Nature Notes
On April 16, 2004 the Westborough News (later part of the Village News) started carrying a column known as Nature Notes prepared by Annie Reid and Garry Kessler on behalf of the Westborough Community Land Trust (WCLT). The column outlasted those newspapers. As of 2022, new columns are republished on the website of the Community Advocate. Nature Notes columns continue to feature striking photography and commentary to describe wild plants, fungi, and animals that people might see while walking the trails throughout Westborough and neighboring towns.
Annie and Garry were awarded the WCLT 2004 President's Award for contributing their talents, especially in nature photography and writing, to the growth and vitality of WCLT. The couple's love of nature motivated them to explore Westborough’s woods for more than 40 years, including many walks with their two daughters and now their grandson.
For anyone who missed a column or wishes to review previous columns, we present here all the Nature Notes articles. Use the following indices to find articles of interest:
Nature Notes by Date of Publication
July 5, 2024 |
 |
Tick check season – for 3 local ticks
American dog tick (Dermcentor variabilis)
Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum)
|
June 9, 2024 |
 |
See local fireflies at dusk
Fireflies (Photinus)
Fireflies (Photuris)
Fireflies (Pyractomena)
|
May 19, 2024 |
 |
Our region’s little bluets
Little bluets (Houstonia caerulea)
|
April 20, 2024 |
 |
Black vultures are newcomers to our region
Black vulture (Coragyps atratus)
|
March 16, 2024 |
 |
Local mockingbirds sing & mimic for mates & territory
Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
|
February 15, 2024 |
 |
Local beech trees in winter
American beech (Fagus grandifolia)
|
January 11, 2024 |
 |
WCLT’s Nature Notes Quiz on 2023
A Nature Notes quiz
|
November 16, 2023 |
 |
Nature in books for the holidays
Books
|
October 14, 2023 |
 |
Green bees
Sweat bees (Halictidae family)
|
September 10, 2023 |
 |
Look for local late-summer beauties
Virginia meadow-beauty (Rhexis virginica)
|
August 15, 2023 |
 |
Corpse flower & local relatives
Corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum)
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)
Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum)
|
July 25, 2023 |
 |
Noticing local day-flying moths
Eight-spotted forester moth (Alypia octomaculata)
Hummingbird clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe)
Snowberry clearwing moth (Hemaris diffinis)
|
June 25, 2023 |
 |
American Chestnut update
American chestnut (Castanea dentata)
Chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica)
|
May 21, 2023 |
 |
Barn swallows are back
Barn swallow (Hirundo rustica)
|
April 5, 2023 |
 |
Look for the first wildflower of spring – a new one |
March 9, 2023 |
 |
A sign of spring: sapsuckers
Yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)
|
February 10, 2023 |
 |
In the fridge
Blue-green mold (Penicillium chrysogenum)
Blue-green mold (Penicillium notatum)
Blue-green mold (Penicillium rubens)
Blue-green mold (Penicillium rubrum)
|
January 17, 2023 |
WCLT's Annual Nature Notes Quiz
A Nature Notes quiz
| |
November 15, 2022 |
 |
Fall's wild pheasants
Ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
|
October 19, 2022 |
 |
Connecting with wild mushrooms
Mushrooms
|
September 16, 2022 |
 |
Celebrating nature’s special sites & special sights
Nature
|
August 17, 2022 |
 |
A Trip to the Shore
Button bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Golden hedge-hyssop (Gratiola aurea)
Green heron (Butorides virescens)
Solitary sandpiper (Tringa solitaria)
|
July 21, 2022 |
 |
Spangled butterflies in local fields and gardens
great spangled fritillary butterfly (Speyeria cybele)
|
June 22, 2022 |
 |
Our local snakes are nothing to fear
Garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon)
|
May 24, 2022 |
 |
Wild orchids in our woods
Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine)
Pink lady's slipper (Cypripedium acaule)
|
April 26, 2022 |
 |
Nesting Herons
Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
|
March 21, 2022 |
 |
Vernal pool season
Blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale)
Fairy shrimp (Eubranchipus)
Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
Wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)
Wood frog (Rana sylvatica)
|
March 13, 2022 |
 |
Red-bellied woodpeckers are thriving
Red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
|
January 17, 2022 |
 |
WCLT's Annual Nature Notes Quiz
A Nature Notes quiz
|
November 19, 2021 |
 |
Cattails going to fluff
Cattails (Typha latifolia)
|
October 15, 2021 |
 |
Red russulas and mushroom season
Red russula (genus Russula)
|
September 24, 2021 |
 |
Where are all the butterflies?
