Nature Notes

On April 16, 2004 the Westborough News started carrying a bi-monthly column known as Nature Notes prepared by Annie Reid and Garry Kessler on behalf of the Westborough Community Land Trust. The column uses striking photography and commentary to describe the plants and animals that residents encounter while walking the trails throughout Westborough.

Anne and Garry were awarded the WCLT 2004 President's Award having contributed their many talents, most recently in nature photography and writing, to the growth and vitality of the WCLT. The couple's love of nature motivated them to explore the Westborough woods with their two daughters for the last 25 years.

For those who missed a column or wish to review the previous articles we present here the previous Nature Notes articles. If you wish to get the latest articles subscribe to the Westborough News For those who wish to read the articles from the beginning start here. Or pick the article of interest from the following indices:

Nature notes by date of publication

Nature notes by common name of flora and fauna

Nature notes by latin name of flora and fauna

Nature notes by category

Nature Notes by Latin Name

Acanthis flammea Redpoll	Visiting redpolls lingering in town March 29, 2013
Actitis macularia Spotted sandpiper	A Mill Pond bird is Mr. Mom July 24, 2009
Adelges tsugae Hemlock woolly adelgid	Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
Aesculus pavia Red buckeye	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged blackbird	Return of the red-wings signals spring March 23, 2007
Aix sponsa Wood duck	Make way for ducklings June 9, 2006 Wild ducks on our ponds March 31, 2006
Albizia julibrissin Mimosa Silktree	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Alliaria petiolata Garlic mustard	Pull out invasive garlic mustard April 19, 2013 A new invasive in town June 1, 2007
Alsophila pometaria Fall cankerworm	Moths in winter December 18, 2009
Amanita muscaria Fly agaric	Fall is mushroom season October 15, 2004
Ambrosia artemisiifolia Ragweed	Late-summer sneezing August 20, 2004
Ambystoma jeffersonianum Jefferson salamander	Visitors to our vernal pools March 17, 2006
Ambystoma laterale Blue-spotted salamander	Special concern for blue-spotted salamanders March 28, 2008 Visitors to our vernal pools March 17, 2006
Ambystoma maculatum Spotted salamander	Visitors to our vernal pools March 17, 2006
Ambystoma opacum Marbled salamander	Visitors to our vernal pools March 17, 2006
Anas platyrhynchos Mallard	Return of the mallards February 15, 2008 Make way for ducklings June 9, 2006
Anax junius Green darner dragonfly	Migrating dragonflies October 10, 2008
Anemone nemorosa European windflower	Watch for wildflowers in Westborough April 25, 2008
Anemone quinquefolia Windflower	Watch for wildflowers in Westborough April 25, 2008
Anisoptera Dragonflies	Dragons and damsels July 18, 2008
Anoplophora glabripennis Asian Longhorned Beetle	Asian Longhorned Beetle at Westborough’s Border March 23, 2012
Apios americana Groundnut	The edible groundnut September 23, 2011
Apis mellifera Honeybee	Honeybees in winter March 9, 2007
Apocynum androsaemifolium Spreading dogbane	Candy-cane stripes visible in the summertime July 23, 2010
Aquilegia canadense Columbine	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Archilochus colubris Ruby-throated hummingbird	Westborough's tiny winter bird February 23, 2007 Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006 Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Archilochus colubrus Hummingbird	Cardinal flower attracts hummingbirds, butterflies July 22, 2005
Ardea alba Great egret	Big Birds in white on our shores September 1, 2011
Ardea herodias Great blue heron Great blue herons	Big Birds in white on our shores September 1, 2011 An owl in the nest April 1, 2005 Great Blue Herons at Mill Pond April 30, 2004
Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-pulpit	Land of Swamps May 28, 2004
Asclepias syriaca Milkweed	July is butterfly season July 14, 2006 Milkweed and butterflies in our meadows July 8, 2005
Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly weed	July is butterfly season July 14, 2006
