Tag Archives: nature
Prehistoric neighbors
We are fast approaching the breeding season of the common snapping turtle. Pretty soon we will notice turtles in places we rarely see them, like our backyards and our flowerbeds. They invade our space to lay their eggs. Otherwise they … Continue reading
Sounds of Spring
These warm spring evenings bring out familiar sounds. The most distinctive one is the call of the male spring peeper, which reminds some of crickets chirping. At less than an inch and a half long, spring peepers are the tiniest … Continue reading
Soldier’s herb
Few lawn weeds are despised as much as broadleaf plantain (Plantago major). Maybe we should hold our contempt a little bit. I’m not saying we should want it in our front or even our backyard, but let’s recognize its merits. … Continue reading
Dandelions aren’t all bad
As spring emerges yellow flowers do too, all over our yards. One is the buttercup, which is poisonous. The other is the dandelion. I’m no big fan of them, but I do realize they have their edible and medicinal merits. … Continue reading
Daffodils: Signs of Spring
The daffodils are beginning to bloom. Those glorious yellow trumpets are springing up everywhere, signaling spring is almost here. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for them, but never one in my stomach. Daffodils and all related … Continue reading
Two Spring Mints
Look around in our soon to be planted fields and you’ll see a mass of pink to purple. The two likely culprits are henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) and dead nettle (Lamium purpurea). Both are exotic invaders from the mint family and … Continue reading
Wild but Mild – Common Chickweed
Now that cool weather is upon us common chickweed (Stellaria media) is everywhere. It’s that light green carpet-like weed with the tiny white flowers taking over flowerbeds and gardens right now. In fact, recent mild weather probably has facilitated exponential … Continue reading
What’s up Dock?
Now that winter is here, most of us don’t have to mow our lawns. Our flower gardens have probably fizzled out too, but we still have weeds. Curly dock (Rumex crispus) is one of those ugly coarse textured plants that … Continue reading
Whistle Pig
Since Groundhog Day is this week, I decided this varmint deserved mention. Farmers and gardeners experience their destructive behavior. Most consider them a cute little rodent. These squirrel relatives also called woodchucks or whistle pigs have a portly body, and … Continue reading
‘Gourmet Rabbit’ – The American Muskrat
I attended high school and college in the 70s. Back then people weren’t criticized for wearing fur, a renewable resource. To make money I trapped muskrats on the Stillwater River behind our home in Old Town, Maine. Furs brought a … Continue reading
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