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 Month of Publication

January

January 7, 2005		Think you know nature? (2004) A Nature Notes quiz
January 21, 2005		Wintergreen under the snow Birch, black (Betula lenta) Checkerberry (Gaultheria procumbens)
January 6, 2006		Think you know nature? (2005) A Nature Notes quiz
January 20, 2006		Woolly bears and winter Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella) Woolly bear caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella)
January 12, 2007		Think you know nature? (2006) A Nature Notes quiz
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 18, 2008		Prepare to notice nature in 2008 by taking the 2007 Nature Notes quiz A Nature Notes quiz
January 16, 2009		Quiz Yourself on Nature (2008) A Nature Notes quiz
January 30, 2009		Ice is nice Ice
January 15, 2010		Quiz Yourself on Nature (2009) A Nature Notes quiz
January 14, 2011		Take the annual nature quiz (2010) A Nature Notes quiz
January 13, 2012		Quiz Yourself on Nature (2011) A Nature Notes quiz
January 18, 2013		Try the annual Nature Notes quiz (2012) A Nature Notes quiz
January 17, 2014		Who am I? Take the Nature Notes quiz (2013) A Nature Notes quiz
January 30, 2015		What's my name? Take the Nature Notes quiz A Nature Notes quiz
January 15, 2016		Name the wildlife - Nature Notes quiz A Nature Notes quiz
January 27, 2017		Review your nature knowledge - Nature Notes quiz 2016 A Nature Notes quiz
January 12, 2018		Get ready for nature in 2018 with a memory-jogging Nature Notes quiz A Nature Notes quiz
January 18, 2019		Challenge yourself with the Nature Notes quiz A Nature Notes quiz
January 24, 2020		Who am I? WCLT’s Annual Nature Notes Quiz A Nature Notes quiz
January 22, 2021		Who's out there? Take Westborough Community Land Trust's quiz A Nature Notes quiz
January 17, 2022		WCLT's Annual Nature Notes Quiz A Nature Notes quiz
January 17, 2023		WCLT's Annual Nature Notes Quiz A Nature Notes quiz
January 11, 2024		WCLT’s Nature Notes Quiz on 2023 A Nature Notes quiz

February

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)
February 18, 2005		Squirrel tales Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) Gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
February 3, 2006		Nuthatches in the winter Red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
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 9, 2007		Valentine's Day for Skunks Great horned owl (Bubo virginianis) Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
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 1, 2008		Winter bluebirds brighten Westborough Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
February 15, 2008		Return of the mallards Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
February 29, 2008		Moon over Westborough Moon
February 13, 2009		State bird speaks Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapilla)
February 27, 2009		The bird we love to hate Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
February 5, 2010		Spring begins in February Groundhog (Marmota monax)
February 26, 2010		Who's out there? Screech owl (Megascops asio) Screech owl (Otus asio)
February 4, 2011		Cardinal's song means spring is coming Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
February 25, 2011		How birds stay warm on a cold winter's day Tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) Tufted titmouse (Parus bicolor)
February 3, 2012		Barred owls begin courting Barred owl (Strix varia)
February 24, 2012		Watching for robins American robin (Turdus migratorius)
February 8, 2013		Pine grosbeaks come to Westborough Pine grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator)
February 7, 2014		Enjoy the winter juncos Junco (Junco hyemalis)
February 28, 2014		Ice fishing flourishes on Westborough's ponds Chain pickerel (Esox niger) Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
February 20, 2015		Good tips from a wildlife veterinarian Wildlife
February 19, 2016		Watching house sparrows House sparrow (Passer domesticus)
February 17, 2017		Prickly porcupines Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)
February 9, 2018		A poem for a winter day Poetry
February 1, 2019		Did you see the super blood wolf moon? Moon
February 21, 2020		Talking climate change: How you can help Climate change
February 19, 2021		Signs of Spring in February Signs of Spring Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
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)
February 15, 2024		Local beech trees in winter American beech (Fagus grandifolia)

