FROM THE FIELD

Winter Surprises 2024 -2025

3/21/2025

Twenty years ago we would have been hard-pressed to find a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in central Massachusetts in the middle of winter. But a warming climate has convinced many or these woodpeckers to save migration energy and remain on or close to their breeding territories. Sapsuckers seem to be sporting a rather messy plumage at this time of year since they're either immatures molting into adult plumage of adults in annual molt. This female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was in Hardwick on February 8th. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Savannah Sparrows generally withdraw from our region in winter, but as the winters become milder cold-weather sightings have been on the increase. On January 30, 2025 Ted Purcell was lucky enough to get this close-up look of one in Rutland.

During winter 2023 -2024 this species was present in high numbers throughout central and western Massachusetts. But during winter of 2024-2025 there were few to be found, as the peak of pine cone crop production was long over. A few Pine Siskins were around, but it was still a surprise to encounter a flock visiting a feeder in Hardwick on February 17th. Photo by Alan Rawle.

In the depths of winter, when open water is frozen over, it can be challenging for birds to stay hydrated. Some birds eat the frozen water all around them, catch snowflakes in mid-air, or drink from dripping icicles. Many other birds, like this Eastern Bluebird, scoop up fresh, powdery snow to ingest. Eating ice and snow comes at a cost, however, since it takes energy to convert the frozen stuff to water and bring it up to the bird's body temperature. It could be worth the calories to obtain water in this manner, though, rather than flying long distances to find some and possibly be exposed to predators or other hazards. Written by Richa Malhotra on BirdNote. Photo taken in Rutland by Anne Greene.

An artistic look at the January 20th hawk imprint in the snow, from another angle. Deb wrote, "The sun was bright that morning. The gray toned images look deceptively like a raised image."

Although it wasn't winter yet, autumn brought a couple of astronomical surprises to the region. Due to a complicated series of atmospheric and solar conditions, Massachusetts and other parts of New England hosted beautiful displays in early October 2024.

These colorful photographs were captured via cellphone in Jefferson on October 10, 2024 by Scott Wahlstrom.

While reviewing his trailcam footage near the end of February, Doug Wipf was caught off-guard by this image of a tail-less raccoon. Wildlifefaq.com says, "There are various reasons why a raccoon might lose its tail. It could be due to an injury inflicted by another raccoon, a predator attack, or a birth defect. In some cases, a raccoon may lose its tail due to human activities, such as getting caught in a trap or vehicle accident." This raccoon appears to be in good condition, and the area where the tail would be attached doesn’t seem to show a recent wound or trauma site. This animal’s tail was probably lost some time ago, long before it passed in front of the Rutland trailcam.

On a cold evening in February, shortly before sunset, a Brown Creeper was discovered perched high in a tree cavity that had been excavated by a Pileated Woodpecker. Although exposed on one side, the bird was otherwise sheltered from the wind and cold air and chose the spot as a night roost for many nights. When the temperature dipped below freezing, the bird was certain to be present. Photo taken in Hardwick on February 19th by Alan Rawle.

Black Vultures have become more common in Worcester County and are no longer considered a rare sighting, but they're eye-catching when they do show up. The bases of the primary feathers are white, producing a white patch on the underside of the wing's edge, which is visible in flight and often appears "silvery" in bright sunlight. Photo by Alan Rawle, February 22nd in Hardwick.

After a fresh snowfall, Deb Mero of Erving noticed this Blue Jay-size imprint and snapped a photo before it melted away. Size and shape suggest a small hawk, most likely Sharp-Shinned Hawk, which is about 11" - 12" in length and has a 23" wingspread. Deb theorized that the hawk sensed a rodent under the snow and took the plunge. January 20th photo.

A similar surprise occurred after fresh snow on January 26th when Alan Rawle found this small bird imprint in the snow. It was easy to guess the species that left it behind - Dark-eyed Juncos, were foraging around the spot. Juncos spend a considerable portion of their days searching for food. They're known for their ground-feeding habits, preferring to hop or walk rather than fly for short distances. It appears that this individual briefly got in a bit deeper than expected.