Atropa belladonna Belladonna	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
Baeolophus bicolor Tufted titmouse	How birds stay warm on a cold winter’s day February 25, 2011
Basilarchia archippus Viceroy	Butterfly disguises in late summer September 4, 2009 Look-alike butterflies July 13, 2007 Milkweed and butterflies in our meadows July 8, 2005 Time for pussy willows March 5, 2005
Betula lenta Birch, black	Wintergreen under the snow January 21, 2005
Betula papyrifera Paper birch	The first butterfly of spring April 29, 2005
Bombus Bumblebee	Honeybees in winter March 9, 2007
Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar waxwing	Early birds get the dried fruit March 3, 2006
Bonasa umbellus Ruffed grouse	June is a month for baby birds June 15, 2012
Branta canadensis Canada goose	Canada geese overhead December 9, 2005
Bubo virginianis Great horned owl	Valentine's Day for Skunks February 9, 2007
Bubo virginianus Great horned owl	An owl in the nest April 1, 2005
Buddleia davidii Butterfly bush	A most unusual moth in town August 11, 2006
Buddleja davidii Butterfly bush	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Bufo americanus American toad	Songsters with warts May 7, 2010
Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed hawk	Valentine's Day for Skunks February 9, 2007 Red-tailed hawks overhead November 12, 2004
Butorides virescens Green heron	Fish-baiting green herons September 30, 2005
Callophrys henrici Henry’s elfin	Elfins are small brown butterflies of spring May 17, 2013
Callophrys hesseli Hessel's hairstreak butterfly	Westborough's Atlantic White Cedars February 4, 2005
Callophrys niphon Eastern pine elfin	Elfins are small brown butterflies of spring May 17, 2013
Caltha palustris Marsh-marigold	Marsh-marigolds in our streams and swamps April 20, 2007
Calvatia craniformis Skull-shaped puffball	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Calvatia cyathiformis Pasture puffball Purple-spored puffball Vase puffball	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Calvatia gigantea Giant puffball	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Campsis radicans Trumpet creeper	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Capsicum Peppers	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
Cardinalis cardinalis Cardinal	Cardinal’s song means spring is coming February 4, 2011
Carduelis tristis Goldfinch	Goldfinches and summer's thistles August 25, 2006
Carduelus pinus Pine siskin	Pine siskins visit Westborough this year November 16, 2012
Carpodacus mexicanus House finch	House finches at the feeder October 15, 2010
Castor canadensis Beaver	Beavers get busy November 27, 2009
Cathartes aura Turkey vulture	Airborne clean-up crew returns April 8, 2011
Cedrus lebani Cedar of Lebanon	Westborough's Atlantic White Cedars February 4, 2005
Celastrina ladon Spring azure	Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007
Celastrina ladon neglecta Summer azure	Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007
Celastrina neglecta Summer azure	Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007
Celastrus orbiculatus Oriental bittersweet	An invasive decoration December 12, 2008
Celastrus scandens American bittersweet	An invasive decoration December 12, 2008
Ceryle alcyon Belted kingfishers	Belted Kingfishers Dive and Burrow October 12, 2007
Chamaecyparis thyoides Atlantic white cedar	Westborough's Atlantic White Cedars February 4, 2005
Chelidonium majus Celandine	Wildflower, weed, or invader? May 9, 2008
Chelone glabra Turtlehead	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006
Chelone lyonii Pink turtlehead	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006
Chelydra serpentina Snapping turtle	Snapper Sightings in Westborough August 7, 2009 Watch for painted turtles July 9, 2004
Chimaphila umbellata Pipsessewa Prince's pine	Ancient evergreens under the snow February 17, 2006
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Daisy	Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
Chrysemys picta Painted turtle	Cardinal flower attracts hummingbirds, butterflies July 22, 2005 Watch for painted turtles July 9, 2004
Cichorium intybus Chicory	Blue and edible chicory on the roadside September 18, 2009
