American robins in winter
A robin eats from a sumac tree. (Photo by Mary Holland) Editor’s note: This column by longtime former Harvard Press contributor Mary Holland first…
It’s Only Natural: About the birds and the bees—and bears
Black bears are on the move during their mating season in May and June. If you encounter a black bear, with or without cubs,…
It’s Only Natural: Namesake of a one-eyed Cyclops
The Polyphemus moth possesses a transparent window on each of its four wings. (Photos by Mary Holland) Now is the time to keep…
It’s Only Natural: Wild ginger—one of spring’s early wildflowers
Wild ginger’s blossoms are often overlooked, as they are located beneath its leaves, close to the ground. (Photo by Mary Holland) Skunk cabbage is…
It’s Only Natural: A head like a swine and a tail like a rat
Playing opossum. (Photo by Mary Holland) Although there are few outward signs of such activity, the woods and fields are alive with mammals giving…
It’s Only Natural: Recycling in nature
A mouse recycles an abandoned bird nest by adding a roof of milkweed fluff and using it as a winter shelter. (Photo by Mary…
It’s Only Natural: Insects that overwinter as eggs
Eastern tent caterpillar egg mass: Look for these masses encircling the twigs of black cherry and apple trees. The varnished appearance of the cluster…
It’s Only Natural: A tale of two nuthatches
White-breasted nuthatch (Photos by Mary Holland) A bird feeder serves as a gathering spot for the immediate community of seed-eating birds, and just as…
It’s Only Natural: Monarch migration to Mexico
A monarch butterfly feeds on thistle. (Photo by Mary Holland) Prior to the mid-1970s the disappearance of monarch butterflies in the fall and their…
It’s Only Natural: Yellow jackets—just looking for a little sugar
Yellow jackets (shown here gathering nectar from goldenrod) seek sources of sugar, such as nectar and decayed fruit, especially in the fall. (Photo by…
It’s Only Natural: It’s September, and moose love is in the air
Bull moose with shredded velvet. (Photo by Mary Holland) Autumn is not commonly associated with the breeding season, yet many animals, including cottontail rabbits,…
