Sightings grid
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/6/11
Observation Time: 8:10 a.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road (back yard)
Common Name: Banded Net-Winged Beetle
Scientific Name: Calopteron discrepans
Comments: This colorful beetle is found throughout the eastern U.S. Its bright color and contrast warn predators that they taste bad if eaten.
More Information: University of Florida
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/29/14
Observation Time: 12:35 p.m.
Observation Location: stone hut by Upper Leach Pond at Borderland State Park
Common Name: Barn Swallow
Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica
Comments: Barn swallows are passerine birds, which includes more than half of all bird species. A passerine bird has three toes pointing forward and one back. This facilitates perching. The passerines form one of the most diverse terrestrial vertebrate orders, with over 5,000 identified species.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Randi Simons
Observation Date: 11/14/08
Observation Time: Mid-afternoon
Observation Location: Moose Hill Parkway, Mass. Audubon conservation land
Common Name: Barred Owl
Scientific Name: Strix varia
Comments: This owl sat on a branch close to the road for an hour or more, not bothered by people watching close by or by chickadees constantly scolding.
More Information: Cornell Lab of Ornithology “All About Birds”
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/15/20
Observation Time: 7:45 a.m.
Observation Location: conservation land near Lakeview & Morse
Common Name: Barred Owl
Scientific Name: Strix varia
Comments: A common owl in Sharon, the barred owl’s vocalization sounds like, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”
Barred Owls don’t migrate, and they don’t even move around very much. Of 158 birds that were banded and then found later, none had moved farther than 6 miles away.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Marshall Katler
Observation Date: 5/24/22
Observation Time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation Location: King Phillip Trail near King Phillip Rd.
Common Name: Barred Owl
Scientific Name: Strix varia
Comments: At least 2 barred owls were calling, possibly 3. They were identified by the call since they were quite far from the trail.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Dan O’Brien
Observation Date: 5/3/24
Observation Time: 7:45 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Barred Owl
Scientific Name: Strix varia
Comments: This barred owl perched high in a tree near the trail. A short while after this photo was taken, the owl was heard making its familiar “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?” call.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Nancy Mollitor
Observation Date: 5/8/16
Observation Time: morning
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Barred Owl (juvenile)
Scientific Name: Strix varia
Comments: A common owl in Sharon, the barred owl’s vocalization sounds like, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”
Barred Owls don’t migrate, and they don’t even move around very much. Of 158 birds that were banded and then found later, none had moved farther than 6 miles away.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Bruce Lewis
Observation Date: 7/6/24
Observation Time: 5:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Top of the bend on Moose Hill Street
Common Name: Barred Owl
Scientific Name: Strix varia
Comments: This is the first owl I’ve seen in three years.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/23/23
Observation Time: 6:20 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Bay-breasted Warbler
Scientific Name: Setophaga castanea
Comments: Bay-breasted warblers migrate through Sharon in May en route to their summertime breeding areas in Canada. They eat insects and spiders to keep up their energy during the long flight.
Even for experienced bird watchers, bay-breasted warblers are an unusual find. They are typically seen high up in tall trees, making good photos of them especially challenging. Populations of bay-breasted warbler appear to be decreasing throughout their range. The U.S. has seen a decline of almost 3% per year between 1966 and 2014, resulting in a cumulative decline of 74%, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey.
More Information: All About Birds and American Bird Conservancy
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/24/18
Observation Time: 6:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Bay-breasted Warbler
Scientific Name: Setophaga castanea
Comments: Bay-breasted warblers migrate through Sharon in May en route to their summertime breeding areas in Canada. They eat insects and spiders to keep up their energy during the long flight.
Even for experienced bird watchers, bay-breasted warblers are an unusual find. They are typically seen high up in tall trees, making good photos of them especially challenging. Populations of bay-breasted warbler appear to be decreasing throughout their range. The U.S. has seen a decline of almost 3% per year between 1966 and 2014, resulting in a cumulative decline of 74%, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey.
