Silent Sunday/Radiance
Zen Ruckus
A quiet area for bird viewing in back of the visitor’s center at Wachusett Meadow was not all serenity and contemplation on a recent breezy morning.
A perfect Zen moment with European starlings.
A bluejay gets some unexpected company at the birdbath hand carved from river rocks..
The game is afoot!
Juvenile starlings are known to squabble.
The gray squirrel and starling share the scene peacefully.
The chipmunk’s color almost matches the birdbath.
Calm returns.
The stump on the left is topped by a cookie, which is a horizontal slab of wood. I shared more information about cookies in a recent post.
Share this:
My Local Survivor
I live a few miles from Mt. Wachusett in Princeton, Massachusetts, the highest point in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River. It is a monadnock, a rock that resisted erosion better than the surrounding land and stands alone above the lower hills. I think it is appropriate that this isolated peak that endured hundreds of millions of years in this manner is also called a “survivor“ mountain.
This “survivor” can be seen rising above the lower lands from numerous settings in the surrounding towns, and is a celebrated landmark in the region. Here, it rises above the farmland in Sterling, Massachusetts.
Earlier this spring, a roadside walk near the mountain’s base revealed both its rock structure and a quintessential spring woodland vista. Boulders tumble along the hilly roadside, and a hardwood forest grows among the rocks.
Caves and shelters are covered by maple alumroot, a member of the coral bell family, common in New England.
The alumroot looks surprisingly like a carpet of maple leaves.
Monadnocks contain singular large upstanding rocks called “glacial erratics”, which were likely deposited during the last ice age over 400 million years ago.
The top third of this glacial erratic displays reddish colored rock tripe, an edible lichen known as “famine food” . It was consumed by early European explorers, indigenous peoples, and George Washington’s starving troops during the winter at Valley Forge. It is very bitter and must be boiled before eating.
Hardwood tree roots share space around and on top of large boulders. Tree trunks sometimes grow in the rock space itself. In contrast, a common red maple sapling is just beginning to grow in this crowded area.
This “cave” is formed by metamorphic rocks ( rocks that have been transformed by heat, pressure and chemical reactions deep within the Earth) . Natural rock shelters such as these are believed to have been used by the Nipmuc people, who made their home here before European colonization. In fact Wachusett means mountain place in the Nipmuc/Algonquin language. These caves were likely used for protection from the elements, or for the storage of food.
Trees growing out of rocks and bending toward the light are demonstrating phototropism, the manner in which plants naturally grow towards light sources.
Celebrate this survivor, but beware when driving!
Share this:
Ancient Irises
A lightly edited reblog of a post from this day in 2021.
Iris means “rainbow” in Greek.
In Greek mythology, the goddess Iris carried messages from heaven to earth on the arc of the rainbow. Beautiful flowers appeared wherever she set foot on the ground.
Irises in a rainbow of colors are blooming in my garden this week!
The Wabash Tall Bearded Iris, introduced in 1936, an is an award-winning heirloom flower.
A group of Honorabile Iris. This vigorous heirloom bearded iris was introduced in Paris in 1840, and carried across the United States by the pioneers.
The Amas Iris was collected in Turkey in the late 1800s. It is larger than many other irises.
Pallida Sweet Irises are prized for their sweet grape-like or powdery scent. Many modern irises have only a mild scent, or no scent at all.
Share this:
Welcome Back
After a long snowy winter, old favorite flora and fauna are once again reappearing in my yard.
A Juvenile Gray Catbird enjoys a bath.
American Cranberrybush Viburnum
Boomerang Lilac
Flame Azalea
Pink Rhododendron
The Eastern Bluebird builds a home.
Pagoda Dogwood
A juvenile Eastern Cottontail Rabbit hides among Solomon’s Seal and Robin Runaway.
Our perpetual goose visits the Red Azalea.
Even this particular heron came back to admire the rhododendron blossoms.
It overlooks the woods, which is filled with many types of wildlife.
Share this:
Native New Englanders
It wouldn’t be spring without the return of these native plants in my yard. According to the National Audubon Society:
Native plants thrive in your local climate and soil, making them low-maintenance and naturally pest -resistant. By supporting the local food web, they provide vital food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and bees while helping conserve water, prevent soil erosion, and build healthier ecosystems.
Jack-In-The-Pulpit
Fleabane
Share this:
Edible Petals
The Baldwin apple tree in my yard is teeming with blossoms this week. This classic heirloom apple was discovered around 1740 in Massachusetts. It became the most popular and commercially successful variety in New England right up until 1934, when a deep freeze killed millions of the trees, nearly wiping out the variety.
