Broad Meadow Brook MAS (5/6)

After the Forbush trip we went over to Broad Meadow Brook hoping to do some butterfly monitoring. By this time the sky was completely overcast. So, we changed plans and explored the powerlines in the Granite St. area hoping to find a Brown Snake. We turned over lots of plywood, discarded rugs, and tires without finding a snake. We did have around 3 dozen Red-backed Salamanders. After a while the rains started and we headed for home.

Before we got to the driveway, the sun was back out. After relaxing for a bit we felt that the weather was too nice and we decided to head back to the sanctuary. We walked the powerlines and found a few Azures. But, it was too late for any significant activity.

But our effort was rewarded as we walked back to the car on Trioano Brookside Trail. A Great Blue Heron was hunting for food in the water and a lot of birds were out enjoying the last sun of the day. As we were enjoying the birds, my dad spotted soming moving along the trail. We all rushed up to see what it was. Before we got too close we recognized it as a medium sized Snapping Turtle. It was "migrating" from the muddy area at one side of the path to the water on the other. After taking some close up pictures, we decided to leave it to its task. But the trail was so busy with people that it retraced its steps instead.