More Information: All About Birds and American Bird Conservancy
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/2/11
Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road near soccer field parking lot
Common Name: Beach Rose
Scientific Name: Rosa rugosa
More Information: University of Rhode Island
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 10/6/21
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Near the footbridge over Beaver Brook near the outbound train station
Common Name: Bear’s Head Tooth Fungus (a.k.a. Lion’s Mane or Comb Tooth)
Scientific Name: Hericium americanum
Comments: While driving very slowly along the dirt road from the outbound train station parking lot to the footbridge over Beaver Brook, I almost drove past this bizarre fungus growing on a dying tree trunk. This year was exceptionally wet, which has led to more mushrooms than usual this fall.
Bear’s Head Tooth Fungus is native to eastern North America. It was first scientifically described by James Ginns of Canada in 1984. Bear’s Head Tooth Fungus grows on both rotting and living wood, mostly hardwood, and they are typically seen in the wild during the late summer and autumn months, though they are able to be cultivated.
Young Bear’s Head Tooth Fungus can be cooked and eaten, having a taste comparable to that of lobster, though once picked the fungi do not store well, and need to be consumed within a couple of days. Otherwise they will become bitter. High amounts of vitamin D are found in Bear’s Head Tooth Fungus, and it also contains significant quantities of protein and fibre, as well as other beneficial health properties that are still being understood. However, I never eat mushrooms or fungi that I find in the wild. With plenty of mushrooms available in the supermarket, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.
More Information: Wikipedia and ediblewildfood.com
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/25/23
Observation Time: 1:27 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Rd. (my back yard)
Common Name: Beard lichen
Scientific Name: Usnea strigosa
Comments: Also called bushy beard, this epiphytic (i.e. growing on trees) lichen is a composite organism that emerges from algae or cyanobacteria living among the filaments of the fungi in a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship. The fungi benefit from the carbohydrates produced by the algae or cyanobacteria via photosynthesis. The algae or cyanobacteria benefit by being protected from the environment by the filaments of the fungi, which also gather moisture and nutrients from the environment, and (usually) provide an anchor to it.
More Information: Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/4/24
Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (T.T.O.R.)
Common Name: Beautybush
Scientific Name: Kolkwitzia amabilis
Comments: The lovely flowering shrub attracts beautiful butterflies when it blooms in late May and early June.
It originated in Asia.
More Information: Go Botany
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/20/14
Observation Time: 7:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Beaver
Scientific Name: Castor canadensis
Comments: Beavers are the second-largest living rodents, after capybaras, weighing up to 50 kg (110 lb). They build dams to form ponds in which they then build a lodge to protect themselves from predators.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/4/20
Observation Time: 2:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Bee fly
Scientific Name: Systropus macer
Comments: This fly looks like a wasp. It was feeding on a late purple aster blossom beside the dirt road under the power lines.
More Information: Forestry Images and Bugguide.net
Observer: Deborah Radovsky
Observation Date: 11/24/18
Observation Time: 8:30 a.m.
Observation Location: in a tree at the edge of Lake Massapoag, near Beach St.
Common Name: Belted Kingfisher
Scientific Name: Megaceryle alcyon
Comments: Kingfishers have also been sighted near the boat launch area and in the Gavins Pond area. They dive for small fish. They nest in burrows.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/3/10
Observation Time: 9:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Belted Kingfisher
Scientific Name: Megaceryle alcyon
Comments: A pair of belted kingfishers were diving simultaneously several times into Gavins Pond. The bottom photo shows the splash of the kingfisher diving in.
Kingfishers nest in burrows on the banks of ponds and rivers.
More Information: University of Massachusetts
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/18/14
Observation Time: 2:50 p.m.
Observation Place: near Lake Massapoag boat launching ramp
Common Name: Belted Kingfisher
Scientific Name: Megaceryle alcyon
Comments: Belted kingfishers nest in a burrow, usually in a dirt bank near water. Their call is a distinctive, scolding chatter. Check out the recordings at the link below.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Lauren Kilmer
Observation Date: 9/23/24
Observation Time: 2:03 p.m.