Baldwin blossoms are part of the rose family, and the petals are edible. They are noted for being highly fragrant and sweeter tasting than modern apple varieties. They can be used as a garnish for salads or desserts, in herbal teas, infused in liqueur or even made into apple bossom jelly.
Holden, MA
Share this:
(Almost) Silent Sunday/Positive Energy
Sterling, Massachusetts
Kwanzan Cherry Tree/ Forsythia in the Background
Shad Trees
Share this:
Silent Sunday/ Farm Cat
Share this:
Silent Sunday/Spring Silhouettes
Northern Cardinals, Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds
Share this:
An Easter Tradition
My family learned to decorate traditonal Easter eggs, called pysanky, over 20 years ago. First we used a pin- drag method; free form designs were created using this technique later. Eventually, we used the masking tape Batik method. Although slightly faded, these decades- old eggs still bring me pleasure when they are displayed each spring.
Share this:
Pensées
The word pansies comes from the French word pensées, which means “thoughts”. For centuries, pansies have been given as symbols of remembrance, contemplation and love.
There are about 400 varieties of pansies. They are popular due to their hardiness and adaptability.
In Victorian times sending pansies as a gift meant “I’m thinking of you”. Coded messages of feelings or intentions toward another person were sent via the color of a particular flower.
Orange often meant energy and enthusiasm.
White most often symbolized purity.
Cheerfulness and happiness was symbolized by yellow; red could stand for thoughts of love.
Wishing you many colorful thoughts this spring!
Share this:
Ears To You
In these troubled times, moments of laughter and seasonal festivity can provide relief from the never ending news cycle. Here are some photos from a spring visit to my local vintage shop, which both adults and children can enjoy.
Thanks to Punsnet for their joke listings.
Share this:
Wordless Wednesday/ Sheep Shearing Time
Share this:
Lunch at the Tree Cookie Cafe
Tree Cookies are cross section slices of tree trunks, like these at Mass Audubon Wachusett Meadow. They are used to learn about a tree’s age, growth and history by studying its growth rings. (Video clip at end.)
Recently, tree stumps and cookies were used in the design of a new bird feeding area.
the eastern gray squirrel,
the white-breasted nuthatch,
and the downy woodpecker.
Bon appetit!
Click on post title and scroll down to view comments and related posts.
Share this:
Colorshift
In photography, “colorshift” refers to the time at twilight when the sky transforms in minutes through what is sometimes called a “kaleidoscope” of color. Last evening, the skies above my house colorshifted in a dramatic changing show of orange, pink and blue.
Click on post title and scroll down to view comments and related posts.
Share this:
Bejeweled Laurel
Rafts and Paddlings
A “raft” of ducks is a collective noun for a group of ducks who gather together as they float on the water. A “paddling” of ducks describes how a group moves across lakes, ponds or rivers with synchronized , graceful movements. I look forward to the March arrival of hooded mergansers at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Center soon, whether they are rafting or paddling.
This raft of hooded mergansers are diving ducks that have a serrated bill designed for catching fish. Along with other mergansers, they are the only North American ducks specializing in eating fish. They are excellent divers, and can go as deep as thirty feet.
The male hooded merganser looks like this when relaxing…
or can raise and lower a large fan-like crest or “hood” on his head like this. The crest is raised during courting or when then duck feels threatened.
Two male Mergansers with crests down…
The crest is sometimes described as a “punk rock hairstyle”.
Male mergansers have intense, bright yellow eyes while the females’ are brown or reddish-brown. Their eyes are specially adapted to allow them to see clearly while fishing underwater.
It can be difficult to photograph hooded mergansers, as they are shy and paddle fast. They are sensitive to sound and movement, and move away quickly when approached. I’ll be waiting -quietly -to photograph whatever fleeting moments are possible.
Share this:
Return of the Bluebirds
Undaunted by a snow-laden roof after a blizzard, eastern bluebirds continued home furnishing in my yard today.
Share this:
From My Windows In a Blizzard
Blue Jay Transformations
This Art Rocks and Remembers/ My Jurassic Valley, Part 3
Rock specimens from around the globe on display at the Beneski Museum show how rocks from millions of years ago are used in contemporary art and home design.
Agate, which is a type of quartz, forms over millions of years inside cavities in volcanic or ancient lava rocks. Because of their natural beauty agate slices and patterns are frequently used in wall murals, canvas art prints, jewelry and even kitchen counter tops.
