Sparrow Season

Over the past few weeks large numbers of migrant sparrows have moved into the neighborhood. Some will continue south while others will spend the winter. White-throated Sparrows and Dark-eyed Junco's are particularly abundant. Note the distinctive "tseet" call of the White-throat and the white tail flashes of the Junco. Each fall, our insectivorous song-birds migrate first (these tend to be long-distance migrants headed to the tropics), followed by the sparrows and waterfowl (generally, shorter distance migrants). Be on the lookout for less common migrant sparrows such as the Fox Sparrow & White-crowned Sparrow. Tree sparrows and Savannah Sparrows can be seen regularly this time of year at old fields and brushlands (e.g. Nahanton Park).

Owl in Newton Centre

Last week, I observed a large owl at dusk in Newton Center. The owl was flying across Beacon Street near Homer, flying towards the Newton Center playground. Based on size, the owl was almost certainly a Great-horned Owl. In Newton, the Screech Owl is our most common owl. Great-horned Owls are probably also year-round residents. The Barred Owl is also fairly common in Massachusetts, but it tends to disappear from more urban landscapes. I have observed the Great-horned Owl in Nahanton Park and the Screech Owl in Cold-spring Park.

Fall Asters

As we move into late fall, the Asters are beginning to falter. As I wrote in September, we have a diverse array of Goldenrods and Asters that bloom in late summer and fall. Although most Goldenrods are done blooming by now, some of the asters are hanging on. Two of Newton's most common asters of open woods, and suburban edges are the White Wood Aster and Heart-leaved Aster. The lilac-colored Heart-leaved Aster tends to bloom a bit later and is still blooming. Both of these species are quite widespread and may even be found blooming at the base of some hedgerows (privet). I have 4-5 native Aster species in my front yard, providing fall color when many of my neighbor's gardens are finished blooming for the season.

Osprey at Crystal Lake

Thanks to Carol Stapleton of Newton Parks & Recreation for reporting an Osprey at Crystal Lake today. This large bird of prey was observed hunting for fish in the lake. Osprey's have staged a dramatic recovery in Massachusetts and elsewhere in North America since the banning of DDT. Osprey in Eastern Massachusetts frequently nest on nest poles and other man-made structures. This species is apparently an uncommon visitor to Newton. I have not observed this species here, although I have observed it just across the Needham line in Cutler Park. Carol has a wonderful series of Newton Wildlife photographs available for viewing on the city's website. Other raptors uncommonly seen in Newton include the Bald Eagle and Rough-legged Hawk. More frequent visitors and year round residents include the Red-tailed hawk and Cooper's Hawk. Screech Owls and Great-horned Owls are also resident.

Turtle Hatchling

9/16/07 - This Painted Turtle Hatchling was rescued by passersby on the road adjacent to Bullough's Pond. It is about the size of a Quarter. During August & September, Painted & Snapping Turtle eggs hatch, and the hatchlings make their way to wetlands to overwinter. Many are killed by predators or cars. Last year I found a squashed Snapping Turtle hatchling in the road near Bullough's Pond. As I wrote in June, adult turtle road mortality is a significant conservation issue in Massachusetts.

92 Birds

On April 28, I reported siting my 50th bird species in Newton during 2007. With the observation of a Black-crowned Night Heron on August 2, I am up to 92 bird species for the year. Some highlights include a Common Loon at Crystal Lake and an Orchard Oriole at Bullough's pond. Fall is a great time to observe migrant songbirds, sparrows, and waterfowl in Newton, at sites such as Crystal Lake, Charles River, Nahanton Park, Hammond Woods.

