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SLOW WALK: BIRDING & NATURE DCR WATERSHED LONGMEADOW BROOK, RUTLAND Saturday August 17, 2024 8 a.m. |
At the height of summer, exploring for birds and other natural features is best undertaken at a slow pace in shaded locations.
Join us for an easy 1-2 mile walk along fields and hedgerows, around a large beaver wetland, and through mixed forest. Although the five participants were prepared to encounter dragonflies, butterflies, birds, and late summer wildflowers, lingering smoky skies from Canadian wildfires combined with a low cloud cover resulted in a lack of butterflies and odonates. Plentiful were fields of various species of goldenrod, many of them exhibiting both leaf bunch and stem galls. ( The iNaturalist site has great information about different types of leaf bunch galls .)
Bird activity was subdued, but Red-shouldered Hawk, Blue-headed Vireo, Baltimore Oriole, and other species were encountered: https://ebird.org/checklist/S191851557
Join us for an easy 1-2 mile walk along fields and hedgerows, around a large beaver wetland, and through mixed forest. Although the five participants were prepared to encounter dragonflies, butterflies, birds, and late summer wildflowers, lingering smoky skies from Canadian wildfires combined with a low cloud cover resulted in a lack of butterflies and odonates. Plentiful were fields of various species of goldenrod, many of them exhibiting both leaf bunch and stem galls. ( The iNaturalist site has great information about different types of leaf bunch galls .)
Bird activity was subdued, but Red-shouldered Hawk, Blue-headed Vireo, Baltimore Oriole, and other species were encountered: https://ebird.org/checklist/S191851557
Longmeadow Brook at Prison Camp/Intervale Road crossroads Photo by Ted Purcell
GARDENING WITH NATIVE PLANTS
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This summer some of the Club’s native plant enthusiasts are hosting an “open garden” to show us how they’ve incorporated native plants into their landscape.
Come to learn about the benefits of gardening with native species
and how they support pollinators and wildlife.
Starting in 2015, Wendy began converting her one-acre yard from a mowed, “naked” space to large beds planted with native shrubs and perennials and a wild meadow. Trees were planted to add shade. Good ecology can be messy, but she is working to control the more-lush-than-expected growth and maintain
good insect and wildlife habitat at the same time.
Come to learn about the benefits of gardening with native species
and how they support pollinators and wildlife.
Starting in 2015, Wendy began converting her one-acre yard from a mowed, “naked” space to large beds planted with native shrubs and perennials and a wild meadow. Trees were planted to add shade. Good ecology can be messy, but she is working to control the more-lush-than-expected growth and maintain
good insect and wildlife habitat at the same time.
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This summer some of the Club’s native plant enthusiasts hosted an “open garden” to show us how they’ve incorporated native plants into their landscape. In June Lisa Van Dusen provided a tour of her property that showcased different stages of native plant landscaping. There are established perennial beds, a “wild” meadow being built from scratch, and an area that’s being painstakingly reclaimed after many years of supporting unwanted invasive species.
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Participants learned about the benefits of gardening with native species and
how they support pollinators and wildlife. 
Golden groundsel (Packera aurea) Photo by Doug Wipf
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WILDFLOWERS AND BUTTERFLIES
at East Quabbin Land Trust’s
DEER PARK PRESERVE, HARDWICK
Saturday June 1, 2024 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
There were fewer butterflies than expected, with Pearl Crescent and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail among the species seen.
The Club may offer this walk again in 2025, timed to coincide with blooming time of the pogonia. Check back under UPCOMING EVENTS. |
Two of us made the leisurely walk through a variety of habitats to search for mid-spring wildflowers and learn their identities. In bloom were cranesbill wild geranium, maple-leaved viburnum, and other common species. A look at the stand of the uncommon ephemeral large whorled pogonia (Isotria verticillata) confirmed that we had missed the bloom time by about one week, due to postponement of the walk due to rainy weather.
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BIRDING & NATURE WALK
HENRY’S GROVE, HUBBARDSTON Saturday May 11, 2024 8:30 a.m. – noon Henry’s Grove is a 94-acre woodland property of East Quabbin Land Trust. The main trail follows an old logging road that leads westward to the East Branch of the Ware River. A side walking trail leads visitors through stands of planted red pines and larch among other forest stands. Bird activity should be high during this period of peak migration, and we expect to encounter a variety of wildflowers, fungi, and butterflies, too. Bird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S173809375 |
MASSACHUSETTS FOREST HEALTH UPDATE
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Wednesday April 24, 2024 7 p.m.
Rutland Public Library 280 Main Street (Rte. 122A) Rutland
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During this excellent and informative program we learned about the insect and disease threats to our forests and how the DCR Forest Health Program monitors and manages for them.
