Sightings grid
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/23/24
Observation Time: 7:30 am
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Tree Swallow
Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor
Comments: Tree swallows compete with bluebirds for nesting boxes.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/25/23
Observation Time: 8:51 am
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Tree Swallow
Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor
Comments: Tree swallows compete with bluebirds for nesting boxes.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Kurt Buermann
Observation Date: 5/12/11
Observation Time: 1:30 p.m.
Observation Location: Laveview Street meadow
Common Name: Tree swallow
Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor
Comments: Very commonly nests near bluebirds. Tree swallows may defend bluebirds against other tree swallow if they occupy adjacent nesting boxes.
More Information: All About Birds.org
Observer: Deb Radovsky
Observation Date: 5/18/16
Observation Time: N/A
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Tree Swallow
Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor
Comments: Tree swallows compete with bluebirds for nesting boxes.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/30/10
Observation Time: 4:35 p.m.
Observation Location: field near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Tree swallow
Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor
Comments: Tree swallows nest in bluebird nesting boxes. One strategy is to locate two bluebird houses within 10 yards of each other. Tree swallows nesting in one box will drive other tree swallows away from the other box, but allow bluebirds to move in.
More Information: All About Birds.org
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/4/11
Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Tree swallow
Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor
Comments: Tree swallows compete for bluebird nesting boxes. Bluebird house are often set out in pairs. One box gets taken by a pair of tree swallows. They drive other tree swallows away from the other box, but allow bluebirds to move in.
More Information: All About Birds.org
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/5/23
Observation Time: 6:50 am
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Tree Swallow
Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor
Comments: Tree swallows compete with bluebirds for nesting boxes. This pair was sitting on the post of a nesting box.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/8/14
Observation Time: 7:10 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Tree swallow
Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor
Comments: Tree swallows compete with bluebirds for nesting boxes. However, if nesting boxes are sited in pairs, a tree swallow will occupy one box and drive away other tree swallows from the other box. That will allow bluebirds to nest there.
More Information: All About Birds.org
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/25/24
Observation Time: 9:15 am
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Tree Swallow
Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor
Comments: Tree swallows compete with bluebirds for nesting boxes.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 1/1/09
Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Parkway
Common Name: Tufted Titmouse
Scientific Name: Baeolophus bicolor
Comments: This and the junco and wren photos were all taken with a Canon 50D and a Canon 500mm f4 lens from the comfort of my kitchen on Moose Hill Parkway. We have feeders that attract lots of birds who land on a nearby lilac bush while waiting for their turn at the feeders.
In terms of processing, I use very little. The images are cropped and very small
adjustments are made to exposure and contrast with sometimes a little extra
sharpening applied.
That and the nice, slanting winter sunlight are all there is to it.
More Information: Cornell Lab of Ornithology “All About Birds”
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 11/27/20
Observation Time: 12:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Rd. (my back yard)
Common Name: Tufted Titmouse
Scientific Name: Baeolophus bicolor
Comments: Tufted titmice are abundant in Sharon. They are often encountered in the company of chickadees.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 2/25/20
Observation Time: 12:50 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audbon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Tufted Titmouse
Scientific Name: Baeolophus bicolor
Comments: This tufted titmouse was feeding at the bird feeder by the Moose Hill Audubon headquarters.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/15/20
Observation Time: 1:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Conservation land near Sandy Ridge Circle
Common Name: Tufted Titmouse
Scientific Name: Baeolophus bicolor
Comments: Tufted titmice are abundant in the woods in Sharon. They are often encountered in the company of chickadees.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/1/18
Observation Time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audbon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Tufted Titmouse
Scientific Name: Baeolophus bicolor
Comments: Often seen in the company of chickadees.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/16/23
Observation Time: 7:50 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Tufted Titmouse
Scientific Name: Baeolophus bicolor
Comments: Tufted titmice are abundant in the woods in Sharon. They are often encountered in the company of chickadees. This one had caught a caterpillar.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/2/20
Observation Time: 12:50 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road (in my back yard)
Common Name: Tufted Titmouse
Scientific Name: Baeolophus bicolor
Comments: Tufted titmice are abundant in the woods in Sharon. They are often encountered in the company of chickadees.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/11/11
Observation Time: 6:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Turkey Vulture
Scientific Name: Cathartes aura
Comments: Turkey vultures are gliders. They ride thermal updrafts, so they rarely need to flap their wings.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/20/20
Observation Time: 9:10 a.m.
Observation Location: conservation land near Lakeview & Morse
Common Name: Turkey Vulture
Scientific Name: Cathartes aura
Comments: Turkey vultures are gliders. They ride thermal updrafts, so they rarely need to flap their wings.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Rick Dumont
Observation Date: 7/28/09
Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Belcher Street
Common Name: Turkey Vulture
Scientific Name: Cathartes aura
Comments: A bad smell invaded my yard during a rainy, humid spell. The buzzard must have been attracted to it. The smell went away shortly after the buzzard did.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/13/19
Observation Time: 11:10 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Turkey-tail Fungus
Scientific Name: Trametes versicolor
Comments: This could also be false turkey-tail lichen. I neglected to inspect the underside to see if it had pores.