March

March 5, 2005		Time for pussy willows Mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) Pussy willow (Salix discolor) Viceroy (Basilarchia archippus) Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
March 18, 2005		The mourning dove's coo Mourning dove (Zenaida macroura)
March 3, 2006		Early birds get the dried fruit American robin (Turdus migratorius) Cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
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 31, 2006		Wild ducks on our ponds Hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
March 9, 2007		Honeybees in winter Bumblebee (Bombus) Honeybee (Apis mellifera)
March 23, 2007		Return of the red-wings signals spring Cattail (Typha latifolia) Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
March 14, 2008		At home in Westborough's vernal pools Fairy shrimp (Eubranchipus)
March 28, 2008		Special concern for blue-spotted salamanders Blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale)
March 20, 2009		Looking Up Astronomy
March 19, 2010		Earth stirs in March Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris)
March 18, 2011		WCLT's wildlife sightings page Redback salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
March 23, 2012		Asian Longhorned Beetle at Westborough's Border Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis)
March 8, 2013		What are seagulls doing in town? Ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis)
March 29, 2013		Visiting redpolls lingering in town Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)
March 18, 2016		Watch for Cooper's hawks Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii) Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus)
March 24, 2017		Sky-dancing Woodcocks American woodcock (Scolopax minor)
March 9, 2018		Get to know the pollinators Pollinators
March 15, 2019		Northern shrikes - songbirds or raptors? Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludivicianus) Northern shrike (Lanius borealis) Northern shrike (Lanius excubitor)
March 27, 2020		Pileated woodpeckers in our forests Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
March 26, 2021		Our annual dance of spring Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
March 13, 2022		Red-bellied woodpeckers are thriving Red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
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 9, 2023		A sign of spring: sapsuckers Yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)
March 16, 2024		Local mockingbirds sing & mimic for mates & territory Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)

April

April 16, 2004		Signs of spring: Wood frogs and vernal pools Wood frog (Rana sylvatica)
April 30, 2004		Great Blue Herons at Mill Pond Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
April 1, 2005		An owl in the nest Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
April 15, 2005		Swamps in bloom Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)
April 29, 2005		The first butterfly of spring American elm (Ulmus americana) Mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) Willow (Salix)
April 14, 2006		Tiny frogs herald springtime Spring peeper (Hyla crucifer) Spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
April 28, 2006		Good things from spicebush Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) Spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus) Spicebush swallowtail (Pterourus troilus)
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)
April 20, 2007		Marsh-marigolds in our streams and swamps Marsh-marigold (Caltha palustris)
April 11, 2008		Ospreys return to Mill Pond Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
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 3, 2009		Our diving muskrats Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)
April 17, 2009		Strange stems of April Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
April 9, 2010		What's the first wildflower of spring? Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) Pussy willow (Salix discolor) Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)
April 8, 2011		Airborne clean-up crew returns Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura)
April 29, 2011		An ancient and useful moss Four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) Sphagnum moss (Sphagnum)
April 13, 2012		Treasure-hunting for spring wildflowers Wild oats (Uvularia sessilifolia)
April 19, 2013		Pull out invasive garlic mustard garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
April 18, 2014		Song sparrow singing celebrates spring Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
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)
April 8, 2016		Cellophane bees emerge from underground in early spring Cellophane bee (Colletes inaequalis)
April 29, 2016		Prairie warblers sing a catchy song Prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor) Prairie warbler (Setophaga discolor)
April 7, 2017		Snow Fleas Springtail (order Collembola)
April 6, 2018		The legacy of Marjory Stoneman Douglas Environmentalist
April 24, 2020		Flicker: A woodpecker that pecks the ground Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
April 23, 2021		Golden threads along the ground Goldthread (Coptis groenlandica) Goldthread (Coptis trifolia)
April 26, 2022		Nesting Herons Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
April 5, 2023		Look for the first wildflower of spring – a new one
April 20, 2024		Black vultures are newcomers to our region Black vulture (Coragyps atratus)

