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OUT THE STUDIO WINDOWS
an illustrated talk by Barry Van Dusen
Wednesday October 29, 2025 5:30 p.m.
Rutland Public Library 280 Main Street Rutland
Many artists travel widely in search of new subjects, while others spend their entire artistic lives much closer to home. Andrew Wyeth did all of his work in two small areas of Maine and Pennsylvania, and Claude Monet spent the last four decades of his life painting the gardens right out his back door. Nature artist Barry Van Dusen has done his share of traveling, but he, too, continues to find
abundant inspiration nearby – many of his paintings feature subjects observed
out the windows of his studio in central Massachusetts.
In this talk, Barry took us along in his explorations of nature very close to home.
abundant inspiration nearby – many of his paintings feature subjects observed
out the windows of his studio in central Massachusetts.
In this talk, Barry took us along in his explorations of nature very close to home.
Barry has illustrated many publications for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and his bird illustrations have appeared in many books and field guides. At the invitation of the Artists for Nature Foundation, he has traveled to Spain, England, Ireland, India, Peru, Israel and Alaska, working alongside other wildlife artists to raise money for conservation of threatened habitats.
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A full member of Britain’s Society of Wildlife Artists since 1994, Barry he contributes annually to their London exhibition. In 2014, he was named Master Artist at the annual BIRDS IN ART show at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wisconsin. In the last decade, Barry has been Artist-in-Residence at several museums and botanic gardens around New England. His book Finding Sanctuary, published in 2020, marked the culmination of a long-term project visiting and painting at all of Mass Audubon’s sanctuaries.
Most recently, Barry illustrated A Year of Birds: Writings on Birds from the Journal of Henry David Thoreau, edited by Geoff Wisner. 
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BIRDING ALONG the MASS CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL, OAKHAM
Sunday October 26, 2025 8:30 -11:30 a.m. Leader: Ted Purcell |
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Seven participants joined this leisurely walk, which had a brisk start with temperatures in the low 40s F. Red-breasted Nuthatches were present, feasting on the cones of white pines. It's looking like an irruption year for this species. A couple of Hermit Thrushes popped up, allowing good looks. A Sharp-shinned Hawk was sparring with and being chased by Blue Jays while it hunted in one of the wetlands. As is the case with many popular trails throughout the region, the rail trail is "under-birded" at this time of year, so it was worthwhile to generate an eBird list and add to the database of avian information for this location. A couple of birders stayed longer and submitted this list:https://ebird.org/checklist/S281582123
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WILDLIFE
TRACKS & SIGN ALONG THE QUABBIN SHORELINE HARDWICK Sunday October 19, 2025 9 a.m. – noon Leader: Mike Carrier |
The water level of the Quabbin Reservoir has been low this fall, resulting in wide swaths of muddy shoreline. Conditions were excellent for finding a variety of animal tracks as well as other signs that provide clues about behavior, eating habits, and more, and the weather was perfect. Our leader, Mike, has reached a high level of certification in wildlife tracking skills, and he guided three participants on an exploration of the mudflats. In addition to finding and identifying the tracks of black bear, white-tailed deer, moose, raccoon, otter, beaver, coyote, and more, we learned about mammal latrines, scat piles, and marking behaviors. A number of wild turkey feathers were found, as well as an aged turtle shell and other remnants of various creatures.
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BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES
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This property features a large expanse of open wildflower fields with mowed pathways. The fields are mowed once in the fall. The property also includes a small pond and a forest holding red spruce and balsam fir. We can usually find a good assortment of birds and butterflies here, but the day started out overcast and breezy and didn't improve as predicted. Bird activity was subdued and butterflies were very few. Several Common Wood Nymph were seen. "Consolation prize" highlights were two otters hunting and interacting in the small pond and good looks at a species of tree cricket-possibly four-spotted tree cricket- pursuing and singing for a nearby female. Bird checklist:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S269377822 |
Singing tree cricket on goldenrod. Photo by Alan Rawle.
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One of two otters. Photo by Betty Jenewin.
BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES
MT. JEFFERSON CONSERVATION AREA, HUBBARDSTON
Saturday, August 2, 2025
9:30 a.m. - mid-day
MT. JEFFERSON CONSERVATION AREA, HUBBARDSTON
Saturday, August 2, 2025
9:30 a.m. - mid-day
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This conservation area features several roadside fields and wooded paths and trails. Although the three participants expected a good variety of butterfly and bird species, butterflies were almost entirely absent. Fields had been mowed about a week or more prior to our visit, but there were plenty of nectar sources to support some butterflies. We focused on birding, sticking to shaded areas as the day grew warmer. Bird checklist:
ebird.org/checklist/S264613010 Participants then visited a nearby DCR-owned property in search of Silver-bordered Fritillary, but again struck out on butterflies. Good looks at a Black-billed Cuckoo was the consolation prize. Bird checklist: ebird.org/checklist/S264614768 |
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BIRDING & NATURE WALK
RUM ROCK & OSGOOD SWAMP
MASS AUDUBON RUTLAND BROOK SANCTUARY
PETERSHAM
Sunday June 29, 2025
9 a.m. – mid-day
RUM ROCK & OSGOOD SWAMP
MASS AUDUBON RUTLAND BROOK SANCTUARY
PETERSHAM
Sunday June 29, 2025
9 a.m. – mid-day
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This walk was through the lovely forest adjacent to Osgood Swamp and the glacial boulder known as Rum Rock. We encountered a variety of resident and
breeding bird species. Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S255475534 |
Formica species, probably Formica aserva, ant. This is a brood raiding ant that preys on other Formica species. Photo by Alan Rawle.
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INSECT QUEST
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Four members, along with a fifth who met up with us briefly, explored the "four corners" area of this site with binoculars and camera. Field guides were on-hand but not used extensively. Some butterfly species put on a good show, but other insects, including pollinators, were mostly absent. We found a few jewelwings, but no concentration of dragonflies. Possibly this was a function of the intermittent periods of cold temperatures and heavy rain experienced throughout May. Highlights were Mourning Cloak, Common Sootywing, and Viceroy butterflies. Many European Skippers were present along the roadways.
Our group also had a chance to observe the many Tree Swallows and several bluebirds that are taking advantage of our nestbox trail there. |
European Skipper (Thymelicus lineola) on vetch. Photo by Alan Rawle.
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SLOW BIRDING WALK
MASS CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL WHITEHALL ROAD, RUTLAND Thursday May 29, 2025 8 a.m. – mid-day Leader: Ted Purcell |
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Migrants are returning, settling into breeding territories, and doing a lot of singing. Six participants enjoyed this easygoing walk. Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S244182965 |
SLOW BIRDING WALK
MASS CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL
MILES ROAD, RUTLAND
Thursday May 15, 2025
8 a.m. – mid-day
Leader: Ted Purcell
MASS CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL
MILES ROAD, RUTLAND
Thursday May 15, 2025
8 a.m. – mid-day
Leader: Ted Purcell
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Migrants are returning, settling into breeding territories, and doing a lot of singing. Seven of us participated in this easy walk. We stopped and listened, as birdsong was in full force. We were always watching for interesting bird behavior. Many male birds were engaging in territorial chasing, and some species, like Tree Swallows, were engaging in courtship behavior.
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What we found:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S238459537
https://ebird.org/checklist/S238459537
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THE DRAGONS AND DAMSELS
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The Ware River Watershed has a rich diversity of water habitats with both the Burnshirt and Ware Rivers and more than 30 ponds, streams and brooks. Therefore, it’s not surprising to find more than 95 different species of dragonflies and damselflies in this area, including three species on the Massachusetts list of endangered, threatened, and special concern species. Sheila, an excellent all-around naturalist and photographer, introduced us to this wonderful natural environment and the fascinating insects that call this place home.
