Fisher, loping pattern. (Facebook page quiz.)

Fisher (Martes pennanti)

Two American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

Eastern Coyote (Canis latrans)

Moose (Alces alces)

Fisher, loping pattern.

Fisher (Facebook page quiz.)

Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)

Moose (Alces alces)

Cedar Waxwings ((Bombycilla cedrorum) are commonly seen in central MA in fall, and some flocks stay here in winter, roaming about in search of fruit to eat. What many people don't notice is the juveniles in the groups. Like the bird on the left, the young of this year--hatched in mid-to late summer--will retain their mottled and less-colorful plumage through January.

The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) is very common here, but not so commonly seen in winter when ponds are ice-covered and the mammals are limited in their movements. They continue to utilize open channels in wetlands, even if the water is full of snow and ice chunks, insulated from the cold by a thick layer of fat under their skin.

Definitely uncommon and rare in Massachusetts, Red-headed Woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) are irregular or short-distance migrants that generally do not stray far from their usual territories in the southern and central states. There is some question as to whether this is another species beginning to expand its breeding range. This wanderer showed up in Belchertown in the fall and is continuing as of the date of this post.

This is a year when Red-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta canadensis)are uncommon. This species can be irruptive, moving southward in great numbers in years when cone production is poor on their breeding grounds. But this winter they are showing up as lone birds at scattered locations.

In the case of many bird species, it's uncommon to locate sleeping birds in their evening roosts. Most tend to hide away in dense foliage, cavities, high in trees, against tree trunks, etc. in order to be less vulnerable to predators. This American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) and two comrades chose to wedge themselves against the branches of a staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) for two cold nights in mid-December in Hardwick. Temperatures those nights were 1 degree F. and -4 degrees F. respectively. It could be that the sumac structure provided good support, a bit of camouflage re: similar shape silhouette, or some other unknown advantage.

Very common the rest of the year, Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) numbers shrink to scattered individuals throughout our region in winter. It can be a challenge to find them on some of our local Christmas Bird Counts.

Easily confused with Purple Finch, House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) was non-existent here until after 1940. Originally a bird of the western United States and Mexico, a small number of the finches were turned loose on Long Island, New York, after failed attempts to sell them as cage birds, They quickly started breeding and spread across almost all of the eastern United States and southern Canada within the next 50 years.

A common breeding species in central Massachusetts, although not often seen, Barred Owls are encountered more often when they are vocalizing during their late winter/early spring breeding season. In winter they sometimes hunt in daytime on overcast or snowy days. This one was perched low over a frozen marsh in Hardwick, listening for voles or mice.

This declining species is becoming uncommon, particularly in the eastern United States, so the appearance of Evening Grosbeaks (Coccothraustes vespertinus) at birdfeeders in Petersham and Hardwick in December was of interest. Normally they are found in flocks, so this lone female was a mystery.

Red-bellied Woodpeckers (Melanerpes carolinus) were rarely seen in Massachusetts 25 years ago. They have become common breeders in many types of forests and readily visit suet feeders. This female was at Westfield Farm in Hubbardston in early December.

Jim Morelly has been camera-trapping wildlife in the Quabbin region and captured this Black Bear (Ursus americanus ). The animal appears to have plenty of body fat and to be in good condition as winter approaches.

Tom Pirro captured this image of a sub-adult Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) at Quabbin Gate 35 in mid-November. It was spotted again at Gate 37 a week later. Occasionally Golden Eagles, which breed in the far west and north of New England, choose to overwinter in the Quabbin region.

Capable of overwintering as hatchlings in colder places, these young Common Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) found conditions on October 6th--warm and sunny-- to be perfect for departing their nest and moving to a nearby pond. A passerby moved them out of a road in Hardwick.

A baby American Grass Pickerel (Esox americanus vermiculatus) rests at the shallow edge of a Hardwick pond in early October.

Brian Klassanos found this White-lined Sphinx moth (Hyles lineata) at Muddy Brook WMA on October 7th.

Potter (or mason) Wasp (Ancistrocerus adiabatus) 9/12/16, Hardwick.

Milbert's Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis milberti) 9/3/16, Hardwick.

Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichosvespula maculata)

Large Maple Spanworm moth (Prochoerodes lineola)

Yellowjacket (Vespula vidua)

Common Ringlet butterfly (Coenonympha tullia)

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Tachinid Fly (Archytas sp.?)