Andalusite Hornfels is a metamorphic rock which includes crystal within it. It is around 400 million years old. These crystals can resemble seeds, pods, or stems, giving the rock a deceptive organic look. Because of its toughness and attractive appearance, it is frequently used in architecture for interior flooring and curbing, and also in modern art installations.
Sutured Ammonites were prehistoric marine animals that went extinct approximately 65 million years ago. This fossil exhibits natural “fractal-like” patterns, which are the wavy lines (sutures) formed where the internal chamber walls (septa) met the outer shell. These intricate, often leaf-like or feathered designs, are highly valued in both fine art and personal crafts.
This fossil plate contains several crinoids, prehistoric marine animals commonly known as “sea lilies” from about 345-350 million years ago. While they strongly resemble plants, crinoids are actually related to starfish and sea urchins. These limestone or shale slabs are popular as interior decor, in specialized jewelry, and as inspiration for acrylic painting.
This item is an Ammonite, which is a fossilized shell of an extinct marine mollusk that lived millions of years ago. The fossils are often used in jewelry, textile or surface designs and home decor.
Share this:
Bluebird Stopover
A pair of Eastern Bluebirds brightened up my snowy yard on a gray morning. The specially designed bluebird house installed for them has an opening of exactly 1.5 inches in diameter to ensure that larger birds cannot nest there. Although bluebirds often visit, and occasionally start to build a nest, they never stay through the whole season. After territorial skirmishes sparrows win out. Fingers crossed for this spring!
Holden, MA
Share this:
How’s Your Heron?
It won’t be long until the great blue herons return to the Wachusett Meadow in March.
Herons are important for the environment as they act as “indicator species”. Scientists monitor heron populations to detect environmental contamination, such as toxins in the water or mercury levels in eggs, which reflects the health of the entire ecosystem.
Although they are named “great blue”, herons can look grey or brown depending on the light conditions.
This great blue heron does look blue. Herons appear bluest in low light, fog, or shadows, which reflect cooler, blue tones.
This heron is taking advantage of the All-Persons Observation Deck.
Herons are known for their exceptional camouflage, often appearing nearly invisible when perched among dead branches, or debris.
This heron can see well from high up in the tree. Its eyesight is estimated to be about three times more detailed than a human’s. From this high perch, a heron can spot small movements below.
Great Blue Herons are expert fishers, but they will eat almost anything they can catch and swallow. In a meadow, herons hunt for small mammals, which can make up a large portion of its diet, especially in winter when waterways freeze .
The Great Blue Heron is widely considered one of the most prehistoric-looking birds alive today. While all birds are living descendants of dinosaurs, herons appear more like dinosaurs because of their large size, sharp angles and guttural sounds.
They can form their necks into an S-shaped curve which acts like a coiled, spring-loaded mechanism. This allows them to catch prey in the water with high speed and precision.
Share this:
My Jurassic Valley, Part 2
In addition to the world’s largest collection of dinosaur footprints, the Beneski Museum features skeletons and casts of dinosaurs and primitive animals.
A Dryosaurus altus skeleton watches at the window of the Beneski Museum at Amherst College. It is the most complete and best-preserved of that species in existence today. This small, fast running herbivore lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 to 145 million years ago. When it arrived at the museum the students joked that there is a new vegan in town.
Watch out for that Triceratops!
A fossil cast of the head and thoracic armor of a Dunkleosteus, a large armored fish. It is around 300 million years ago, and likely grew up to 33 feet in length.
A fossil skeleton of a Smilodon, or saber toothed cat.
The Main Hall at the Museum features three major Ice Age Skeletons: the Columbian Mammoth at the right; the American Mastodon at the left; and the Irish Elk at center.
Mammoth Tusks
The museum’s prehistoric mammal collection wall display features nine different fossil mammal mounts collected during Amherst College expeditions to the American West in the early 20th century.
Share this:
My Jurassic Valley, Part 1
The Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College, Massachusetts houses the world’s most extensive collection of fossil dinosaur tracks, primarily from the Connecticut River Valley, where I grew up. These tracks from the Jurassic period are around 190 million years old. In addition to dinosaur tracks, it showcases actual dinosaur body fossils, casts from a variety of historical periods, and an exhibit of stones from all over the world.
Although this Tyrannosaurus rex (T.Rex) cast is not from the Jurassic Period, it inspires visitors to touch, measure and experience the cast close up, and immerse themselves in the world of dinosaurs.