Another pleasant astronomical surprise, again in October, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was bright enough to be viewed by the naked eye for most of the month. NASA defines comets as “cosmic snowballs” made of debris from the formation of the solar system. As they get close to the sun, they heat up and form a glowing tail of gas and dust that can be millions of miles long. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was discovered in 2023 by observers at China’s Tsuchinshan Observatory and an ATLAS telescope in South Africa. It was officially named in honor of both observatories.The comet comes from the Oort Cloud, a region filled with frozen debris on the edge of our solar system. Photo by Scott Wahlstrom, Jefferson, October 15th. Info by Simmone Shah for TIME Magazine

Somewhat of a surprise, although not completely unexpected, was the appearance of these two Sandhill Cranes in New Braintree on December 27, 2024. It's highly likely these are the same two birds that were found foraging in the same cornfield stubble during the 2023 - 2024 winter season. Seen here almost daily through early February 2025, the cranes disappeared after the early February snowstorm. But what to think about FOUR cranes that appeared/reappeared here on March 20th? This observation leads to further questions about the status of this species in the region. Clearly, numbers are increasing. If these cranes are local breeders, overwintering may give them a head start on claiming preferred nesting sites. If they're migrants, they may just have an advantage in being able to reach their preferred nesting site further north earlier than other pairs. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Another view of an Eastern Bluebird eating snow for winter hydration. Photo by Anne Greene, Rutland.

Never ceasing to surprise is the porcupine's agility and ability to climb and balance upon narrow, often twig-like branches. This porcupine easily high-wired its way to a small branching center point of a small sapling in Petersham on March 1st. Photo by Alan Rawle.

On March 8th, Ted Purcell was checking out a favorite local birding hotspot, Jordan's Dairy Farms in Rutland, and was surprised to find five Snow Geese among about 100 not-so-surprising Canada Geese. Snow Geese numbers have ballooned, from fewer than a million in the 1960s to perhaps 15 million today. The geese overwhelm the Arctic tundra where they nest, degrading breeding areas they share with nesting sandpipers and other birds. It's no wonder that some are wandering into our area.

It was a surprise to come upon this intact Bald-faced Hornet nest in a wooded area in west-central Massachusetts on January 26th. In early fall, new queens and drones are born, and they leave the nest to mate. When cool fall weather comes along, remaining worker hornets and the original queen gather together in tight clusters inside the nest to stay as warm as they can for as long as they can. Eventually, though, they freeze and die. All hope lies with the new queen in her overwintering spot. New nests are built by the new queen every year. The old, abandoned nest like the one in this photo usually gets tattered or completely destroyed by birds searching for food or by the cold winter winds and snow. Meanwhile, queens will survive the winter by burrowing in a rock pile, hollow tree, under a log or bark or even in the attic of a building.

Doug Wipf took this photo of two of the Rutland Snow Geese, also on March 8th.

Eastern Towhees was a surprising overwintering species in central Massachusetts this season, with at least a dozen present in Worcester County December through March. This bright male was photographed in Hardwick by Alan Rawle on January 4th.

SURPRISE!! White-throated Sparrow in Rutland. Photo by Anne Greene

0 Comments

Correction

9/9/2024

0 Comments

CORRECTION:

In the 8/24/2024 post (below) one of the mushrooms shown in FINE WEATHER FOR FUNGI is misidentified. The photo caption indicates bearded hedgehog mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), but the correct identification is hedgehog mushroom (Hydnum repandum). Both are edible species.
Thank you to one of our expert members for pointing out the error!

0 Comments

Soggy Seasons Summary

8/28/2024

0 Comments

It has been a year of continued high precipitation, higher average temperatures, and intermittent severe weather events in central Massachusetts. Looking back on 2023, the state experienced its seventh-wettest year on record, with more than 57 inches of precipitation dropping on the region, which is nearly 9 inches above average.