Colaptes auratus Northern flicker	Woodpeckers in Westborough's Woods January 26, 2007
Coprinus comatus Shaggy mane mushroom	From shaggy mane to inky cap October 6, 2006
Cortinarius iodes Viscid violet cort	Mushroom season brings colors & curiosities September 14, 2012
Corylus americana American hazelnut	Hazelnuts in odd husks August 12, 2011
Corylus cornuta Beaked hazelnut	Hazelnuts in odd husks August 12, 2011
Cuphea ignea Cigar plant	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Cyanocitta cristata Blue jay	Blue Jays harvest acorns October 14, 2011
Cygnus olor Mute swan	Lovely and controversial swans November 10, 2006
Cypripedium acaule Moccasin-flower Pink lady's-slipper	September's wild orchid September 16, 2005 Westborough's Pink Lady's-Slippers May 14, 2004
Danaus plexippus Monarch butterfly	Look-alike butterflies July 13, 2007 Milkweed and butterflies in our meadows July 8, 2005
Daucus carota Queen Anne's lace	Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
Dendroica coronata Yellow-rumped warbler	Feasting on poison ivy November 7, 2008
Dendroica palmarum Palm warbler	Palm warblers pass through October 16, 2009
Dendroica petechia Yellow warbler	May brings yellow warblers to Westborough May 23, 2008
Dendrolycopodium obscurum Princess pine	Ancient evergreens under the snow February 17, 2006
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Diphasiastrum digitatum Ground cedar	Ancient evergreens under the snow February 17, 2006
Dolichonyx oryzivorus Bobolink	Bobolinks: Long distance travelers June 18, 2010
Dumetella carolinensis Catbird	The catbird in the catbird seat June 29, 2007
Elaeagnus umbellata Autumn olive	Native and invasive fall colors October 30, 2009
Epifagus virginiana Beechdrops	A curious fall plant October 2, 2009
Equisetum arvense Horsetail	Strange stems of April April 17, 2009
Eubranchipus Fairy shrimp	At home in Westborough’s vernal pools March 14, 2008
Eupatorium maculatum Spotted Joe-Pye-weed	Spotted Joe-Pye-weed in purple landscapes September 2, 2005
Eupatorium perfoliatum Boneset	Old-time bitter medicine September 26, 2008
Euphydryas phaeton Baltimore checkerspot	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006
Everes comyntas Eastern tailed blue	Butterfly disguises in late summer September 4, 2009 Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007
Fraxinus americana White ash	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006
Fuchsia Fuchsia	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Galerucella calmariensis Purple loosestrife beetle	A good beetle comes to town August 21, 2009
Galerucella pusilla Purple loosestrife beetle	A good beetle comes to town August 21, 2009
Gaultheria procumbens Checkerberry	Wintergreen under the snow January 21, 2005
Gentiana clausa Closed gentian	Flowers that never open October 1, 2004
Geranium maculatum Wild geranium	Wild geraniums are native to the area May 27, 2005
Glaucomys volans Flying Squirrel	Squirrel tales February 18, 2005
Glaucopsyche lygdamus Silvery blue	Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007
Goodyera pubescens Downy rattlesnake-plantain	September's wild orchid September 16, 2005 Tiny orchids of August August 5, 2005
Hamamelis virginiana Witch-hazel	Witch-hazel flowers for Halloween October 29, 2004
Hemaris thysbe Hummingbird clearwing	A most unusual moth in town August 11, 2006
Hemidactylium scutatum Four-toed salamander	An ancient and useful moss April 29, 2011
Hibiscus syriacus Rose of Sharon	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Hyla crucifer Spring peeper	Tiny frogs herald springtime April 14, 2006
Hyla versicolor Gray treefrog	Listen for treefrogs July 3, 2009
Hypericum perforatum St. Johnswort	Cardinal flower attracts hummingbirds, butterflies July 22, 2005 St. Johnswort on the roadside June 25, 2004
Hypomyces lactifluorum Lobster mushroom Orange mushroom pimple	Lobster claws on the path October 28, 2005
Ilex verticillata Winterberry	Winterberry in our wetlands November 26, 2004
Impatiens capensis Orange jewelweed Orange spotted Jewelweed Spotted touch-me-not	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006 Summer hummers August 19, 2005 Jewelweed is ready to pop September 3, 2004
