Sightings – Animals
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/2/11
Observation Time: 2:50 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Slaty Skimmer dragonfly
Scientific Name: Libellula incesta
Comments: The first photo is a female. The second is a male.
Watch this video of the slaty skimmer dragonfly as it oviposits at Gavins Pond.
More Photos: Odonata.bogfoot.net
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 6/14/20
Observation Time: 11:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Slaty Skimmer dragonfly (female)
Scientific Name: Libellula incesta
Comments: Watch this video of the slaty skimmer dragonfly as it oviposits at Gavins Pond.
More Photos: Odonata.bogfoot.net
Observer: Vin Zollo
Observation Date: 6/15/13
Observation Time: 11:02 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Slender Spreadwing damselfly
Scientific Name: Lestes rectangularis
Comments: Billings Farm Loop Boardwalk
More Information: BugGuide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/25/11
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond near soccer fields
Common Name: Small Cabbage White butterfly
Scientific Name: Pieris rapae
Comments: The top photo shows a copulating pair. The male has a single black wing spot. The female has two black wing spots, and slightly yellower wings.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/7/13
Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Smeared Dagger Moth caterpillar
Scientific Name: Acronicta oblinita
Comments: For pictures of the adult moth, see: http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Acronicta+oblinita&guide=Moth&cl=US/GA/Clarke
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/3/20
Observation Time: 8:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Near Billings Brook downstream of Gavins Pond dam
Common Name: Snapping Turtle
Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina
Comments: Reptiles are cold-blooded. This individual had hauled itself out of the chilly water to warm itself in the sun. In early June, snapping turtles come out of the water, dig a hole in sandy areas, and bury their eggs. The eggs hatch in late summer or early fall.
Temperature during incubation influences the sex of the hatchlings. See: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1563778?seq=1
More Information: Tufts Wildlife Clinic and Mass Audubon’s guide to turtle species
The snapping turtle’s tail looks like something you might find in Jurassic Park.
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/22/16
Observation Time: 6:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Outflow pool below Gavins Pond dam
Common Name: Snapping Turtle
Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina
Comments: Snapping turtles come out of the water and lay their eggs in sandy areas in early June. The eggs hatch in late summer or early fall.
More Information: Tufts Wildlife Clinic and Mass Audubon’s guide to turtle species
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/21/10
Observation Time: 7:50 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Snapping Turtle
Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina
Comments: It is a common misconception that snapping turtles may be safely picked up by the tail with no harm to the animal; in fact, this has a high chance of injuring the turtle, especially the tail itself and the vertebral column. Lifting the turtle with the hands is difficult and dangerous. Snappers can stretch their necks back across their own carapace and to their hind feet on either side to bite. Also, their claws are sharp and capable of inflicting significant lacerations.
Manual lifting is best accomplished by grabbing the base of the tail right near the shell, lifting a tiny bit and sliding a flat hand with the fingers tightly together between its back legs and under its stomach. The snapper is then lifted off the ground much like a pizza, keeping its head pointed away from anyone. They cannot bite under their stomachs. If available wearing thick work gloves is advised when handling adult snappers. Washing hands or using hand sanitizer is advised after handling any turtle (wild or pet) as they can carry Salmonella bacteria.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/25/10
Observation Time: 7:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Spillway at Gavins Pond dam
Common Name: Snapping Turtle
Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina
On August 25 the spillway at the Gavins Pond dam was flowing strongly following four inches of rain in three days.
A good-sized snapping turtle had gotten swept by the current into the spillway at the Gavins Pond dam. It was hanging on to the concrete lip at the entrance of the spillway by its front claws. If it let go, it would have been swept over the falls and onto the shallow rocks, which might have been fatal. A few years ago, I saw a broken carapace of a big snapping turtle in the outflow pool. I suppose it had gotten swept over the falls and broke its shell.
