nine sepals, which resemble petals, surrounding many stamens and pistils.

Bobolinks returned to the Rutland Prison Camp fields 7 May. Doug Wipf took this picture of this territorial male on 14 May.

A Baltimore Oriole was at Rutland's Prison Camp area on 7 May 2020, probably having arrived very recently. Photo by Doug Wipf.

The first half of May brought migrant warblers to central Massachusetts. Northern Parula (Parula americana) like the male above usually continues to move northward to its breeding territory, while Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera) remains as a fairly common breeding species here. Photos by Alan Rawle.

At the end of May Pearl Crescents (Phyciodes tharos) began emerging. Photo by Doug Wipf 27 May 2021.

On 7 May 2021 this Hardwick Canada Goose was tending the nest as it was very close to hatching time. Muddy Brook Wildlife Management Area. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Apple trees blooming in spring are small-bird magnets. Resident species like this Black-capped Chickadee, as well as warblers, vireos, and more feed on parts of the flowers and the insects that are drawn to them. Photo by Anne Greene in Rutland.

Ventral view of Hobomok Skipper at East Quabbin Land Trust's Deer Park Preserve in Hardwick 28 May 2021.

False Hellebore (Veratrum viride) is common and very obvious as its bright green leaves brighten up the dark wooded streamsides and swamp edges in May. A native plant which eventually produces dramatic flowers at the top of its long stem, it is extremely toxic and thus avoided by wildlife. Farmers are aware of it as a potential livestock threat.

Easily overlooked, Trailing Arbutus or Mayflower (Epigaea repens) was in bloom in late April.

The flight period for Hobomok Skippers begins in May. This lone butterfly was in Hardwick on 28 May 2021. Photo by Wendy Howes.

On 24 April Ted Purcell observed and photographed this Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) in Rutland. This widespread sparrow is easy to miss because it can superficially resemble other small brown birds with streaked underparts. A helpful field mark is the bright yellow coloration in front of the eye.

Palm Warbler (Dendroica palmarum) began migrating through central Massachusetts early in April. This warbler continues onward and breeds in boreal bogs in the far north. Photo taken in Hardwick by Alan Rawle.

Bill Platenik captured a Great Blue Heron posing at a heronry in Warren on 21 April.

Eastern Bluebirds and others took advantage of thawed birdbaths. Hardwick, 18 April 2021

On 14 April this Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) was sluggish after being disturbed from under a pile of leaves in Hardwick since it had not yet had time to warm up.

A male Juvenal's Duskywing 7 May 20121 Rutland. One of our earliest-emerging butterflies, they overwinter as larvae. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak 20 May 2021. Photo by Doug Wipf.

On 7 May Tree Swallows were already inspecting nestboxes at Rutland's DCR Ware River Watershed Prison Camp area. Photo by Doug Wipf.

Painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) in Rutland 27 May 2021. Photo by Doug Wipf.

On 14 April Bill Platenik observed this close interaction between a Bald Eagle and an Osprey. Eagles will often chase Ospreys that have caught a fish, trying to get the Osprey, which has superior fishing skills, to drop its prey. It's unknown if this was the case on 24 April in Warren, when Bill got this shot.

Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) is rare in our area but can be reliably seen at a Mt. Wachusett location. Doug Wipf sought out and photographed this stunning spring ephemeral in May.

A Great-horned Owl was found nesting in a former Great Blue Heron nest at High Ridge Wildlife Management Area in Westminster/Gardener. Jon Skinner took a photo of the two nestlings on 7 May 2021.

Anne Greene captured this colorful portrait of a Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrinar), a species that migrates through Massachusetts in May on its way to northern boreal forests, (and on its way back to Caribbean Islands in the fall).

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Members Art Gallery

1/28/2021

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Barry Van Dusen

Anne Greene

Wendy Howes

Bill Platenik

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