Impatiens glandulifera Purple jewelweed Purple touch-me-not	Jewelweed is ready to pop September 3, 2004
Impatiens pallida Pale touch-me-not Yellow jewelweed	Jewelweed is ready to pop September 3, 2004
Ipomoea quamoclit Cypress vine	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Iris pseudacorus Yellow flag iris	Wild iris in the woods June 11, 2004
Iris versicolor Blue flag iris	Wild iris in the woods June 11, 2004
Junco hyemalis Dark-eyed junco	Westborough's tiny winter bird February 23, 2007
Juniperus virginiana Eastern red cedar	Early birds get the dried fruit March 3, 2006 Westborough's Atlantic White Cedars February 4, 2005
Justicia brandegeana Shrimp plant	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Kalmia angustifolia Sheep-laurel	A sheepish laurel June 10, 2005
Kalmia latifolia Mountain laurel	A sheepish laurel June 10, 2005
Lantana camara Shrub verbena	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Larus delawarensis Ring-billed gull	What are seagulls doing in town? March 8, 2013
Lilium canadense Canada lily	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Limenitis archippus Viceroy	Butterfly disguises in late summer September 4, 2009 Look-alike butterflies July 13, 2007 Time for pussy willows March 5, 2005
Linaria vulgaris Butter-and-eggs	Butter-and-eggs for beauty, not breakfast September 17, 2004
Lindera benzoin Spicebush	Good things from spicebush April 28, 2006
Lithobates catesbeianus Bullfrog	Bullfrogs in our ponds September 7, 2007
Lithobates palustris Pickerel frog	Frogs at our feet August 13, 2010
Lithobates pipiens Leopard frog	Frogs at our feet August 13, 2010
Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal flower	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006 Summer hummers August 19, 2005 Cardinal flower attracts hummingbirds, butterflies July 22, 2005
Lonicera sempervirens Trumpet honeysuckle	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Lophodytes cucullatus Hooded merganser	Wild ducks on our ponds March 31, 2006
Lumbricus terrestris Earthworm	Earth stirs in March March 19, 2010
Lycaena phlaeas American copper butterfly	Late butterflies October 26, 2007
Lycoperdon perlatum Gem-studded puffball	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Lycoperdon pyriforme Pear-shaped puffball	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Lycopersicum esculentum Tomato	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
Lycopodium digitatum Ground cedar	Ancient evergreens under the snow February 17, 2006
Lycopodium obscurum Princess pine	Ancient evergreens under the snow February 17, 2006
Lygaeus kalmii Milkweed bug	Milkweed and butterflies in our meadows July 8, 2005
Lythrum salicaria Purple loosestrife	Return of the red-wings signals spring March 23, 2007 Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006 A most unusual moth in town August 11, 2006 Invasion of the Purple Loosestrife August 6, 2004
Manduca quinquemaculata Tomato hornworm	A most unusual moth in town August 11, 2006
Manduca sexta Tobacco hornworm	A most unusual moth in town August 11, 2006
Marmota monax Groundhog	Spring begins in February February 5, 2010
Matricaria discoidea Pineapple weed	The many senses of pineapple weed June 6, 2011
Matteuccia struthiopteris Ostrich fern	Big Ferns Unfurl May 25, 2012
Megascops asio Screech owl	Who’s out there? February 26, 2010
Melanerpes carolinus Red-bellied woodpecker	Woodpeckers in Westborough's Woods January 26, 2007
Meleagris gallopavo Wild turkey	It's time to talk turkey November 18, 2005
Mentha arvensis Wild mint	The minty month of August August 15, 2008
Mephitis mephitis Skunk	Valentine's Day for Skunks February 9, 2007
Mergus merganser Common merganser	Mergansers: December’s ducks December 10, 2010
Mimus polyglottos Northern mockingbird	The catbird in the catbird seat June 29, 2007
Misumena vatia Goldenrod spider	Late-summer sneezing August 20, 2004
Mitoura hesseli Hessel's hairstreak butterfly	Westborough's Atlantic White Cedars February 4, 2005
Molothrus ater Brown-headed cowbird	May brings yellow warblers to Westborough May 23, 2008 The catbird in the catbird seat June 29, 2007