Newton Species List 2007

Species
american crow
american goldfinch
american redstart
american robin
american woodcock
barn swallow
belted kingfisher
black and white warbler
black duck
blackburnian warbler
black-capped chickadee
black-crowned night heron
blackpoll warbler
black-throated blue warbler
black-throated green warbler
blue jay
blue-gray gnatcatcher
brown creeper
brown-headed cowbird
bufflehead
canada goose
canada warbler
carolina wren
cedar waxwing
chimney swift
chipping sparrow
common flicker
common grackle
common loon
common merganser
common nighthawk
common yellowthroat
cooper's hawk
double-crested cormorant
downy woodpecker
eastern bluebird
eastern kingbird
eastern pewee
eastern pheobe
european starling
golden-crowned kinglet
gray catbird
great blue heron
great-crested flycatcher
green heron
herring gull
hooded merganser
house finch
house sparrow
house wren
killdeer
least flycatcher
magnolia warbler
mallard
mourning dove
mute swan
northern cardinal
northern flicker
northern junco
northern mockingbird
northern oriole
northern parula
northern rough-winged swallow
orchard oriole
ovenbird
palm warbler
pine warbler
red-bellied woodpecker
red-eyed vireo
red-tailed hawk
red-winged blackbird
ring-billed gull
ring-necked duck
rock dove
rose-breasted grosbeak
rough-winged swallow
ruddy duck
rufous-sided towhee
savannah sparrow
scarlet tanager
song sparrow
tree swallow
tufted titmouse
turkey vulture
warbling vireo
white-breasted nuthatch
white-throated sparrow
wild turkey
wood duck
wood thrush
yellow warbler
yellow-rumped warbler

Nighthawks Migrating

Each August, Common Nighthawks overhead reliably signal the end of summer. They were flying over Newton Center this evening and last night as well. I always enjoy watching these exotic looking birds fly overhead. I once had the pleasure of capturing one in a mist net in Oklahoma. Although the Common Nighthawk naturally nests on the ground, in Massachusetts they now nest more frequently on flat roofs in urban areas (see Birds of Massachusetts). Listen to their distinctive call by clicking here.

Sweet Pepperbush - Shrubs #1

Sweet Pepperbush is now blooming in wetlands at sites such as Hammond Woods and the Charles River Path - Wells Avenue. This common plant of the Atlantic Coastal Plain produces spikes of intensely fragrant white flowers. It's attractive enough that it is now commercially available for landscaping. This plant is indicative of wetland conditions. This is a lovely native shrub. Recently, I was reading a proposal for soil remediation that required excavating a wetland dominated by Sweet Pepperbush. Given my fondness for this plant, I was quite distressed to see the applicant's consultant mistakenly describe Sweet Pepperbush as a non-native and invasive shrub. Please go out and enjoy this fragrant and attractive shrub while it is still blooming.

Flying Squirrel!

A common theme of this blog is a fascination with urban wilds - small remnant natural areas, and the plants and animals these areas still support. Many species that are common in less developed portions of our state are uncommon or absent in Newton, and it is always exciting to identify a new species that does still occur here. For example, previous postings have discussed the status of wood frogs, spotted salamanders, and red squirrels in Newton. Yesterday, I was thrilled to find a road-killed Southern Flying Squirrel on Winchester Street (photograph above). Note the skin flaps for gliding on the flanks, the flattened tail, and the large eyes for night vision. It was exciting to find that this species still makes it's home in parts of our city. I would love to hear your observations of this species or other unusual flora and fauna that you have encountered in Newton.

Goldenrods

The goldenrods are beginning to bloom - a sure sign that summer is well underway. These are the yellow-flowered plants of roadsides, old fields, woods, and wetlands that bloom in the late summer. These are sometimes hard to tell apart, but I think that I have at least 5 native goldenrod species in my front yard on Garland Road; The two species that I am sure about are Gray Goldenrod and Showy Goldenrod (not yet blooming). I also think I have Sharp-leaved Goldenrod? I am still working on identifying the rest...

More Butterflies...

A Silver-spotted Skipper & a Monarch, both in my yard on Garland Road, week of July 15. They love the Purple Coneflower!

Butterfly Season

Summer is a good time to look for butterflies. The striking Red Admiral seems to show up in my yard every year. This species in the family Nymphalidae feeds on stinging nettle and other nettle species. Unfortunately, the most common species in my garden by far is the non-native Cabbage White, whose larvae feed on my spring greens (brassicas).

