A Glimpse of Nature -- What Is It! #2
As I was watering the library’s tomatoes and fall greens, I spotted a small object just outside the entrance. It was new, and its color stood out from the gray and pink masonry.
A Glimpse of Nature
See what’s happening on the grounds of the Ames Free Library or nearby areas with “A Glimpse of Nature.” Offered by Lorraine Rubinacci, the library's resident naturalist, this weekly photo blog is a gentle reminder to enjoy the wonders that surround us.
A Glimpse of Nature -- Dragonflies and Damselflies
Dragonflies have been among the library’s most conspicuous animals during July – if you’ve been outside long enough to notice them!
A Glimpse of Nature -- What is It!
I’ve always enjoyed wrestling with a project – asking questions, making observations, doing research, testing ideas – digging deeper. This temperament and habit informs my natural history study, my writing . . . my lesson plans, garden, home repairs, meals, and just about every creative undertaking that’s come my way. As an approach to life, this is deeply satisfying to me, beneficial to others, and VERY time consuming.
A Glimpse of Nature - Another Surprise
On a quiet June afternoon, I was scouting the grounds to see what might be seen and, truth be told, hoping to get another look at the painted turtle . . . or any turtle, for that matter. I didn’t. It was about about six o’clock when I circled back towards the pergola, close to the bocce court, when some movement caught my attention. Beyond the pergola near the back end of the garden, a brown animal ran across the grass towards a dense thicket. The cottontail often grazes at this time of day, in the open but with an escape route nearby.
A Glimpse of Nature - Prize Announcement
Hello Gardeners,
We have a winner for the first round of The Great Seed Experiment! Congratulations to Connor, Nathan, and Trenton Forth (and their parents) for winning the prize for “Sprouting Reports and Documentation.” They not only created an amazing backyard garden, they also documented and shared the experience.
A Glimpse of Nature - Painted Turtle
When was the last time you saw a turtle? Where was it and what was it doing?
Perhaps it was swimming in a local pond or perched on a muddy bank ready to slip into the water in response to a perceived threat.
A Glimpse of Nature - Small Worlds
Most visitors to the Ames Free Library know and love Queset Garden’s reflecting pool which is a lovely spot to visit in all seasons.
A Glimpse of Nature - Dust Storm
Recently I witnessed a dust storm . . . a very small dust storm on the far side of Queset House. Disappointed that I had spooked a bird, I sat quietly in a less conspicuous place and amused myself by watching a gray squirrel scurry off with a black walnut. Then the bird returned and kicked up enough sand to attract the attention of any onlookers. Here she is:
A Glimpse of Nature - Neighborhood Conflict
Neighbors don’t always get along, especially when they live in close proximity without sharing the same goals. Recently this has become apparent in the library’s neighborhood where noisy conflicts occur almost every day. Last Saturday the din could be heard inside the library building. Just listen:
A Glimpse of Nature - Listen Up!
Bird song is among the most conspicuous natural phenomena of May. If you have recently walked at the Ames Free Library or, for that matter, anywhere in southeastern Massachusetts, you couldn’t help but hear the chorus: resident birds, newly-arrived migrants, and passers-through are all singing. Those who stay sing to attract mates and to announce their territory. In most, though not all species, the males deliver the songs. They sing like there’s no tomorrow and, indeed, there really isn’t. Our short-lived songbirds must start the process of raising young while food is avail
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