Butterflies at Dunback Meadow

Cabbage White

Spring Azure

Skipper (unknown variety)

European Skipper (not certain)

Eastern Comma

 Red Admiral

Eastern Comma

Red-Winged Blackbird

Ospreys and more

George and I walked at Waseeka in Hopkinton at lunchtime today.  It was beautiful weather:  bright sunshine, 70s and a nice breeze.  We saw lots of interesting wildlife.

This frog was not the least bit afraid of me.

White Water Lilies are all through the pond.  So pretty!  The photo doesn't do it justice.

Osprey a/k/a Fish Eagle (with fresh fish)

I think there are babies in the osprey nest!  One of the parents just delivered the freshly caught fish.

I think I saw my first Kingfisher (w/ a fish in its beak), but can't be sure because I didn't get a good crisp photo.   (Click to enlarge) Must hope for a 2nd chance to photograph this bird on another hike!

We saw two beautiful, fresh Great Spangled Fritillaries  (my first of this year).

Also, one tattered, worn old American Lady.

Last, but not least, we nearly stepped on this frog as we headed out.

Eastern Leopard Frog

Wild Blueberries!

Oh, we also saw a White Egret, way on the other side of the water.  I couldn't get a good photo, but I have never seen one of those around here before, either.

Cemetery Birds

After a day of steady rain, the sun finally broke through.  After dinner, I took a ride over to Wildwood Cemetery just to see what might be moving around in there after all the rain.  It was pretty quiet, but it was still nice to be out!

My friend, Tom

 Red-tailed Hawk

Red, White & Bluebird

Wildwood Cemetery
Ashland, MA

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge

Took a short walk this morning at Assabet River NWR in hopes of seeing butterflies.  There were more dragonflies than butterflies along the main road.  I didn't photograph too many of them, because I don't like it when they land on pavement rather than natural plants.

I did see my first Silver-spotted Skipper of this year and several Cabbage Whites.

Silver-spotted skipper

Cabbage white

Spangled Skimmer (male)

Spangled Skimmer (female)

Blue Dasher (female)

Click here if you want to see more photos (birds and butterflies) from Assabet River NWR in April.

New England Wildflower Society Garden in the Woods

White Water Lily

Common Spreadwing

Carolina lupine

Pearl Crescent

Pearl Crescent

Blanket Flower

Fame Flower

Cabbage White in the meadow

Goat's Beard

Poppy Mallow

Baby frog on lily pad

Northern Water Snake

Blue Dasher

Massachusetts Audubon Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary

Eastern Bluebird

Canada Geese family

Blue Dasher (male)

 I love the meadow!

Common Ringlet

Eastern Pondhawk (male)

Blue Dasher (female)

Cygnet (baby mute swan)

Canada geese

I will have to do some research on the dragonflies in order attempt to identify them.