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From My Window

Photographs taken with a bridge camera journaling nature and everyday life in Central Massachusetts.

Beaver Wetlands

Wachusett Meadow Audubon Sanctuary in Princeton, MA is home to an eighty-five acre beaver wetland–one of the largest in Massachusetts. A sign along the trails reminds visitors that:

• Beavers are a keystone species, providing habitat for many other animals and plants.

• Beaver wetlands are highly advantageous to wildlife, providing wetlands in various stages from open water to wet meadows.

•These wetlands provide habitat for moose, great blue heron, wood duck, dragonflies, amphibians and aquatic plants.

One of several beaver lodges partially covered with snow.
Last Summer, this beaver could be seen munching on plants most evenings.
Boardwalk at the edge of the wetlands with the snow just melting.
The long expanse of reeds. Benches give visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the landscape.
A wood duck box. I was fortunate to view this shy species of duck last summer.
The wind-blown reeds close-up.
A Great Blue Heron visits the main pond most Summer afternoons.
Where you find beavers, you are also likely to find river otters like this one who frequented the ponds last Summer.

About the author jmankowsky

This photo blog features the seasonal changes in nature observed in my own backyard and a variety of local environments. The Wachusett Meadow Audubon Sanctuary in Princeton, MA is often highlighted as a model for the positive effects a small nature preserve can have on the larger environment and the local community. Local sites of historical, cultural and recreational interest are spotlighted as well. All photographs were taken by me. Thank you so much for visiting.

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17 Comments

  1. tanjabrittonwriter January 16, 2020 at 9:09 PM

    This looks like an amazing oasis, with even more amazing visitors/residents. I don’t think I have ever seen a river otter in the wild, only in the zoo. That would be an amazing encounter, together with all the others.

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    1. jmankowsky January 16, 2020 at 10:23 PM

      Thanks, Tanja. The whole sanctuary is about 1200 acres, and it’s a ten minute drive down the road for me. Needless to say, I go there several times a week, since I am retired! The river otters are very curious, and will come fairly close to you. I didn’t mention minks, because I have never snapped a good pic of one, but they are very mischievous, and twice have run right in front of me, as if playing a game! Truly, an amazing place!

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      1. tanjabrittonwriter January 16, 2020 at 11:06 PM

        Good for you for having this sanctuary so nearby. I would be there all the time, too!

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  2. boundlessblessingsblog January 17, 2020 at 5:35 AM

    Nice and awesome pictures of the sanctuary. Great photography.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. jmankowsky January 17, 2020 at 9:59 PM

      Thanks so much. I’m so lucky to have this amazing and peaceful place nearby.

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      1. boundlessblessingsblog January 17, 2020 at 11:37 PM

        Yes absolutely true. Welcome 😊😊😊

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  3. bayphotosbydonna January 17, 2020 at 9:28 AM

    What an awesome sanctuary to live so close to and visit often! So good for the heart and soul! 🙂 Wonderful variety of photos, I love the GBH and it’s reflection on the pond. Some 20 years ago, we had beavers living in wetlands behind our property in Delaware, I loved walking back there and hear them slap their tails when they saw/heard me. Their den was huge like yours!

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    1. jmankowsky January 17, 2020 at 9:58 PM

      Ah, I love those slapping beaver tails, as well! GBH are so beautiful….I’m sad when they leave at the end of Summer.

      Liked by 1 person

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  4. naturebackin January 17, 2020 at 1:17 PM

    What a fantastic place, and how exciting to see (and photograph) a beaver and an otter. Lovely that you are able to make the most of living nearby.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. jmankowsky January 17, 2020 at 9:55 PM

      Yes, very lucky to be near this wonderful place!

      Liked by 1 person

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  5. Elece January 17, 2020 at 10:35 PM

    I like the heron photo and the wind blown grasses shot very much.

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  6. maryannniemczura January 18, 2020 at 1:49 PM

    What a lovely photo journal you have posted. Born in Western Massachusetts, I loved nature and all the lakes we could swim in near Sturbridge before we moved to Colorado when I was 10. It’s always a treat to visit relatives and when I can’t, I am able to see beautiful nature photos. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. jmankowsky January 19, 2020 at 2:26 PM

      Thanks so much! I grew up in Western Mass as well, (in Northfield, at the tri-state border), I love Central Massachusetts for its convenience, but there is nothing like the wide open spaces!

      Liked by 1 person

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  7. kstites@abundantlydistracted January 23, 2020 at 6:35 PM

    Really enjoyed these pictures! My favorite is the river otter. 🙂

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    1. jmankowsky January 23, 2020 at 10:12 PM

      Thanks! That other was very playful and fun to photograph!

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