Category Archives: Field Notes

Lay of the Land

Worker Bee

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Eliza Waters

The diligent and hardworking bumblebee – what would we do without her? Bumblebee (Bombus grisceocollis) on Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)  

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Chokecherry

Posted on August 2, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana),  with its polished red fruit looks delectable, but like the name forewarns, has a decidedly astringent taste. I admire and love the dark crimson color against the green leaves. As a child, I was always attracted to their inviting … Continue reading →

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A Walk in the Woods

Posted on July 25, 2014 by Eliza Waters

A walk in the woods yields all sorts of surprises. Despite the liberal application of bug spray, we were relentlessly pursued by mosquitoes as we walked the woodland trail of Graves Farm in Williamsburg, MA. Originally a family dairy farm for over … Continue reading →

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It’s Official

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Eliza Waters

It’s official – I came across the first goldenrod bloom of the year in my spearmint bed on Saturday. In the past, this flower used to fill me with dismay because it signaled the change from waxing to waning summer, … Continue reading →

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Tightrope Walker

Posted on July 19, 2014 by Eliza Waters

On a perfect summer morning this little guy, walking along a grass stalk laden with seed, caught my eye. The light and background colors were pretty much perfect. I imagine him walking along and humming a little tune!

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Turk’s Cap Lilies

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Turk’s Cap Lilies (Lilium canadense) are now at peak bloom in our woodland. Easily distinguished by their vibrant orange, recurved petals that earn them their name, their annual bloom is an eagerly awaited event for us. Native to eastern U.S., … Continue reading →

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Wood Turtle

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Eliza Waters

I was surprised to come across our resident Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) today sunning herself on the bedrock outcropping on our small river. Listed as species of special concern in Massachusetts, I usually see this one at least once a year, generally … Continue reading →

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Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio glaucus) Delightfully, I’ve been seeing lots of Tiger Swallowtails lately! Here in New England, Tiger Swallowtails are one of our largest and most beautiful butterflies. There are abundant sources of food for both larva and adults, so this … Continue reading →

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Bird Families

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology‘s All About Birds webcams are a fascinating way to get up close and personal views into the lives of amazing raptors. The Hellgate Osprey nest in Missoula, Montana shows a lot of human activity in the … Continue reading →

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Newborns

Posted on May 18, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Recently unfurled beech leaves with protective hairs. Pubescence helps reduce sunburn and windburn from moisture loss until the leaf can harden off. Eventually the leaf will become smooth to maximize photosynthesis. My favorite color – I love a forest filled … Continue reading →

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