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Sheila Carroll has been an avid naturalist and photographer for more than 30 years. Along with her husband Mark Lynch, she has traveled extensively worldwide to such exotic places as Tierra del Fuego, Australia, and Lord Howe Island in the south Pacific to observe and photograph birds. Her passion for nature has evolved to include butterflies, wildflowers, and especially dragonflies and damselflies. Sheila’s new book, The Dragons and Damsels of the Ware River Watershed, was created to share that passion for odonates with others and give them some insight to the Ware River Watershed in Central Massachusetts. Anyone interested in purchasing a copy of Sheila's book may contact [email protected] , and we'll put you in touch with her.
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THE SECRET LIFE OF BEETLES
with Erin McCullough
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In this presentation, Erin introduced us to the fascinating ecology and behavior of dung beetles. She talked about her surveys of dung beetles in Massachusetts (yes, there are dung beetles in Massachusetts!), and why we should care about them. She also discussed the highlights of previous research on dung beetles in Australia and rhinoceros beetles in Taiwan. Plans are underway to prepare a flyer describing citizen science opportunities for collecting and photographing dung beetles to contribute to Erin's knowledge of species ranges in Massachusetts.
In this presentation, Erin introduced us to the fascinating ecology and behavior of dung beetles. She talked about her surveys of dung beetles in Massachusetts (yes, there are dung beetles in Massachusetts!), and why we should care about them. She also discussed the highlights of previous research on dung beetles in Australia and rhinoceros beetles in Taiwan. Plans are underway to prepare a flyer describing citizen science opportunities for collecting and photographing dung beetles to contribute to Erin's knowledge of species ranges in Massachusetts.
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Erin has always loved biology. Growing up, she spent her summers catching grasshoppers, newts, and playing in tidepools. Now, she studies beetles. She has a BS from the University of Puget Sound and PhD from the University of Montana and is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Clark University. |
BIRD & NATURE WALK
QUABBIN GATE 43, HARDWICK
Sunday April 13, 2025 9 a.m. – noon
QUABBIN GATE 43, HARDWICK
Sunday April 13, 2025 9 a.m. – noon
A few members explored an interesting section of Quabbin Reservation. A paved roadway through mixed forest and some low wet areas ends at the Horseshoe Dam and Fishing Gate 3 boat launch area. Since the fishing area was not yet open, the road was traffic-free and peaceful. The sheltered cove here and another near the start of the walk provided views from the shore and held various duck species and Common Loons. Weather conditions preempted the presence of early spring migrant passerine species, but one porcupine and a few unusual animal-sign finds
contributed to an enjoyable outing. Report and checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S225432389
contributed to an enjoyable outing. Report and checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S225432389
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EARLY SPRING
BIRD WALK DCR Ware River Watershed Prison Camp area ~Rescheduled due to weather~ Friday April 4, 2025 |
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We enjoyed a casual walk in search of hardy early spring migrant bird species such as Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, and Tree Swallow. Longmeadow Brook, the Ware River, and a large beaver wetland provided plenty of open water, but road work was in progress, so waterfowl sightings were distant. We had the opportunity to clean out and inspect nestboxes, which were already being appraised by many Tree Swallows and some Eastern Bluebirds. Highlight was one Eastern Meadowlark which may have been passing through, although good nesting habitat for the species exists here. The warm sun and muddy road also attracted
one early-emerging Eastern Comma.
A complete list of bird sightings may be seen here:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S222993687
one early-emerging Eastern Comma.
A complete list of bird sightings may be seen here:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S222993687
CHIROPTERA IN THE COMMONWEALTH:
BATS OF MASSACHUSETTS
with Halie Larkin, Wildlife Biologist
MA Department of Conservation and Resource Stewardship
Wednesday March 19th 7 p.m.
Rutland Public Library, 280 Main Street, Rutland
Photo courtesy of MassWildlife
Halie brought us an information-packed presentation about bats! In her outstanding talk we learned about their life history and ecology, common myths surrounding bats, and threats to their populations. Halie spoke at length about DCR monitoring and management of these creatures, how the public can support bats, and why we should care about them. She provided extensive details about the bat shed at Moore State Park in Paxton and the bat colony that uses it, and we learned about the recent "hot-off-the-press" installation of special modules to enhance the habitat for the maternal bat colony at Lake Wyola in Shutesbury. Many thanks to Halie for a terrific program!
