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

Nature notes by month of publication

Nature notes by common name of flora and fauna

Nature notes by scientific name of flora and fauna

Nature notes by category

Nature Notes by Common Name

American beech Fagus grandifolia	Local beech trees in winter February 15, 2024
American bittersweet Celastrus scandens	An invasive decoration December 12, 2008
American chestnut Castanea dentata	American Chestnut update June 25, 2023 Persistence of the American chestnut October 16, 2015
American copper butterfly Lycaena phlaeas	Late butterflies October 26, 2007
American dog tick Dermcentor variabilis	Tick check season – for 3 local ticks July 5, 2024
American elm Ulmus americana	The first butterfly of spring April 29, 2005
American hazelnut Corylus americana	Hazelnuts in odd husks August 12, 2011
American lady Vanessa virginiensis	A good year for butterflies May 28, 2010
American phragmites Phragmites americanus	Invasive phragmites and a native butterfly September 25, 2015
American robin Turdus migratorius	Birds feast on berries in the natural landscape November 16, 2024 Watching for robins February 24, 2012 Early birds get the dried fruit March 3, 2006
American toad Bufo americanus	Songsters with warts May 7, 2010
American woodcock Scolopax minor	Sky-dancing Woodcocks March 24, 2017
Aphrodite fritillary Speyeria aphrodite	Our earliest wild violet May 4, 2007
Asian Longhorned Beetle Anoplophora glabripennis	Think spring, think maples April 10, 2015 Asian Longhorned Beetle at Westborough's Border March 23, 2012
Atlantic white cedar Chamaecyparis thyoides	Westborough's Atlantic White Cedars February 4, 2005
Autumn olive Elaeagnus umbellata	Native and invasive fall colors October 30, 2009
Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus	Bald eagle fly-overs August 1, 2014
Bald-faced hornet Dolichovespula maculata	Amazing wasp nests August 21, 2020
Baltimore checkerspot Euphydryas phaeton	Baltimore checkerspot butterflies and gypsy moths July 24, 2015 Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006
Baltimore oriole Icterus galbula	Baltimore orioles make hanging nests July 6, 2018
Banded hairstreak Satyrium calanus	Seeing Small Butterflies July 13, 2012
Barn swallow Hirundo rustica	Barn swallows are back May 21, 2023
Barred owl Strix varia	Barred owls begin courting February 3, 2012
Beaked hazelnut Corylus cornuta	Hazelnuts in odd husks August 12, 2011
Beaver Castor canadensis	Beavers get busy November 27, 2009
Beebalm Monarda didyma	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Beechdrops Epifagus virginiana	A curious fall plant October 2, 2009
Belladonna Atropa belladonna	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
Belted kingfishers Ceryle alcyon	Belted Kingfishers Dive and Burrow October 12, 2007
Birch, black Betula lenta	Wintergreen under the snow January 21, 2005
Birdfoot violet Viola pedata	Native wild violets in wet and dry places May 18, 2007
Bittersweet nightshade Solanum dulcamara	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
Black bear Ursus americanus	Get ready for black bears September 19, 2024
Black locust Robinia pseudoacacia	A pretty but prickly escaped shrub May 29, 2009
Black swallowtail Papilio polyxenes	From caterpillar to butterfly July 27, 2007
Black swallowtail caterpillar Papilio polyxenes	A caterpillar's life August 10, 2007
Black vulture Coragyps atratus	Black vultures are newcomers to our region April 20, 2024
Black-and-white warbler Mniotilta varia	A warbler that comes in black and white May 29, 2020
Black-billed cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus	A year for cuckoos June 23, 2017
Black-capped chickadee Poecile atricapilla Poecile atricapillus	State bird speaks February 13, 2009 The famous red-breasted nuthatch November 9, 2007
Black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis	Tick check season – for 3 local ticks July 5, 2024
Bladderworts Utricularia	Carnivorous floating flowers August 24, 2007
Blue flag iris Iris versicolor	Wild iris in the woods June 11, 2004
Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata	Blue Jays harvest acorns October 14, 2011
Blue morpho Morpho peleides	Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007
Blue-eyed grass Sisyrinchium	Wild iris in the woods June 11, 2004
Blue-green mold Penicillium chrysogenum Penicillium notatum Penicillium rubens Penicillium rubrum	In the fridge February 10, 2023
Blue-spotted salamander Ambystoma laterale	Vernal pool season March 21, 2022 Special concern for blue-spotted salamanders March 28, 2008 Visitors to our vernal pools March 17, 2006
Blue-winged warbler Vermivora pinus	The drama of nature's changes May 20, 2011
Blueberry (high bush) Vaccinium corymbosum	Blooming blueberries May 4, 2012
Blueberry (low bush) Vaccinium angustifolium	Blooming blueberries May 4, 2012
Bluebird Sialia sialis	Birds feast on berries in the natural landscape November 16, 2024 Winter bluebirds brighten Westborough February 1, 2008 Bluebirds in Westborough May 26, 2006
Bobcat Lynx rufus	Adaptable but shy bobcats are our neighbors August 21, 2024
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus	Bobolinks: Long distance travelers June 18, 2010
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum	Old-time bitter medicine September 26, 2008
Bristly locust Robinia hispida	A pretty but prickly escaped shrub May 29, 2009
Broad-winged skipper Poanes viator	Invasive phragmites and a native butterfly September 25, 2015
