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