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Halie Larkin has worked at DCR’s Division of Conservation and Resource Stewardship (DCRS) – Office of Natural Resources (ONR) as a wildlife biologist for the past two years. Her present position involves monitoring, managing, and conserving rare, threatened and endangered species and their habitat throughout DCR’s State Forests and State Parks. She spends much of her time focused on birds, bats, turtles, and snakes.
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Northern long-eared bat Photo courtesy of MassWildlife
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Halie’s past experience includes jobs as Natural Resource Technician for DCR’s Division of Water Supply Protection and Environmental Reviewer with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, as well as graduate research assessing the impacts of deer browsing on vegetation and avian communities in northcentral Pennsylvania. Past projects include monitoring of Appalachian Cottontail, American Woodcock, Allegheny Woodrats, and various forest birds such as the Golden-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, and Wood Thrush.
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ANNUAL DINNER MEETING
& SILENT AUCTION
Sunday, February 23, 2025 12 - 5 p.m.
Harvard Forest ~ Fisher Museum
324 North Main Street, Petersham
Guest Speakers:
Florencia Sangermano, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Geography ~ Clark University
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Jon Skinner, IT Project Manager & Massachusetts birder
DECODING NATURE'S SIGNALS:
SOUNDSCAPES REVEAL HUMAN IMPACTS ON ECOSYSTEM HEALTH
by Florencia Sangermano
SOUNDSCAPES REVEAL HUMAN IMPACTS ON ECOSYSTEM HEALTH
by Florencia Sangermano
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Habitat loss due to land-cover change is the main threat to biodiversity globally, causing cascading effects on fauna and flora abundance, composition, and ecology. Also affected are ecosystem services such as the production of food, water, and other vital resources.
Satellite remote sensing allows for low cost for monitoring land change over extensive areas. Because of this, satellite-derived measurements of, for example, forest cover have been deemed a key source of information to map biodiversity. However, the presence of an ecosystem, such as a forest, does not guarantee that the resident assemblage of animal life is intact. In some cases an ecosystem's fauna may be depleted due to direct (e.g., hunting) or indirect (e.g., modification of surrounding habitat) human activities, leading to “empty ecosystems”. Linking top-down satellite data with on-site diversity measurements is essential in order to gain a more holistic assessment of ecosystem health. |
Ecoacoustics is a low-cost approach to monitoring acoustic community diversity over extended periods. Sounds from animal life, humans, and non-living entities (such has air and water) are present in a landscape at sound frequencies with particular characteristics. This means that acoustic indicators may be used to distinguish across sound sources and assess ecosystem health.
In this presentation, Dr. Sangermano will show how acoustic measurements act as landscape indicators of habitat health in central Massachusetts. She will show how this information can be used to map potential action areas to support biodiversity conservation. In Massachusetts, urbanization is the leading cause of current deforestation. The relationship between urbanization and biodiversity is complex and can lead to habitat conditions that negatively affect biodiversity. The talk will conclude with descriptions of the emerging technologies used to monitor habitat and biodiversity remotely, with examples developed by team ETH BiodivX, deployed and tested during the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. |
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Florencia (Flor) Sangermano is a geographer interested in conservation technologies. Her research focuses on climate and land cover change impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity through the lens of geospatial analysis to support conservation planning and ecosystem management. She merges geographic information science (GIS) and remote sensing technologies with acoustics and landscape ecology to uncover how ecosystems change due to human actions, and the potential cascading impacts on wildlife and humans.
Flor is proud to be part of the team ETH BiodivX, which won the bonus prize in the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. She earned a Licenciatura (BSc/MSc) in Biology from Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Argentina, and an MA and PhD in Geography from Clark University In her free time she likes baking, cooking, and having fun with her family. |
FLYING INTO THE FUTURE:
HOW TECHNOLOGY IS ADVANCING BIRDING AND BIRDING RESEARCH
by Jon Skinner
In this presentation, Jon will explore how innovative technologies are transforming birding and bird research via tools like Merlin Sound ID for instant species identification,
nocturnal flight call recordings for tracking migratory patterns,
and the MOTUS network for real-time tracking of bird movements.