Brown creeper Certhia americana	Brown creepers on bark July 19, 2019
Brown thrasher Toxostoma rufum	The catbird in the catbird seat June 29, 2007
Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater	May brings yellow warblers to Westborough May 23, 2008 The catbird in the catbird seat June 29, 2007
Bruce spanworm Operophtera bruceata	Moths in winter December 18, 2009
Bryozoans Pectinatella magnifica	The case of the mysterious jelly balls September 21, 2007
Buckeye Junonia coenia	Watch for buckeyes August 25, 2017
Bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus Rana catesbeiana	Bullfrogs in our ponds September 7, 2007
Bumblebee Bombus	Honeybees in winter March 9, 2007
Butter-and-eggs Linaria vulgaris	Butter-and-eggs for beauty, not breakfast September 17, 2004
Butterfly bush Buddleia davidii Buddleja davidii	A most unusual moth in town August 11, 2006 Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Butterfly weed Asclepias tuberosa	July is butterfly season July 14, 2006
Button bush Cephalanthus occidentalis	A Trip to the Shore August 17, 2022
Cabbage white butterfly Pieris rapae	A common fall butterfly September 28, 2018
Canada goose Branta canadensis	Canada geese overhead December 9, 2005
Canada lily Lilium canadense	Wild Canada lily July 16, 2021 Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Canadian tiger swallowtail Papilio canadensis	Tiger swallowtail butterflies July 22, 2011
Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis	Cardinal's song means spring is coming February 4, 2011
Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006 Summer hummers August 19, 2005 Cardinal flower attracts hummingbirds, butterflies July 22, 2005
Carolina hemlock Tsuga caroliniana	Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
Carolina wren Thryothorus ludovicianus	A loud little songbird October 16, 2020
Catawba rhododendron Rhododendron catawbiense	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Catbird Dumetella carolinensis	The catbird in the catbird seat June 29, 2007
Cattail Typha latifolia	Return of the red-wings signals spring March 23, 2007 Invasion of the Purple Loosestrife August 6, 2004
Cattails Typha latifolia	Cattails going to fluff November 19, 2021
Cedar of Lebanon Cedrus lebani	Westborough's Atlantic White Cedars February 4, 2005
Cedar waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum	Early birds get the dried fruit March 3, 2006
Celandine Chelidonium majus	Wildflower, weed, or invader? May 9, 2008
Cellophane bee Colletes inaequalis	Cellophane bees emerge from underground in early spring April 8, 2016
Chain pickerel Esox niger	Ice fishing flourishes on Westborough's ponds February 28, 2014
Checkerberry Gaultheria procumbens	Wintergreen under the snow January 21, 2005
Chestnut blight Cryphonectria parasitica	Persistence of the American chestnut October 16, 2015
Chestnut blight fungus Cryphonectria parasitica	American Chestnut update June 25, 2023
Chickadee Poecile atricapilla	The season for baby birds June 12, 2009
Chicory Cichorium intybus	Blue and edible chicory on the roadside September 18, 2009
Chinese chestnut Castanea mollissima	Persistence of the American chestnut October 16, 2015
Chinese mantid Tenodera aridifolia	Insect eaters of insects October 27, 2017
Chipmunk Tamias striatus	Acorns and chipmunks October 20, 2006
Chokecherry Prunus	July is butterfly season July 14, 2006
Christmas fern Polystichum acrostichoides	Christmas fern in the woods December 10, 2004
Cicada Tibicen canicularis	Cicada-killer wasps and summer's song August 30, 2013
Cicada-killer wasp Sphecius speciosus	Cicada-killer wasps and summer's song August 30, 2013
Cigar plant Cuphea ignea	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea	Big Ferns Unfurl May 25, 2012
Closed gentian Gentiana clausa	Flowers that never open October 1, 2004
Clouded sulphur butterfly Colias philodice	Where are all the butterflies? September 24, 2021
Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara	What's the first wildflower of spring? April 9, 2010
Columbine Aquilegia canadense	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Common aerial yellowjacket Dolichovespula arenaria	Amazing wasp nests August 21, 2020
Common evening primrose Oenothera biennis	Evening blossoms in the day September 22, 2006
Common garden spider Argiope aurantia	Common garden spider September 27, 2019
Common grackle Quiscalus quiscula	Birds feast on berries in the natural landscape November 16, 2024 Who's who in those big flocks of blackbirds? November 2, 2018
Common merganser Mergus merganser	Mergansers: December's ducks December 10, 2010
Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii	Watch for Cooper's hawks March 18, 2016
Coral hairstreak Satyrium titus	July is butterfly season July 14, 2006
Corpse flower Amorphophallus titanum	Corpse flower & local relatives August 15, 2023
coyote Canis latrans var	Coyotes Are Nearby November 4, 2016
Cypress vine Ipomoea quamoclit	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum	Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
Damselflies Zygoptera	Dragons and damsels July 18, 2008
Dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis	Westborough's tiny winter bird February 23, 2007
Deer tick Ixodes scapularis	Tick check season – for 3 local ticks July 5, 2024
Dogwood Benthamidia florida, Cornus florida	Birds feast on berries in the natural landscape November 16, 2024
Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus	Black birds on Mill Pond are double-crested cormorants May 1, 2015
Downy goldenrod Solidago puberula	A White Goldenrod October 3, 2014
Downy rattlesnake-plantain Goodyera pubescens	September's wild orchid September 16, 2005 Tiny orchids of August August 5, 2005
Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens	Woodpeckers in Westborough's Woods January 26, 2007
Dragonflies Anisoptera	Dragons and damsels July 18, 2008
Dwarf ginseng Panax trifolius	A dwarf in the woods May 30, 2014
Earthworm Lumbricus terrestris	Earth stirs in March March 19, 2010
Eastern bluecurls Trichostema dichotomum	The minty month of August August 15, 2008
Eastern cottontail rabbit Sylvilagus floridanus	The tale of the cottontail rabbit June 23, 2006
Eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis	Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
Eastern pine elfin Callophrys niphon	Elfins are small brown butterflies of spring May 17, 2013
Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana	Early birds get the dried fruit March 3, 2006 Westborough's Atlantic White Cedars February 4, 2005
Eastern tailed blue Everes comyntas	Butterfly disguises in late summer September 4, 2009 Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007
Eastern tiger swallowtail Papilio glaucus	Tiger swallowtail butterflies July 22, 2011
Eastern white pine Pinus strobus	Whose woods are these? A tribute to white pines December 12, 2014
Eggplant Solanum melongena	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
Eight-spotted forester moth Alypia octomaculata	Noticing local day-flying moths July 25, 2023
Elderberry Sambucus nigra canadensis	Elderberries for wildlife July 24, 2020
English sparrows Passer domesticus	Bluebirds in Westborough May 26, 2006
European mantis Mantis religiosa	Insect eaters of insects October 27, 2017
European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus	The tale of the cottontail rabbit June 23, 2006
European starling Sturnus vulgaris	Birds feast on berries in the natural landscape November 16, 2024 Who's who in those big flocks of blackbirds? November 2, 2018
European starlings Sturnus vulgaris	Bluebirds in Westborough May 26, 2006
European windflower Anemone nemorosa	Watch for wildflowers in Westborough April 25, 2008
Evergreen wood fern Dryopteris intermedia	A lacy, evergreen fern in our woods November 13, 2015
Fairy shrimp Eubranchipus	Vernal pool season March 21, 2022 At home in Westborough's vernal pools March 14, 2008
Fall cankerworm Alsophila pometaria	Moths in winter December 18, 2009
False turkey tail Stereum ostrea	Turkey tail season November 4, 2011
Fancy fern Dryopteris intermedia	A lacy, evergreen fern in our woods November 13, 2015
Fireflies Photinus Photuris Pyractomena	See local fireflies at dusk June 9, 2024
Fisher Martes pennanti	Fishers make a comeback November 1, 2013
Flicker Colaptes auratus	Flicker: A woodpecker that pecks the ground April 24, 2020
Fly agaric Amanita muscaria	Fall is mushroom season October 15, 2004
Flying Squirrel Glaucomys volans	Squirrel tales February 18, 2005
Four-toed salamander Hemidactylium scutatum	An ancient and useful moss April 29, 2011
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Fragrant water-lily Nymphaea odorata	Fragrant water-lilies linger on local ponds September 12, 2008
Fuchsia Fuchsia	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Fungus-root partnership Mycorrhiza	Strange plants of summer August 1, 2008
Garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata	Pull out invasive garlic mustard April 19, 2013 A new invasive in town June 1, 2007
Garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis	Our local snakes are nothing to fear June 22, 2022 Westborough's snakes are harmless June 20, 2008
Gem-studded puffball Lycoperdon perlatum	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Giant blue sage Salvia guaranitica	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Giant puffball Calvatia gigantea	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Giant swallowtail Papilio cresphontes	Watch for this new butterfly July 19, 2013
Golden hedge-hyssop Gratiola aurea	A Trip to the Shore August 17, 2022
Golden-crowned kinglet Regulus satrapa	Westborough's tiny winter bird February 23, 2007
Golden-winged warbler Vermivora chrysoptera	The drama of nature's changes May 20, 2011
Goldenrod Solidago	Late-summer sneezing August 20, 2004
Goldenrod spider Misumena vatia	Late-summer sneezing August 20, 2004
Goldfinch Carduelis tristis	Goldfinches and summer's thistles August 25, 2006
Goldthread Coptis groenlandica Coptis trifolia	Golden threads along the ground April 23, 2021
Grasshopper Dissosteira carolina	Grasshopper season August 22, 2014
Gray hairstreak Strymon melinus	Seeing Small Butterflies July 13, 2012
Gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis	Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007 A white squirrel sighting July 28, 2006 Squirrel tales February 18, 2005
Gray treefrog Hyla versicolor	Listen for treefrogs July 3, 2009
Great blue heron Ardea herodias	Nesting Herons April 26, 2022 Our annual dance of spring March 26, 2021 Big Birds in white on our shores September 1, 2011 An owl in the nest April 1, 2005 Great Blue Herons at Mill Pond April 30, 2004
Great egret Ardea alba	Big Birds in white on our shores September 1, 2011
Great horned owl Bubo virginianis Bubo virginianus	Valentine's Day for Skunks February 9, 2007 An owl in the nest April 1, 2005
