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diff --git a/old/54566-0.txt b/old/54566-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 7a6adee..0000000 --- a/old/54566-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3873 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Life in the Shifting Dunes, by Laurence B. White - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Life in the Shifting Dunes - A popular field guide to the natural history of Castle - Neck, Ipswich, Massachusetts - -Author: Laurence B. White - -Illustrator: Henry Bugbee Kane - -Release Date: April 18, 2017 [EBook #54566] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE IN THE SHIFTING DUNES *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, MFR and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - [Illustration: Crane’s Beach Diorama, Museum of Science] - - - - - LIFE IN THE SHIFTING DUNES - - - _A popular field guide to the natural history of Castle Neck, Ipswich, - Massachusetts, with attention to the unusual ecological relationships - peculiar to such an area_ - - - BY LAURENCE B. WHITE, JR. - _Museum of Science, Boston_ - - _Illustrated by_ HENRY B. KANE - - A PUBLICATION OF THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, BOSTON - - - Copyright, 1960, - by the Museum of Science, Boston -All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced - in any form without permission of the publishers. - Library of Congress Card Number: 60-8980 - Printed in the United States of America by - The Murray Printing Company - Forge Village, Massachusetts - - - - - PREFACE - - -This popular field guide to Castle Neck, Ipswich, Massachusetts, was the -inspiration of Mr. Cornelius Crane, who has summered there since -boyhood. Two years ago, Mr. Crane asked us if we would be willing to -undertake a survey of this typical dune area if funds were made -available for the study. We were delighted to cooperate in the project, -and our Education Department undertook it with real enthusiasm. - -Some preliminary work was done in 1957, but during July, August, and -part of September, 1958, Laurence B. White, Jr., of our Education staff, -and Geoffrey Moran, his assistant, moved to Castle Neck. It is Larry who -has compiled this field guide. - -Larry has been associated with our Museum since his Junior High School -days, when his consuming interest in natural history made him an almost -daily visitor, and later a valued Education Department volunteer. Now, -after his graduation from the University of New Hampshire, where he -majored in Biology and Education, he has joined our permanent staff. I -recount this only to point out that this study was undertaken by a born -and bred New England naturalist who enjoyed every minute of his work on -it. - -Finding a little cottage on the side of a marsh on the road to Little -Neck, Larry and Jeff took it over as their combined summer residence and -laboratory, and spent the July and August weeks in Thoreau-like -exploration of the beach and dunes, the swamps and woodlands of Castle -Neck. Their personal relationship with the living things on the Neck is -feelingly reflected in this guide: sympathy with the heroic struggle for -survival on the dunes; admiration for the hardihood of the -little-admired Poison Ivy; amusement with the odd ways of the Common -Barnacle, which “goes through life standing on its head and kicking food -into its mouth with its feet”; and exasperation with the mischievous -practice of noisy Crows, who delight in wrecking an Owl’s daytime sleep. - -It is perhaps because of this perceptive quality of understanding that -Larry’s report of the survey has readily adapted into a popular field -guide, directing the curious into a fascinating exploration of the “heap -o’ living” going on under our very noses and all but ignored by most of -us. This guide is not intended as an exhaustive research work or a -listing of all the living things to be found on Castle Neck. Rather, it -purposely addresses itself to natural history readily observable by -visitors with sharp eyes and reasonable patience. When a rarity is -included like the Ipswich Sparrow, it is only to indicate that such -unusual thrills await the discoverer—occasionally! - - [Illustration: Deer Tracks in the Sand.] - -While this guide serves as a reminder to those engaged in the study of -ecology that this is a rich area for serious investigation, the amateur -naturalist or the casual beach visitor, primarily on hand to sun, swim, -or picnic, may use it to make his stop on the Neck more meaningful. -Knowing, for instance, that Hog Island is a drumlin (a pile of debris -deposited in the Great Ice Age) adds enormous interest to the -surroundings. Larry’s guide is compiled with the understanding eye and -heart of an able and enthusiastic young naturalist. It invites you to -look over his shoulder as he investigates his finds, and tempts you to -further exploration on your own. - -The analysis of the infinitely complex relationships of living animals -and plants to their environment, and to one another, is a relatively new -science. People with a strong desire to know more about the great sea of -life surrounding them have a real opportunity to contribute valuable -observations to ecological knowledge. You may very well be one of these! - - Bradford Washburn - Director - Museum of Science - Boston, Massachusetts - - - - - ACKNOWLEDGMENTS - - -The author is first and foremost indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius -Crane for their unfailing interest in the preparation of this field -guide, and to members of the Museum staff who collaborated to edit and -produce it. Among these were Norman D. Harris, Director of Education, -Gilbert E. Merrill and Chan Waldron of the Education Department, Miss -Caroline Harrison, Director of Public Relations, and Mrs. Christina -Lopes and Mrs. Margaret Jordan of her department. Invaluable also in -preparation of