In the world of natural history, the term "ephemeral" is generally used in reference to spring wildflowers that bloom briefly. Although wild birds and animals have longer lifespans than the short-lived blossoms on many of our early-season plants, actual sightings of wildlife are often equally fleeting and transitory. The critters shown here appeared for an ephemeral moment to some quick and alert photographers.
 One of our favorite early spring ephemerals: Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) in New Braintree 8 May 2019. Wesuspect it's a favorite because it blooms around the time we start to wonder if spring will ever come.  Yellow-throated Vireos (Vireo flavifrons) started arriving from their wintering grounds in Central & South America and some Caribbean Islands the second week in May. Vireos are not as ephemeral as some of the fast-moving warblers. Photo by Alan Rawle, Hardwick, 11 May 2019.  On 5 April, Doug Wipf had to get his camera focused quickly in order to capture a picture of this American Mink (Neovison vison). This semiaquatic mustelid is described as restless, curious, and bold.  This Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) pair, oblivious to the Red-bellied Woodpecker lurking in the background, engaged in courtship feeding of dried mealworms in Rutland on 3 May 2019. Photo by Ted Purcell.  The Eastern Pine Elfin (Callophrys niphon) will lay its eggs on buds of White Pine and other species of pine, one of the few butterflies to use conifers as host plants. Not a particularly rapid flier, this butterfly was less ephemeral than some. New Braintree 8 May 2019 |  A fleeting look at a fast-moving moose in Rutland on 11 May. Photo by Doug Wipf.  Ted Purcell found this Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) perching longer than expected in Rutland on 12 May 2019.  The colorful Jack-in-the Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is pollinated by flies. Watch for the bright red berries later in the fall. But for now enjoy the spring appearance! Photo by Joanie Gentian 8 May 2109.  A Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) spent a short time on a glassdoor pane in Hardwick on the night of 7 May. This was an ephemeral sighting, but the evening chorus of peepers will continue for many more weeks.  Even if you just catch a flash of orange and black out of the corner of your eye, you'll know that Baltimore Orioles( Icterus galbula) are back in central Massachusetts. Photo by Alan Rawle, 15 May, Hardwick. |  Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) was just beginning to bloom on south-facing slopes alongside wooded wet areas in New Braintree 8 May 2019.  The lovely fiddlehead form of emerging ferns is short-lived. Photo by Joanie Gentian, New Braintree, 8 May.  A Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) flies from his perch to catch insects on 11 May in Hardwick. Photo by Alan Rawle.  Sporting bright breeding plumage as he heads into the nesting season, this White-throated Sparrow in Rutland on 3 May was on the verge of departure for more optimal territory. Photo by Ted Purcell.  Despite weighing from five to twelve pounds on average, with some large individuals getting up to as much as fifteen pounds, the Groundhog (Marmota monax) can disappear from view at astonishing speed when it senses danger. This one made an ephemeral appearance lasting only a handful of seconds. Inspired by the photographer's presence, it retreated to the safety of its burrow. Photo 20 May 2019 by Alan Rawle, Hardwick. |