Great spangled fritillary Speyeria cybele	Our earliest wild violet May 4, 2007
great spangled fritillary butterfly Speyeria cybele	Spangled butterflies in local fields and gardens July 21, 2022
Green darner dragonfly Anax junius	Migrating dragonflies October 10, 2008
Green frog Rana clamitans	Bullfrogs in our ponds September 7, 2007
Green heron Butorides virescens	A Trip to the Shore August 17, 2022 Fish-baiting green herons September 30, 2005
Ground cedar Diphasiastrum digitatum Lycopodium digitatum	Ancient evergreens under the snow February 17, 2006
Groundhog Marmota monax	Spring begins in February February 5, 2010
Groundnut Apios americana	The edible groundnut September 23, 2011
Gypsy moth Lymantria dispar Lymantria dispar dispar	What's eating our trees? July 15, 2016 Baltimore checkerspot butterflies and gypsy moths July 24, 2015
Hairy woodpecker Picoides villosus	Woodpeckers in Westborough's Woods January 26, 2007
Helleborine Epipactis helleborine	Wild orchids in our woods May 24, 2022
Hemlock woolly adelgid Adelges tsugae	Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
Henry's elfin Callophrys henrici	Elfins are small brown butterflies of spring May 17, 2013
Hessel's hairstreak butterfly Callophrys hesseli Mitoura hesseli	Westborough's Atlantic White Cedars February 4, 2005
Honeybee Apis mellifera	Honeybees in winter March 9, 2007
Hooded merganser Lophodytes cucullatus	Wild ducks on our ponds March 31, 2006
Horned bladderwort Utricularia cornuta	Carnivorous floating flowers August 24, 2007
Horse-chestnut Aesculus hippo-castanaum	Persistence of the American chestnut October 16, 2015
Horsetail Equisetum arvense	Strange stems of April April 17, 2009
House finch Carpodacus mexicanus	House finches at the feeder October 15, 2010
House sparrow Passer domesticus	Watching house sparrows February 19, 2016 Bluebirds in Westborough May 26, 2006
Hummingbird Archilochus colubrus	Cardinal flower attracts hummingbirds, butterflies July 22, 2005
Hummingbird clearwing Hemaris thysbe	A most unusual moth in town August 11, 2006
Hummingbird clearwing moth Hemaris thysbe	Noticing local day-flying moths July 25, 2023
Indian cucumber root Medeola virginiana	Indian cucumber root – a shy wildflower June 18, 2021
Indian pink Spigelia marilandica	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Indian-pipes Monotropa uniflora	Strange plants of summer August 1, 2008 Cardinal flower attracts hummingbirds, butterflies July 22, 2005 Ghostly Indian-pipes by the path July 23, 2004
Intermediate wood fern Dryopteris intermedia	A lacy, evergreen fern in our woods November 13, 2015
Interrupted fern Osmunda claytoniana	Big Ferns Unfurl May 25, 2012
Isabella tiger moth Pyrrharctia isabella	Woolly bears and winter January 20, 2006
Jack-in-the-pulpit Arisaema triphyllum	Corpse flower & local relatives August 15, 2023 Land of Swamps May 28, 2004
Japanese beetle Popillia japonica	An invasive rose June 15, 2007
Jefferson salamander Ambystoma jeffersonianum	Visitors to our vernal pools March 17, 2006
Jelly ball animals Pectinatella magnifica	The case of the mysterious jelly balls September 21, 2007
Junco Junco hyemalis	Enjoy the winter juncos February 7, 2014
Katydid family Tettigoniidae	Katydid songs of summer August 26, 2016
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus	An act that is hard to miss July 28, 2017
Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides	Ice fishing flourishes on Westborough's ponds February 28, 2014
Leopard frog Lithobates pipiens Rana pipiens	Frogs at our feet August 13, 2010
Little bluestem grass Andropogon scoparius Schizachyrium scoparium	Grass appreciation November 30, 2018
Little bluets Houstonia caerulea	Our region’s little bluets May 19, 2024
Lobster mushroom Hypomyces lactifluorum	Lobster claws on the path October 28, 2005
Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludivicianus	Northern shrikes - songbirds or raptors? March 15, 2019
Lone star tick Amblyomma americanum	Tick check season – for 3 local ticks July 5, 2024
Loon Gavia immer	Loons in Massachusetts May 27, 2016
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos	Return of the mallards February 15, 2008 Make way for ducklings June 9, 2006
Marbled salamander Ambystoma opacum	Visitors to our vernal pools March 17, 2006
Marsh blue violet Viola cucullata	Native wild violets in wet and dry places May 18, 2007
Marsh-marigold Caltha palustris	Marsh-marigolds in our streams and swamps April 20, 2007
Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum	Mayapple: a rare May wildflower June 7, 2019
Meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus	A common but seldom seen creature December 1, 2017
Milkweed Asclepias syriaca	July is butterfly season July 14, 2006 Milkweed and butterflies in our meadows July 8, 2005
Milkweed beetle Tetraopes tetraophthalmus	Milkweed and butterflies in our meadows July 8, 2005
Milkweed bug Lygaeus kalmii	Milkweed and butterflies in our meadows July 8, 2005
Mimosa Albizia julibrissin	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Mink Mustela vison (formerly) Neovison vison	Wild minks in the woods November 8, 2019
Moccasin-flower Cypripedium acaule	Westborough's Pink Lady's-Slippers May 14, 2004
Monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus	Look-alike butterflies July 13, 2007 Milkweed and butterflies in our meadows July 8, 2005
Monkey-flower Mimulus ringens	Wet summer brings monkey-flowers August 9, 2013
Moose Alces alces	Moose in Westborough October 7, 2016