Michael Rawlins, associate director of the Climate System Research Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, noted that the precipitation data was influenced by extreme weather events, where storms would dump inches of rain at a time on the region. In general, wet climates, such as the Northeast, are expected to get wetter, while dry climates are projected to get drier.
“A warmer atmosphere is producing more frequent extreme precipitation events,” Rawlins says, with some data providing possible “evidence that the water cycle is intensifying as a result of warming.”
Late winter and early spring 2024 brought plenty of precipitation, too. As early as April a long-range forecast by the National Weather Service predicted a hot and rainy summer, and this prediction came true. Gardeners rarely have had to do any supplemental watering. Plant life has burgeoned. Wildlife species have benefited from ample food supplies. Insect life has flourished.

2023 marked the warmest year on average in Massachusetts, according to new data from the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Climate System Research Center. CONTRIBUTED GRAPHIC/UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST

WATER AND WILDLIFE

These Spotted Sandpiper chicks photographed on 3 July 2023 were found on the rocky shore of Quabbin Reservoir. From August to December 2023, Reservoir water levels ranged from 96 - 93% of capacity. Wachusett Reservoir during the same period ranged from 94 -91% capacity. In 2024, Quabbin levels rose to slightly over 100% capacity in April and May and remained high thereafter.

Water levels remained high in ponds and streams even in late summer 2023. This spotted Sandpiper in Barre on 19 August is sporting its basic/winter plumage. Photo by Alan Rawle

Yet another rain event left a puddle suitable for bathing by birds like this Chipping Sparrow, observed on 30 September 2023.

Even though their lives are spent on land, terrestrial snails need moisture. This unidentified snail found in Hardwick on 1 July 2023 is one of about 725 species of land snails that inhabit North America.

On 6 January 2024, it was wet and warm enough that there was still soft mud to be found in spots exposed to the sun. These raccoon tracks confirm that they remain active in winter if temperatures remain above freezing. If temperatures drop, they enter a prolonged period of torpor, sleeping in dens with their tails wrapped around their body for warmth.

Hardwick's Sandhill Crane family found enough water for cooling off in a small farm pond. The two colts were well-grown by the time this August 2023 photo was taken by Alan Rawle.

Bill Platenik's backyard trailcam in Brimfield caught these two raccoons visiting and wading in the birdbath one summer night.

Beavers were still active in an unfrozen pond near Quabbin Reservoir in Hardwick on 9 December 2023. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Dragonfly species such as this female Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta) depend on plentiful freshwater for reproduction. July 30, 2023 photo by Alan Rawle.

This White River Crayfish (Procambarus acutus) was found close to Muddy Brook in Hardwick on 18 July 2023. Typically found in open waters of sloughs, swampy areas, sluggish, lowland streams and ditches, this individual was on dry land in the floodplain. These crayfish will frequently burrow into sediments to escape drying or freezing. These burrows also provide protection to females with eggs.

On a rainy December day a Tufted Titmouse took a bath in Bill Platenik's yard in Brimfield.

There was plenty of water for cooling off available for these Cedar Waxwings on 19 August 2023. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Precipitation in the form of wet snow coated trees in Brimfield on 14 February 2024. Large numbers of Common Grackles (pictured here) and other blackbirds overwintered in parts of central Massachusetts and flocked to birdfeeders as one food source. Photo by Bill Platenik.

River otters (Lontra canadensis) near Quabbin Reservoir. The main requirements for these mammals are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. Otters are adapted to hunting in water, feeding on aquatic and semi-aquatic animals. Photo taken 23 October 2023 by Alan Rawle.

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) pair in breeding plumage 2 April 2024.

Visitors to ponds or lakes in spring or summer will invariably encounter Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus), a species drawn to water. On their breeding grounds, kingbirds can often be seen attacking and chasing much larger birds that make the mistake of flying through their territories. Interestingly, the Eastern Kingbird becomes downright gregarious during migration and winter. Photo by Doug Wipf, 4 June 2024.

Alternating freezing and thawing periods throughout winter gave Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) a chance to forage in the open instead of under the ice. In harsher winters, muskrats spend lots of time in their winter homes and their shacks — eating food from their autumn caches plus other marsh plants foraged under the ice. They can dive for up to 15 minutes to gather plants because their heart rate decreases under water, and oxygen is drawn from stores in muscle tissue. Thick, waterproof fur keeps them dry and warm. This muskrat was observed on 18 February 2024 in Hardwick.