Moments after I took the above picture, the turtle’s right front claw lost its grip, and the turtle lurched a couple inches backward toward the falls. I thought it was a goner, but it continued to hang on by its left front claw. It somehow managed to pull its right claw forward against the strong current and regained its grip on the lip of the spillway. Very slowly and carefully, it maneuvered itself toward the pond.
Once out of the current, it rested briefly, and I was able to get this last photo before it swam off.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/27/19
Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Conservation land near Morse & Lakeview
Common Name: Snipe Fly
Scientific Name: Rhagio mystaceus
Comments: Also known as a down-looker fly. Two of the photos show why.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 12/26/08
Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Dirt road by soccer field near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Snow Bunting
Scientific Name: Plectrophenax nivalis
Comments: Flock of around a dozen birds was gleaning seeds on the dirt road.
More Information: Cornell Lab of Ornithology “All About Birds”
Observer: Kathy Farrell
Observation Date: January 11, 2017
Observation Time: N/A
Observation Location: my back yard
Common Name: Snow Flea
Scientific Name: Hypogastrura harveyi or Hypogastrura nivicol
Comments: At close examination, perhaps in melting snow around the base of a tree, tiny black flecks might be found sprinkled in the snow. They probably look like bits of dirt at first glance, but they are actually tiny soil animals known as snow fleas. Officially, they are called springtails and are not actually fleas.
On any given summer day, hundreds of thousands of springtails can populate one cubic meter of top soil; at 1-2 mm, they largely go unnoticed by people. In the winter, however, two species of dark blue springtails— Hypogastrura harveyi and Hypogastrura nivicol—can be easily spotted against the white backdrop of snow. These hexapods may have acquired the nickname of snow fleas due to their ability to jump great distances, a feat fleas boast as well. Whereas fleas use enlarged hind legs, springtails have a tail-like appendage called a furcula that unfolds to launch the hexapods great distances.
But unlike fleas, springtails are not parasites; they feed on decaying organic matter in the soil (such as leaf litter) and, therefore, play an important part in natural decomposition. Snow fleas in particular are able to withstand the bitter temperatures of winter thanks to a “glycine-rich antifreeze protein,” as reported in a study published in Biophysical Journal.
More Information: http://www.esa.org/esablog/research/snow-fleas-helpful-winter-critters-2/
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 12/12/08
Observation Time: 10:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Ward’s field near Heights Elementary School
Common Name: Snow Goose
Scientific Name: Chen caerulescens
Comments: There was a flock of about 10 snow geese in Ward’s field. They were all white except for black wing tips.
More Information: Cornell Lab of Ornithology “All About Birds”
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/29/15
Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Snowberry Clearwing Moth
Scientific Name: Hemaris diffinis
Comments: Feeding on butterfly bush.
More information: Butterflies and Moths of North America
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/9/13
Observation Time: 4:35 p.m.
Observation Location: soccer parking area near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Snowberry Clearwing Moth
Scientific Name: Hemaris diffinis
Comments: This diurnal moth is about the size of a bumblebee.
More information: Butterflies and Moths of North America
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 2/10/14
Observation Time: 5:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Song Sparrow
Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia
Comments: Melos meaning “song”, “spiza” meaning “a finch” and “melodia” meaning “a pleasant sound”. “Sparrow” comes from the Anglo-Saxon “spearwa” or “sparrow”, literally “flutterer”. [The Dictionary of American Bird Names by Ernest A. Choate]
More Information: Cornell Lab of Ornithology “All About Birds”
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/7/11
Observation Time: 5:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road near soccer fields
Common Name: Song Sparrow
Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia
Comments: This song sparrow was gleaning seeds. Their distinctive, melodious song is a good one to memorize because it is so common.
More Information: Cornell Lab of Ornithology “All About Birds”
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/29/16
Observation Time: 1:50 p.m.
Observation Location: near Lake Massapoag boat ramp
Common Name: Song Sparrow
Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia
Comments: There are at least 18 species of sparrows in Massachusetts. Learning their respective calls is a good way to find and identify them. The spot on its chest also helps with identification.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/29/14
Observation Time: 11:25 a.m.