Observation Location: Borderland State Park (Morse Loop Cedar Swamp)
Common Name: Belted Kingfisher
Scientific Name: Megaceryle alcyon
Comments: First heard the bird calls, confirmed it with Merlin Bird app, then saw two kingfishers flying low on the southeast portion of the swamp.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/9/13
Observation Time: 2:05 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Belted Kingfisher
Scientific Name: Megaceryle alcyon
Comments: These charismatic birds dive for fish. Believe it or not, they nest in burrows on the banks of streams and ponds.
More Information: University of Massachusetts
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 11/12/12
Observation Time: 5:30 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Big Brown Bat
Scientific Name: Eptesicus fuscus
Comments: New England has little brown bats and big brown bats. Little brown bats are only found in New England in summer. Since these bats were observed in mid-November, they are presumably big brown bats. Bats fly fast, so getting these photos was not easy!
More Information: Mass Audubon
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/9/20
Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.
Observation Location: near soccer parking lot on Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Bigtooth Aspen Tree
Scientific Name: Populus grandidentata
Comments: Bigtooth Aspen (Populusgrandidentata) is a native deciduous tree, which grows throughout northeastern North America. It is a member of the willow family. A fast-growing, but short-lived, pioneer species, Bigtooth Aspen attains heights of 60 to 80 feet.
More Information: WildAdirondacks.org
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/12/11
Observation Time: 8:15 a.m.
Observation Location: meadow near Gavins Pond dam
Common Name: Bird’s Foot Violet
Scientific Name: Viola pedata
Comments: The leaves of this pretty wildflower are reminiscent of bird’s feet. Not a common violet locally, only one site in Blue Hills. Likes dry sandy soils; has also been spotted in woods north of Knollwood Cemetery in Sharon.
More Information: US Wildflowers Database (USDA)
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/14/25
Observation Time: 4:30 p.m.
Observation Location: under power lines across the street from Ward’s Berry Farm
Common Name: Bird’s Foot Violet
Scientific Name: Viola pedata
Comments: Bird’s foot violets are perennials with five-petaled flowers that bloom from March to June. The flowers are typically blue, but can range from white to purple. They spread by sending out rhizomes. The fan-shaped leaves have three lobes which are said to resemble a bird’s foot.
More Information: US Wildflowers Database (USDA)
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/19/20
Observation Time: 9:20 a.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Bird’s Foot Violet
Scientific Name: Viola pedata
Comments: Bird-foot violets are perennials with five-petaled flowers that bloom from March to June. The flowers are typically blue, but can range from white to purple. They spread by sending out rhizomes. The fan-shaped leaves have three lobes which are said to resemble a bird’s feet.
More Information: US Wildflowers Database (USDA)
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/27/19
Observation Time: 4:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Power lines near Walpole St.
Common Name: Bird’s Foot Violet
Scientific Name: Viola pedata
Comments: Bird-foot violets are perennials with five-petaled flowers that bloom from March to June. The flowers are typically blue, but can range from white to purple. They spread by sending out rhizomes. The fan-shaped leaves have three lobes which are said to resemble a bird’s feet.
More Information: US Wildflowers Database (USDA)
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/30/14
Observation Time: 12:05 p.m.
Observation Location: Power lines near Walpole St.
Common Name: Bird’s Foot Violet
Scientific Name: Viola pedata
Comments: Bird-foot violets are perennials with five-petaled flowers that bloom from March to June. The flowers are typically blue, but can range from white to purple. They spread by sending out rhizomes. The fan-shaped leaves have three lobes which are said to resemble bird feet.
More Information: US Wildflowers Database (USDA)
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/6/11
Observation Time: 1:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road (bridge near soccer
fields)
Common Name: Bittersweet Nightshade
Scientific Name: Solanum dulcamara
More Information: King County, WA
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/11/19
Observation Time: 10:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Black-and-white Warbler
Scientific Name: Mniotilta varia
Comments: Black and white warblers make a high-pitched squeaking sound like a turning wheel that needs to be oiled. They are most often found scurrying up and down tree trunks and branches looking under the bark for insect larvae. The one in the photo has caught its breakfast.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/13/14
Observation Time: 7:35 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Black and White Warbler
Scientific Name: Mniotilta varia
Comments: Black and white warblers are usually seen moving up and down tree trunks looking for bugs under the bark.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/18/25
Observation Time: 10:15 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Black-and-white warbler
Scientific Name: Mniotilta varia
Comments: Black and white warblers make a high-pitched squeaking sound like a turning wheel that needs to be oiled. They are most often found scurrying up and down tree trunks and branches looking under the bark for insect larvae.