Found in a variety of wet habitats, Northern water snakes (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) can often be found basking on beaver dams and lodges or other locations exposed to sunlight. Usually solitary animals, these snakes are only social during the fall and spring after overwintering. They can be found in groups at basking sites coiled together. A close look at this photo taken in Hardwick on 17 May 2024 revealed at least three snakes. Photo by Alan Rawle

This Great Blue Heron in high water appears to be swimming, but instead it's using its specially-adapted feet to maintain grip and balance. Its toes are long and slender, with sharp, curved claws that provide traction on slippery surfaces. There is partial webbing between the toes, allowing the heron to move easily through shallow water. The heron’s large, flat feet distribute its weight, enabling it to stand in deep water without sinking. Bill Platenik photographed this individual in early spring, 2024.

HEAT + HIGH PRECIPITATION = > SEED + FRUIT

Eastern White Pines (Pinus strobus) produced a massive cone crop, which in turn provided abundant seeds sought by a wide variety of birds including Common Grackle ( (Quiscalus quiscula). Photo October, 2023.

Fox grape (Vitis labrusca), the precursor to the cultivated Concord grape, is a powerhouse plant supporting a wide range of wildlife. Unlike some plants, it can thrive in moist soils. Photo 27 August 2023.

A Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) in Brimfield found plenty of late-fall aster seeds to add to its diet. Juncos are primarily seed eaters, with seeds making up about 75% of their year-round diet. Photo by Bill Platenik

Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) is one of a few species that are considered "irruptive winter finches" because of the high variability of their movements based on the success of crops from year to year. Large numbers of siskins, attracted to the abundant white pine cone crop invaded the region from late summer 2023 through the spring 2024 breeding season. Photo 24 November 2023 by Alan Rawle.

An American Robin feasts on ripe berries on 19 November 2023.

The invasive Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) produces hips that many bird species eat. This White-throated Sparrow found plenty of hips in early December. Rose hips (and leaves) are very rich in vitamin C, and the hips are also rich in carotene and a good source of essential fatty acids.

American Robin is one of numerous bird species--many of them thrushes--that flock to staghorn sumac fruit. Although this sumac species doesn't tolerate wet soils, it will grow fast if soil is dry or well-drained. It can be managed for beauty and as a wildlife food source by removal of suckers and shoots as well as hard pruning. This sumac species is fast-growing, so it will fill in an empty space in your landscape very quickly.

The cone crop lasted through most of the winter and many wintering bird species like Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) took advantage of it. Photo 18 February 2024.

A native plant that grows to a very large size when mature, pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) produces berries that are poisonous to humans but enjoyed by many bird species. Birds are unaffected by the poisons in the berries, and eat them, dispersing the seeds. At least 30 different species feed on the berries, including thrushes, catbirds, and woodpeckers.

Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) eat mainly insects in summer but switch to eating mostly fruit in fall and winter. They eat a wide variety of berries, including from ornamental bushes, as well as fruits from multiflora rose. This individual was in Hardwick 1 October 2023.

Can you find the Pine Siskins foraging among the pine cones? There are at least 16 birds in this photo taken 17 November 2023.

Another irruptive species that descended upon a large portion of the state beginning in late summer 2023, and staying to nest here, was Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra). The movements and occurrence of this species are linked very closely to the availability of conifer seeds, its primary food source. They typically nest in late summer (June–September) when the seeds of most conifer species mature, but may nest at any time of year if they locate an area with a suitable cone crop. Photo 6 January 2024

Some years abundant crabapples are produced, but high volume of flowers/fruits doesn't necessarily mean the fruit will be eaten by birds. To be useful as a winter food source for birds such as Cedar Waxwings, crabapples must be susceptible to softening by fluctuating freezing and thawing temperatures. Native American crabapple (Malus coronaria) is attractive to birds. Home gardeners choosing a crabapple also might consider a cultivated variety known to soften in winter rather than hold onto hard fruit. Photo by Bill Platenik 7 January 2024.