Moss animals Pectinatella magnifica	The case of the mysterious jelly balls September 21, 2007
Mountain hemlock Tsuga mertensiana	Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia	A sheepish laurel June 10, 2005
Mourning cloak Nymphalis antiopa	Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007 The first butterfly of spring April 29, 2005 Time for pussy willows March 5, 2005
Mourning dove Zenaida macroura	The mourning dove's coo March 18, 2005
Multiflora rose Rosa multiflora	An invasive rose June 15, 2007
Mushroom, destroying angel Amanita bisporigera Amanita virosa	Beware of the destroying angel in the woods October 11, 2013
Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus	Our diving muskrats April 3, 2009
Mute swan Cygnus olor	Lovely and controversial swans November 10, 2006
New England cottontail rabbit Sylvilagus transitionalis	The tale of the cottontail rabbit June 23, 2006
Night light mushroom Panellus stipticus	Green-glowing Mushrooms December 2, 2016
Nodding ladies'-tresses Spiranthes cernua	September's wild orchid September 16, 2005
Nodding trillium Trillium cernuum	Treasure-hunting for trilliums June 6, 2008
Northern downy violet Viola fimbriatula Viola sagittata	Our earliest wild violet May 4, 2007
Northern flicker Colaptes auratus	Woodpeckers in Westborough's Woods January 26, 2007
Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos	Local mockingbirds sing & mimic for mates & territory March 16, 2024 The catbird in the catbird seat June 29, 2007
Northern shrike Lanius borealis Lanius excubitor	Northern shrikes - songbirds or raptors? March 15, 2019
Northern water snake Nerodia sipedon	Our local snakes are nothing to fear June 22, 2022 The Number 2 Snake in Town October 24, 2014
Northern white cedar Thuja occidentalis	Westborough's Atlantic White Cedars February 4, 2005
Norway maple Acer plantanoides	Think spring, think maples April 10, 2015
Old man of the woods Strobilomyces floccopus	Mushroom season brings colors & curiosities September 14, 2012
Onion-bagel mushroom Pholiota aurivella	Mushroom Season September 16, 2016
Opossum Didelphis virginiana	Our local marsupial May 3, 2019
Orange jewelweed Impatiens capensis	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006 Jewelweed is ready to pop September 3, 2004
Orange mushroom pimple Hypomyces lactifluorum	Lobster claws on the path October 28, 2005
Orange spotted Jewelweed Impatiens capensis	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Oriental bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus	An invasive decoration December 12, 2008
Osprey Pandion haliaetus	Ospreys return to Mill Pond April 11, 2008 An owl in the nest April 1, 2005
Ostrich fern Matteuccia struthiopteris	Big Ferns Unfurl May 25, 2012
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla	The ovenbird's mid-summer sound August 14, 2015
Ox-eye daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Leucanthemum vulgare	Daisy Days July 22, 2016
Painted lady Vanessa cardui	A good year for butterflies May 28, 2010 Goldfinches and summer's thistles August 25, 2006
Painted turtle Chrysemys picta	Cardinal flower attracts hummingbirds, butterflies July 22, 2005 Watch for painted turtles July 9, 2004
Pale touch-me-not Impatiens pallida	Jewelweed is ready to pop September 3, 2004
Palm warbler Dendroica palmarum	Palm warblers pass through October 16, 2009
Paper birch Betula papyrifera	The first butterfly of spring April 29, 2005
Pasture puffball Calvatia cyathiformis	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Pear-shaped puffball Lycoperdon pyriforme	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Pearl crescent butterfly Phyciodes tharos	Pearl crescent butterflies July 4, 2008
Peppers Capsicum	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
phoebe Sayornis phoebe	Phoebes come early and stay late November 14, 2014
Phragmites Phragmites australis	Invasive phragmites and a native butterfly September 25, 2015
Pickerel frog Lithobates palustris	Frogs at our feet August 13, 2010
Pickerel-weed Pontederia cordata	Pickerel-weed grows in the shallows August 3, 2012
Pigskin poison puffball Scleroderma citrinum	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus	Pileated woodpeckers in our forests March 27, 2020
Pine grosbeak Pinicola enucleator	Pine grosbeaks come to Westborough February 8, 2013
Pine siskin Carduelus pinus Spinus pinus	Pine siskins visit Westborough this year November 16, 2012
Pine warbler Setophaga pinus	Pine warblers arrive on schedule May 4, 2018
Pineapple sage Salvia elegans	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Pineapple weed Matricaria discoidea	The many senses of pineapple weed June 6, 2011
Pinesap Monotropa hypopithys	Strange plants of summer August 1, 2008
Pink lady's slipper Cypripedium acaule	Wild orchids in our woods May 24, 2022
Pink lady's-slipper Cypripedium acaule	September's wild orchid September 16, 2005 Westborough's Pink Lady's-Slippers May 14, 2004
Pink turtlehead Chelone lyonii	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006
Pipsessewa Chimaphila umbellata	Ancient evergreens under the snow February 17, 2006
Plantain Plantago lanceolata	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006
Poison ivy Toxicodendron radicans	Feasting on poison ivy November 7, 2008
Poison sumac Rhus vernix Toxicodendron vernix	Sumac Season August 30, 2019
Pokeweed Phytolacca americana	Pokeweed for the birds September 24, 2010
Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum	Prickly porcupines February 17, 2017
