by Karen Fung
5/31/2016

On Saturday, June 4 at 8:00 AM, the Holliston Conservation Associates are hosting a bird walk at the Waseeka Audubon Property, led by Donna Cohen.

On last year’s walk we found 27 species of birds.  Some birds were seen and others were identified by their songs.  Here is the list of birds observed by the group: Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Osprey, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, Eastern Towhee, Song Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch, Eastern Kingbird. 

In addition to birds, we usually see other creatures that live in and around water. 

Last year there was a snapping turtle that posed for many photos; she was likely out scouting a location to lay her eggs.

 There was also a painted turtle basking along the shoreline. (photo of painted turtle)  While we did not spot an actual beaver, we found evidence—a scent mound.  The beaver makes a pile of leaves, sticks, and pond debris and rubs it with castoreum from its castor sac, leaving a scent that conveys to other beavers that this pond is occupied.

This time of year there are blooming flowers and other plants to observe as well.

There is a parking lot among the trees on Mill St.  It will be on your right if you come from the golf course end.  You have passed the lot if you reach Partridge Rd. in Hopkinton.  For more information, call Mary at 429-5929.  If it is raining, we will not be walking that day.

The walk is an easy one, perhaps a mile in all, and this property is a gem.  We hope you join us on June 4th at 8 AM for the first time or again!