Clouded sulphur butterfly (Colias philodice)
|
August 27, 2021 |
 |
Sweet pepperbush rewards pollinators
Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)
|
July 16, 2021 |
 |
Wild Canada lily
Canada lily (Lilium canadense)
|
June 18, 2021 |
 |
Indian cucumber root – a shy wildflower
Indian cucumber root (Medeola virginiana)
|
May 28, 2021 |
 |
Redstarts are one of our warblers
Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)
|
April 23, 2021 |
 |
Golden threads along the ground
Goldthread (Coptis groenlandica)
Goldthread (Coptis trifolia)
|
March 26, 2021 |
 |
Our annual dance of spring
Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
|
February 19, 2021 |
 |
Signs of Spring in February
Signs of Spring
Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
|
January 22, 2021 |
 |
Who's out there? Take Westborough Community Land Trust's quiz
A Nature Notes quiz
|
November 20, 2020 |
 |
Nature Book Holiday Gift Ideas
Books
|
October 16, 2020 |
 |
A loud little songbird
Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)
|
September 18, 2020 |
 |
Interesting white-throated sparrows pass through soon
White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
|
August 21, 2020 |
 |
Amazing wasp nests
Bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)
Common aerial yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria)
|
July 24, 2020 |
 |
Elderberries for wildlife
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra canadensis)
|
June 26, 2020 |
 |
June is the month for turtles
Spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata)
|
May 29, 2020 |
 |
A warbler that comes in black and white
Black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia)
|
April 24, 2020 |
 |
Flicker: A woodpecker that pecks the ground
Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
|
March 27, 2020 |
 |
Pileated woodpeckers in our forests
Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
|
February 21, 2020 |
 |
Talking climate change: How you can help
Climate change
|
January 24, 2020 |
 |
Who am I? WCLT’s Annual Nature Notes Quiz
A Nature Notes quiz
|
November 8, 2019 |
 |
Wild minks in the woods
Mink (Mustela vison (formerly))
Mink (Neovison vison)
|
October 18, 2019 |
 |
Spotting butterflies in the fall
Question mark butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis)
|
September 27, 2019 |
 |
Common garden spider
Common garden spider (Argiope aurantia)
|
August 30, 2019 |
 |
Sumac Season
Poison sumac (Rhus vernix)
Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)
Shining sumac (Rhus copalllinum)
Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra)
Staghorn sumac (Rhus hirta)
Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina)
Winged sumac (Rhus copalllinum)
|
July 19, 2019 |
 |
Brown creepers on bark
Brown creeper (Certhia americana)
|
June 7, 2019 |
 |
Mayapple: a rare May wildflower
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
|
May 3, 2019 |
 |
Our local marsupial
Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
|
March 15, 2019 |
 |
Northern shrikes - songbirds or raptors?
Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludivicianus)
Northern shrike (Lanius borealis)
Northern shrike (Lanius excubitor)
|
February 1, 2019 |
 |
Did you see the super blood wolf moon?
Moon
|
January 18, 2019 |
 |
Challenge yourself with the Nature Notes quiz
A Nature Notes quiz
|
November 30, 2018 |
 |
Grass appreciation
Little bluestem grass (Andropogon scoparius)
Little bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium)
|
November 2, 2018 |
 |
Who's who in those big flocks of blackbirds?
Common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)
European starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
|
September 28, 2018 |
 |
A common fall butterfly
Cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae)
|
August 14, 2018 |
 |
Earthstars are unique mushrooms
Earthstar
|
July 27, 2018 |
 |
The queen of July's field wildflowers
Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota)
|
July 6, 2018 |
 |
Baltimore orioles make hanging nests
Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula)
|
June 15, 2018 |
 |
A birdfeeder beauty
Rose-breasted grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
|
May 4, 2018 |
 |
Pine warblers arrive on schedule
Pine warbler (Setophaga pinus)
|
April 6, 2018 |
 |
The legacy of Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Environmentalist
|
March 9, 2018 |
 |
Get to know the pollinators
Pollinators
|
February 9, 2018 |
 |
A poem for a winter day
Poetry
|
January 12, 2018 |
 |
Get ready for nature in 2018 with a memory-jogging Nature Notes quiz
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 1, 2017 |
 |
A common but seldom seen creature
Meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus)
Redbacked vole (Myodes gappen)
Woodland vole (Microtus pinetorum)
|
October 27, 2017 |
 |
Insect eaters of insects
Chinese mantid (Tenodera aridifolia)
European mantis (Mantis religiosa)
|
September 22, 2017 |
 |
Conservation Highlights in Westborough
Conservation in Westborough
|
August 25, 2017 |
 |
Watch for buckeyes
Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
|
July 28, 2017 |
 |
An act that is hard to miss
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
|
June 23, 2017 |
 |
A year for cuckoos
Black-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus)
Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)
|
May 19, 2017 |
 |
Something different - a sandhill crane
Sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis)
|
April 7, 2017 |
 |
Snow Fleas
Springtail (order Collembola)
|
March 24, 2017 |
 |
Sky-dancing Woodcocks
American woodcock (Scolopax minor)
|
February 17, 2017 |
 |
Prickly porcupines
Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)
|
January 27, 2017 |
 |
Review your nature knowledge - Nature Notes quiz 2016
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 2, 2016 |
 |
Green-glowing Mushrooms
Night light mushroom (Panellus stipticus)
|
November 4, 2016 |
 |
Coyotes Are Nearby
coyote (Canis latrans var)
|
October 7, 2016 |
 |
Moose in Westborough
Moose (Alces alces)
|
September 16, 2016 |
 |
Mushroom Season
Onion-bagel mushroom (Pholiota aurivella)
|
August 26, 2016 |
 |
Katydid songs of summer
Katydid (family Tettigoniidae)
|
July 15, 2016 |
 |
What's eating our trees?
Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar)
|
July 22, 2016 |
 |
Daisy Days
Ox-eye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)
Ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
|
May 27, 2016 |
 |
Loons in Massachusetts
Loon (Gavia immer)
|
April 29, 2016 |
 |
Prairie warblers sing a catchy song
Prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor)
Prairie warbler (Setophaga discolor)
|
April 8, 2016 |
 |
Cellophane bees emerge from underground in early spring
Cellophane bee (Colletes inaequalis)
|
March 18, 2016 |
 |
Watch for Cooper's hawks
Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus)
|
February 19, 2016 |
 |
Watching house sparrows
House sparrow (Passer domesticus)
|
January 15, 2016 |
 |
Name the wildlife - Nature Notes quiz
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 4, 2015 |
 |
Ring-necked ducks diving in our ponds
Ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris)
|
November 13, 2015 |
 |
A lacy, evergreen fern in our woods
Evergreen wood fern (Dryopteris intermedia)
Fancy fern (Dryopteris intermedia)
Intermediate wood fern (Dryopteris intermedia)
|
October 16, 2015 |
 |
Persistence of the American chestnut
American chestnut (Castanea dentata)
Chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica)
Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima)
Horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippo-castanaum)
|
September 25, 2015 |
 |
Invasive phragmites and a native butterfly
American phragmites (Phragmites americanus)
Broad-winged skipper (Poanes viator)
Phragmites (Phragmites australis)
|
September 4, 2015 |
 |
The wood-pewee's lasting song
Wood-pewee (Contopus virens)
|
August 14, 2015 |
 |
The ovenbird's mid-summer sound
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla)
|
July 24, 2015 |
 |
Baltimore checkerspot butterflies and gypsy moths
Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton)
Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar)
|
July 3, 2015 |
 |
Sounds of summertime: Wood thrush
Wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)
|
June 12, 2015 |
 |
Scarlet tanagers in our forests
Scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea)
|
May 22, 2015 |
 |
Pine cone, corn cob, or parasitic plant?
Squawroot (Conopholis americana)
|
May 1, 2015 |
 |
Black birds on Mill Pond are double-crested cormorants
Double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
|
April 10, 2015 |
 |
Think spring, think maples
Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis)
Norway maple (Acer plantanoides)
Red maple (Acer rubrum)
Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)
Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
|
February 20, 2015 |
 |
Good tips from a wildlife veterinarian
Wildlife
|
January 30, 2015 |
 |
What's my name? Take the Nature Notes quiz
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 12, 2014 |
 |
Whose woods are these? A tribute to white pines
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus)
|
November 14, 2014 |
 |
Phoebes come early and stay late
phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)
|
October 24, 2014 |
 |
The Number 2 Snake in Town
Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon)
|
October 3, 2014 |
 |
A White Goldenrod
Downy goldenrod (Solidago puberula)
Silverrod (Solidago bicolor)
|
September 12, 2014 |
 |
Pink moths?