Observation Location: Borderland State Park
Common Name: Song Sparrow
Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia
Comments: There are at least 18 species of sparrows in Massachusetts. Learning their respective calls is a good way to find and identify them.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/31/20
Observation Time: 4:50 p.m.
Observation Location: Trustees of Reservations’ Moose Hill Farm
Common Name: Song Sparrow
Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia
Comments: There are at least 18 species of sparrows in Massachusetts. Learning their respective calls is a good way to find and identify them.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/2/19
Observation Time: 3:45 p.m.
Observation Location: in the wetlands beneath the power lines across the street from Ward’s Berry Farm
Common Name: Song Sparrow
Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia
Comments: There are at least 18 species of sparrows in Massachusetts. Learning their respective calls is a good way to find and identify them.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/19/12
Observation Time: 5:40 p.m.
Observation Location: dirt road leading to Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Spangled skimmer dragonfly (female)
Scientific Name: Libellula cyanea
Comments: This photo is a female. Male spangled skimmers are slate blue. Hence the species name “cyanea” which refers to its cyan (blue) coloration.
Identifying dragonflies and damselflies is fun. Get a copy of A Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Massachusetts by Blair Nikula, Jennifer L. Loose, and Matthew R. Burne.
More Information: Dragonflies and Damselflies of NJ
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/17/13
Observation Time: 4:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Spangled Skimmer dragonfly (male)
Scientific Name: Libellula cyanea
Comments: Males of this species are blue, while females are brown. Both have striking white and black stigmas on their wings. No other dragonfly in the Northeast has white stigmas on its wings. Males are territorial.
More Information: Dragonflies and Damselflies of NJ
Observer: Sherry Berlingo
Observation Dates:
Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar – Found on playground in Sharon 09/20/16
Spicebush Swallowtail Chrysalis – Formed chrysalis on 09/22/16
Overwintered in outdoor shed
Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly – Emerged on 06/01/17, released on 06/02/17
Observation Location: The Childrens Center, Sharon Public School
Common Name: Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly
Scientific Name: Papilio troilus
Comments: This large black butterfly is more common in Sharon than the similar black swallowtail. Learn how to tell them apart at: http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabambc/frames-2species.asp?sp1=Papilio-polyxenes&sp2=Papilio-troilus
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/3/15
Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Town-owned land at Morse and Lakeview Sts.
Common Name: Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly
Scientific Name: Papilio troilus
Comments: This spicebush swallowtail butterfly was observed feeding on milkweed flowers. Note that spicebush swallowtail butterflies are quite similar to black swallowtail butterflies. Spicebush swallowtails have a marking that looks like a comet among the row of large orange spots on each of its rear wings (see photos). The black swallowtail just has another orange spot where the spicebush has the comet marking.
More Information: Massachusetts Butterfly Club
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/6/14
Observation Time: 1:45 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area near soccer parking area
Common Name: Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly
Scientific Name: Papilio troilus
Comments: This spicebush swallowtail butterfly was observed feeding on milkweed flowers. Note that spicebush swallowtail butterflies are very similar to black swallowtail butterflies. Learn how to tell the difference at: http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabambc/frames-2species.asp?sp1=Papilio-polyxenes&sp2=Papilio-troilus
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/4/13
Observation Time: 8:45 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Spined Soldier Bug (nymph)
Scientific Name: Podisus maculiventris
Comments: Spined soldier bugs are small predatory stink bugs. They molt several times before reaching maturity. Each phase is referred to as an instar. This one was in the third “instar”.
More Information: University of Florida
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/9/20
Observation Time: 1:50 p.m.
Observation Location: beside soccer parking area on Gavins Pond Rd
Common Name: Spittlebug
Scientific Name: Philaenus spumarius
Comments: Spittlebugs are known for the frothy spittle mass they produce while feeding on plants.