Poison ivy berries are a significant source of sustenance for numerous bird species. As birds consume the fruits, they inadvertently aid in the dispersion of poison ivy seeds by depositing them in different locations through their droppings. More than 60 species of birds eat the fruits from poison ivy, contributing to the survival and distribution of the plant. Just like its leaves, poison ivy berries are rich in an oil called urushiol that can cause a serious allergic reaction in humans. But bird aren’t sensitive to urushiol.

More than 60 species of birds, including Yellow-rumped "Myrtle" Warbler (Setophaga coronata) eat the fruits from poison ivy, contributing to the survival and distribution of the plant. One of the most versatile foragers of all the warblers, Myrtle Warblers eat insects in season, using a variety of hunting techniques, and eat many kinds of berries and seeds, and will sometimes visit birdfeeding stations. Photo 18 October 2023 by Alan Rawle.

GALLERY

Bumblebee on bottle gentian (Gentiana clausa) 1 September 2023. Photo by Doug Wipf

Ruby-throated Hummingbird with Red-spotted Purple butterfly Hardwick, 5 September 2023, Photo by Alan Rawle

Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) kits, Brimfield, summer 2023. Photo by Bill Platenik

A species of leaf-footed bug. October 2023. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua) New Braintree. 6 September 2023

Bobcat on 13 April 2024, captured on one of Jim Morelly's Quabbin trailcams.

Groundhog (Marmota monax) in Hardwick, early spring, 2024. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) Muddy Brook WMA, Hardwick, 30 August 2023 Photo by Alan Rawle

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), summer 2023. Photo by Bill Platenik

Porcupine in Hardwick. 24 October 2023

Brown Thrasher ((Toxostoma rufum) with Red-winged Blackbird. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton, 23 April 2024. Photo by Doug Wipf.

Arctic Skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon) on bluet (Houstonia caerulea) in Barre, 24 may 2024. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Trout lily (Erythronium americanum) photographed in early spring, 2024 by Doug Wipf.

Northern Parula ((Setophaga americana) in Rutland, 28 April 2024. Photo by Anne Greene

FINE WEATHER FOR FUNGI

The fungal genus Strobilurus belongs to Physalacriaceae and contains approximately eleven species worldwide. Species of this genus grow and reproduce on cones of various conifers, seed pods or fruits of Magnolia and Liquidambar, and branches and wood of conifers.

Waxy caps (Hygrocybe flavescens) in Barre, 12 August 2023

The slime mold Fuligo septica shows up in warm, humid conditions and spreads across the top of decaying, often woody, material. It starts out with bright colors and a feathery appearance, but in a few days it deteriorates. Found at Prince River Preserve, Barre, 12 August 2023.

Bearded hedgehog mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), also known as lion's mane, is an edible mushroom belonging to the tooth fungus group. Instead of gills, these fungi have spore-producing tooth-like structures . Petersham, 4 November 2023

Underside of hedgehog mushroom showing pendant, tooth-like or spine-like projections.

White coral fungi (Ramariopsis kunzei) is an edible species of coral fungi in the family Clavariaceae. It is so-named because of the branched structure of the fruit bodies that resemble marine coral. Prince River Preserve, Barre, 12 August 2023.

Also found at Prince River Preserve in Barre on 12 August 2023 was golden spindle (Clavulinopsis fusiformis). The species is common in North America and in Europe and can be found in many locations worldwide.

Polypore species, Petersham. 20 August 2023

Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), a colorful poisonous mushroom, is one of the most recognizable and widely encountered in popular culture. Hardwick, 1 September 2023

0 Comments

Creatures Great and Small--Spring & Summer 2023

8/25/2023

0 Comments

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

0 Comments

Winter Mammal Watch

3/25/2023

0 Comments

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

0 Comments

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

11/13/2022

0 Comments

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.

0 Comments

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

8/1/2022

0 Comments

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.

0 Comments

Birds of Prey Gallery: Not for the Faint-hearted

4/4/2022

0 Comments

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

0 Comments

Photogenic Fungi

11/3/2021

0 Comments

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.

0 Comments

Chicks, Colts, Fledglings, & Ducklings 2021

9/30/2021

0 Comments

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.

0 Comments

<<Previous