BRIDGE STATION

You’re on a bridge over the inlet where water flows into the pond from surrounding woods. In April, yellow Marsh Marigolds bloom right in the inlet. Watch for amphibians, reptiles, or fish lingering in the shallow pond water.

Hear and see frogs

Did you hear a splash? Look for large American Bullfrogs, the biggest frogs in our area. Listen for their “jug-a-rum” croak. Smaller Green Frogs give “banjo pluck” calls. Tadpoles swim silently. Are they growing legs yet? Have you heard the loud springtime chorus of tiny Spring Peepers? On summer evenings, small Gray Treefrogs might also call from nearby trees. All these frogs are calling for mates.

Spot silent reptiles

Look for Painted Turtles basking in the sun on sunken logs, especially in spring and fall. They have red or yellow markings on their neck, legs, and tail. Dark Snapping Turtles also bask. Notice the ridges on their top shell. In May-June, you might find turtles on land or roads, heading for warm, sandy places to lay their eggs. Please respect them. Don’t touch or try to capture any turtles or frogs.

A dark Northern Water Snake might swim by or bask in the sun on land. These big, harmless snakes grow 2 to 3-1/2 feet long. Don’t be afraid. Northern Water Snakes are NOT poisonous. Leave them in peace. Remember: Westborough has NO poisonous snakes.

Fishing and food webs

People and Great Blue Herons sometimes fish near the inlet. Brown Bullheads, a kind of catfish, are now the most common fish in Gilmore Pond. The animals of Gilmore Pond are part of a complex food network or “food web.” Some animals eat other animals, some eat plants, and many eat both. Even insects, fungi, plants, and microorganisms are part of the food web. Think about who might eat whom or what.

Does the pond water look brown at times? Don’t worry. This color is normal and natural. It‘s typical of small woodland ponds. The brown color of the water is a normal byproduct of decomposing leaves from trees that line the pond. Occasional swampy odors are also normal and natural.

What about winter survival?

Amphibians such as frogs, reptiles such as turtles and snakes, and most fish are “cold blooded.” Their bodies do not create heat to keep them warm. Instead, their body temperature matches the temperature of their environment. As pond water cools in fall, so do they.

To avoid freezing, these animals go to the bottom of the pond, or even into the muddy bottom. Their breathing, heartbeat, and body processes slow. Some go into a slowed-down state or a kind of hibernation. The pond water freezes from the top down, and ice floats, so when ice forms, it protects the water and animals below from frigid air and cold winds. If you hear a sudden cracking sound, it’s the ice expanding or contracting as the temperature changes.

For safety, stay off the ice.

[go to Bird Station]

[go to Forest Station]

ADDITIONAL INFO

Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)
Marsh-marigolds in our streams and swamps

American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
Bullfrogs in our ponds

Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)
Bullfrogs in our ponds

Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer, formerly Hyla crucifer)
Tiny frogs herald springtime

Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
Listen for treefrogs

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
Watch for painted turtles

Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Snapper sightings in Westborough

Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon)
The Number 2 snake in town
Our local snakes are nothing to fear

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
Our annual dance of spring
Nesting Herons
Great Blue Herons at Mill Pond

Ice
Ice is Nice
Ice fishing flourishes on Westborough’s ponds