We Had a Baby!

We adopted (kidnapped) this butterfly as a caterpillar I found on a random walk last August. I posted the picture to inaturalist to be identified, then fed the caterpillar until it pupated. Pupa is on the left with caterpillar inside, working hard to shed the old form and create a new one. The dead looking … Continue reading We Had a Baby!

It’s a Scary World

Yesterday I saw a man, 6’ tall, built like a boxer, with a scruffy beard, wearing a worn baseball cap, cupping an 8 week old puppy in his hands. She fit in his palms, golden-brown fur wet from a recent walk in the rain. He lifted the puppy.He was in a dog training room, dozens … Continue reading It’s a Scary World

It’s Coming (spring that is)

Mudseason is a tough time for Vermonters, at least for this Vermonter. I usually have cabin fever and want to get out, but the trails look like this: and the roads look like this: and I just want to be outside in this But I know spring is coming and when I get myself outside … Continue reading It’s Coming (spring that is)

Winter Birds

I was out walking along a dirt road and I heard a high pitched, trilling / whistling sound. I immediately stopped to find the source. Overhead was a flock of 20 or so Bohemian Waxwings flying around eating berries. I stopped to watch enjoying the color that flashed as they flew. They didn't seem to … Continue reading Winter Birds

Caterpillar Lab

If you are feeling the lack of bugs in the winter (and who doesn't) I recommend a visit to the Caterpillar Lab in Marlboro NH (https://www.thecaterpillarlab.org). It is a wonderful, bug (and kid) friendly place where you can learn about caterpillars while admiring stick bugs and trying to determine what is a leaf and what … Continue reading Caterpillar Lab