Outdoor Almanac

This month, watch for Red Fox kits play-fighting, young birds leaving their nests, and snapping turtles crossing roads to lay eggs. In fields and forests, you might spot a sunbathing Garter Snake, fluttering fireflies, or a male Bobolink calling from the grasslands. Celebrate National Trails Day and World Ocean Day by exploring trails and beaches, where Piping Plover chicks may be scurrying along the sand. Don’t miss the magic of the summer solstice, glowing Luna Moths, and even insect-eating sundews tucked away in bogs.

What will you discover this June? Visit a nearby wildlife sanctuary or join us for a program to make the most of your month. 

JUNE

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On a midday walk you could happen upon a Garter Snake—the state reptile of Massachusetts—basking in a sunny forest clearing or grassy meadow. 

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Look for Bobolinks in fields and grasslands. Males are easily recognizable with their distinctive pale-yellow feathers on the back of an otherwise black head.  

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Red Fox kits are learning to be independent by play fighting with siblings and accompanying their parents on hunting trips. In a few months, they will be ready to hunt on their own. 

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National Trails Day. Head outside and explore a new trail or a familiar favorite. 

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World Ocean Day. Celebrate by enjoying some of Massachusetts’ beaches. Keep an eye out for sandy-colored Piping Plover chicks running between the shoreline and their nests.  

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Full moon 

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Watch for snapping turtles crossing the road. This time of year, they emerge from their resident ponds, particularly during rainy days, just long enough to dig a hole and lay eggs before returning to the water. 

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Young birds begin to leave their nests about this time. They often have some downy fuzz left and are still attended to by their parents, but they will soon be on their own. 

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After dark, look for large, lime green Luna Moths on the side of buildings where there are no lights. They use their long hindwings, or “tails,” to confuse the sonar signals of bats and avoid capture. 

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Summer solstice. It’s the first official day of summer and the longest day of the year. 

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At nightfall, watch for flickering fireflies in fields and shrubby areas. Each species has its own pattern of flashes. 

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Carnivorous plants, including sundews, are found in bogs. Sundews use their fragrant, sticky fluid tipped “hairs” to trap small insects. They then digest them with specialized enzymes.  

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The larvae of Baltimore Checkerspot Butterflies are feeding and pupating—the beautiful black and orange adults emerge about 10 days later.