More Information: Edible Wild Food
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/19/13
Observation Time: 2:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Turquoise Bluet damselfly
Scientific Name: Enallagma divagans
More Photos: The Hibbits Network
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/2/11
Observation Time: 2:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Turquoise Bluet damselfly
Scientific Name: Enallagma divagans
Comments: The final two shots are of a mating pair.
More Information: BugGuide.net
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/12/11
Observation Time: 6:50 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon boardwalk
Common Name: Tussock Sedge
Scientific Name: Carex stricta
Comments: A clumping, upright sedge with narrow, yellowish green leaves. Reddish brown flowers bloom early summer. Prefers moist fertile soil but will tolerate dry or wet sites.
More Information: North Creek Nurseries
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/8/19
Observation Time: 8:15 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary (wetland boardwalk)
Common Name: Tussock Sedge
Scientific Name: Carex stricta
Comments: A clumping, upright sedge with narrow, yellowish green leaves. Reddish brown flowers bloom early summer. Prefers moist fertile soil but will tolerate dry or wet sites.
More Information: North Creek Nurseries
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/7/18
Observation Time: 12:35 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Twelve-spotted Skimmer dragonfly (female)
Scientific Name: Libellula pulchella
Comments: This species of dragonfly is relatively large. Lots of different species of dragonflies live in Sharon. Can you find one that’s not already recorded on this web site?
More Information: Ecobirder
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/30/13
Observation Time: 3:35 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road near soccer fields
Common Name: Twelve-spotted Skimmer dragonfly (female)
Scientific Name: Libellula pulchella
Comments: This species of dragonfly is relatively large. Lots of different species of dragonflies live in Sharon. Can you find and phoyograph one that’s not already recorded on this web site?
More Information: Ecobirder
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/11/13
Observation Time: 4:45 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Two-striped Grasshopper
Scientific Name: Melanoplus bivittatus
Comments: This grasshopper is named for the two stripes that run down its back. It is a common agricultural pest.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Amy Waters
Observation Date: 9/2/08
Observation Location:
Common Name: Unicorn Caterpillar
Scientific Name: Schizura unicornis
Comments: This Unicorn Caterpillar may have crawled off a blueberry bush. It also likes hickory, birch, maple, cherry, oak, sweet pepperbush, witch hazel, and many more woody shrubs and trees. Its range is from Canada to Florida and Texas. It will turn into a moth. Its family is Prominents – Notodontidae.
More Information: University of Missouri
Observer: John Baur
Observation Date: 7/21/23
Observation Time: 4:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill (under power lines)
Common Name: unknown wasp species
Scientific Name: Euodynerus undescribed species F
Comments: This small wasp has been identified as a known species that has not been formally described. As such, it is currently known as “Euodynerus undescribed species F”. Once it has been formally described it will be given a normal name, but that could take years.
More information: Bugguide.net
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/20/11
Observation Time: 5:05 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Variable Dancer damselfly
Scientific Name: Argia fumipennis
Comments: Note the forked shoulder stripe, overall violet, with blue at the end of the abdomen. The last photo is a female.
More Information: Wisonsin Odonata Survey
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/15/15
Observation Time: 10:35 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Veery
Scientific Name: Catharus fuscescens
Comments: A veery is a woodland thrush with an ethereal call, which if played back in slow motion reveals that the bird is actually mingling two calls simultaneously, like a violin player bowing two strings at once. I think of the veery’s two strands of downward-cascading sound as a double-helix. Hear it at: http://earbirding.com/blog/archives/3711
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/15/23
Observation Time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary (boardwalk)
Common Name: Veery
Scientific Name: Catharus fuscescens
Comments: Check out the veery’s ethereal song at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK1gaTqBRRk
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/16/23
Observation Time: 9:15 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Veery
Scientific Name: Catharus fuscescens
Comments: Check out the veery’s ethereal song at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK1gaTqBRRk
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Deb Radovsky
Observation Date: 5/18/18
Observation Time: 6:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill, Billings Loop
Common Name: Veery
Scientific Name: Catharus fuscescens
Comments: Check out the veery’s ethereal song at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK1gaTqBRRk
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 5/18/23
Observation Time: 2:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary (intersection of Deer and Kettle trails)
Common Name: Veery
Scientific Name: Catharus fuscescens
Comments: Check out the veery’s ethereal song at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK1gaTqBRRk
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Deb Radovsky
Observation Date: 5/2/22
Observation Time: early morning
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary boardwalk
Common Name: Veery
Scientific Name: Catharus fuscescens
Comments: Check out the veery’s ethereal song at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK1gaTqBRRk
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/22/18
Observation Time: 9:50 a.m.
