
From 2017, Labor Day

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
No Further Than Your Backyard

My grandson’s first fish, Watson’s Pond, Taunton, MA. Around 1999. A fishing trip is much more than just going to catch fish. It teaches a child about patience, makes them aware of the sights and sounds of the outdoors, and provides a great sense of accomplishment from baiting a hook to catching that first fish. We all need to take the time to bring our children outside and teach them about taking ownership in caring for the natural environment.
1963, I was 8 years old, what a grand time. I believe my father knew he had only a brief opportunity to introduce me to the love of nature. Living only 100 meters from a beautiful river in the Taunton area, gave me the exposure that would last without end and make his task unproblematic. I crawled through mud and swamps while looking for any kind of creatures by the river banks. I constantly pressured my dad to take me fishing, spring, summer or fall. He would provide me a time that would commence the adventure. I stayed in a chair and relentlessly glanced at the clock on the wall and when the hands were just right on the face, I was at the door , geared up to go. We grew vegetables, I dug holes for imaginary canals in his garden climbed great trees and hiked. Watched turtles within feet of our back door laying their eggs. I was guilty of sneaking out on my own many a time unsupervised. I remember one day in the middle of winter, snow fell heavy and the wind was rattling the old windows, I saw a hare, what today i believe was a Snowshoe Hare. Barefoot, out the door before my grandmother could stop me.
64 years old now, and still the love of nature exists in my soul.
“The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.” ― Carl Sagan
Downy and HairyWoodpecker. I would say, Downy.
Look for a key difference in bill size. This is the easiest way to tell the two species apart.
Michael J. Panarelli, 71, of Dighton, MA has been a longtime fan of raptors and other birds. So much so, in fact, that in his retirement he has built specialty roosting and nesting bird houses for local birds. Mike has worked closely with local Audubon organizations to make sure that his bird houses aren’t simply beautiful: every measurement, material, and addition to the houses is created with the bird in mind.
Mike learned of the Lloyd Center’s resident rehabilitated screech owl, Koko, through his good friend and author of “Owlet Rescue…” Cheryl Aguiar. Upon learning of our pint-sized animal ambassador, he decided to create and donate one of his bird houses to Koko. The house he built is a beauty! It is made using all non-toxic materials, built using native white pine, and the roof is shingled with real cedar. The exterior is sealed and there are venting slots in the upper portion to prevent heat buildup and drain holes in the floor. Most appreciated by Koko’s caretakers are the pivoting side panels that open for easy and thorough cleaning. Finally, Mike inscribed Koko’s name on the front of her house!
On Friday, September 8th, Mike brought his gift to Koko. Alongside Lloyd Center Educator Erika Fernandes, he was able to meet Koko up-close and personal. Koko was calm and happy; she was in a particularly amazing mood during the meeting—it’s as if she knew! The happy feeling was mutual. About the meeting, Mike claims, “Truly, what a thrill. Words can’t express how exciting and enjoyable this is for me. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience”. Lloyd Center Educator / Outreach Specialist, Ashley Gesner, also presented our stunning red-shouldered hawk, “Hawk”, to Mike. Witnessing Hawk’s powerful presence, Mike shook his head. “You don’t get many days like this one”.
The Lloyd Center, Koko, and her caretakers, are incredibly thankful for Mike’s kindness and generosity. His well-made and thoughtful gift is built to last and will benefit Koko for years to come. We—and our little owl— look forward to seeing Mike again this upcoming Saturday for our Koko and Friends: Animal Encounters Event. Join us on Saturday, September 23rd, to see Koko and her amazing new roosting house!
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving Day, and are doing fine. Send me a note when you have time. We are thinking of you and your Mom.
Russ
threemileriver.org
“It’s funny how sometimes the people we know the least make the greatest impression on us.”
There comes a warning like a spy
A shorter breath of Day
A stealing that is not a stealth
And Summers are away — (Emily Dickinson) from The End of Summer
From a previous post: Hummingbirds







Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls, MA
End of Summer. Bridge of Flowers, Yankee Candle, Kringle Candle, and our favorite stop, Wagon Wheel Country Drive In, Gill, MA. Below, last few images before winter take its charge.





Sometimes I am just to lazy to leave the back patio. So, I just wait for them to come to us. The lingering light was rapidly falling tonight, but not before a Deer wandered nearby. The night sky stood an inky canopy of darkness when it came back later on its journey home, a bit to dark for a good picture though.