We'll learn how these advances are reshaping our understanding of avian behavior and conservation efforts.
HOW TECHNOLOGY IS ADVANCING BIRDING AND BIRDING RESEARCH
by Jon Skinner
In this presentation, Jon will explore how innovative technologies are transforming birding and bird research via tools like Merlin Sound ID for instant species identification,
nocturnal flight call recordings for tracking migratory patterns,
and the MOTUS network for real-time tracking of bird movements.
We'll learn how these advances are reshaping our understanding of avian behavior and conservation efforts.
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Jon Skinner is an avid birder local to Massachusetts. He has extensive experience with many citizen science bird projects as well as Cornell's Lab's eBird and Merlin Sound ID technology.
Jon's favorite species of birds are shrikes, gulls and finches. Jon leads bird walks for several local clubs, and he enjoys exploring the intersection of technology and birds. When not birding, he works as a project manager for a web agency. |
WILDLIFE TRACKING FOR BEGINNERS
Quabbin Gate 43 Hardwick
with Mike Carrier and friends
Saturday February 15, 2025 9 a.m. – noon
Five members took part in this program to learn some of the basics of detecting and interpreting animal tracks and sign on the winter landscape. We explored an area around Quabbin Gate 43 that yielded interesting signs of various animals that make this their home. A snowfall several days earlier, followed by freezing temperatures, created ideal conditions for seeing prints and discussing their patterns. We also found other kinds of clues left behind by some animals, such as claw marks of a fisher that had been excavating a rotten stump, and branches of a small oak that had been ripped down by a bear that had climbed up for the acorns.
Animal tracks encountered included porcupine, red and gray squirrel, red and/or gray fox, fisher, and coyote.
Co-leader Mike has been wildlife tracking for about 8-9 years and has taken part in many cyber tracker evaluations. In his own words: I like wildlife tracking because it brings me closer to the natural world. It makes me slow down and be more in the moment when I am outside, to notice what is around me. It fascinates me how animals in the wild go about their day and survive in the winter.
Animal tracks encountered included porcupine, red and gray squirrel, red and/or gray fox, fisher, and coyote.
Co-leader Mike has been wildlife tracking for about 8-9 years and has taken part in many cyber tracker evaluations. In his own words: I like wildlife tracking because it brings me closer to the natural world. It makes me slow down and be more in the moment when I am outside, to notice what is around me. It fascinates me how animals in the wild go about their day and survive in the winter.
MASSACHUSETTS BEARS
with Jim Morelly
Saturday January 25th 11 a.m.-noon
Rutland Public Library, 280 Main Street, Rutland
The black bear population in Massachusetts is robust, and nature-lovers, biologists, and Mass Wildlife biologists are keeping an eye on them. Jim is a person who perhaps has put in more time than anyone else observing and learning about bears in the south Quabbin region. His encounters - via remote trailcams
and in-person while hiking with his camera gear –
have yielded a wealth of information about black bear behavior.
Jim has also compiled numerous observations and notes into an anecdotal study.
During this excellent program we learned where bears make their dens, when they’re most active, and that they don't truly hibernate in winter but enter a state of torpor. We found out some ways to recognize bear sign when exploring outdoors. The program featured Jim's remarkable photographs and video footage from the many trailcams he has placed in surrounding forests and woodlands.
and in-person while hiking with his camera gear –
have yielded a wealth of information about black bear behavior.
Jim has also compiled numerous observations and notes into an anecdotal study.
During this excellent program we learned where bears make their dens, when they’re most active, and that they don't truly hibernate in winter but enter a state of torpor. We found out some ways to recognize bear sign when exploring outdoors. The program featured Jim's remarkable photographs and video footage from the many trailcams he has placed in surrounding forests and woodlands.