May

May 14, 2004		Westborough's Pink Lady's-Slippers Moccasin-flower (Cypripedium acaule) Pink lady's-slipper (Cypripedium acaule)
May 28, 2004		Land of Swamps Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
May 13, 2005		Nature Notes in the classroom Gibbons 7th-graders use Nature Notes
May 27, 2005		Wild geraniums are native to the area Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum)
May 12, 2006		A mighty collision and much glaciation Geology of Westborough
May 26, 2006		Bluebirds in Westborough Bluebird (Sialia sialis) English sparrows (Passer domesticus) European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) House sparrow (Passer domesticus)
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)
May 18, 2007		Native wild violets in wet and dry places Birdfoot violet (Viola pedata) Marsh blue violet (Viola cucullata)
May 9, 2008		Wildflower, weed, or invader? Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
May 23, 2008		May brings yellow warblers to Westborough Brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia)
May 1, 2009		Eating on the wing Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
May 15, 2009		Foxy neighbors Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
May 29, 2009		A pretty but prickly escaped shrub Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) Bristly locust (Robinia hispida)
May 7, 2010		Songsters with warts American toad (Bufo americanus)
May 28, 2010		A good year for butterflies American lady (Vanessa virginiensis) Painted lady (Vanessa cardui)
May 20, 2011		The drama of nature's changes Blue-winged warbler (Vermivora pinus) Golden-winged warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera)
May 4, 2012		Blooming blueberries Blueberry (high bush) (Vaccinium corymbosum) Blueberry (low bush) (Vaccinium angustifolium)
May 25, 2012		Big Ferns Unfurl Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana) Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) Royal fern (Osmunda regalis)
May 17, 2013		Elfins are small brown butterflies of spring Eastern pine elfin (Callophrys niphon) Henry's elfin (Callophrys henrici)
May 9, 2014		Spot the seven-pointed stars of starflower Starflower (Trientalis borealis)
May 30, 2014		A dwarf in the woods Dwarf ginseng (Panax trifolius)
May 1, 2015		Black birds on Mill Pond are double-crested cormorants Double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
May 22, 2015		Pine cone, corn cob, or parasitic plant? Squawroot (Conopholis americana)
May 27, 2016		Loons in Massachusetts Loon (Gavia immer)
May 19, 2017		Something different - a sandhill crane Sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis)
May 4, 2018		Pine warblers arrive on schedule Pine warbler (Setophaga pinus)
May 3, 2019		Our local marsupial Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
May 29, 2020		A warbler that comes in black and white Black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia)
May 28, 2021		Redstarts are one of our warblers Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)
May 24, 2022		Wild orchids in our woods Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) Pink lady's slipper (Cypripedium acaule)
May 21, 2023		Barn swallows are back Barn swallow (Hirundo rustica)
May 19, 2024		Our region’s little bluets Little bluets (Houstonia caerulea)

June

June 11, 2004		Wild iris in the woods Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium) Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus)
June 25, 2004		St. Johnswort on the roadside St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum)
June 10, 2005		A sheepish laurel Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) Sheep-laurel (Kalmia angustifolia)
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 9, 2006		Make way for ducklings Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
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 1, 2007		A new invasive in town Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
June 15, 2007		An invasive rose Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)
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 6, 2008		Treasure-hunting for trilliums Nodding trillium (Trillium cernuum)
June 20, 2008		Westborough's snakes are harmless Garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) Ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus)
June 12, 2009		The season for baby birds Baby birds Chickadee (Poecile atricapilla)
June 18, 2010		Bobolinks: Long distance travelers Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
June 6, 2011		The many senses of pineapple weed Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea)
June 15, 2012		June is a month for baby birds Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
June 7, 2013		Yellow iris: Attractive but invasive Yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus)
June 28, 2013		Secretive marsh birds Sora (Porzana carolina) Virginia rail (Rallus limicola)
June 20, 2014		Wild columbine spring Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
June 12, 2015		Scarlet tanagers in our forests Scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea)
June 23, 2017		A year for cuckoos Black-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)
June 15, 2018		A birdfeeder beauty Rose-breasted grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
June 7, 2019		Mayapple: a rare May wildflower Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
June 26, 2020		June is the month for turtles Spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata)
June 18, 2021		Indian cucumber root – a shy wildflower Indian cucumber root (Medeola virginiana)
June 22, 2022		Our local snakes are nothing to fear Garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon)
June 25, 2023		American Chestnut update American chestnut (Castanea dentata) Chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica)
June 9, 2024		See local fireflies at dusk Fireflies (Photinus) Fireflies (Photuris) Fireflies (Pyractomena)

