


A fast-moving snowstorm passed through last night, leaving a thick coating of snow that sparkled with a variety of bluish tints in the early morning shadows.
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.
Reflections on the melting ice combine with objects floating in the water layer to create a multi-layered natural art work.
Today’s high temperature of 62 degrees Fahrenheit encouraged the small group of bluebirds who remain in Massachusetts all year to enjoy the unusually snow-free Wachusett Meadow.
The Winter garden displays the essential structures or “bare bones” of the landscape. For a photographer, the ability to see the interplay of cast shadows is a treat. The clear animal footprints add a sprightly decoration to the scene.
The Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse and Blue Jay found shelter in the apple tree during a recent light snow.
The cool blue of cascading water was complemented by orange-shaded vegetation on a late afternoon visit to the waterfall at Moore State Park in Paxton, MA.
White-throated Sparrows, Blue Jays, Cardinals and Juncos don’t seem to mind a hop on the crunchy snow, so long as an abundance of seeds fallen from the bird feeders is on offer.
Old Sturbridge Village, the largest living museum in New England, recreates life in rural New England during the early 1800s. A recent visit during the Christmas season featured wagon rides, demonstrations of period arts and crafts, and a chance to experience what life in a simpler time might be like.
I’m happy that this photograph was recently published on the cover of Mass Audubon’s “Explore” magazine.
https://www.massaudubon.org/news-events/publications/explore/winter-2020
This cheerful Gray Catbird, who I have named “Cat Stevens”, has returned for the Summer. His day (and thus mine, as well) starts around 5:00 a.m. with continuous merry outbursts of a variety of songs delivered from a nearby treetop.
It was heartwarming to witness the parental protection and guidance given to this new brood of goslings.
Baltimore Orioles visit my backyard for a short time each year in early May. This acrobatic guest made the most of my hummingbird feeder, cleverly swinging and balancing so he could take a drink.
Once nearly extinct in New England, Eastern wild turkeys have made a remarkable comeback. This turkey was wandering the field at the Wachusett Meadow Audubon this week.
A full grown turkey has between 5000 and 6000 feathers on its body arranged in unique patterns called feather tracts. These feathers can exhibit shades of green, red, gold, black and even bronze.
As yet, only one pair of Canada Geese have settled in for the season at Wachusett Meadow. Those feet are made for walking, not just swimming! No upper body yoga class needed for them, either.
Along with the arrival of the stately Canada Geese each Spring at Wachusett Meadow, I look forward to the quiet presence of the brilliantly iridescent male Mallard and the subtly colored female Mallard with her surprising blue spot. I especially enjoy the spunky Hooded Mergansers, the male flaunting his bold stripes, and both male and female sporting their punk hairdos.