Category Archives: Field Notes

Lay of the Land

Autumn Light

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Eliza Waters

There’s something about light filtering through autumn leaves that reminds me of opaque stained glass, but with even greater luminosity than anything manmade. Its beauty is all the more special because it is so ephemeral.

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Seeds

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Eliza Waters

For plants, Autumn is about setting fruit and producing seeds; ensuring the perpetuation of the species is the purpose of life in Nature. Above is a seed pod from Turk’s Cap Lily (Lilium canadense), now dry and beginning to split open, awaiting the … Continue reading →

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Canopy

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Eliza Waters

I love to look up through the tree canopy to the sky above in any season, but in autumn with the foliage on fire, this practice fills me with wonder and delight. I never tire of it, Nature’s beauty knows … Continue reading →

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Blazing

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Eliza Waters

Blazing Fall Color – Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) A glorious shrub native to Eastern North America with incredible fall color and attractive, burgundy seed panicles that are an important food source for birds during winter. A tea that is high … Continue reading →

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Puppy Face

Posted on September 21, 2014 by Eliza Waters

This Green-Striped Darner stopped for a short rest, giving me an opportunity to get a few shots before he headed off on his way. See his cute puppy face? After spending four to five years as a nymph in an … Continue reading →

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Weeds

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Eliza Waters

American goldfinches (and lots of birds) love all sorts of seeds! Consider leaving seed heads for the birds to forage. Coneflower (Echinacea), Tickseed (Coreopsis), Sunflower (Helianthus), Ox Eye Sunflower (Heliopsis), Thistle (Circium, Caduus) and Cosmos are just a few favored … Continue reading →

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Ripple

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Eliza Waters

For a long while on a recent afternoon, I stood on the river’s edge mesmerized by the ripples and distortions of color reflected on the water. Between the light breeze and insects disturbing the surface, it was an endless show, … Continue reading →

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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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