The parallel stripes along the top of its head are similar to the parallel stripes along the top of the head of the worm-eating warbler, suggesting a common ancestor.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/3/18
Observation Time: 8:40 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Black and White Warbler
Scientific Name: Mniotilta varia
Comments: Black and white warblers are usually seen moving up and down tree trunks looking for bugs under the bark.
More Information: All About Birds
Observer: Barry Dulong
Observation Date: 5/7/24
Observation Time: 1:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary – Tower Trail (halfway up)
Common Name: Black-and-white warbler
Scientific Name: Mniotilta varia
Comments: I did not get a photo of the black and white warbler, but it was clear as day and was not a blackpoll warbler, which looks similar but has a solid black cap. I’d never seen a black and white warbler before, so I was very excited to see it. It was behaving like a nuthatch clinging to the tree trunk and hopping around looking for bugs. It was not making any sounds. I was hoping it would call or sing but it just hopped around and eventually flew off and I continued my run.
I am a trail runner/ birder. I was running at the time when I stopped to listen about halfway up the tower trail. I did not have a camera with me. When I am birding I usually only have my binoculars, so I don’t have a camera with me, but I am shopping for one now.
Black and white warblers make a high-pitched squeaking sound like a turning wheel that needs to be oiled. They are most often found scurrying up and down tree trunks and branches looking under the bark for insect larvae.
More Information: All About Birds
`(no photo)
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/16/13
Observation Time: 7:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Black and White Warbler (female)
Scientific Name: Mniotilta varia
Comments: Black and white warblers creep along tree trunks and branches foraging for insects. Their high-pitched squeaky song sounds like a wheel turning that needs to be oiled.
More Information: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-and-white_Warbler/overview
Observer: Regen Jamieson
Observation Date: 8/11/09
Observation Location: Moose Hill in the meadow at the end of the “unnatural trail”.
Common Name: Black and Yellow Garden Spider
Scientific Name: Argiope aurantia
Comments: Males range from 5 to 9 mm; females from 19 to 28 mm. Like other members of Argiope they are considered harmless to humans.The female of the species grows much larger than the male. Females have large rounded bodies that may grow to 40 mm (1 1/2 inches), excluding the legs. If the length of the legs is added, the female can reach 75 mm (3″) in diameter. Males are thin-bodied and only 20 mm (¾”) long. Garden Spiders often build webs in areas adjacent to open sunny fields where they stay concealed and protected from the wind. The spider can also be found along the eaves of houses and outbuildings or in any tall vegetation where they can securely stretch a web. The circular part of the female’s web may reach two feet in diameter. Webs are built at elevations from two to eight feet off the ground. Female Argiope aurantia spiders tend to be somewhat local, often staying in one place throughout much of their lifetime. After mating, the male dies, and is sometimes then eaten by the female. She lays her eggs at night on a sheet of silky material, then covers them with another layer of silk, then a protective brownish silk. She then uses her legs to form the sheet into a ball with an upturned neck. Egg sacs range from 5/8″ to 1″ in diameter. She often suspends the egg sac right on her web, near the center where she spends most of her time. Each spider produces from one to four sacs with perhaps over a thousand eggs inside each. She guards the eggs against predation as long as she is able. However, as the weather cools, she becomes more frail, and dies around the time of the first hard frost. (from Wikipedia)
More Information: Animal Diversity Web
Observer: April Forsman
Observation Date: 9/24/10
Observation Time: 10:15 a.m.