In 2023 our forests were impacted by pine beetle outbreaks, widespread late frost, and a new invasive insect to our state, the elm zigzag sawfly. Felicia showed us details of aerial surveys conducted in 2023 and provided updated information on the status of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), emerald ash borer (EAB), southern pine beetle (SPB), and elm zigzag sawfly (EZS). In addition, we heard about one of the more recent diseases affecting our forests, beech leaf disease, which is caused by a nematode. Felicia shared images showing the symptoms of this disease, which unfortunately is affecting several species of beech, native and non-native. We also looked at insect specimens and tree parts showing signs of damage. We were introduced to the online Massachusetts Forest Health Story Map: https://arcg.is/j8TiD , a valuable resource. |
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Felicia Hubacz is a graduate of UMass Amherst and has worked as a forester with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation since 2010. During that time, she has worked on many forest health-related issues including the Asian longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer, spongy moth, white pine needle disease, and many others. |
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HARVARD POND BIRD & NATURE HIKE
PETERSHAM
Sunday April 14, 2024 9 a.m.- noon
PETERSHAM
Sunday April 14, 2024 9 a.m.- noon
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Five early-spring enthusiasts joined us for a leisurely hike around Harvard Pond, which hosted various duck species as well as resident songbirds and a few early migrants, including good numbers of Pine and Palm warblers. We noted a few early signs of spring such as very high water levels in all wetland areas, maples and various shrubs just starting to bud, and trailing arbutus ( Epigaea repens) in bloom. With vegetation in the boggy areas of the pond still so low, remnants of last season's pitcher plants (Sarracenia purpurea) were visible.
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BIRDING AND FISHING:
CAN KNOWING MORE
MAKE YOU BETTER AT EITHER?
by Ted Purcell
Wednesday March 27, 2024 7 p.m.
Rutland Public Library
280 Main Street (Route 122A) Rutland
CAN KNOWING MORE
MAKE YOU BETTER AT EITHER?
by Ted Purcell
Wednesday March 27, 2024 7 p.m.
Rutland Public Library
280 Main Street (Route 122A) Rutland
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Birding and fishing are two hobbies that can lead to hanging out in beautiful
wild places. Can knowing more about the other make you better at either? Can your bird observation skills help improve your fishing success? Is there anything you’re noticing while fishing that can help you improve your knowledge of birds? Let’s find out! |
Ted Purcell has been pursuing both passions for 55+ years, and
he’s put together a presentation that tries to show how these pursuits complement one another and enrich both experiences.
A former middle school teacher, Ted is an avid naturalist, author of the monthly Wachusett Outdoor Window column, and amateur wildlife photographer.
he’s put together a presentation that tries to show how these pursuits complement one another and enrich both experiences.
A former middle school teacher, Ted is an avid naturalist, author of the monthly Wachusett Outdoor Window column, and amateur wildlife photographer.
EARLY SPRING BIRD WALK
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High Ridge Wildlife Management Area is 1040 acres of meadows, grasslands, forests and wetlands that make great habitats for migrating warblers, ducks, herons, rails and other locally-breeding birds. This walk was about 3 miles on dirt paths and once-paved roads with a few hills of about 50 feet of elevation difference.
EBird checklist with comments: https://ebird.org/checklist/S165194357
EBird checklist with comments: https://ebird.org/checklist/S165194357
ANNUAL DINNER MEETING
& SILENT AUCTION
Sunday, February 25, 2024 12- 5 p.m.
Harvard Forest ~ Fisher Museum
324 North Main Street, Petersham
Guest Speakers:
Alex Haro Ph.D., Fish Biologist (Scientist Emeritus)
U.S. Geological Survey
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Cory Elowe Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Department of Biology
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Please join us for an afternoon of socializing with fellow natural science enthusiasts and learning more about the fascinating wildlife around us.
Our educational theme this year is animal migration, a broad topic indeed.
We’ve chosen to focus on two subjects: an important survival strategy
of migratory birds, and the remarkable migration mechanisms of fish species
that utilize both marine and freshwater systems.
In addition, enjoy a hearty meal, explore the Fisher Museum displays, and take part
in our fundraiser silent auction.
Our educational theme this year is animal migration, a broad topic indeed.
We’ve chosen to focus on two subjects: an important survival strategy
of migratory birds, and the remarkable migration mechanisms of fish species
that utilize both marine and freshwater systems.
In addition, enjoy a hearty meal, explore the Fisher Museum displays, and take part
in our fundraiser silent auction.
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FINE-TUNED FOR PERFORMANCE: HOW MIGRATORY BIRD BODIES ENABLE INCREDIBLE FEATS OF ENDURANCE by Cory Elowe Ph.D. Cory will describe some of the research that shows the incredible ways that migratory birds seasonally change their bodies to allow them to make the perilous trip from their wintering grounds to their breeding grounds and back. He'll also talk about how the environment plays a role in shaping how successful they'll be and why conservation efforts and physiology research go hand-in-hand. 
