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 Scientific Name

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