More Information: University of Minnesota Extension
Observer: Deb Radovsky
Observation Date: 5/12/18
Observation Time: 7:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Lake Massapoag
Common Name: Spotted Sandpiper
Scientific Name: Actitis macularius
Comments: The Spotted Sandpiper is the most widespread breeding sandpiper in North America. Female Spotted Sandpipers sometimes practice an unusual breeding strategy called polyandry, where a female mates with up to four males, each of which then cares for a clutch of eggs.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/31/10
Observation Time: 11:15 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond outflow pool
Common Name: Spotted Sandpiper
Scientific Name: Actitis macularia
Comments: Though you may think of the beach as the best place to see a sandpiper, look for Spotted Sandpipers alone or in pairs along the shores of lakes, rivers, and streams.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Deborah Radovsky
Observation Date: 8/6/20
Observation Time: 7:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Lake Massapoag
Common Name: Spotted Sandpiper
Scientific Name: Actitis macularius
Comments: The Spotted Sandpiper is the most widespread breeding sandpiper in North America. Female Spotted Sandpipers sometimes practice an unusual breeding strategy called polyandry, where a female mates with up to four males, each of which then cares for a clutch of eggs.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/28/10
Observation Time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road behind Shaw’s Plaza
Common Name: Spotted Turtle (female)
Scientific Name: Clemmys guttata
Comments: This female spotted turtle may have been searching for a sandy spot to lay eggs. It may take up to 7 years for a spotted turtle to reach sexual maturity. Or perhaps it was returning to deeper water after the vernal pool dried up where it was feeding on amphibian eggs. Young spotted turtles only have one yellow spot per scute. More yellow spots appear as they age.
Many turtles get run over by cars. If you find a turtle on a road, dead or alive, please report it to the Massachusetts Turtle Atlas
More Information: Mass. Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) “Massachusetts Forestry Conservation Management Practices for Spotted Turtles”
Observer: Zahava Friedman
Observation Date: 7/17/18
Observation Time:
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Spotted Turtle
Scientific Name: Clemmys guttata
Comments: Rare in Massachusetts. Spotted turtles visit vernal pools in spring to feed on amphibian eggs. When the pools dry up in summer, they must trek overland to return to a permanent pond. Unfortunately, this often entails crossing roads.
More Information: Natural History and Endangered Species Program of Massachusetts
Observer: Kurt Buermann
Observation Date: 7/28/17
Observation Location: King Philips Trail, Sharon
Common Name: Spotted Turtle
Scientific Name: Clemmys guttata
Comments: Rare in Massachusetts. Spotted turtles visit vernal pools in spring to feed on amphibian eggs. When the pools dry up in summer, they must trek overland to return to a permanent pond. Unfortunately, this often entails crossing roads.
More Information: Natural History and Endangered Species Program of Massachusetts
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/29/12
Observation Time: 1:30 p.m.
Observation Location: Field near Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Spring Azure butterfly
Scientific Name: Genus Celastrina
Comments: This is either Celastrina ladon or Celastrina lucia. Spring azures are small butterflies that emerge in early spring. The wings are blue on top and pale white with black spots on the bottom. This specimen is worn, faded and probably nearing the end.
More Information: New Jersey Butterflies
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/11/19
Observation Time: 11:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Spring Azure butterfly
Scientific Name: Celastrina spp.
Comments: Spring azures are small butterflies that emerge in early spring. The wings are blue on top and white with dark specks on the underside. It’s hard to get a photo of the beautiful blue on the upper side of their wings because they typically close their wings, as shown in this photo, when they are not flying.
More Information: New Jersey Butterflies
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/19/13
Observation Time: 2:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Field near Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Spring Azure butterfly
Scientific Name: Celastrina spp.
Comments: Spring azures are small butterflies that emerge in early spring. The wings are blue on top and pale white with black spots on the bottom.
More Information: New Jersey Butterflies
Observer: Kurt Buermann
Observation Date: 11/29/20
Observation Time: 10:00 a.m.
Observation Location: 45 Furnace St.