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Dr. Elowe is a postdoctoral research associate in the Biology Department at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, having earned his Ph.D. 2016-2022. As an undergraduate he attended Bowdoin College in Maine, and then earned his M.S. at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Growing up in central Maine, Cory spent a lot of time outdoors, exploring the woods around the house and trying (in vain) to get the winter birds to eat out of his hands. His father was a state wildlife biologist, so for Cory it seemed completely normal to have close encounters with wild animals regularly. An interest in biology was a part of his childhood. Cory is active in local bird clubs, an avid birder, and a regular contributor to eBird. Although he loves birds, the river otter will always be his favorite animal. |
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MIGRATION AND RESTORATION
OF DIADROMOUS FISHES: REBUILDING RUNS WITH BIOLOGY AND ENGINEERING by Alex Haro Ph.D. Although many fishes undertake extensive migrations in both freshwater and marine habitats, only a relatively small number of fish species traverse both freshwater and marine environments to feed, grow, and reproduce. These species, called diadromous fishes, are nonetheless very important culturally and with respect to their function within ecosystems, and as an exploitable resource. The extent of their migrations and mechanisms by which they navigate routes to feeding and spawning habitats are remarkable, yet much about how and why they migrate remains unexplained. |
At present, many diadromous species are under threat due to loss of habitats and overfishing, but also because their migratory nature puts them at additional risk. New approaches are being developed to mitigate for passage at dams, but also to reconsider the value of dams and hydroelectric power.
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Dr. Haro is a Fish Biologist with the Fish Passage Design and Analysis Team at the S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center (Eastern Ecological Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey) in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, USA. Alex’s research involves migratory fish behavior, and design and evaluation of fish passage structures. Alex provides basic and applied research and advice to state, national, and international agencies, NGOs, and the private sector on fish passage technology and operations. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Conservation.
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2024 SILENT AUCTION!
The fundraiser silent auction was a terrific success! Almost $600 was raised on items contributed by our generous donors. A big THANK YOU to: Karl & Elise Barry, John Egan, Anne Greene, Lindsay Gwyther, Wendy Howes, Ted & Cindy Purcell, Bas Teunis, Barry & Lisa Van Dusen, Justine Wahlstrom, Katrina Walton (North Central Nature Journaling), and Zack Weber.
Bald Eagle by Bill Platenik
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WINTER
NATURE WALK QUABBIN RESERVOIR GATE 43 HARDWICK Monday February 19th 10 a.m. |
Five participants joined the leisurely walk at this scenic section of the Quabbin Reservation. After exploring around a small beaver pond off Shaft 12 Road--unfortunately the beavers weren't as active as in prior weeks, due to low temperatures during the week leading up to this trip-- we hiked Hell Huddle Road into Fishing Area 3. Pine Siskins and Red Crossbills were heard, but no eagles were encountered. Tracks of porcupine, coyote, bobcat, deer, and moose were found, along with coyote scat and an area where a moose had recently browsed some young saplings.
A checklist of birds seen/heard is here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S162271878
A checklist of birds seen/heard is here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S162271878
Red Crossbill by Alan Rawle.
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NATURE WALK ALONG THE MASS CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL NEW BRAINTREE Saturday February 10th 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
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We explored a section of East Quabbin Land Trust’s rail trail that includes a loop that took us close to the Ware River, an easy hike of about 3 miles. It was a good time of year to see the characteristics of trees growing in the forested section and look for the “winter” birds, such as Pine Siskins and Red Crossbills, that are using them. We passed by marsh habitat and forested wetland where we were on the lookout for early-emerging
skunk cabbage, but didn't find any in the expected locations that were flooded and in a cool micro-climate. A list of birds heard and seen, including an unexpected Yellow-bellied Sapsucker can be found at: https://ebird.org/checklist/S161164683 |
SHARING NATURE PHOTOS
Wednesday January 31, 2024 7 p.m.
Rutland Public Library, 280 Main Street, Rutland
Greet the new year with this opportunity to share your camera work with fellow nature-lovers. Choose ten of your favorite nature and outdoor photographs,
put them on a thumb drive, and bring them to this casual evening of photo-sharing. We’ll supply the screen, projector, and technical help. We invite you to supply some pictures and perhaps say a few words about each of them. The photographs must be taken by you within the last 25 years and can be from anywhere in the world.
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For this meeting, we were looking for pictures that portray wildlife,
natural features, and/or outdoor scenery.
All were welcome to show or view photos, but only two members brought photographs to share, and one additional member was present to enjoy them.
We may offer this sharing opportunity another date in the future, in the hopes of attracting more participants.
put them on a thumb drive, and bring them to this casual evening of photo-sharing. We’ll supply the screen, projector, and technical help. We invite you to supply some pictures and perhaps say a few words about each of them. The photographs must be taken by you within the last 25 years and can be from anywhere in the world.
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For this meeting, we were looking for pictures that portray wildlife,
natural features, and/or outdoor scenery.
All were welcome to show or view photos, but only two members brought photographs to share, and one additional member was present to enjoy them.
We may offer this sharing opportunity another date in the future, in the hopes of attracting more participants.