July

July 9, 2004		Watch for painted turtles Painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) Snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
July 23, 2004		Ghostly Indian-pipes by the path Indian-pipes (Monotropa uniflora)
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)
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 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)
July 28, 2006		A white squirrel sighting Gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
July 13, 2007		Look-alike butterflies Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Viceroy (Basilarchia archippus) Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
July 27, 2007		From caterpillar to butterfly Black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
July 4, 2008		Pearl crescent butterflies Pearl crescent butterfly (Phyciodes tharos)
July 18, 2008		Dragons and damsels Damselflies (Zygoptera) Dragonflies (Anisoptera)
July 3, 2009		Listen for treefrogs Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
July 24, 2009		A Mill Pond bird is Mr. Mom Spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularia)
July 23, 2010		Candy-cane stripes visible in the summertime Spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium)
July 22, 2011		Tiger swallowtail butterflies Canadian tiger swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
July 13, 2012		Seeing Small Butterflies Banded hairstreak (Satyrium calanus) Gray hairstreak (Strymon melinus) Striped hairstreak (Satyrium liparops)
July 19, 2013		Watch for this new butterfly Giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
July 11, 2014		Nesting Hummingbirds Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
July 3, 2015		Sounds of summertime: Wood thrush Wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)
July 24, 2015		Baltimore checkerspot butterflies and gypsy moths Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar)
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)
July 28, 2017		An act that is hard to miss Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
July 6, 2018		Baltimore orioles make hanging nests Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula)
July 27, 2018		The queen of July's field wildflowers Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota)
July 19, 2019		Brown creepers on bark Brown creeper (Certhia americana)
July 24, 2020		Elderberries for wildlife Elderberry (Sambucus nigra canadensis)
July 16, 2021		Wild Canada lily Canada lily (Lilium canadense)
July 21, 2022		Spangled butterflies in local fields and gardens great spangled fritillary butterfly (Speyeria cybele)
July 25, 2023		Noticing local day-flying moths Eight-spotted forester moth (Alypia octomaculata) Hummingbird clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe) Snowberry clearwing moth (Hemaris diffinis)
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)

August

August 6, 2004		Invasion of the Purple Loosestrife Cattail (Typha latifolia) Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
August 20, 2004		Late-summer sneezing Goldenrod (Solidago) Goldenrod spider (Misumena vatia) Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)
August 5, 2005		Tiny orchids of August Downy rattlesnake-plantain (Goodyera pubescens)
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 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)
August 25, 2006		Goldfinches and summer's thistles Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) Painted lady (Vanessa cardui)
August 10, 2007		A caterpillar's life Black swallowtail caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes)
August 24, 2007		Carnivorous floating flowers Bladderworts (Utricularia) Horned bladderwort (Utricularia cornuta) Purple bladderwort (Utricularia purpurea) Swollen bladderwort (Utricularia inflata)
August 1, 2008		Strange plants of summer Fungus-root partnership (Mycorrhiza) Indian-pipes (Monotropa uniflora) Pinesap (Monotropa hypopithys)
August 15, 2008		The minty month of August Eastern bluecurls (Trichostema dichotomum) Western bluecurls (Trichostema lanceolatum) Wild mint (Mentha arvensis)
August 29, 2008		A surprising salamander Red-spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens)
August 7, 2009		Snapper Sightings in Westborough Snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
August 21, 2009		A good beetle comes to town Purple loosestrife beetle (Galerucella calmariensis) Purple loosestrife beetle (Galerucella pusilla)
August 13, 2010		Frogs at our feet Leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens) Leopard frog (Rana pipiens) Pickerel frog (Lithobates palustris)
August 12, 2011		Hazelnuts in odd husks American hazelnut (Corylus americana) Beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta)
August 3, 2012		Pickerel-weed grows in the shallows Pickerel-weed (Pontederia cordata)
August 24, 2012		Rabbit's foot clover is fun for kids Rabbit's foot clover (Trifolium arvense)
August 9, 2013		Wet summer brings monkey-flowers Monkey-flower (Mimulus ringens)
August 30, 2013		Cicada-killer wasps and summer's song Cicada (Tibicen canicularis) Cicada-killer wasp (Sphecius speciosus)
August 1, 2014		Bald eagle fly-overs Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
August 22, 2014		Grasshopper season Grasshopper (Dissosteira carolina)
August 14, 2015		The ovenbird's mid-summer sound Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla)
August 26, 2016		Katydid songs of summer Katydid (family Tettigoniidae)
August 25, 2017		Watch for buckeyes Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
August 14, 2018		Earthstars are unique mushrooms Earthstar
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)
August 21, 2020		Amazing wasp nests Bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) Common aerial yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenaria)
August 27, 2021		Sweet pepperbush rewards pollinators Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)
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)
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)
August 21, 2024		Adaptable but shy bobcats are our neighbors Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