Primrose moth (Schinia florida)
Rosy maple moth (Dryocampa rubicunda)
|
August 22, 2014 |
 |
Grasshopper season
Grasshopper (Dissosteira carolina)
|
August 1, 2014 |
 |
Bald eagle fly-overs
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
|
July 11, 2014 |
 |
Nesting Hummingbirds
Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
|
June 20, 2014 |
 |
Wild columbine spring
Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
|
May 30, 2014 |
 |
A dwarf in the woods
Dwarf ginseng (Panax trifolius)
|
May 9, 2014 |
 |
Spot the seven-pointed stars of starflower
Starflower (Trientalis borealis)
|
April 18, 2014 |
 |
Song sparrow singing celebrates spring
Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
|
February 28, 2014 |
 |
Ice fishing flourishes on Westborough's ponds
Chain pickerel (Esox niger)
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
|
February 7, 2014 |
 |
Enjoy the winter juncos
Junco (Junco hyemalis)
|
January 17, 2014 |
 |
Who am I? Take the Nature Notes quiz (2013)
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 6, 2013 |
 |
Slime molds are odd sights in the woods
Pretzel slime mold (Hemitrichia serpula)
Wolf's milk slime (Lycogala epidendrum)
|
November 1, 2013 |
 |
Fishers make a comeback
Fisher (Martes pennanti)
|
October 11, 2013 |
 |
Beware of the destroying angel in the woods
Mushroom, destroying angel (Amanita bisporigera)
Mushroom, destroying angel (Amanita virosa)
|
September 20, 2013 |
 |
Spot tiger beetles on Westborough trails
Tiger beetle, common shore (Cicindela repanda)
Tiger beetle, six-spotted (Cicindela sexguttata)
|
August 30, 2013 |
 |
Cicada-killer wasps and summer's song
Cicada (Tibicen canicularis)
Cicada-killer wasp (Sphecius speciosus)
|
August 9, 2013 |
 |
Wet summer brings monkey-flowers
Monkey-flower (Mimulus ringens)
|
July 19, 2013 |
 |
Watch for this new butterfly
Giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
|
June 28, 2013 |
 |
Secretive marsh birds
Sora (Porzana carolina)
Virginia rail (Rallus limicola)
|
June 7, 2013 |
 |
Yellow iris: Attractive but invasive
Yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus)
|
May 17, 2013 |
 |
Elfins are small brown butterflies of spring
Eastern pine elfin (Callophrys niphon)
Henry's elfin (Callophrys henrici)
|
April 19, 2013 |
 |
Pull out invasive garlic mustard
garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
|
March 29, 2013 |
 |
Visiting redpolls lingering in town
Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)
|
March 8, 2013 |
 |
What are seagulls doing in town?
Ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis)
|
February 8, 2013 |
 |
Pine grosbeaks come to Westborough
Pine grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator)
|
January 18, 2013 |
 |
Try the annual Nature Notes quiz (2012)
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 7, 2012 |
 |
Book gifts for nature lovers
Books
|
November 16, 2012 |
 |
Pine siskins visit Westborough this year
Pine siskin (Carduelus pinus)
Pine siskin (Spinus pinus)
|
October 26, 2012 |
 |
Hunting for mushrooms with an expert
Mushrooms
|
October 5, 2012 |
 |
Virginia creeper and other autumn reds
Autumn leaf colors
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
|
September 14, 2012 |
 |
Mushroom season brings colors & curiosities
Old man of the woods (Strobilomyces floccopus)
Viscid violet cort (Cortinarius iodes)
|
August 24, 2012 |
 |
Rabbit's foot clover is fun for kids
Rabbit's foot clover (Trifolium arvense)
|
August 3, 2012 |
 |
Pickerel-weed grows in the shallows
Pickerel-weed (Pontederia cordata)
|
July 13, 2012 |
 |
Seeing Small Butterflies
Banded hairstreak (Satyrium calanus)
Gray hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
Striped hairstreak (Satyrium liparops)
|
June 15, 2012 |
 |
June is a month for baby birds
Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
|
May 25, 2012 |
 |
Big Ferns Unfurl
Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)
Interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana)
Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
Royal fern (Osmunda regalis)
|
May 4, 2012 |
 |
Blooming blueberries
Blueberry (high bush) (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Blueberry (low bush) (Vaccinium angustifolium)
|
April 13, 2012 |
 |
Treasure-hunting for spring wildflowers
Wild oats (Uvularia sessilifolia)
|
March 23, 2012 |
 |
Asian Longhorned Beetle at Westborough's Border
Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis)
|
February 24, 2012 |
 |
Watching for robins
American robin (Turdus migratorius)
|
February 3, 2012 |
 |
Barred owls begin courting
Barred owl (Strix varia)
|
January 13, 2012 |
 |
Quiz Yourself on Nature (2011)
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 9, 2011 |
 |
Earthquakes in New England
Earthquakes
|
November 4, 2011 |
 |
Turkey tail season
False turkey tail (Stereum ostrea)
Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)
|
October 14, 2011 |
 |
Blue Jays harvest acorns
Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
|
September 23, 2011 |
 |
The edible groundnut
Groundnut (Apios americana)
|
September 1, 2011 |
 |
Big Birds in white on our shores
Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
Great egret (Ardea alba)
|
August 12, 2011 |
 |
Hazelnuts in odd husks
American hazelnut (Corylus americana)
Beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta)
|
July 22, 2011 |
 |
Tiger swallowtail butterflies
Canadian tiger swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)
Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
|
June 6, 2011 |
 |
The many senses of pineapple weed
Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea)
|
May 20, 2011 |
 |
The drama of nature's changes
Blue-winged warbler (Vermivora pinus)
Golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera)
|
April 29, 2011 |
 |
An ancient and useful moss
Four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum)
Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum)
|
April 8, 2011 |
 |
Airborne clean-up crew returns
Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura)
|
March 18, 2011 |
 |
WCLT's wildlife sightings page
