Highlights

JUNE 2020 - Early Summer, Moonlight Ride, Summer Flowers

INFO ALERT - What is so rare as a day in June?

Appearing right now. Don't miss it.

"A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows."

-Saint Francis of Assisi

Are you all set to celebrate the first day of summer? The Summer Solstice this year will occur on June 20 at 5:43 p.m. in our neck of the woods. With summer we'd like to get back to our Exploring the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve Walks. Our last one was in March when we explored the forest around lower Rattlesnake Brook, played Pooh Sticks and sniffed skunk cabbage.

Unfortunately COVID-19 has stopped our group explorations for now. Fortunately solo walking is still possible. Don't lose your walking legs. Keep on walking. Social distancing is easy to do out in the forest. Carry a mask if you encounter others on the trail and put it on until everyone passes safely. Unfortunately many selfish folks refuse to wear a mask and keep their distance. COVID-19 demands respect. Don't give it and we all suffer the consequences.

2020 is The Year of the Turtle and June is the prime time to find them crossing roads and wandering through backyards looking for sunny locations and suitable soil in which to lay their eggs. If you see a turtle attempting to cross a road stop, if it is safe to do so, pick it up and carry it across and set it on the ground in the direction it was heading. If it is a snapping turtle push it with your foot across the road being careful to push from the back to stay away from its snapping jaws. Pushed in this way a large snapper may end up with a little road rash but will make it to the other side of the road. Better a little rash on a tough old turtle than a big splattered turtle in the middle of the road.

Walking in the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreseve or on local land trust property in your community this is a perfect time of the year to see reptiles, amphibians and insects. Emerging from their cocoons during the night, large fairy-like green luna moths also appear on late May, early June mornings, resting on tree trunks, fence posts and occasionally the sides of buildings as they wait for warmth of the day to dry their wings for their first flight that night.

Late May and early June. Let's take a walk and see if the turtles are nesting. Turtles usually are oblivious to everything around them once egg laying begins.

Northern snapping turtle mom has found a site she likes for digging a nest hole into which she will deposit her eggs.

An old female box turtle with a well worn shell may be over 100 years old. Not too old to be digging a nesting chamber in rocky soil. All turtles dig their nest holes using only their hind feet.

A red eared slider laying eggs. Red eared sliders are not native to New England. Native to our southeastern and south central states they have been widely distributed through the former baby turtle pet trade. They are hardy and now found in New England from central Maine down along the coast to Connecticut.

An eastern painted turtle doing the same as the turtles above. Eastern painted turtles are the most common turtle species in New England.

Three female northern snapping turtles about to line dance? Nope! They are just looking for the right sandy location to dig the hole into which they will deposit their eggs.

The wrong end of a snapping turtle to pet or to push with your foot to the other side of the street/road. Always push from the back and just slide the turtle across.

A quizzical look from a friendly eastern garter snake. Maybe looking for a toad dinner?

On warm, damp nights toads can travel for miles. Toad better watch out for garter snakes.

Most local white tail deer fawns are born between Memorial Day and June 1. Here's one right along the trail. Don't touch. Walk away.

A magical luna moth.

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First Moonless Moonlight Bike Ride of the Season

Testing the waters, the first very cautiously planned Sunset/Moonlight ride of the season was met with postponement, social distancing, mask wearing and overcast skies. We did get to see the sunset through a narrow window of cloud break that appeared at the right moment. The attached photos are from a neat little spot John discovered and shared with us on our trip to Providence. Those of us who attended were thrilled to be with a small group and riding once again as the world slowly opens up. Let’s hope this positive trend continues.

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INFO ALERT - Summer is here

In our neck of the woods it doesn't last long. Get out and enjoy your natural environment. Here are a few photos of Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve summer flowers and fungi. What have you been seeing in area forests and meadows this summer? Any interesting photos to share?