Observation Location: DPW
Common Name: Black and Yellow Garden Spider
Scientific Name: Argiope aurantia
Comments: Males range from 5 to 9 mm; females from 19 to 28 mm. Like other members of Argiope they are considered harmless to humans.The female of the species grows much larger than the male. Females have large rounded bodies that may grow to 40 mm (1 1/2 inches), excluding the legs. If the length of the legs is added, the female can reach 75 mm (3″) in diameter. Males are thin-bodied and only 20 mm (¾”) long. Garden Spiders often build webs in areas adjacent to open sunny fields where they stay concealed and protected from the wind. The spider can also be found along the eaves of houses and outbuildings or in any tall vegetation where they can securely stretch a web. The circular part of the female’s web may reach two feet in diameter. Webs are built at elevations from two to eight feet off the ground. Female Argiope aurantia spiders tend to be somewhat local, often staying in one place throughout much of their lifetime. After mating, the male dies, and is sometimes then eaten by the female. She lays her eggs at night on a sheet of silky material, then covers them with another layer of silk, then a protective brownish silk. She then uses her legs to form the sheet into a ball with an upturned neck. Egg sacs range from 5/8″ to 1″ in diameter. She often suspends the egg sac right on her web, near the center where she spends most of her time. Each spider produces from one to four sacs with perhaps over a thousand eggs inside each. She guards the eggs against predation as long as she is able. However, as the weather cools, she becomes more frail, and dies around the time of the first hard frost. (from Wikipedia)
More Information: Animal Diversity Web
Observer: Leonid Fofanov
Observation Date: 10/3/24
Observation Time: night
Observation Location: Agawam Rd. near Chase Dr.
Common Name: American Black Bear
Scientific Name: Ursus Americanus
Comments: Multiple black bear sightings have been reported in Sharon over the past few years. It could be the same individual.
Black bears are not normally aggressive unless their cubs are threatened, but they can run considerably faster than an Olympic sprinter and are quite capable of mauling a human, so keep your distance.
More Information: Wikipedia
Screenshot
Observer: Emma Smith
Observation Date: 10/5/24
Observation Time: night
Observation Location: Off Wolomolopoag near Chase Dr. & E. Foxboro St.
Common Name: American Black Bear
Scientific Name: Ursus Americanus
Comments: Multiple black bear sightings have been reported in Sharon over the past few years. It could be the same individual.
Black bears are not normally aggressive unless their cubs are threatened, but they can run considerably faster than an Olympic sprinter and are quite capable of mauling a human, so keep your distance.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Mark Richardson
Observation Date: 4/13/24
Observation Time: night
Observation Location: E. Foxboro St.
Common Name: American Black Bear
Scientific Name: Ursus Americanus
Comments: Sharon’s black bear was active in the E. Foxboro Street area last night, taking down our bird feeder and feeding voraciously on the seed!
Black bears are hungry when they emerge from hibernation in the early spring.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Rob Brewer
Observation Date: 4/17/24
Observation Time: 11:35 pm
Observation Location: back yard on Norwood Street
Common Name: American Black Bear
Scientific Name: Ursus Americanus
Comments: Black bears are hungry when they emerge from hibernation in spring, and there is not much to eat in the natural environment. That’s why it is important to secure bird feeders and garbage cans. Interactions between humans and bears often end badly for one or the other or both.
Black bears have better eyesight and hearing than humans. Their keenest sense is their sense of smell, which is about seven times more sensitive than a domestic dog’s.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Kurt Buermann
Observation Date: 5/6/23
Observation Time: nighttime
Observation Location: 45 Furnace St.
Common Name: American Black Bear
Scientific Name: Ursus Americanus
Comments: A young black bear raided Kurt’s cache of bird seed. Kurt used a camera trap to get this video of the bear wandering around his house.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Richard Mandel
Observation Date: 6/24/23
Observation Time: at night
Observation Location: Mountain Street
Common Name: American Black Bear
Scientific Name: Ursus Americanus
Comments: This black bear destroyed two bird feeders at our house during the night of June 24, 2023, and devoured the contents of the feeders. In addition it left some droppings.
American black bears have better eyesight and hearing than humans. Their keenest sense is their sense of smell, which is about seven times more sensitive than a domestic dog’s.
American black bears tend to be territorial and non-gregarious in nature. Bear sightings in Sharon are rare. This young bear might have been passing through Sharon seeking a territory of its own.