Edward Hitchcock began his study of dinosaurs when the existence of dinosaurs- even the word, “dinosaur” -was unknown. A deeply religious man, he did not believe in evolution at first, but he did believe in the scientific method. By the end of his life, he was a supporter of evolution. The Hitchcock Ichnology Collection contains more than 1,100 slabs of fossil tracks and traces from the Connecticut River Valley. They provided the first evidence of dinosaurs in North America.
Many footprints are displayed along the wall for easy viewing, as if in an art gallery. The collection of tracks is known as “the stone book”.
These tracks were made by small to medium-sized dinosaurs. Hitchcock originally thought they were bird tracks.
A track close up.
Not only are fossils on the walls, but here you can see actual dinosaur prints placed at waist level on the museum’s fossilized dinosaur trackway. The large flat sandstone slabs display various footprints and impressions left by dinosaurs that once roamed the Connecticut River Valley during the Triassic and Jurassic eras.
Truly a hands-on exhibit,
and a chance to walk with the dinosaurs.
Jurassic Morning is a diorama created by artist Will Sillin. This artwork depicts the Connecticut River Valley as it appeared 190 million years ago during the Jurassic period.
The Connecticut River at Northfield, MA today.
Share this:
On the Ground In All Seasons
Don’t forget the bird action at ground level.
America Tree Sparrow With Red Squirrel
Juvenile Blue Jay
Dark-eyed Junco
American Goldfinch
Red-winged Blackbird
Grackle
White-throated Sparrows
Share this:
Ewe Can Do It
Sheep at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary spend fall days on the go.
Visitors are greeted with this sign at the entrance.
I’ve watched this sheep and her friends
walking the stone wall,
choosing fresh tree leaves to munch on,
strolling through the Visitor’s Center entrance,
and posing for a painting.
Then there’s time for a bit of lawn grazing,
and a quick rub against the scratching post.
Dinner Awaits!
Share this:
You Lookin’ At Me?
Princeton, MA
Share this:
Top Seeds
Diverse and energetic birds welcome visitors to Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. Feeders are placed just steps from the parking lot, allowing everyone to experience nature up close, no matter their mobility level.
Purple Finches and a Goldfinch
Male Purple Finch
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Grackle
Evening Grosbeak
Northern Cardinal
Share this:
On the Lookout
Birds at Mass Audubon Wachusett Meadow choose good vantage points to survey their surroundings.
Red-tailed Hawk
Northern Cardinal
European Starling
Mourning Dove
White-breasted Nuthatch
Cedar Waxwing
Barred Owl
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Share this:
The Original Tick Tock
Delaney Antique Clocks of Townsend, MA has the largest collection of American tall case (grandfather) clocks in the United States. It is considered the leading venue for buying and selling antique clocks in the country.
Although tall case clocks were first developed in England, production of these clocks in America was at its height from around 1750–1820. These clocks could be six to nine feet tall, with an 8-day brass-movement. They were symbols of wealth in American homes.
The shop owners, John and Sean Delaney, regularly appear on Antiques Roadshow (PBS) to appraise clocks such as these.
This is an example of a highly sought after Willard Clock. I explored these famous clocks on an earlier blog here.
A Windmill symbolized rural prosperity.
The clock shop is located in a small town which is known for its antiques.
Share this:
In Your Own Time
There’s a clock for every taste at our local clock shop.
North Brookfield, MA
Christmas-Themed Cuckoo Clock
Ice Cream Retro Kitchen Clock
The Valencias Sunflower Clock features a reproduction of a 1910s antique fruit crate label.
Internet Clock
The Melting Salvador Dali Clock of the 1970s was meant to hang from a shelf.
Although this Bottle Cap Clock looks handmade, it was mass produced.
Ansonia Style Mantle Clock.
Victorian Style Clock
Share this:
A Poet For a Snowy Evening
The American poet Robert Frost taught at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts for decades.
This eight-ton granite statue of Frost, created by sculptor Penelope Jencks, is featured in the Main Quadrangle at the college.
Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening, by Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sounds the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Share this:
Take a Seat…
and enjoy the possibilities within a garden.
Share this:
Shinshin
“Shinshin” is a Japanese term for the deep silence of a fresh snowfall, or the “sound of no sound” as soft snow absorbs sound. It evokes a sense of calm and stillness, and is a favored time for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Share this:
Authors Ridge
It is a bit of a climb to the top of the Ridge.
