New Beginnings

Last week, we rang in a new academic year here on Bateman's shores, and to celebrate, here is a little fireworks display.  Well, not exactly fireworks, but the explosive seed pod of a Jewelweed plant, a.k.a. Touch Me Not.  Even shot in slow motion, the ejection of the seeds from the spring-loaded pod is too quick to really capture.  It is a sure sign of autumn's arrival when these plants begin firing scattershot around the woodlands and pond edges.



Pretty exciting stuff.  As we settle in for classes, though, it would behoove us all to take the time to relish the quieter, less volatile sides of Estabrook and Bateman's Pond.  At this time of year, as cool air masses come in over the warm waters of the pond, early risers will be treated to a misty ballet on Bateman's surface.  A recent such event was captured in a time lapse video that really showed the currents swirling gently through the morning air.  In real time, this phenomenon is not quite as dramatic but just as soothing.




And of course, this wouldn't be an EstaBlog post if there were no birds mentioned.  Fall migration is in full swing, so unexpected species like this Olive-sided Flycatcher, on its way from Canada to South America, are stopping for a rest and a bite to eat on our campus.  This individual was the first of its kind that we've spotted at Middlesex.

While it is not a terribly colorful or charismatic bird (to the casual observer), it is on an impressive and incredibly dangerous journey, so we should wish it well as it tries to avoid such predators as this young Cooper's Hawk, which was lurking nearby.

Please comment or email me with any sightings, photos, or questions that you have about nature at MX.  With so many eyes and ears on the alert, we are bound to find something amazing this year!