Wood Frog Tadpoles Emerging

The peak emergence of juvenile Wood Frogs from vernal pools in our area usually occurs around July 4. Notice the long tail remaining on one of the juveniles pictured above (from a pool in south Newton). Eggs are usually deposited in early to mid-April. Although Wood Frogs are common to abundant throughout eastern Massachusetts, they are rare in Newton (see earlier post, "Wood Frogs Calling"). Wood Frogs breed in Cold Spring Park and have now been documented to breed in the Newton section of the Charles River Reservation in south Newton. It is also likely that Wood Frogs occur in the Kennard Conservation area as they have been documented in the abutting Lost Pond preserve in Brookline. I have not been able to locate this species elsewhere in Newton, and doubt that it still occurs at other locales. Please report your observations of this species (and others) by posting a comment.

Breeding Birds

6/7/07 - Observed a pair of Scarlet Tanagers in the Charles River Reservation, south of Wells Avenue. It is very likely that these birds were attempting to breed here in Newton. With the spring migration now over, we can turn our attention to breeding birds. Although most birdwatchers are very familiar with our migrants, less attention is given to documenting breeding birds. There is much we don't know about the distribution and abundance of breeding birds in Newton. For example, how often do forest species such as the ovenbird, wood thrush, and black and white warbler breed in Newton, and where? There is an extensive literature showing that many forest-dwelling bird species tend to drop out of smaller forest patches such as those found in Newton. Interestingly Scarlet Tanagers are less likely to be found in smaller forest fragments, but this is less true in the highly forested northeast than in the largely deforested Midwest & Atlantic Coast regions. What about the status of shrubland species such as the blue-winged warbler and brown thrasher in Newton? It would be great to organize a breeding bird survey one year...

Nesting Season

June is turtle nesting season. Unfortunately, this is also the season that turtles are most likely to be crushed on the road. The painted turtle shown here was killed on Winchester Street during summer 2006. Turtles are long-lived organisms that experience high rates of reproductive failure. As a result, relatively modest increases in adult mortality (e.g. from new roads and increased traffic rates) can have significant impacts on population viability. As a result of this and of habitat loss, many Massachusetts freshwater turtles are on the state endangered species list (e.g. Blanding's Turtle, Wood Turtle, Box Turtle, Bog Turtle). In Newton, our primary species are the Painted Turtle and the Snapping Turtle. It is probable that we have Spotted Turtles in at least one location, and it is possible that we have Musk Turtles associated with the Charles. Watch for turtles on the road. If you stop and help a turtle across the road, please be sure that you insure your own safety first!

Red Squirrels

In urban areas many common species such as the wood frog, ovenbird, or yellow birch, become uncommon to rare. I have often wondered about the status of the red squirrel in Newton. Red squirrels are common in Massachusetts, and tend to favor coniferous or mixed coniferous forests (see Wild Mammals of New England for a good overview). Twice, I have observed road-killed red squirrels on Beacon Street, west of Newton Center (most recently, on 5/7/07). It's a mystery to me where these squirrels were coming from. I have also observed this species at Kennard Conservation Area. Perhaps the red squirrel is more widespread than I think it is? Please report your Newton sightings of this species as a comment to this posting.

The Yellow Warbler

The yellow warbler is one of Newton's Most striking breeding birds. This magnificent bright yellow bird frequents brushy areas, often near water. This bird can be found in urban areas such as the area in front of City Hall and adjacent to Bullough's pond. However, due to its small size, and the fact that it is often concealed in dense vegetation, this bird can be easily overlooked. The yellow warbler is more often heard than seen. If you are a beginning birder, and would like to see the yellow warbler, I suggest that you learn to recognize its song. It is now peak breeding season and males can be heard singing much of the day. The yellow warbler can be seen readily at Bullough's Pond. There is a male singing at the south end of the pond, along the Commonwealth Avenue footpath, immediately east of Walnut Street. Yellow warblers can also be observed at City Hall ponds, Cold Spring Park, Nahanton Park, and many other areas around our City. Although many of our most spectacular songbirds such as the blackburnian warbler and magnolia warbler are migrants, we are fortunate to have the yellow warbler as a summer resident.