A stone marker leads the way to Emerson’s grave.
Click on the post title if the related posts and comments are not visible.
Share this:
Stone, Glass, Wood / 1888-2026
The Gale Free Library of Holden, Massachusetts exemplifies adaptive reuse architecture, where old buildings are updated for modern uses while still preserving their historic character.
Click on post title to view comments and related posts if they are not visible below.
Share this:
Now and Then
Photos from my yard in Holden, Massachusetts
Click on post title to view comments and related posts if they are not visible below.
Share this:
Traveling Uke
Several months ago, I joined a ukulele group. We strum together each week, sharing songs from long ago right up to the present day. We also perform at local nursing homes, senior centers and town events. Our performances last summer included a Christmas in July celebration, a luau and a local town fair. It’s fun to see the smiles that ukulele music brings to the faces of our audiences. We also enjoy being part of the global resurgence of the ukulele’s popularity in the 21st century.
This affordable and portable instrument is capable of a wide range of styles and uses. Here, the ukulelist Cynthia Lin leads a simple Hawaiian rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow while hundreds play along. Here, virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro demonstrates the full capabilities of the ukulele with his rendition of of Bohemian Rhapsody.
Click on post title to view comments and related posts if they are not visible below.
Share this:
Monet’s Ice Capades
Lilies and water bubbles form layers of frozen abstract patterns at Mass Audubon Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. These photos were taken during a recent blue hour.
Click on post title to view comments and related posts if they are not visible below.
Share this:
Local Menagerie
There is no shortage of wildlife in Central Massachusetts. Here is a sample of photographs from this year.
Click on post title to view comments and related posts if they are not visible below.
Share this:
Laurel is Hardy
The nearly 100 year old Mountain Laurel in my yard is still going strong.
Click on post title to view comments and related posts if they are not visible below.
Share this:
I wish Uke a Merry Christmas…
Holden, MA December 2025
Click on post title to view comments and related posts if they are not visible below.
Share this:
The Enchanting Blue Hour
Photographers love the “blue hour”, and I was lucky to capture this phenomenon on Solstice Evening. The blue hour is the period just before or just after the sunset. During this time, the landscape, including frozen ponds like this one, is bathed in deep blue light. In northern climates this phenomena often occurs in the colder months.
Share this:
Stand By Me, Red Oak Tree
No matter the season, this sturdy Northern Red Oak at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary invites visitors to explore the South Meadow. Alternatively, visitors may choose to simply rest on the bench beneath its wide branches.
Share this:
Currier and Ives Skies
Currier & Ives produced popular lithographs depicting idyllic American winter scenes during the 19th century. These prints featured snow-covered New England towns, with skies of icy-blue or gray enhanced with subtle color shifts. Here are my “updated” Currier and Ives style selections from the most recent snowstorm here in Central Massachusetts.
Holden, Massachusetts
Share this:
Wordless Wednesday
Share this:
Seeing Double
Silent Sunday/ Beaver Lodge in Winter
Princeton, Massachusetts
Share this:
It’s a Color Blast
The Arctic Blast last evening delivered extraordinary, if fleeting, sunset colors that swirled around my rooftop. After the vivid colors faded, temperatures sunk to 6° F., the coldest of the season. Wind chills felt as low as -5°F. My blog’s title “From My Window” can be taken quite literally in this case.
Share this:
Silent Sunday- First Snow Shower
My Garden/ Holden MA
Share this:
Wordless Wednesday- Turkeys
Chipmunks’ Thanksgiving
What could be sweeter for chipmunks than a jumble of perfectly ripe pumpkins at eye level?
Continue reading “Chipmunks’ Thanksgiving”Share this:
Wordless Wednesday-Sheep
(Not) Silent Sunday
“What did you say?”
Share this:
Wordless Wednesday
Princeton, Massachusetts
Share this:
A Cathedral in the Pines
A lightly edited version of a previous post.
Share this:
Chairlift
Unlike classic Adirondack Chairs, these redesigned Ardirondacks at Wachusett Meadow feature ergonomic higher seats and straighter backs, allowing for greater ease of use for those with mobility issues.
Share this:
Everything Quill Be Alright
This Porcupine ambled in the last rays of sunshine recently at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. Video short included.
Share this:
A Tail From “Camelot”
Share this:
Fencewalk to the Abbey
Images from a rainy day walk at St. Joseph’s Abbey, Spencer, MA, a popular site for contemplative walking.