Common Name: Globular Springtails
Scientific Name: Sminthuridae
Comments: I have often seen these brown dots floating in water, ponds or birdbaths. Today I got really curious. With the naked eye they seem like some sort of pollen. If you scoop a few onto your finger tip they jump off so they are very much alive. Each is separate but they really seem to get together in clumps. They are about 1 to 1.5 millimeters in size.
More information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/7/15
Observation Time: 7:45 p.m.
Observation Location: Town-owned land at Morse and Lakeview Streets
Common Name: Striped Hairstreak butterfly
Scientific Name: Satyrium liparops
Comments: This small butterfly was feeding on milkweed blossoms. Striped hairstreaks are often present in small numbers when milkweeds and dogbanes are in bloom.
Striped hairstreaks closely resemble banded hairstreaks. The blue marginal spot on the hind wing is capped with orange in the striped hairstreak but not in the banded hairstreak.
More Information: Massachusetts Butterfly Club
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/27/15
Observation Time: 10:25 a.m.
Observation Location: Town land near Morse and Lakeview Streets
Common Name: Summer Azure butterfly
Scientific Name: Celastrina neglecta
Comments: Summer azures are small, pale blue butterflies that emerge in June.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/19/13
Observation Time: 10:00 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Summer Fishfly
Scientific Name: Chauliodes pectinicornis
Comments: This large (1.5″) flying insect got into our house. When it landed on my pants, I walked outside and took this photo. It has an interesting life cycle.
More Information: University of Wisconsin BioWeb
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/27/19
Observation Time: 9:35 a.m.
Observation Location: Conservation land near Morse & Lakeview
Common Name: Swainson’s Thrush
Scientific Name: Catharus ustulatus
Comments: I lucked into this one. As I was walking down a trail through the woods I saw it fly from the trail up to a nearby branch, and I got just one photo before it flew away. I assumed it was a hermit thrush, but a friend studied the photo and told me it’s a Swainson’s. I had never seen one before.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/25/19
Observation Time: 8:15 a.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road (kitchen window)
Common Name: Tan Jumping Spider
Scientific Name: Platycryptus undatus
Comments: A member of Salticidae, this spider jumps to ambush its prey in lieu of creating webs to ensnare it. It is a fast runner and it pounces on top of the insect it plans to eat. As the Tan Jumping Spider leaps toward an insect, a strand of spider silk is shot at the target to keep it in tow should it escape. This strand is called a dragline. The spider also uses its spider silk to make a shelter out of dead leaves and other debris when it is not actively hunting. It is believed to overwinter and hibernate in large groups together until spring.
The hairy, brown Tan Jumping Spider is known to be friendly when handled gently by humans, and it has a reputation for being curious about people. It is not inclined to bite, but may do so if handled roughly. It has keen vision as far as spider sight is understood. Tan Jumping Spiders often stare at people and approach them for a closer look if they feel safe enough to do so.
More Information: Insect Identification
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/17/15
Observation Time: 7:45 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Tennessee Warbler
Scientific Name: Setophaga magnolia
Comments: This bird was flitting around in a flowering crabapple tree.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/4/11
Observation Time: 3:50 p.m.
Observation Location: conservation land near Billings Street
Common Name: Tent Caterpillar
Scientific Name: Malacosoma americanum
Comments: The moths oviposit almost exclusively on trees in the plant family Rosaceae, particularly cherry (Prunus) and apple (Malus). The adult moth lays her eggs in a single batch in late spring or early summer. An egg mass contains about 200 to 300 eggs. Tent caterpillars are among the most social of larvae. The newly hatched caterpillars initiate the construction of a silk tent soon after emerging. They typically aggregate at the tent site throughout their larval stage, expanding the tent each day to accommodate their increasing size. The caterpillars feed three times each day, just before dawn, at midafternoon, and in the evening after sunset. During each bout of feeding, the caterpillars emerge from the tent, add silk to the structure, move to distant feeding sites en masse, feed, and then return immediately to the tent where they rest until the next activity period.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/7/14
Observation Time: 12:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Tetragnatha Spider
Scientific Name: Tetragnatha sp.