September

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)
September 17, 2004		Butter-and-eggs for beauty, not breakfast Butter-and-eggs (Linaria vulgaris)
September 2, 2005		Spotted Joe-Pye-weed in purple landscapes Spotted Joe-Pye-weed (Eupatorium maculatum)
September 16, 2005		September's wild orchid Downy rattlesnake-plantain (Goodyera pubescens) Nodding ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes cernua) Pink lady's-slipper (Cypripedium acaule)
September 30, 2005		Fish-baiting green herons Green heron (Butorides virescens)
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)
September 22, 2006		Evening blossoms in the day Common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)
September 7, 2007		Bullfrogs in our ponds Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) Green frog (Rana clamitans)
September 21, 2007		The case of the mysterious jelly balls Bryozoans (Pectinatella magnifica) Jelly ball animals (Pectinatella magnifica) Moss animals (Pectinatella magnifica)
September 12, 2008		Fragrant water-lilies linger on local ponds Fragrant water-lily (Nymphaea odorata)
September 26, 2008		Old-time bitter medicine Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
September 4, 2009		Butterfly disguises in late summer Eastern tailed blue (Everes comyntas) Viceroy (Basilarchia archippus) Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
September 18, 2009		Blue and edible chicory on the roadside Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
September 3, 2010		A bird in decline Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
September 24, 2010		Pokeweed for the birds Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)
September 1, 2011		Big Birds in white on our shores Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) Great egret (Ardea alba)
September 23, 2011		The edible groundnut Groundnut (Apios americana)
September 14, 2012		Mushroom season brings colors & curiosities Old man of the woods (Strobilomyces floccopus) Viscid violet cort (Cortinarius iodes)
September 20, 2013		Spot tiger beetles on Westborough trails Tiger beetle, common shore (Cicindela repanda) Tiger beetle, six-spotted (Cicindela sexguttata)
September 12, 2014		Pink moths? Primrose moth (Schinia florida) Rosy maple moth (Dryocampa rubicunda)
September 4, 2015		The wood-pewee's lasting song Wood-pewee (Contopus virens)
September 25, 2015		Invasive phragmites and a native butterfly American phragmites (Phragmites americanus) Broad-winged skipper (Poanes viator) Phragmites (Phragmites australis)
September 16, 2016		Mushroom Season Onion-bagel mushroom (Pholiota aurivella)
September 22, 2017		Conservation Highlights in Westborough Conservation in Westborough
September 28, 2018		A common fall butterfly Cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae)
September 27, 2019		Common garden spider Common garden spider (Argiope aurantia)
September 18, 2020		Interesting white-throated sparrows pass through soon White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
September 24, 2021		Where are all the butterflies? Clouded sulphur butterfly (Colias philodice)
September 16, 2022		Celebrating nature’s special sites & special sights Nature
September 10, 2023		Look for local late-summer beauties Virginia meadow-beauty (Rhexis virginica)
September 19, 2024		Get ready for black bears Black bear (Ursus americanus)