Monarda didyma Beebalm	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Monotropa hypopithys Pinesap	Strange plants of summer August 1, 2008
Monotropa uniflora Indian-pipes	Strange plants of summer August 1, 2008 Cardinal flower attracts hummingbirds, butterflies July 22, 2005 Ghostly Indian-pipes by the path July 23, 2004
Morpho peleides Blue morpho	Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007
Mycorrhiza Fungus-root partnership	Strange plants of summer August 1, 2008
Nicotiana Tobacco	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens Red-spotted newt	A surprising salamander August 29, 2008
Nymphaea odorata Fragrant water-lily	Fragrant water-lilies linger on local ponds September 12, 2008
Nymphalis antiopa Mourning cloak	Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007 The first butterfly of spring April 29, 2005 Time for pussy willows March 5, 2005
Odocoileus virginianus White-tailed deer	Winter marks return of deer-watching season December 14, 2007
Oenothera biennis Common evening primrose	Evening blossoms in the day September 22, 2006
Ondatra zibethicus Muskrat	Our diving muskrats April 3, 2009
Operophtera bruceata Bruce spanworm	Moths in winter December 18, 2009
Operophtera brumata Winter moth	Moths in winter December 18, 2009
Oryctolagus cuniculus European rabbit	The tale of the cottontail rabbit June 23, 2006
Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fern	Big Ferns Unfurl May 25, 2012
Osmunda claytoniana Interrupted fern	Big Ferns Unfurl May 25, 2012
Osmunda regalis Royal fern	Big Ferns Unfurl May 25, 2012
Otus asio Screech owl	Who’s out there? February 26, 2010
Pandion haliaetus Osprey	Ospreys return to Mill Pond April 11, 2008 An owl in the nest April 1, 2005
Papilio canadensis Canadian tiger swallowtail	Tiger swallowtail butterflies July 22, 2011
Papilio glaucus Eastern tiger swallowtail	Tiger swallowtail butterflies July 22, 2011
Papilio polyxenes Black swallowtail Black swallowtail caterpillar	A caterpillar's life August 10, 2007 From caterpillar to butterfly July 27, 2007
Papilio troilus Spicebush swallowtail	Good things from spicebush April 28, 2006
Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeper	Virginia creeper and other autumn reds October 5, 2012
Parus bicolor Tufted titmouse	How birds stay warm on a cold winter’s day February 25, 2011
Passer domesticus English sparrows House sparrow	Bluebirds in Westborough May 26, 2006
Pectinatella magnifica Bryozoans Jelly ball animals Moss animals	The case of the mysterious jelly balls September 21, 2007
Phyciodes tharos Pearl crescent butterfly	Pearl crescent butterflies July 4, 2008
Phytolacca americana Pokeweed	Pokeweed for the birds September 24, 2010
Picoides pubescens Downy woodpecker	Woodpeckers in Westborough's Woods January 26, 2007
Picoides villosus Hairy woodpecker	Woodpeckers in Westborough's Woods January 26, 2007
Pinicola enucleator Pine grosbeak	Pine grosbeaks come to Westborough February 8, 2013
Pipilo erythrophthalmus Towhee	A bird in decline September 3, 2010
Plantago lanceolata Plantain	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006
Plethodon cinereus Redback salamander	WCLT’s wildlife sightings page March 18, 2011
Poecile atricapilla Black-capped chickadee Chickadee	The season for baby birds June 12, 2009 State bird speaks February 13, 2009
Poecile atricapillus Black-capped chickadee	The famous red-breasted nuthatch November 9, 2007
Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas fern	Christmas fern in the woods December 10, 2004
Pontederia cordata Pickerel-weed	Pickerel-weed grows in the shallows August 3, 2012
Popillia japonica Japanese beetle	An invasive rose June 15, 2007
Procyon lotor Raccoon	Raccoons share our natural environment November 5, 2010
Prunus Chokecherry Wild cherry Wild plum	July is butterfly season July 14, 2006
Pseudacris crucifer Spring peeper	Tiny frogs herald springtime April 14, 2006
Pterourus troilus Spicebush swallowtail	Good things from spicebush April 28, 2006
Pyrrharctia isabella Isabella tiger moth Woolly bear caterpillar	Woolly bears and winter January 20, 2006
Rana catesbeiana Bullfrog	Bullfrogs in our ponds September 7, 2007
Rana clamitans Green frog	Bullfrogs in our ponds September 7, 2007