Comments: Typically found near ponds and wetlands.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/7/14
Observation Time: 11:55 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area (field near dam)
Common Name:“The Infant” moth
Scientific Name: Archiearis infans
Comments: “Infans” is a Latin word meaning “an infant”; refers to the adult’s early emergence from a pupa in the spring, and is the basis for the common names “The Infant” and “First-born Geometer.”
More Information: BugGuide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/7/18
Observation Time: 1:45 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Thick-headed Fly
Scientific Name: Physocephala tibialis
Comments: This family of flies is a parasite of solitary bees, and sometimes wasps. The female grabs the host while in flight and forces an egg between the bee’s abdominal segments.
More Information: NatureSearch
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/16/11
Observation Time: 4:45 p.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Thread-waisted wasp
Scientific Name: Ammophila procera
Comments: This large solitary wasp (over an inch long) has an interesting life cycle, which is shown in this Vimeo video.
More Information: insectidentification.org
Observer: Lonnie Friedman
Observation Date: 5/31/20
Observation Time: 1:50 p.m.
Observation Location: In our yard (Gavins Pond Road)
Common Name: Tiger Swallowtail butterfly
Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus
Comments: This striking, large butterfly is fairly common.
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/26/14
Observation Time: 6:10 p.m.
Observation Location: field near Gavins Pond dam
Common Name: Tiger Swallowtail butterfly
Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus
Comments: Tiger swallowtails are spectacular and relatively common.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/30/10
Observation Time: 3:50 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Tiger Swallowtail butterfly
Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus
Comments: Females are dimorphic. The yellow morph differs from the male in having a blue postmedian area on the dorsal hindwing. In the dark morph, the areas that are normally yellow are replaced with dark gray or black.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/17/13
Observation Time: 1:30 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road (back yard)
Common Name: Tiger Swallowtail butterfly
Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus
Comments: As I was picking raspberries in the garden, I saw this gorgeous butterfly, so I ran inside and grabbed my camera.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/25/14
Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Tiger Swallowtail butterfly
Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus
Comments: This butterfly posed nicely on a thistle blossom.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/26/11
Observation Time: 1:30 p.m.
Observation Location: dirt road leading to the Gavins Pond dam
Common Name:Tiger Swallowtail butterfly
Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus
Comments: This butterfly was so preoccupied with feeding on some decomposing organic matter that I was able to approach within a few inches to take this photo.
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America
Observer: Kurt Buermann
Observation Date: 7/28/17
Observation Time: N/A
Observation Location: In our yard (Furnace Street) on a spicebush shrub
Common Name: Tiger Swallowtail butterfly
Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus
Comments: fairly common large butterfly
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America
Observer: Kurt Buermann
Observation Date: 7/31/16
Observation Time: N/A
Observation Location: Furnace Street
Common Name: Tiger Swallowtail butterfly
Scientific Name: Papilio glaucus
Comments: A common butterfly whose range stretches along the entire U.S. Atlantic coast and as far west as Texas. Having the ability to utilize a number of host plants and habitats this species does well and is not threatened.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/13/20
Observation Time: 1:52 p.m.
Observation Location: Mountain St.
Common Name: Tree Cricket
Scientific Name: Oecanthus spp.
Comments: The tree cricket is also known as poor man’s thermometer, because if you count the number of chirps in 15 seconds and add 37 you get the temperature close to the Fahrenheit temperature outdoors.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/26/12
Observation Time: 1:35 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road (bridge near soccer fields)
Common Name: Tree Cricket
Scientific Name: Oecanthus spp.
Comments: The tree cricket is also known as poor man’s thermometer. It is because if you count the number of chirps in 15 seconds and add 37 you get the temperature close to the Fahrenheit temperature outdoors.
More Information: Wikipedia
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: 5/8/14
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: 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: 5/2/20
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: 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