Orchard Oriole at Bollough's Pond

5/7/07 - Observed Orchard Oriole at northwest end of Bollough's Pond, near the bridge. The bird was observed in some maple trees and witch-hazel shrubs adjacent to the pond. The Orchard Oriole is a magnificent bird, and an uncommon spring migrant in Massachusetts. The spring migration is in full swing. Other birds observed at the pond on May 7 are listed below. I have placed an asterisk next to birds that, as far as I can tell, have returned to Newton within the past few days.

Bollough's Pond
5/7/07

Bird Sightings

Species
chimney swift*
rough-winged swallow
house sparrow
song sparrow
black-capped chickadee
northern cardinal
northern oriole*
orchard oriole*
common grackle
red-winged blackbird
mallard
canada goose
american robin
gray catbird*
northern mockingbird
yellow warbler*
yellow-rumped warbler
eastern kingbird*
warbling vireo*
common yellowthroat*

Natural Newton at Home

5/6/07 - What could be better than growing your own food at home? Home gardening is a wonderful way for children and people of all ages to connect physically with the natural world. It can be awe-inspiring to go from seed to pounds of delicious produce-- even with very limited available space. Pictured here are our basil and tomato plants, started indoors. Greg Maslowe, Newton Community Farm Manager, wrote a wonderful piece for the Newton Tab on the virtues of consuming locally grown produce (5/2/07). It's surprising how much can be grown on a small sunny patch of land. Last season, we produced about 30 pounds of butternut squash from seeds that self- germinated in our compost pile (on about 60-70 square feet?). We just ate our last garden squash in April.

Newton Community Farm is committed to offering guidance to home vegetable & fruit gardeners, from beginners to experienced gardeners. This year, the farm will be offering a course through Newton Community Education entitled "Gardening and Fruit Growing at Newton Community Farm." This 4-session course (beginning June 30) is specifically designed for people interested in starting to grow fruits and vegetables at home, as well as gardeners who would like to improve their skills.

Canada Goose Family

5/5/07 - Charles River Path, near Newton, Watertown, Waltham line.
Photograph courtesy of the Glasgow family.

50 Birds

4/28/07 - With the sighting of a brown-headed cowbird today, I have now observed 50 bird species in Newton during 2007. I'm a casual birder, so there are many birds I missed. In the next 2-3 weeks the spring bird migration will peak, with many spectacular birds returning to breed (e.g. yellow warbler, northern oriole), or passing through (e.g. northern parula). Join Cris Criscitiello and the Newton Conservators on a Nahanton Park bird walk on Sunday May 13, 8-10 AM.

Newton List
1/1/07 - 4/28/07

Species
cooper's hawk
red-tailed hawk
belted kingfisher
hooded merganser
black duck
bufflehead
canada goose
common merganser
ruddy duck
ring-necked duck
wood duck
mallard
great blue heron
green heron
killdeer
turkey vulture
brown creeper
rock dove
mourning dove
blue jay
american crow
northern junco
white-throated sparrow
house finch
song sparrow
northern cardinal
american goldfinch
chipping sparrow
common loon
northern rough-winged swallow
red-winged blackbird
brown-headed cowbird
common grackle
ring-billed gull
herring gull
wild turkey
northern mockingbird
black-capped chickadee
tufted titmouse
red-bellied woodpecker
northern flicker
downy woodpecker
house sparrow
american woodcock
white-breasted nuthatch
european starling
golden-crowned kinglet
carolina wren
american robin
eastern pheobe

The Bats are Back

Every spring and summer, I observe bats feeding at dusk over my back yard in Newton Center. I observed three bats feeding last night (4/22/07). I am not sure what species, but, according to the Massachusetts Audubon Society bat page, the most common bats in Massachusetts are the Little Brown Myotis and the Big Brown Bat. Apparently, the Big Brown Bat is more common in urban areas. According to the Wild Mammals of New England, Big Brown Bats do not live in large colonies, and generally use the same feeding grounds each night. Big Brown Bats are active in early spring, whereas Little Brown Myotis tend to become active a bit later. Both species mate in the fall and give birth in June. It would be very interesting to know whether both species occur in Newton? For a list of the bats of Massachusetts, click here.

