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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.
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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.
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Eastern Bluebird photographed in Rutland by Anne Greene.
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Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice ), one of the last of the season, on November 5. Photo by Doug Wipf.
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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.
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Alan Rawle's backyard trail cam in Hardwick.
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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