More Information: Wikipedia
Black Bear video June 24, 2023
bear droppings:
Observer: Steven Kraus
Observation Date: 6/5/24
Observation Time: 4:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Arboro Dr.
Common Name: American Black Bear
Scientific Name: Ursus Americanus
Comments: Multiple black bear sightings have been reported in Sharon over the past few years. It could be the same individual.
Black bears are not normally aggressive unless their cubs are threatened, but they can run considerably faster than an Olympic sprinter and are quite capable of mauling a human, so keep your distance.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Emily Smith-Lee
Observation Date: 7/30/22
Observation Time: 3:00 pm
Observation Location: 33 Moose Hill Parkway
Common Name: American Black Bear
Scientific Name: Ursus Americanus
Comments: He came out of the woods behind our house (town owned conservation land between Moose Hill Parkway and Upland Road) and walked across our back yard before going back into the woods where our yard meets a little creek.
According to Wikipedia, “In the northeastern part of the range (the United States and Canada), prime habitat consists of a forest canopy of hardwoods such as beech, maple, birch and coniferous species. Corn crops and oak-hickory mast are also common sources of food in some sections of the Northeast; small, thick swampy areas provide excellent refuge cover largely in stands of white cedar.” Sharon’s 250-acre cedar swamp fits this description.
American black bears have better eyesight and hearing than humans. Their keenest sense is their sense of smell, which is about seven times more sensitive than a domestic dog’s.
American black bears tend to be territorial and non-gregarious in nature. Bear sightings in Sharon are extremely rare. This bear might have been passing through Sharon seeking a territory of its own.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/5/11
Observation Time: 6:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Black Crappie (Calico Bass)
Scientific Name: Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Comments: Crappies are a popular sport fish, as they are easy to catch when they are feeding. As with other freshwater species in Massachusetts, crappies accumulate mercury in their tissues as a result of environmental pollution from power plants.
More Information: All About Fishing
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/31/20
Observation Time: 5:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Trustees of Reservations’ Moose Hill Farm
Common Name: Black Gum Tree
Scientific Name: Nyssa sylvatica
Comments: Also known as black tupelo, this is one of the most attractive native trees around. Summer leaves are a dark green with a high-gloss appearance, but the most spectacular part of this tree is the fall foliage with many shades of yellow, orange, bright red, purple or scarlet that may appear on the same branch. Bark resembles alligator hide. Fruit is bluish-black and is loved by many birds. Grows 30′-50′ high, with a 20′-30′ spread. Prefers well-drained, acid soils, and full sun to partial shade.
More Information: Arbor Day Foundation
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/27/19
Observation Time: 4:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Beneath high tension wires near So. Walpole St.
Common Name: Black Huckleberry
Scientific Name: Gaylussacia baccata
Comments: These are the distinctive bright red unopened flower buds of black huckleberry, Gaylussacia baccata. They are typically no more than waist-high. They often form a near-continuous shrub layer in dryish oak woods. In moister soils they tend to be replaced by dangleberry, Gaylussacia frondosa.
Blueberry bushes are similar, but have green rather than blackish second-year twigs. The berries of huckleberries are very similar to the berries of blueberries, except the latter usually contain more seeds (8-20) that are smaller in size. The foliage and woody stems of Black Huckleberry are quite similar to those of low-bush blueberries (particularly Vaccinium pallidum), except the leaf undersides of the former shrub are covered with resinous yellow dots, while the leaf undersides of blueberries lack such resinous dots.
More Information: Illinois Wildflowers
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/29/24
Observation Time: 11:00 a.m.
Observation Location: High Street, Sharon
Common Name: Black Locust tree
Scientific Name: Robinia pseudocacia
Comments: The blossoms of black locust trees are edible, but beware of the thorns.
More Information: The Foraged Foodie
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/30/15
Observation Time: 3:30 p.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Black Locust tree
Scientific Name: Robinia pseudocacia
Comments: The blossoms of black locust trees are good to eat, but beware of the thorns.
More Information: The Foraged Foodie