Rana pipiens Leopard frog	Frogs at our feet August 13, 2010
Rana sylvatica Wood frog	Visitors to our vernal pools March 17, 2006 Signs of spring: Wood frogs and vernal pools April 16, 2004
Regulus calendula Ruby-crowned kinglet	Westborough's tiny winter bird February 23, 2007
Regulus satrapa Golden-crowned kinglet	Westborough's tiny winter bird February 23, 2007
Rhododendron catawbiense Catawba rhododendron	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Robinia hispida Bristly locust	A pretty but prickly escaped shrub May 29, 2009
Robinia pseudoacacia Black locust	A pretty but prickly escaped shrub May 29, 2009
Rosa multiflora Multiflora rose	An invasive rose June 15, 2007
Salix Willow	The first butterfly of spring April 29, 2005
Salix discolor Pussy willow	What’s the first wildflower of spring? April 9, 2010 Time for pussy willows March 5, 2005
Salvia elegans Pineapple sage	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Salvia guaranitica Giant blue sage	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Satyrium calanus Banded hairstreak	Seeing Small Butterflies July 13, 2012
Satyrium liparops Striped hairstreak	Seeing Small Butterflies July 13, 2012
Satyrium titus Coral hairstreak	July is butterfly season July 14, 2006
Scaphiopus holbrookii holbrookii Spadefoot toad	Visitors to our vernal pools March 17, 2006
Sciurus carolinensis Gray squirrel	Blue butterfly days April 6, 2007 A white squirrel sighting July 28, 2006 Squirrel tales February 18, 2005
Scleroderma citrinum Pigskin poison puffball	Puffballs in the grass October 14, 2005
Sialia sialis Bluebird	Winter bluebirds brighten Westborough February 1, 2008 Bluebirds in Westborough May 26, 2006
Sisyrinchium Blue-eyed grass	Wild iris in the woods June 11, 2004
Sitta canadensis Red-breasted nuthatch	Watch for wildflowers in Westborough April 25, 2008 The famous red-breasted nuthatch November 9, 2007 Nuthatches in the winter February 3, 2006
Sitta carolinensis White-breasted nuthatch	The famous red-breasted nuthatch November 9, 2007 Nuthatches in the winter February 3, 2006
Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet nightshade	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
Solanum melongena Eggplant	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
Solanum tuberosum Potato	Not-So-Deadly Nightshade June 24, 2005
Solidago Goldenrod	Late-summer sneezing August 20, 2004
Speyeria aphrodite Aphrodite fritillary	Our earliest wild violet May 4, 2007
Speyeria cybele Great spangled fritillary	Our earliest wild violet May 4, 2007
Sphagnum Sphagnum moss	An ancient and useful moss April 29, 2011
Spigelia marilandica Indian pink	Summer hummers August 19, 2005
Spinus pinus Pine siskin	Pine siskins visit Westborough this year November 16, 2012
Spiranthes cernua Nodding ladies'-tresses	September's wild orchid September 16, 2005
Stereum ostrea False turkey tail	Turkey tail season November 4, 2011
Strix varia Barred owl	Barred owls begin courting February 3, 2012
Strobilomyces floccopus Old man of the woods	Mushroom season brings colors & curiosities September 14, 2012
Strymon melinus Gray hairstreak	Seeing Small Butterflies July 13, 2012
Sturnus vulgaris European starlings Starling	The bird we love to hate February 27, 2009 Bluebirds in Westborough May 26, 2006
Sylvilagus floridanus Eastern cottontail rabbit	The tale of the cottontail rabbit June 23, 2006
Sylvilagus transitionalis New England cottontail rabbit	The tale of the cottontail rabbit June 23, 2006
Symplocarpus foetidus Skunk cabbage	What’s the first wildflower of spring? April 9, 2010 Swamps in bloom April 15, 2005
Tachycineta bicolor Tree swallow	Eating on the wing May 1, 2009
Tamias striatus Chipmunk	Acorns and chipmunks October 20, 2006
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Red Squirrel	Smart and feisty red squirrels October 24, 2008 Squirrel tales February 18, 2005
Tetraopes tetraophthalmus Milkweed beetle	Milkweed and butterflies in our meadows July 8, 2005
Thalictrum thalictroides Rue anemone	Watch for wildflowers in Westborough April 25, 2008
Thamnophis sauritus Ribbon snake	Westborough’s snakes are harmless June 20, 2008
Thamnophis sirtalis Garter snake	Westborough’s snakes are harmless June 20, 2008