Redback salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
|
February 25, 2011 |
 |
How birds stay warm on a cold winter's day
Tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)
Tufted titmouse (Parus bicolor)
|
February 4, 2011 |
 |
Cardinal's song means spring is coming
Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
|
January 14, 2011 |
 |
Take the annual nature quiz (2010)
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 10, 2010 |
 |
Mergansers: December's ducks
Common merganser (Mergus merganser)
|
November 5, 2010 |
 |
Raccoons share our natural environment
Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
|
October 15, 2010 |
 |
House finches at the feeder
House finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
|
September 24, 2010 |
 |
Pokeweed for the birds
Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)
|
September 3, 2010 |
 |
A bird in decline
Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
|
August 13, 2010 |
 |
Frogs at our feet
Leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens)
Leopard frog (Rana pipiens)
Pickerel frog (Lithobates palustris)
|
July 23, 2010 |
 |
Candy-cane stripes visible in the summertime
Spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium)
|
June 18, 2010 |
 |
Bobolinks: Long distance travelers
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
|
May 28, 2010 |
 |
A good year for butterflies
American lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
Painted lady (Vanessa cardui)
|
May 7, 2010 |
 |
Songsters with warts
American toad (Bufo americanus)
|
April 9, 2010 |
 |
What's the first wildflower of spring?
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
Pussy willow (Salix discolor)
Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)
|
March 19, 2010 |
 |
Earth stirs in March
Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris)
|
February 26, 2010 |
 |
Who's out there?
Screech owl (Megascops asio)
Screech owl (Otus asio)
|
February 5, 2010 |
 |
Spring begins in February
Groundhog (Marmota monax)
|
January 15, 2010 |
 |
Quiz Yourself on Nature (2009)
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 18, 2009 |
 |
Moths in winter
Bruce spanworm (Operophtera bruceata)
Fall cankerworm (Alsophila pometaria)
Winter moth (Operophtera brumata)
|
November 27, 2009 |
 |
Beavers get busy
Beaver (Castor canadensis)
|
October 30, 2009 |
 |
Native and invasive fall colors
Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
|
October 16, 2009 |
 |
Palm warblers pass through
Palm warbler (Dendroica palmarum)
|
October 2, 2009 |
 |
A curious fall plant
Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana)
|
September 18, 2009 |
 |
Blue and edible chicory on the roadside
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
|
September 4, 2009 |
 |
Butterfly disguises in late summer
Eastern tailed blue (Everes comyntas)
Viceroy (Basilarchia archippus)
Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
|
August 21, 2009 |
 |
A good beetle comes to town
Purple loosestrife beetle (Galerucella calmariensis)
Purple loosestrife beetle (Galerucella pusilla)
|
August 7, 2009 |
 |
Snapper Sightings in Westborough
Snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
|
July 24, 2009 |
 |
A Mill Pond bird is Mr. Mom
Spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularia)
|
July 3, 2009 |
 |
Listen for treefrogs
Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
|
June 12, 2009 |
 |
The season for baby birds
Baby birds
Chickadee (Poecile atricapilla)
|
May 29, 2009 |
 |
A pretty but prickly escaped shrub
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Bristly locust (Robinia hispida)
|
May 15, 2009 |
 |
Foxy neighbors
Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
|
May 1, 2009 |
 |
Eating on the wing
Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
|
April 17, 2009 |
 |
Strange stems of April
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
|
April 3, 2009 |
 |
Our diving muskrats
Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)
|
March 20, 2009 |
 |
Looking Up
Astronomy
|
February 27, 2009 |
 |
The bird we love to hate
Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
|
February 13, 2009 |
 |
State bird speaks
Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapilla)
|
January 30, 2009 |
 |
Ice is nice
Ice
|
January 16, 2009 |
 |
Quiz Yourself on Nature (2008)
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 12, 2008 |
 |
An invasive decoration
American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)
Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
|
November 7, 2008 |
 |
Feasting on poison ivy
Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
Yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata)
|
October 24, 2008 |
 |
Smart and feisty red squirrels
Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
|
October 10, 2008 |
 |
Migrating dragonflies
Green darner dragonfly (Anax junius)
|
September 26, 2008 |
 |
Old-time bitter medicine
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
|
September 12, 2008 |
 |
Fragrant water-lilies linger on local ponds
Fragrant water-lily (Nymphaea odorata)
|
August 29, 2008 |
 |
A surprising salamander
Red-spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens)
|
August 15, 2008 |
 |
The minty month of August
Eastern bluecurls (Trichostema dichotomum)
Western bluecurls (Trichostema lanceolatum)
Wild mint (Mentha arvensis)
|
August 1, 2008 |
 |
Strange plants of summer
Fungus-root partnership (Mycorrhiza)
Indian-pipes (Monotropa uniflora)
Pinesap (Monotropa hypopithys)
|
July 18, 2008 |
 |
Dragons and damsels
Damselflies (Zygoptera)
Dragonflies (Anisoptera)
|
July 4, 2008 |
 |
Pearl crescent butterflies
Pearl crescent butterfly (Phyciodes tharos)
|
June 20, 2008 |
 |
Westborough's snakes are harmless
Garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus)
|
June 6, 2008 |
 |
Treasure-hunting for trilliums
Nodding trillium (Trillium cernuum)
|
May 23, 2008 |
 |
May brings yellow warblers to Westborough
Brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater)
Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia)
|
May 9, 2008 |
 |
Wildflower, weed, or invader?
Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
|
April 25, 2008 |
 |
Watch for wildflowers in Westborough
European windflower (Anemone nemorosa)
Red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)
Rue anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides)
Windflower (Anemone quinquefolia)
|
April 11, 2008 |
 |
Ospreys return to Mill Pond
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
|
March 28, 2008 |
 |
Special concern for blue-spotted salamanders
Blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale)
|
March 14, 2008 |
 |
At home in Westborough's vernal pools
Fairy shrimp (Eubranchipus)
|
February 29, 2008 |
 |
Moon over Westborough
Moon
|
February 15, 2008 |
 |
Return of the mallards
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
|
February 1, 2008 |
 |
Winter bluebirds brighten Westborough
Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
|
January 18, 2008 |
 |
Prepare to notice nature in 2008 by taking the 2007 Nature Notes quiz
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 14, 2007 |
 |
Winter marks return of deer-watching season
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
|
November 9, 2007 |
 |
The famous red-breasted nuthatch
Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
Red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)
White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
|
October 26, 2007 |
 |
Late butterflies
American copper butterfly (Lycaena phlaeas)
|
October 12, 2007 |
 |
Belted Kingfishers Dive and Burrow
Belted kingfishers (Ceryle alcyon)
|
September 21, 2007 |
 |
The case of the mysterious jelly balls
Bryozoans (Pectinatella magnifica)
Jelly ball animals (Pectinatella magnifica)
Moss animals (Pectinatella magnifica)
|
September 7, 2007 |
 |
Bullfrogs in our ponds
Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)
Green frog (Rana clamitans)
|
August 24, 2007 |
 |
Carnivorous floating flowers
Bladderworts (Utricularia)
Horned bladderwort (Utricularia cornuta)
Purple bladderwort (Utricularia purpurea)
Swollen bladderwort (Utricularia inflata)
|
August 10, 2007 |
 |
A caterpillar's life
Black swallowtail caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes)
|
July 27, 2007 |
 |
From caterpillar to butterfly
Black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
|
July 13, 2007 |
 |
Look-alike butterflies
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Viceroy (Basilarchia archippus)
Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
|
June 29, 2007 |
 |
The catbird in the catbird seat
Brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum)
Brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater)
Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)
Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
|
June 15, 2007 |
 |
An invasive rose
Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica)
Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)
|
June 1, 2007 |
 |
A new invasive in town
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
|
May 18, 2007 |
 |
Native wild violets in wet and dry places
Birdfoot violet (Viola pedata)
Marsh blue violet (Viola cucullata)
|
May 4, 2007 |
 |
Our earliest wild violet
Aphrodite fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite)
Great spangled fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
Northern downy violet (Viola fimbriatula)
Northern downy violet (Viola sagittata)
|
April 20, 2007 |
 |
Marsh-marigolds in our streams and swamps
Marsh-marigold (Caltha palustris)
|
April 6, 2007 |
 |
Blue butterfly days
Blue morpho (Morpho peleides)
Eastern tailed blue (Everes comyntas)
Gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
Silvery blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)
Spring azure (Celastrina ladon)
Summer azure (Celastrina ladon neglecta)
Summer azure (Celastrina neglecta)
|
March 23, 2007 |
 |
Return of the red-wings signals spring
Cattail (Typha latifolia)
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
|
March 9, 2007 |
 |
Honeybees in winter
Bumblebee (Bombus)
Honeybee (Apis mellifera)
|
February 23, 2007 |
 |
Westborough's tiny winter bird
Dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)
Golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa)
Ruby-crowned kinglet (Regulus calendula)
Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
|
February 9, 2007 |
 |
Valentine's Day for Skunks
Great horned owl (Bubo virginianis)
Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
|
January 26, 2007 |
 |
Woodpeckers in Westborough's Woods
Downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus)
Northern flicker (Colaptes auratus)
Red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
|
January 12, 2007 |
 |
Think you know nature? (2006)
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 13, 2006 |
 |
Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks
Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana)
Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)
Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae)
Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana)
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota)
Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)
|
November 10, 2006 |
 |
Lovely and controversial swans
Mute swan (Cygnus olor)
|
October 20, 2006 |
 |
Acorns and chipmunks
Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
|