Observation Location: woods near Beaver Brook
Common Name: Veery
Scientific Name: Catharus fuscescens
Comments: A veery is a woodland thrush with an ethereal call, which if played back in slow motion reveals that the bird is actually mingling two calls simultaneously, like a violin player bowing two strings at once. I think of the veery’s two strands of downward-cascading sound as a double-helix. Hear it at: http://earbirding.com/blog/archives/3711
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Jason Platt
Observation Date: 5/8/18
Observation Time: 10:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Veery
Scientific Name: Catharus fuscescens
Comments: A veery is a woodland thrush with an ethereal call, which if played back in slow motion reveals that the bird is actually mingling two calls simultaneously, like a violin player bowing two strings at once. I think of the veery’s two strands of downward-cascading sound as a double-helix. Hear it at: http://earbirding.com/blog/archives/3711
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/19/13
Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area
Common Name: Velvet Ant
Scientific Name: Pseudomethoca simillima
Comments: This ant-like creature is not an ant at all, but rather a wingless wasp. It can sting you, so don’t pick it up!
Watch (and listen) to a velvet ant in action.
More Information: The Backyard Arthropod Project
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/21/10
Observation Time: 8:20 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Viceroy Butterfly
Scientific Name: Limenitis archippus
Comments: Smaller than a monarch, with a characteristic black line across the hind wings.
More Information: NatureWorks
Observer: Zahava Friedman
Observation Date: 6/22/20
Observation Time: 10:40 a.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Viceroy butterfly
Scientific Name: Limenitis archippus
Comments: Viceroys are smaller than the famous migrating monarchs, and the black markings are different. Note the curved black line on the hind wings. Monarchs do not have this line.
Viceroys are brush-footed butterflies, which have tiny, hairy forelegs that look more like brushes than feet and are not used for walking.
More Information: NatureWorks
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/17/13
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area near soccer parking area
Common Name: Viceroy butterfly
Scientific Name: Limenitis archippus
Comments: This butterfly is smaller than the famous migrating monarchs, and the black markings are different. Note the black line on the hind wings. Monarchs do not have this line.
More Information: NatureWorks
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/30/10
Observation Time: 4:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Violet toothed polypore
Scientific Name: Trichaptum biforme
Comments: Tree fungus growing on a dead tree. The specimens in this photo are past their prime. Younger specimens exhibit a violet fringe that gives this fungus its name. See http://www.flickr.com/photos/ophis/3067412819/
More Information: InsectImages
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/23/15
Observation Time: 5:45 p.m.
Observation Location: bank of Hammershop Pond at Ames and Cottage Streets.
Common Name: Virginia Marsh-St. John’s wort
Scientific Name: Triadenum virginicum
Comments: Occurs only in wetlands. (Wetland indicator code: OBL).
Please do not dig up wildflowers!
More Information: Go Botany
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/25/23
Observation Time: 8:15 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary (bluff overlook)
Common Name: Virginia saxifrage
Scientific Name: Micranthes virginiensis
Comments: The characteristic features of saxifrage are consistent with its alpine provenance and consequent tenacity. A rosette of basal toothed leaves huddle on a rocky substrate to hold fast in the boreal winds that prevail in typical mountain habitats. Saxifrages are perennial and therefore retain their foliage, which turns red in winter due to the production of protective anthocyanin, regaining photosynthetic function and its attendant verdant hues that mark the advent of spring. The hardiness of the early saxifrage is evident in the near soilless niche habitat that it occupies with only lichens for competition.
I spotted this blooming specimen growing near a granite outcrop at the top of a cliff.
More Information: Hiker’s Notebook
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/29/11
Observation Time: 10:20 a.m.
Observation Location: near outflow pool at Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Virginian Tiger Moth caterpillar
Scientific Name: Spilosoma virginica
Comments: This caterpillar, which was chewing on grape leaves, will metamorphose into a beautiful white moth.
More Information: Moths in a Connecticut Yard
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/9/12
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Sandy Ridge Circle
Common Name: Viscid Violet Cort mushroom
Scientific Name: Cortinarius iodes
Comments: This striking violet mushroom has a watery sheen.
More Information: American Mushrooms
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/21/14
Observation Time: 4:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Warbling vireo
Scientific Name: Vireo gilvus
Comments: Warbling vireos are usually found near water.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/6/15
Observation Time: 3:38 p.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Warbling Vireo
Scientific Name: Vireo gilvus
Comments: Warbling vireos are often found near water.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Gaurav Shah
Observation Date: 4/4/21
Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Water Beetle
Scientific Name: tribe Hyphydrini, subfamily Hydroporinae, family Dytiscidae
Comments: This is the first BugGuide.net report of this tribe and genus in Massachusetts.
More information: BugGuide.net and Wikipedia
