Nature Blog, June 3, 2024 by Nina Mollicone
Spring has really sprung this time. Beautiful blue skies, sunshine, and warmth, a wonderful combination to take a walk in the Augusta Nature Education Center. The painted turtles are out in force, sunning on logs in Lily Pond. Luc, one of our caretakers, counted 28 one day. Another day, I saw a medium sized snapping turtle among the painted. Whitney Brook trail is always a treat for birders. Oven Bird, Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, I heard on one walk. Merlin, the bird identification app, said there was a Blue-headed Vireo and a Pine Warbler, as well. I was unable to spot those.
I love seeing the progression of flowers as they come into bloom. The first is Skunk Cabbage, followed by Colt’s Foot. Then, in no order, Marsh Marigold, Bloodroot, Dandelion, Cuckoo Flower, Bluets, Forget-Me-Nots, buttercups, and violets. Wild Cala is starting to bloom in Lily Pond.
Augusta Nature Club had its annual spring walk on May 15th. Beth Brooks, Master Naturalist, led us along the Bruce’s Woods and Whitney Brook Trails. Three surprise finds, for me, were Small Flowered Crowfoot, Fly Honeysuckle, and a cluster of Anemones all in bloom. It was a beautiful blue, sunny day. From South Bridge, we watched catfish splashing in Whitney Brook. We walked along the trail trying to catch sight of the birds we heard singing. Birds can be so elusive! We hated to bring the walk to a close.
If you walk along the Whitney Brook trail, you will notice areas cleared of shrubs. Luc and Rose are actively cutting the invasives, especially Asiatic Bittersweet, Japanese Honeysuckle, and Multiflora Rose, to let native shrubs and plants grow.
The Augusta Nature Club is meeting again, after the winter hiatus. Unfortunately, winter weather cancelled the March meeting. On April 24th, Geri Vistein told us about coyotes. She explained the importance of carnivores in nature and how people often have a negative view of coyotes. She had copies of her book, I Am Coyote, and shared a new perspective of them. At the May 22nd meeting, Nature Club’s own Kathleen Quintal gave a presentation on beekeeping and explained how she started and what all it entails.
Summer is the beginning of the club’s field trips. On June 12th, members and guests will be going to Langlias Art Preserve in Cushing. On July 10th, the fieldtrip will be a tour of Bigelow Labs in Boothbay. August 14th will be a bog tour at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson. If you are interested in going on any of these trips or want more information about the club or Center, contact Augusta Nature Club president, Marie Erskine at 207-549-5474 or merskine@roadrunner.com. We would love for you to join us.
© 2024 by Nina Mollicone