Photographs taken with a bridge camera journaling nature and everyday life in Central Massachusetts and beyond.
Category: photo blog with a compact camera
My yard is popping with orange this week.
The ditch lily softens and adds interest to this fieldstone foundation.
Here, the Asiatic lilies contrast with evergreens nearby, lending a more “Eastern” feeling.
Walking by this beautiful English Tudor Revival home near the center of Holden, Massachusetts, I am reminded of one of the links between England and New England.
The 1920s and 1930s were the heyday of the Tudor Revival style in the United States. The steeply pitched roofs and sturdy masonry held up to the harsh New England winters, and the “old world charm” blended well with historic colonial homes of the era.
A wide porch overlooks a spacious walkway lined by roses.
Stones such as this one with gothic details were often used as “capstones” at the end of walkways.
A second porch features a covered doorway entrance; the peace symbol over the door is a welcome light at night.
The diamond-patterned grills in the top floor windows are typical of Tudor style, as are the dark frames around all the windows.
The sturdy wooden fence allows the owner’s pets plenty of room to roam safely near a busy street.
The home once belonged to the owners of a large woolen mill in Holden. The inscription 1741-1991 refers to the towns 250 year celebration held in 1991.
The garden’s old style swing is an invitation to slow down in these busy times.
The grounds feature ceramics,
charming relaxed seating,
and beehives. The owners are beekeepers and honey from the hives is sold in a local shop in Holden.
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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!
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!
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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.
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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.
Undaunted by a snow-laden roof after a blizzard, eastern bluebirds continued home furnishing in my yard today.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
and enjoy the possibilities within a garden.
“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.
It is a bit of a climb to the top of the Ridge.
A stone marker leads the way to Emerson’s grave.
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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.
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Photos from my yard in Holden, Massachusetts
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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.
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The nearly 100 year old Mountain Laurel in my yard is still going strong.
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Holden, MA December 2025
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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.
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
Princeton, Massachusetts
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.
My Garden/ Holden MA
A lightly edited version of a previous post.
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.
This Porcupine ambled in the last rays of sunshine recently at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. Video short included.
Images from a rainy day walk at St. Joseph’s Abbey, Spencer, MA, a popular site for contemplative walking.
A January afternoon at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wild Turkeys
Eastern Towhee
Catching the last of the afternoon sunlight at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary.
This tree sparrow does not breed in Massachusetts, but is a common winter visitor here.
Moore State Park, Paxton, Massachusetts
The bare trees of winter are silhouetted against the evolving colors of a late afternoon sky.
Taken from my front porch in Holden, Massachusetts.
West Boylston, Massachusetts
Self-serve in 2024: Cash, check or Venmo!
Holden, Massachusetts
“Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow,
And everywhere that Mary went
The lamb was sure to go.
It followed her to school one day,
Which was against the rules,
It made the children laugh and play
To see a lamb at school.”
-John Roulstone
This beloved children’s rhyme is actually a true story, which had its origin in the little town of Sterling, Massachusetts. You can read a fascinating history of the rhyme here.
Mary Sawyer, born in 1806, did have a lamb she loved. And the lamb did indeed “follow her to school one day” (with a bit of help from Mary and her brother).
The architecture around the town common, some which dates back to the 1800s , would have been a familiar sight for Mary and the lamb.
Signs remind us of other historical links of importance, as well, such as a visit from General Lafayette…
Or that the world’s first sewing pattern featuring multi-sizing was invented in Sterling by Ebenezer Butterick over 150 years ago.