Eastern Bluebird cooling off in Princeton 8/14/16.

A recently-fledged young bluebird waits to take its turn after the adult, presumably its parent. Princeton 8/14/16

Although skipper species butterflies occurred in low numbers throughout the season, Peck's Skipper was noted on many field trips in August. This one was nectaring on Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta) in Hardwick on 8/21/16.

American toad (Anaxyrus a. americanus, formerly Bufo americanus ). The toad will get enough moisture by absorbing water through an area on its lower abdomen called a seat patch.

Baltimore Checkerspots breed in wet meadows such as Wendemuth Meadow in North Brookfield, where many were present at the beginning of July.

Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis), a species of sphinx moth, nectaring on Verbena bonariensis 8/14/16. Like other "hummingbird" moths, it flies mostly during daylight hours.

This very wet warbler is hard to identify in this condition. It's a Blue-winged Warbler in Princeton, 8/14/16.

A Slaty Skimmer (Libellula incesta) becomes the unfortunate victim of a Dragonhunter (Hagenius brevistylus) at the edge of the East Branch of the Ware River, Hubbardston/Princeton on August 6th. The Dragonhunter is the largest clubtail dragonfly species in North America and is so-named because its primary prey is other dragonflies.

If you keep your birdfeeders up in the summer, you are pretty much guaranteed visits by squirrels. This American Red Squirrel was in Hubbardston in June. On the hottest days of summer, red squirrels are more active at twilight.

This Painted Turtle with a hitchhiking freshwater leech--fastened to the back end of the shell--was observed in Rutland in June. Judging by the extent to which the leech was engorged, and its stubborn resistance to removal, it likely would continue to remain attached to the turtle indefinitely and thus have easy access to future blood meals.

Raise your hand if you feed Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in summer. It was a lot more work keeping the solution fresh for the birds this summer. Princeton, 8/14/16.

Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar on Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) in Hardwick, August. Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies also lay their eggs on Sassafras (Sassafras albidum). This seemed to be a "good " year for this species, with higher-than-average numbers on some counts and field trips.

Virginia Creeper Sphinx moth (Darapsa myron), one of the many species that turned up at the Moth Ball in Athol on 6/25/16. The "bald spot" is the result of worn-off thorasic scales.

Aphrodite Fritillary 8/23/16, Hubbardston.

This Common Yellowthroat is attracted to water dripping into the birdbath on a hot summer evening. Princeton, 8/14/16

Remnants of a predated Painted Turtle nest in Hardwick in August. Turtles face many challenges besides predation. The dessicated pre-hatchling turtle suggests that drought may have contributed to nest failure.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) 3/31/16 Hubbardston

One of our earliest-emerging moths, Roland's Sallow (Psaphida rolandi) came to lights in Hubbardston 3/30/16.

Song Sparrows arrive. 3/19/16 High Ridge WMA, Gardner

Great Blue Herons at nest site, Rutland 4/1/16. Photo by Ted Purcell

At the suggestion of state ornithologist Drew Vitz, Dept. of Conservation & Recreation staff have mounted a kestrel box at DCR's Riis Hill property in Barre after an American Kestrel was seen there last fall. A male kestrel was seen at the site on 4/1/2016. We'll be watching for a mate!

Barred Owl, Rutland, 4/1/16 Photo by Ted Purcell

Territorial Red-winged Blackbird at High Ridge WMA 3/19/16.

Not the greatest quality photo--taken from a distance--but there's no mistaking the bird that "carries the color of the sky upon his back."

It's pretty easy to spot evidence that you are in Pileated Woodpecker territory.

Northern Cardinal, Westfield Farm, Hubbardston Photo by Bob Stetson

Mourning Doves, Hubbardston Photo by A. Rawle

American Robin, Rutland Photo by Ted Purcell

American Crow, Hubbardston

Carolina Wren, Hubbardston

Black-capped Chickadee, Hubbardston

Tufted Titmouse, Hubbardston

Wild Turkeys, Hubbardston

Downy Woodpecker, female, Westfield Farm, Hubbardston

All good birders know when to say, "I don't know." Without more information about size, we'll call it a "probable" Sharp-shinned Hawk and keep in mind which field marks to watch for next time!