Thuja occidentalis Northern white cedar	Westborough's Atlantic White Cedars February 4, 2005
Toxicodendron radicans Poison ivy	Feasting on poison ivy November 7, 2008
Toxostoma rufum Brown thrasher	The catbird in the catbird seat June 29, 2007
Trametes versicolor Turkey tail	Turkey tail season November 4, 2011
Trichostema dichotomum Eastern bluecurls	The minty month of August August 15, 2008
Trichostema lanceolatum Western bluecurls	The minty month of August August 15, 2008
Trifolium arvense Rabbit’s foot clover	Rabbit’s foot clover is fun for kids August 24, 2012
Trillium cernuum Nodding trillium	Treasure-hunting for trilliums June 6, 2008
Tsuga canadensis Eastern hemlock	Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
Tsuga caroliniana Carolina hemlock	Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
Tsuga heterophylla Western hemlock	Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
Tsuga mertensiana Mountain hemlock	Alien Invader Targets Our Hemlocks December 13, 2006
Turdus migratorius American robin	Watching for robins February 24, 2012 Early birds get the dried fruit March 3, 2006
Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot	What’s the first wildflower of spring? April 9, 2010
Typha latifolia Cattail	Return of the red-wings signals spring March 23, 2007 Invasion of the Purple Loosestrife August 6, 2004
Ulmus americana American elm	The first butterfly of spring April 29, 2005
Utricularia Bladderworts	Carnivorous floating flowers August 24, 2007
Utricularia cornuta Horned bladderwort	Carnivorous floating flowers August 24, 2007
Utricularia inflata Swollen bladderwort	Carnivorous floating flowers August 24, 2007
Utricularia purpurea Purple bladderwort	Carnivorous floating flowers August 24, 2007
Uvularia sessilifolia Wild oats	Treasure-hunting for spring wildflowers April 13, 2012
Vaccinium angustifolium Blueberry (low bush)	Blooming blueberries May 4, 2012
Vaccinium corymbosum Blueberry (high bush)	Blooming blueberries May 4, 2012
Vanessa cardui Painted lady	A good year for butterflies May 28, 2010 Goldfinches and summer's thistles August 25, 2006
Vanessa virginiensis American lady	A good year for butterflies May 28, 2010
Vermivora chrysoptera Golden-winged warbler	The drama of nature’s changes May 20, 2011
Vermivora pinus Blue-winged warbler	The drama of nature’s changes May 20, 2011
Viburnum Viburnums	Turtlehead and butterflies September 8, 2006
Viola cucullata Marsh blue violet	Native wild violets in wet and dry places May 18, 2007
Viola fimbriatula Northern downy violet	Our earliest wild violet May 4, 2007
Viola pedata Birdfoot violet	Native wild violets in wet and dry places May 18, 2007
Viola sagittata Northern downy violet	Our earliest wild violet May 4, 2007
Vulpes vulpes Red fox	Foxy neighbors May 15, 2009
Zenaida macroura Mourning dove	The mourning dove's coo March 18, 2005
Zygoptera Damselflies	Dragons and damsels July 18, 2008
(A Nature Notes quiz)	Try the annual Nature Notes quiz (2012) January 18, 2013 Quiz Yourself on Nature (2011) January 13, 2012 Take the annual nature quiz (2010) January 14, 2011 Quiz Yourself on Nature (2009) January 15, 2010 Quiz Yourself on Nature (2008) January 16, 2009 Prepare to notice nature in 2008 by taking the 2007 Nature Notes quiz January 18, 2008 Think you know nature? (2006) January 12, 2007 Think you know nature? (2005) January 6, 2006 Think you know nature? (2004) January 7, 2005
(Astronomy)	Looking Up March 20, 2009
(Autumn leaf colors)	Virginia creeper and other autumn reds October 5, 2012
(Baby birds)	The season for baby birds June 12, 2009
(Books)	Book gifts for nature lovers December 7, 2012
(Earthquakes)	Earthquakes in New England December 9, 2011
(Geology of Westborough)	A mighty collision and much glaciation May 12, 2006
(Gibbons 7th-graders use Nature Notes)	Nature Notes in the classroom May 13, 2005
(Ice)	Ice is nice January 30, 2009
(Mushrooms)	Hunting for mushrooms with an expert October 26, 2012
(Physical environment)	Moon over Westborough February 29, 2008

Westborough Community Land Trust, PO Box 838, Westborough , MA 01581
-- Contact -- Contribute or Join! --

About WCLT

WCLT Programs

Information

Recreation

Other

Nature Notes by Latin Name