Potato Solanum tuberosum	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
Prairie warbler Dendroica discolor Setophaga discolor	Prairie warblers sing a catchy song April 29, 2016
Pretzel slime mold Hemitrichia serpula	Slime molds are odd sights in the woods December 6, 2013
Primrose moth Schinia florida	Pink moths? September 12, 2014
Prince's pine Chimaphila umbellata	Ancient evergreens under the snow February 17, 2006
Princess pine Dendrolycopodium obscurum Lycopodium obscurum	Ancient evergreens under the snow February 17, 2006
Purple bladderwort Utricularia purpurea	Carnivorous floating flowers August 24, 2007
Purple jewelweed Impatiens glandulifera	Jewelweed is ready to pop September 3, 2004
Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria	Return of the red-wings signals spring March 23, 2007 Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006 A most unusual moth in town August 11, 2006 Invasion of the Purple Loosestrife August 6, 2004
Purple loosestrife beetle Galerucella calmariensis Galerucella pusilla	A good beetle comes to town August 21, 2009
Purple touch-me-not Impatiens glandulifera	Jewelweed is ready to pop September 3, 2004
Purple-spored puffball Calvatia cyathiformis	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Pussy willow Salix discolor	What's the first wildflower of spring? April 9, 2010 Time for pussy willows March 5, 2005
Queen Anne's lace Daucus carota	The queen of July's field wildflowers July 27, 2018 Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
Question mark butterfly Polygonia interrogationis	Spotting butterflies in the fall October 18, 2019
Rabbit's foot clover Trifolium arvense	Rabbit's foot clover is fun for kids August 24, 2012
Raccoon Procyon lotor	Raccoons share our natural environment November 5, 2010
Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia	Late-summer sneezing August 20, 2004
Red buckeye Aesculus pavia	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Red fox Vulpes vulpes	Foxy neighbors May 15, 2009
Red maple Acer rubrum	Think spring, think maples April 10, 2015
Red russula genus Russula	Red russulas and mushroom season October 15, 2021
Red Squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus	Smart and feisty red squirrels October 24, 2008 Squirrel tales February 18, 2005
Red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus	Red-bellied woodpeckers are thriving March 13, 2022 Woodpeckers in Westborough's Woods January 26, 2007
Red-breasted nuthatch Sitta canadensis	Watch for wildflowers in Westborough April 25, 2008 The famous red-breasted nuthatch November 9, 2007 Nuthatches in the winter February 3, 2006
Red-spotted newt Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens	A surprising salamander August 29, 2008
Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis	Valentine's Day for Skunks February 9, 2007 Red-tailed hawks overhead November 12, 2004
Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus	Who's who in those big flocks of blackbirds? November 2, 2018 Return of the red-wings signals spring March 23, 2007
Redback salamander Plethodon cinereus	WCLT's wildlife sightings page March 18, 2011
Redbacked vole Myodes gappen	A common but seldom seen creature December 1, 2017
Redpoll Acanthis flammea	Visiting redpolls lingering in town March 29, 2013
Redstart Setophaga ruticilla	Redstarts are one of our warblers May 28, 2021
Ribbon snake Thamnophis sauritus	Westborough's snakes are harmless June 20, 2008
Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis	What are seagulls doing in town? March 8, 2013
Ring-necked duck Aythya collaris	Ring-necked ducks diving in our ponds December 4, 2015
Ring-necked pheasant Phasianus colchicus	Fall's wild pheasants November 15, 2022
River otter Lontra canadensis	River otters are playful wild animals February 14, 2025
Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Rose-breasted grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus	A birdfeeder beauty June 15, 2018
Rosy maple moth Dryocampa rubicunda	Pink moths? September 12, 2014
Royal fern Osmunda regalis	Big Ferns Unfurl May 25, 2012
Ruby-crowned kinglet Regulus calendula	Westborough's tiny winter bird February 23, 2007
Ruby-throated hummingbird Archilochus colubris	Nesting Hummingbirds July 11, 2014 Westborough's tiny winter bird February 23, 2007 Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006 Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Rue anemone Thalictrum thalictroides	Watch for wildflowers in Westborough April 25, 2008
Ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus	June is a month for baby birds June 15, 2012
Sandhill crane Antigone canadensis	Something different - a sandhill crane May 19, 2017
Scarlet tanager Piranga olivacea	Scarlet tanagers in our forests June 12, 2015
Screech owl Megascops asio Otus asio	Who's out there? February 26, 2010
Shaggy mane mushroom Coprinus comatus	From shaggy mane to inky cap October 6, 2006
Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus	Watch for Cooper's hawks March 18, 2016
Sheep-laurel Kalmia angustifolia	A sheepish laurel June 10, 2005
Shining sumac Rhus copalllinum	Sumac Season August 30, 2019
Shrimp plant Justicia brandegeana	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Shrub verbena Lantana camara	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Silktree Albizia julibrissin	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Silver maple Acer saccharinum	Think spring, think maples April 10, 2015