Enjoying Vernal Pools

On Sunday, April 22, about 20 people of all ages met at Newton Community Farm to explore vernal pool life. The weather cooperated, and we had a terrific walk along the Charles River Path. Vernal pools are ponds that tend to dry up at least occasionally and therefore do not support fish. Many amphibians such as spotted salamanders and wood frogs breed almost exclusively in these pools where there are few vertebrate predators to eat their larvae. Vernal pools are incredibly productive ecosystems supporting a diversity of species, including many invertebrates. In Newton, relatively few vernal pools remain, but pools may be seen at Webster Woods, Cold Spring Park, and Dolan Pond.

Upon arrival at a vernal pool, we were greeted by a loud chorus of Spring Peepers. We observed Green Frogs, Wood Frogs, and Spotted Salamander eggs. Invertebrates that we observed included fairy shrimp, predaceous diving beetle, backswimmer, water boatman, dragonfly larvae, fingernail clam, planorbid snail, and much more. I urge you to follow the links to see photos of some of these wonderful creatures. There's a lot out there...

Loon at Crystal Lake

4/19/07 - Observed a Common Loon in full breeding plumage on Crystal Lake. I have been a casual bird-watcher in Newton for many years, and have not observed this species in the City before. According to the Birds of Massachusetts (Veit & Petersen, 1993), this species is an uncommon migrant inland (common coastal migrant).

Spotted Salamander

April 14, 2007, south Newton

Wild Turkey

April 14, 2007, Wiswall Road

Urban Wilds

As a conservation biologist who has always lived in urban and suburban settings, I have long been fascinated by urban forest patches and open spaces. For me, there is something particularly spectacular and rewarding about seeing a spotted salamander swimming under the ice in an urban vernal pool, even though this species can be readily observed in more rural settings. The same can be said for a great-horned owl, red squirrel, or short-tailed shrew (all still found in Newton).

Seeing these species begs the questions why are they still here while other species have disappeared, and how long will these species persist here? Due to their sometimes extreme isolation and small size, urban wilds provide research opportunities for scientists interested in understanding the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation. For example, Richard Primack, a life-long Newton resident, conducted a study in the Middlesex Fells Reservation, documenting a dramatic loss of native flora.

Most importantly, urban wilds provide a vital opportunity for city-dwellers to connect to the natural world. Increasingly, human populations are concentrated in cities. Our future depends, in large part, on these city-dwellers advocating for protection and sound stewardship of land, open space, and natural resources. The challenge is that this environmental ethic comes most readily from direct experience with the natural world. Organizations such as the Newton-based Urban Ecology Institute have recognized that urban open spaces provide a key link between city-dwellers and the natural world. In a recent paper on this topic, Mark Schwartz suggests that Conservation Biologists need to help develop "social capital" for biodiversity by engaging urban dwellers in scientific inquiry and stewardship of urban habitats. According to Schwartz,

"Social capital for biodiversity begins with embracing a personal
responsibility for protecting the diversity of life on Earth.
The task of personalizing nature for humanity is large, yet
critical to long-term success."

Here in Newton, the Newton Conservators, Newton Community Farm, Parks & Recreation Department, Conservation Commission, the Public Schools, and others provide opportunities for residents to connect with nature and develop that personal relationship that Schwartz discusses. However, there is real cause for concern about a growing disconnect between our residents and the natural world-- particularly our youth.

I hope that you will join me in enjoying and appreciating Newton's open spaces, in exchanging information about what's out there, and in finding new and exciting ways to engage more Newton residents in nature discovery, research, and stewardship of Newton's open spaces. (This is the first of two articles describing the purpose of this website)

Spring Nature Walks

Click here for a list of upcoming walks sponsored by the Newton Conservators.