October

October 1, 2004		Flowers that never open Closed gentian (Gentiana clausa)
October 15, 2004		Fall is mushroom season Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria)
October 29, 2004		Witch-hazel flowers for Halloween Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
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)
October 28, 2005		Lobster claws on the path Lobster mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum) Orange mushroom pimple (Hypomyces lactifluorum)
October 6, 2006		From shaggy mane to inky cap Shaggy mane mushroom (Coprinus comatus)
October 20, 2006		Acorns and chipmunks Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
October 12, 2007		Belted Kingfishers Dive and Burrow Belted kingfishers (Ceryle alcyon)
October 26, 2007		Late butterflies American copper butterfly (Lycaena phlaeas)
October 10, 2008		Migrating dragonflies Green darner dragonfly (Anax junius)
October 24, 2008		Smart and feisty red squirrels Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
October 2, 2009		A curious fall plant Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana)
October 16, 2009		Palm warblers pass through Palm warbler (Dendroica palmarum)
October 30, 2009		Native and invasive fall colors Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
October 15, 2010		House finches at the feeder House finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
October 14, 2011		Blue Jays harvest acorns Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
October 5, 2012		Virginia creeper and other autumn reds Autumn leaf colors Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
October 26, 2012		Hunting for mushrooms with an expert Mushrooms
October 11, 2013		Beware of the destroying angel in the woods Mushroom, destroying angel (Amanita bisporigera) Mushroom, destroying angel (Amanita virosa)
October 3, 2014		A White Goldenrod Downy goldenrod (Solidago puberula) Silverrod (Solidago bicolor)
October 24, 2014		The Number 2 Snake in Town Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon)
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)
October 7, 2016		Moose in Westborough Moose (Alces alces)
October 27, 2017		Insect eaters of insects Chinese mantid (Tenodera aridifolia) European mantis (Mantis religiosa)
October 18, 2019		Spotting butterflies in the fall Question mark butterfly (Polygonia interrogationis)
October 16, 2020		A loud little songbird Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)
October 15, 2021		Red russulas and mushroom season Red russula (genus Russula)
October 19, 2022		Connecting with wild mushrooms Mushrooms
October 14, 2023		Green bees Sweat bees (Halictidae family)

November

November 12, 2004		Red-tailed hawks overhead Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
November 26, 2004		Winterberry in our wetlands Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
November 18, 2005		It's time to talk turkey Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
November 10, 2006		Lovely and controversial swans Mute swan (Cygnus olor)
November 9, 2007		The famous red-breasted nuthatch Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) Red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
November 7, 2008		Feasting on poison ivy Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) Yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata)
November 27, 2009		Beavers get busy Beaver (Castor canadensis)
November 5, 2010		Raccoons share our natural environment Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
November 4, 2011		Turkey tail season False turkey tail (Stereum ostrea) Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)
November 16, 2012		Pine siskins visit Westborough this year Pine siskin (Carduelus pinus) Pine siskin (Spinus pinus)
November 1, 2013		Fishers make a comeback Fisher (Martes pennanti)
November 14, 2014		Phoebes come early and stay late phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)
November 13, 2015		A lacy, evergreen fern in our woods Evergreen wood fern (Dryopteris intermedia) Fancy fern (Dryopteris intermedia) Intermediate wood fern (Dryopteris intermedia)
November 4, 2016		Coyotes Are Nearby coyote (Canis latrans var)
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)
November 30, 2018		Grass appreciation Little bluestem grass (Andropogon scoparius) Little bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium)
November 8, 2019		Wild minks in the woods Mink (Mustela vison (formerly)) Mink (Neovison vison)
November 20, 2020		Nature Book Holiday Gift Ideas Books
November 19, 2021		Cattails going to fluff Cattails (Typha latifolia)
November 15, 2022		Fall's wild pheasants Ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
November 16, 2023		Nature in books for the holidays Books

December

December 10, 2004		Christmas fern in the woods Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
December 9, 2005		Canada geese overhead Canada goose (Branta canadensis)
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)
December 14, 2007		Winter marks return of deer-watching season White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
December 12, 2008		An invasive decoration American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
December 18, 2009		Moths in winter Bruce spanworm (Operophtera bruceata) Fall cankerworm (Alsophila pometaria) Winter moth (Operophtera brumata)
December 10, 2010		Mergansers: December's ducks Common merganser (Mergus merganser)
December 9, 2011		Earthquakes in New England Earthquakes
December 7, 2012		Book gifts for nature lovers Books
December 6, 2013		Slime molds are odd sights in the woods Pretzel slime mold (Hemitrichia serpula) Wolf's milk slime (Lycogala epidendrum)
December 12, 2014		Whose woods are these? A tribute to white pines Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus)
December 4, 2015		Ring-necked ducks diving in our ponds Ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris)
December 2, 2016		Green-glowing Mushrooms Night light mushroom (Panellus stipticus)
December 1, 2017		A common but seldom seen creature Meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) Redbacked vole (Myodes gappen) Woodland vole (Microtus pinetorum)

Westborough Community Land Trust, PO Box 838, Westborough , MA 01581
-- Contact -- Contribute or Join! --

About WCLT

WCLT Programs

Information

Recreation

Nature Notes by Month of Publication