Silverrod Solidago bicolor	A White Goldenrod October 3, 2014
Silvery blue Glaucopsyche lygdamus	Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007
Skull-shaped puffball Calvatia craniformis	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Skunk Mephitis mephitis	Signs of Spring in February February 19, 2021 Valentine's Day for Skunks February 9, 2007
Skunk cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus	Corpse flower & local relatives August 15, 2023 What's the first wildflower of spring? April 9, 2010 Swamps in bloom April 15, 2005
Smooth sumac Rhus glabra	Sumac Season August 30, 2019
Snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina	Snapper Sightings in Westborough August 7, 2009 Watch for painted turtles July 9, 2004
Snowberry clearwing moth Hemaris diffinis	Noticing local day-flying moths July 25, 2023
Solitary sandpiper Tringa solitaria	A Trip to the Shore August 17, 2022
Song sparrow Melospiza melodia	Song sparrow singing celebrates spring April 18, 2014
Sora Porzana carolina	Secretive marsh birds June 28, 2013
Spadefoot toad Scaphiopus holbrookii holbrookii	Visitors to our vernal pools March 17, 2006
Sphagnum moss Sphagnum	An ancient and useful moss April 29, 2011
Spicebush Lindera benzoin	Good things from spicebush April 28, 2006
Spicebush swallowtail Papilio troilus Pterourus troilus	Good things from spicebush April 28, 2006
Spotted Joe-Pye-weed Eupatorium maculatum	Spotted Joe-Pye-weed in purple landscapes September 2, 2005
Spotted salamander Ambystoma maculatum	Vernal pool season March 21, 2022 Visitors to our vernal pools March 17, 2006
Spotted sandpiper Actitis macularia	A Mill Pond bird is Mr. Mom July 24, 2009
Spotted touch-me-not Impatiens capensis	Jewelweed is ready to pop September 3, 2004
Spotted turtle Clemmys guttata	June is the month for turtles June 26, 2020
Spreading dogbane Apocynum androsaemifolium	Candy-cane stripes visible in the summertime July 23, 2010
Spring azure Celastrina ladon	Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007
Spring peeper Hyla crucifer Pseudacris crucifer	Tiny frogs herald springtime April 14, 2006
Springtail order Collembola	Snow Fleas April 7, 2017
Squawroot Conopholis americana	Pine cone, corn cob, or parasitic plant? May 22, 2015
St. Johnswort Hypericum perforatum	Cardinal flower attracts hummingbirds, butterflies July 22, 2005 St. Johnswort on the roadside June 25, 2004
Staghorn sumac Rhus hirta Rhus typhina	Sumac Season August 30, 2019
Starflower Trientalis borealis	Spot the seven-pointed stars of starflower May 9, 2014
Starling Sturnus vulgaris	The bird we love to hate February 27, 2009
Striped hairstreak Satyrium liparops	Seeing Small Butterflies July 13, 2012
Sugar maple Acer saccharum	Think spring, think maples April 10, 2015
Summer azure Celastrina ladon neglecta Celastrina neglecta	Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007
Sweat bees Halictidae family	Green bees October 14, 2023
Sweet pepperbush Clethra alnifolia	Sweet pepperbush rewards pollinators August 27, 2021
Swollen bladderwort Utricularia inflata	Carnivorous floating flowers August 24, 2007
Tiger beetle, common shore Cicindela repanda	Spot tiger beetles on Westborough trails September 20, 2013
Tiger beetle, six-spotted Cicindela sexguttata	Spot tiger beetles on Westborough trails September 20, 2013
Titan arum Amorphophallus titanum	Corpse flower & local relatives August 15, 2023
Tobacco Nicotiana	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
Tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta	A most unusual moth in town August 11, 2006
Tomato Lycopersicum esculentum	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
Tomato hornworm Manduca quinquemaculata	A most unusual moth in town August 11, 2006
Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus	A bird in decline September 3, 2010
Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor	Eating on the wing May 1, 2009
Trumpet creeper Campsis radicans	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Trumpet honeysuckle Lonicera sempervirens	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Tufted titmouse Baeolophus bicolor Parus bicolor	How birds stay warm on a cold winter's day February 25, 2011
Turkey tail Trametes versicolor	Turkey tail season November 4, 2011
Turkey vulture Cathartes aura	Airborne clean-up crew returns April 8, 2011
Turtlehead Chelone glabra	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006
Vase puffball Calvatia cyathiformis	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Viburnums Viburnum	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006
Viceroy Basilarchia archippus Limenitis archippus	Butterfly disguises in late summer September 4, 2009 Look-alike butterflies July 13, 2007 Milkweed and butterflies in our meadows July 8, 2005 Time for pussy willows March 5, 2005
Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia	Virginia creeper and other autumn reds October 5, 2012
Virginia meadow-beauty Rhexis virginica	Look for local late-summer beauties September 10, 2023
Virginia rail Rallus limicola	Secretive marsh birds June 28, 2013
Viscid violet cort Cortinarius iodes	Mushroom season brings colors & curiosities September 14, 2012
Western bluecurls Trichostema lanceolatum	The minty month of August August 15, 2008
Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla	Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