Join Newton Community Farm for a vernal pool walk – We will meet at the farm, walk along the Charles River Path and explore several vernal pools. Vernal pools, or small ponds lacking fish, provide important breeding habitat for a number of amphibians, and support a unique and diverse array of invertebrates such as fairy shrimp and predaceous diving beetles. We will dip net in some pools and are likely to observe spotted salamander egg masses. Note: This excursion includes a fairly lengthy walk along the Charles River. We can arrange to meet people at Saw Mill Brook Parkway who would like to skip the longer hike, but participate in the vernal pool investigations. Contact Jon Regosin to arrange this.

Date: Sunday April 22
Time: 9:45 AM
Location: Meet at the Winchester Street entrance to Newton Community Farm
Please RSVP to Jon Regosin at 617-244-0736 or berkowitz.regosin@verizon.net

Wood Frogs Calling

4/7/07 - Heard Wood Frogs calling in Cold Spring Park. It was very cold and they weren't calling much. Although abundant throughout Massachusetts, the Wood Frog is extremely rare in Newton, apparently only breeding in Cold Spring Park (see upcoming article on Newton vernal pools). Interestingly, in my experience, Wood Frogs seem to be less likely than spotted salamanders to persist in urban forest fragments-- even when suitable breeding pools are present. This could be for a number of reasons: (1) Wood frogs need forested wetlands (often with streams) for feeding, vernal pools for breeding, and forested uplands for overwintering. Spotted salamanders just need forested uplands and vernal pools. With past ditching of streams and wetland filling, there aren't that many smaller forest fragments with all three habitat types; (2) Spotted Salamanders are longer lived-- populations of this species are less likely to go locally extinct as a result of stochastic processes (e.g. a few bad breeding years in a row).

Spotted Salamanders Breeding

4/7/07 - Observed Spotted Salamander spermatophores and very fresh egg masses in Hammond Woods (see photos). The Spotted Salamander migrates to vernal pools on rainy nights in early spring. Once in the pond, males and females form mating aggregations called "congresses" and males deposit spermatophores on the pond bottom. Females deposit gelatinous egg masses, usually attached to submerged woody debris. Although common to abundant throughout Massachusetts, this species is uncommon to rare in Newton because of our urban environment and lack of vernal pools (see upcoming article on Newton's vernal pools). The egg masses I observed on Saturday were very fresh. Given the large size of the zygote, I was actually able to observe a cleavage furrow with the naked eye, as these fertilized eggs were in the process of dividing into 2 celled embryos!

Spring Peepers Calling

4/5/06 - Heard our first Spring Peepers of the season at Webster Conservation Area. The Spring Peeper is a small frog (approx. 1 inch) with a big voice. Frogs were active and calling with air temperature of 36 degrees. Spring Peepers will likely be calling for another few weeks. American Toads are not calling yet.

Early Spring Migrants

In the midst of long New England winters, Newton birders look skyward for signs of spring as early as late February. In late February or early March Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles return from the southeast and begin to sing.

During mid to late March, our earliest flycatcher, the Eastern Pheobe returns. We saw our first on March 31. As this species feeds primarily on flying insects, spring weather must in fact be around the corner...

Woodcocks Take Flight

On 3/25/07 a group from Newton Community Farm visited Nahanton park to observe the mating flights of the American Woodcock. With the decline of agriculture, and associated wet meadows, old fields, and thickets, the American Woodcock has become less common in Massachusetts. In most years, small numbers of woodcock breed in Nahanton park. At dusk in early spring, these birds can be observed doing dramatic flight displays as part of their mating ritual.

First Butterfly of Season

3/31/07 - Observed first butterfly of the season - Mourning Cloak on Greenlawn in Newton Center.

Birds of Garland Road

Garland Road is a residential street in Newton, Massachusetts, approximately 8 miles west of Boston. Landuse is high-density residential with single family houses on 1/8 - 1/4 acre lots

We are tracking the birds seen and heard on our house lot on Garland.

1/1/07 - 3/31/07 Species observed (21):

american crow
american goldfinch
american robin
belted kingfisher
black-capped chickadee
blue jay
carolina wren
common grackle
downy woodpecker
eastern pheobe
european starling
house finch
house sparrow
mourning dove
northern cardinal
northern junco
red-tailed hawk
song sparrow
tufted titmouse
white-breasted nuthatch
white-throated sparrow