October 6, 2006 |
 |
From shaggy mane to inky cap
Shaggy mane mushroom (Coprinus comatus)
|
September 22, 2006 |
 |
Evening blossoms in the day
Common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)
|
September 8, 2006 |
 |
Turtlehead and butterflies
Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton)
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
Pink turtlehead (Chelone lyonii)
Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
Viburnums (Viburnum)
White ash (Fraxinus americana)
|
August 25, 2006 |
 |
Goldfinches and summer's thistles
Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis)
Painted lady (Vanessa cardui)
|
August 11, 2006 |
 |
A most unusual moth in town
Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii)
Hummingbird clearwing (Hemaris thysbe)
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta)
Tomato hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata)
|
July 28, 2006 |
 |
A white squirrel sighting
Gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
|
July 14, 2006 |
 |
July is butterfly season
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Chokecherry (Prunus)
Coral hairstreak (Satyrium titus)
Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Wild cherry (Prunus)
Wild plum (Prunus)
|
June 23, 2006 |
 |
The tale of the cottontail rabbit
Eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus)
European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
New England cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus transitionalis)
|
June 9, 2006 |
 |
Make way for ducklings
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
|
May 26, 2006 |
 |
Bluebirds in Westborough
Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
English sparrows (Passer domesticus)
European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
House sparrow (Passer domesticus)
|
May 12, 2006 |
 |
A mighty collision and much glaciation
Geology of Westborough
|
April 28, 2006 |
 |
Good things from spicebush
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
Spicebush swallowtail (Pterourus troilus)
|
April 14, 2006 |
 |
Tiny frogs herald springtime
Spring peeper (Hyla crucifer)
Spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
|
March 31, 2006 |
 |
Wild ducks on our ponds
Hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
|
March 17, 2006 |
 |
Visitors to our vernal pools
Blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale)
Jefferson salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
Marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum)
Spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii holbrookii)
Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
Wood frog (Rana sylvatica)
|
March 3, 2006 |
 |
Early birds get the dried fruit
American robin (Turdus migratorius)
Cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
|
February 17, 2006 |
 |
Ancient evergreens under the snow
Ground cedar (Diphasiastrum digitatum)
Ground cedar (Lycopodium digitatum)
Pipsessewa (Chimaphila umbellata)
Prince's pine (Chimaphila umbellata)
Princess pine (Dendrolycopodium obscurum)
Princess pine (Lycopodium obscurum)
|
February 3, 2006 |
 |
Nuthatches in the winter
Red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)
White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
|
January 20, 2006 |
 |
Woolly bears and winter
Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella)
Woolly bear caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella)
|
January 6, 2006 |
 |
Think you know nature? (2005)
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 9, 2005 |
 |
Canada geese overhead
Canada goose (Branta canadensis)
|
November 18, 2005 |
 |
It's time to talk turkey
Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
|
October 28, 2005 |
 |
Lobster claws on the path
Lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
Orange mushroom pimple (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
|
October 14, 2005 |
 |
Puffballs in the grass
Gem-studded puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum)
Giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea)
Pasture puffball (Calvatia cyathiformis)
Pear-shaped puffball (Lycoperdon pyriforme)
Pigskin poison puffball (Scleroderma citrinum)
Purple-spored puffball (Calvatia cyathiformis)
Skull-shaped puffball (Calvatia craniformis)
Vase puffball (Calvatia cyathiformis)
|
September 30, 2005 |
 |
Fish-baiting green herons
Green heron (Butorides virescens)
|
September 16, 2005 |
 |
September's wild orchid
Downy rattlesnake-plantain (Goodyera pubescens)
Nodding ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes cernua)
Pink lady's-slipper (Cypripedium acaule)
|
September 2, 2005 |
 |
Spotted Joe-Pye-weed in purple landscapes
Spotted Joe-Pye-weed (Eupatorium maculatum)
|
August 19, 2005 |
 |
Summer hummers
Beebalm (Monarda didyma)
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii)
Canada lily (Lilium canadense)
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense)
Cigar plant (Cuphea ignea)
Columbine (Aquilegia canadense)
Cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit)
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Fuchsia (Fuchsia)
Giant blue sage (Salvia guaranitica)
Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica)
Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)
Orange spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans)
Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
Shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana)
Shrub verbena (Lantana camara)
Silktree (Albizia julibrissin)
Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans)
Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
|
August 5, 2005 |
 |
Tiny orchids of August
Downy rattlesnake-plantain (Goodyera pubescens)
|
July 22, 2005 |
 |
Cardinal flower attracts hummingbirds, butterflies
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Hummingbird (Archilochus colubrus)
Indian-pipes (Monotropa uniflora)
Painted turtle (Chrysemys picta)
St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum)
|
July 8, 2005 |
 |
Milkweed and butterflies in our meadows
Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetraophthalmus)
Milkweed bug (Lygaeus kalmii)
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Viceroy (Basilarchia archippus)
|
June 24, 2005 |
 |
Not-So-Deadly Nightshade
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)
Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)
Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Peppers (Capsicum)
Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Tobacco (Nicotiana)
Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum)
|
June 10, 2005 |
 |
A sheepish laurel
Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Sheep-laurel (Kalmia angustifolia)
|
May 27, 2005 |
 |
Wild geraniums are native to the area
Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum)
|
May 13, 2005 |
Nature Notes in the classroom
Gibbons 7th-graders use Nature Notes
| |
April 29, 2005 |
 |
The first butterfly of spring
American elm (Ulmus americana)
Mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
Paper birch (Betula papyrifera)
Willow (Salix)
|
April 15, 2005 |
 |
Swamps in bloom
Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)
|
April 1, 2005 |
 |
An owl in the nest
Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
|
March 18, 2005 |
 |
The mourning dove's coo
Mourning dove (Zenaida macroura)
|
March 5, 2005 |
 |
Time for pussy willows
Mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
Pussy willow (Salix discolor)
Viceroy (Basilarchia archippus)
Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
|
February 18, 2005 |
 |
Squirrel tales
Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)
Gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
|
February 4, 2005 |
 |
Westborough's Atlantic White Cedars
Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)
Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus lebani)
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Hessel's hairstreak butterfly (Callophrys hesseli)
Hessel's hairstreak butterfly (Mitoura hesseli)
Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis)
|
January 21, 2005 |
 |
Wintergreen under the snow
Birch, black (Betula lenta)
Checkerberry (Gaultheria procumbens)
|
January 7, 2005 |
 |
Think you know nature? (2004)
A Nature Notes quiz
|
December 10, 2004 |
 |
Christmas fern in the woods
Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
|
November 26, 2004 |
 |
Winterberry in our wetlands
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
|
November 12, 2004 |
 |
Red-tailed hawks overhead
Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
|
October 29, 2004 |
 |
Witch-hazel flowers for Halloween
Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
|
October 15, 2004 |
 |
Fall is mushroom season
Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria)
|
October 1, 2004 |
 |
Flowers that never open
Closed gentian (Gentiana clausa)
|
September 17, 2004 |
 |
Butter-and-eggs for beauty, not breakfast
Butter-and-eggs (Linaria vulgaris)
|
September 3, 2004 |
 |
Jewelweed is ready to pop
Orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
Pale touch-me-not (Impatiens pallida)
Purple jewelweed (Impatiens glandulifera)
Purple touch-me-not (Impatiens glandulifera)
Spotted touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis)
Yellow jewelweed (Impatiens pallida)
|
August 20, 2004 |
 |
Late-summer sneezing
Goldenrod (Solidago)
Goldenrod spider (Misumena vatia)
Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)
|
August 6, 2004 |
 |
Invasion of the Purple Loosestrife
Cattail (Typha latifolia)
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
|
July 23, 2004 |
 |
Ghostly Indian-pipes by the path
Indian-pipes (Monotropa uniflora)
|
July 9, 2004 |
 |
Watch for painted turtles
Painted turtle (Chrysemys picta)
Snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
|
June 25, 2004 |
 |
St. Johnswort on the roadside
St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum)
|
June 11, 2004 |
 |
Wild iris in the woods
Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor)
Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium)
Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus)
|
May 28, 2004 |
 |
Land of Swamps
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
|
May 14, 2004 |
 |
Westborough's Pink Lady's-Slippers
Moccasin-flower (Cypripedium acaule)
Pink lady's-slipper (Cypripedium acaule)
|
April 30, 2004 |
 |
Great Blue Herons at Mill Pond
Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
|
April 16, 2004 |
 |
Signs of spring: Wood frogs and vernal pools
Wood frog (Rana sylvatica)
|
Westborough Community Land Trust, PO Box 838, Westborough , MA 01581
-- Contact -- Contribute or Join! --