White ash Fraxinus americana	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006
White-breasted nuthatch Sitta carolinensis	The famous red-breasted nuthatch November 9, 2007 Nuthatches in the winter February 3, 2006
White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus	Winter marks return of deer-watching season December 14, 2007
White-throated sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis	Interesting white-throated sparrows pass through soon September 18, 2020
Whitlow grass Draba verna
Wild cherry Prunus	July is butterfly season July 14, 2006
Wild columbine Aquilegia canadensis	Wild columbine spring June 20, 2014
Wild geranium Geranium maculatum	Wild geraniums are native to the area May 27, 2005
Wild mint Mentha arvensis	The minty month of August August 15, 2008
Wild oats Uvularia sessilifolia	Treasure-hunting for spring wildflowers April 13, 2012
Wild plum Prunus	July is butterfly season July 14, 2006
Wild turkey Meleagris gallopavo	It's time to talk turkey November 18, 2005
Willow Salix	The first butterfly of spring April 29, 2005
Windflower Anemone quinquefolia	Watch for wildflowers in Westborough April 25, 2008
Winged sumac Rhus copalllinum	Sumac Season August 30, 2019
Winter moth Operophtera brumata	Moths in winter December 18, 2009
Winterberry Ilex verticillata	Winterberry in our wetlands November 26, 2004
Witch-hazel Hamamelis virginiana	Witch-hazel flowers for Halloween October 29, 2004
Wolf's milk slime Lycogala epidendrum	Slime molds are odd sights in the woods December 6, 2013
Wood duck Aix sponsa	Make way for ducklings June 9, 2006 Wild ducks on our ponds March 31, 2006
Wood frog Lithobates sylvaticus Rana sylvatica	Vernal pool season March 21, 2022 Visitors to our vernal pools March 17, 2006 Signs of spring: Wood frogs and vernal pools April 16, 2004
Wood thrush Hylocichla mustelina	Sounds of summertime: Wood thrush July 3, 2015
Wood-pewee Contopus virens	The wood-pewee's lasting song September 4, 2015
Woodland vole Microtus pinetorum	A common but seldom seen creature December 1, 2017
Woolly bear caterpillar Pyrrharctia isabella	Woolly bears and winter January 20, 2006
Yellow flag iris Iris pseudacorus	Wild iris in the woods June 11, 2004
Yellow iris Iris pseudacorus	Yellow iris: Attractive but invasive June 7, 2013
Yellow jewelweed Impatiens pallida	Jewelweed is ready to pop September 3, 2004
Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia	May brings yellow warblers to Westborough May 23, 2008
Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius	A sign of spring: sapsuckers March 9, 2023
Yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus	A year for cuckoos June 23, 2017
Yellow-rumped warbler Dendroica coronata Setophaga coronata	Birds feast on berries in the natural landscape November 16, 2024 Feasting on poison ivy November 7, 2008
(A Nature Notes quiz)	WCLT’s Nature Notes Quiz on 2024 January 17, 2025 WCLT’s Nature Notes Quiz on 2023 January 11, 2024 WCLT's Annual Nature Notes Quiz January 17, 2023 WCLT's Annual Nature Notes Quiz January 17, 2022 Who's out there? Take Westborough Community Land Trust's quiz January 22, 2021 Who am I? WCLT’s Annual Nature Notes Quiz January 24, 2020 Challenge yourself with the Nature Notes quiz January 18, 2019 Get ready for nature in 2018 with a memory-jogging Nature Notes quiz January 12, 2018 Review your nature knowledge - Nature Notes quiz 2016 January 27, 2017 Name the wildlife - Nature Notes quiz January 15, 2016 What's my name? Take the Nature Notes quiz January 30, 2015 Who am I? Take the Nature Notes quiz (2013) January 17, 2014 Try the annual Nature Notes quiz (2012) January 18, 2013 Quiz Yourself on Nature (2011) January 13, 2012 Take the annual nature quiz (2010) January 14, 2011 Quiz Yourself on Nature (2009) January 15, 2010 Quiz Yourself on Nature (2008) January 16, 2009 Prepare to notice nature in 2008 by taking the 2007 Nature Notes quiz January 18, 2008 Think you know nature? (2006) January 12, 2007 Think you know nature? (2005) January 6, 2006 Think you know nature? (2004) January 7, 2005
(Astronomy)	Looking Up March 20, 2009
(Autumn leaf colors)	Virginia creeper and other autumn reds October 5, 2012
(Baby birds)	The season for baby birds June 12, 2009
(Books)	Nature in books for the holidays November 16, 2023 Nature Book Holiday Gift Ideas November 20, 2020 Book gifts for nature lovers December 7, 2012
(Climate change)	Talking climate change: How you can help February 21, 2020
(Conservation in Westborough)	Conservation Highlights in Westborough September 22, 2017
(Earthquakes)	Earthquakes in New England December 9, 2011
(Earthstar)	Earthstars are unique mushrooms August 14, 2018
(Environmentalist)	The legacy of Marjory Stoneman Douglas April 6, 2018
(Geology of Westborough)	A mighty collision and much glaciation May 12, 2006
(Gibbons 7th-graders use Nature Notes)	Nature Notes in the classroom May 13, 2005
(Ice)	Ice is nice January 30, 2009
(Moon)	Did you see the super blood wolf moon? February 1, 2019 Moon over Westborough February 29, 2008
(Mushrooms)	Connecting with wild mushrooms October 19, 2022 Hunting for mushrooms with an expert October 26, 2012
(Nature)	Celebrating nature’s special sites & special sights September 16, 2022
(Poetry)	A poem for a winter day February 9, 2018
(Pollinators)	Get to know the pollinators March 9, 2018
(Signs of Spring)	Signs of Spring in February February 19, 2021
(Wildlife)	Good tips from a wildlife veterinarian February 20, 2015

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