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…

and three paddling with crests raised.
This raft of female mergansers sports smaller crests of a cinnamon-brown shade.

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.

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.

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

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.

Herons possess specialized flexible necks with 19 to 21 vertebrae.

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.

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.

A skeleton of a Cave Bear. They were as large as or larger than present day bears.

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.

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.

On the Ground In All Seasons

Don’t forget the bird action at ground level.

Palm Warbler

America Tree Sparrow With Red Squirrel

Bobolink

Northern Cardinal, Eastern Blue Jays and Red-winged Blackbirds

Juvenile Blue Jay

Dark-eyed Junco

American Goldfinch

Red-winged Blackbird

Grackle

White-throated Sparrows

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,

flower pot grazing,
mirror-image grazing,
and a pause to show off luxurious layers of wool.
Finally it’s back into the sheep pen,

and a quick rub against the scratching post.

Dinner Awaits!

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

Female Purple Finch

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Grackle

Tufted Titmouse

Evening Grosbeak

Northern Cardinal

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.

Clocks with a moon function were common on tall case clocks.The painted moon disk rotates to display the current phase of the moon. The numbers in the arch (5, 10, 15, 20) are part of the 29.5-day lunar calendar, with the number 15 indicating a full moon. This feature was historically useful for planning travel, fishing or farming activities at night when moonlight was essential before the advent of electricity.
The moon faces themselves were hand painted and displayed intricate artistry.
The shuttlecock moves back and forth in this hand painted clock.

A Windmill symbolized rural prosperity.

An urn symbolized immortality and classical refinement.

The clock shop is located in a small town which is known for its antiques.

A great place to spend some time!

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.

Wire Transfer Wall Clock

Victorian Style Clock

Cat and Fish Wall Clock

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.

It depicts a seated Frost holding a book.
He is looking toward the library that is named in his honor.
The backdrop to the statue is the Mt. Holyoke range.
A perfect place to consider your own promises to keep.
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.

Take a Seat…

and enjoy the possibilities within a garden.

Hydrangeas lend a “secret garden feel ” to this conversation area.
Tall phlox provide a shelter for solitary meditation.
This wooden bench folds for winter storage. A just-picked garlic crop dries beside it on an all season table.
Coleus and evergreens stay cool in the shadier area near the road where neighbors walk by or come to visit.

The hand made wooden bench in the zen garden was fashioned from recycled stair steps. It is a perfect place for reflection.
There is room under the apple tree for picnics and conversation. Potted young plants enjoy the shade, as well.
Gardening celebrates life and growth!

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.

Holden, Massachusetts/ The Morning of January 19, 2026

Authors Ridge

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts is often described as a literary pilgrimage site for those who come to pay respects at Authors Ridge, where they may visit the graves of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott.

It is a bit of a climb to the top of the Ridge.

Henry David Thoreau’s family marker. Visitors often leave pencils at Thoreau’s site, both as a tribute to his writing , as well as his family’s ownership of a pencil factory. (I did not see any pencils during my visit.)
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s grave site. In 2006, his wife and daughter were interred beside him.
The Alcott Family Marker

Flowers, stones and written tributes have been carefully placed on Louisa May Alcott’s Grave.

A stone marker leads the way to Emerson’s grave.

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s rose quartz stone.
The inscription is from Emerson’s poem, “The Problem,” which reads: “The passive Master lent his hand/ to the vast soul that o’er him planned,” reflecting his Transcendentalist ideas about the divine in humanity.

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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.

Built in 1888, the library was originally a high school.
Historic stained glass windows are being restored.
The original stone exterior melds with a modern interior extension.
An enlarged historic photograph greets visitors to the second floor.
Wood beams and lighting soften the stone, while the rooflighting above floods the space with light.

The Children’s Room is currently being updated, but a peek through the door hints at learning and fun to come.
In the reading room room traditional statuary and stained glass windows are enhanced with tiny golden lights.

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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.

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Local Menagerie

There is no shortage of wildlife in Central Massachusetts. Here is a sample of photographs from this year.

North American Beaver
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

Tufted Titmouse
Scarlet Tanager

White-tailed Deer
Eastern Chipmunk
Red-winged Blackbird

North American Porcupine

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit (With Herdwick Sheep)
Northern Cardinal (Male)

Northern Cardinal (Female)
Northern House Wren

House Finch

Eastern Bluebird

Gray Squirrel
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Female)

Ruby-throated Hummingbird ( Juvenile Male)
American Black Bear (seen in my back yard and photographed from a safe distance through the window).

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Laurel is Hardy

The nearly 100 year old Mountain Laurel in my yard is still going strong.

Mountain Laurel is a common hardy evergreen in Central Massachusetts. It can withstand quite cold and snowy winters in the north of the United States.

The evergreen leaves of the Mountain Laurel offer excellent winter protection for birds. They give crucial shelter from wind and cold.
Diverse, abundant and large lichens are excellent natural indicators of clean air. They are effective because they absorb nutrients and pollutants directly from the air. Birds find insects and spiders hiding under tree lichens. These provide them with energy when other sources of food are scarce.
Mountain Laurel berries are not a favorite food of birds. However, they can provide nourishment when food supplies are limited, especially at the end of winter.

Birdbaths underneath the laurel are covered in black tarps. In the spring, they will be filled again. Fresh water will be offered under the laurel, in addition to the food and protection to be found there .

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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.

Wildlife Pond, Mass Audubon Wachusett Meadow

Beavers have kept a stream of water open. It leads to a water hole on the far left. They use this opening to crawl onto the ice.

A close up of the beaver’s hole. Notice the small sticks and branches left on top of the ice.

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

Winter Morning Currier and Ives/ Public Domain
Winter Pastime/ Currier and Ives/ Public Domain

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.

Holden Massachusetts