the manuscript was the careful final editing of Miss -Helen Phillips, Houghton Mifflin Company. - -Especially is the author grateful to the following for advice and -comment on various chapters: Clifford S. Chater, Assistant Professor, -Entomology and Plant Pathology, Waltham Field Station; Dr. Norman A. -Preble, Mammalogist, Northeastern University; J. Phillip Schafer, -Geologist, U. S. Geological Survey; Colonel E. S. Clark, Curator of -Marine Life, Peabody Museum of Salem, and Dr. Stuart K. Harris, -Department of Botany, Boston University. - - L.B.W. - - - - - CONTENTS - - - Preface v - 1. The Shifting Dunes 1 - 2. An Introduction to Dune Ecology 5 - 3. Plants on the Dunes 10 - 4. Life at the Edge of the Sea 19 - 5. Insects and Their Kin 33 - 6. Meeting the Mammals 50 - 7. Wings over the Sand 58 - 8. Now It’s Up to You—Check List for Your Discoveries and Field - Notes 69 - - [Illustration: Tree-topped dune.] - - - - - Chapter 1 - THE SHIFTING DUNES - - -Surprising as it may seem, there was a time when many of our most -beautiful beaches, the Castle Neck area included, were far inland from -the edge of the sea. This was about a million and a half years ago, when -the sea was at a lower level than it is today. In fact, a great many -changes have helped to form the beaches we see and enjoy now. Of them -all, the one brought about by the Ice Age was probably the most -influential. It was some 30,000 or 40,000 years ago that New England was -overwhelmed by the final advance of a great continental ice sheet. It -came from the northwest, and as it inched its way toward the ocean it -pushed chunks of rock and great quantities of soil along with it. The -rock was continually breaking up as it was shoved forward under the ice. - -This last glacier covered New England for thousands of years. When it -melted, all the debris it had been moving along like a giant bulldozer -was left deposited irregularly over the land, some debris perhaps a -hundred miles from original location. In addition, the water from the -melting ice swept finer sands and gravels along, depositing them over -land areas and in lakes and bays. - -In some places, streamlined hills of debris had been built up under the -ice. Later, as the ice melted, they became exposed. They were shaped -like the bowl of an inverted spoon, and we call them “drumlins.” Hog -Island, to the south of Castle Neck, is a perfectly preserved example. -From its shape it is easy to tell which way the ice was moving. The -steeply sloping end of its long axis is toward the northwest, the -direction from which the last ice sheet came. All drumlins are not so -easily spotted. About a mile southeast of Castle Hill you will see a -hill that looks like an enormous sand dune. It is the highest point on -the Neck, about eighty feet, and it, too, is a drumlin. Once it -protruded out of a shallow bay that had formed as the ice melted. -Modified by the erosion of the waves and veneered with windblown sand, -this drumlin by now has quite lost its characteristic shape. - -In the general Boston area many drumlins were uncovered as the ice -melted; some of them are such well-known landmarks as Beacon Hill, -Bunker Hill, or Breed’s Hill. Along the coast, as the sea level rose, -the drumlins there were surrounded by water and became islands. On the -sides exposed to the sea they were eroded by the waves, and the eroded -materials collected to form spits. Other sands and gravels carried by -longshore currents were added, and, by-and-by, in some cases these sand -spits connected one drumlin to another. It was just such a modification -of three separate drumlins that formed Castle Neck. - -While the Neck was thus taking shape, the glacial debris and outwash -sands that had been deposited in New Hampshire and at the mouth of the -Merrimack River were being picked up and carried southward by the -prevailing currents. Finally this material was wave-tossed onto the -newly created beach at Castle Neck, some of it being lifted and carried -farther inland. In this way, except for a few protected spots behind the -drumlins, the entire area became blanketed with sand. The shape of the -Beach as we see it is the result of this ever-continuing modification, -the work of wind and waves. - -It was on the protected back side of the drumlins that plants first took -hold. Since the drumlins were formed from fertile soil scraped from rich -inland areas and carried here by the ice, the same kinds of plants -sprang up on them—Aspens, Pines, Gray Birches, shrubs, and grasses—as we -often see today taking over some abandoned farmland. As these early -plants died, the soil was further enriched to stimulate even more and -different plant life. In fact, at one time much of the dune area was a -fertile spot, abounding with all sorts of plants and animals. In certain -places on the Neck today, very fertile soil can be found just a few feet -under the sand, evidence that here was once a rich farmland. - -The broad flat areas of sand on the Beach were very susceptible to the -whims of the wind. Now and then, as the wind eroded the sand particles -from one place, and blew them to another, it piled them up against the -base of some beach plant. Collecting here, the sand began to form a -gentle slope with a sharp drop-off downwind. Continuation of this action -sometimes built up a huge mound, which we call a dune. - -This process of erosion and deposition still goes on. Usually you can -tell the general direction of the prevailing wind by observing which way -it builds the gentle slope as it piles the sand into ripples or mounds. - -If you should mark a dune’s position today and return in several years, -you might find that the dune had moved several yards from its original -position. Dunes move slowly downwind, such movement being termed -“migration.” With a normal dune, during windy periods the sand is blown -up its gentle slope and dropped over its crest, whence it slides down -the lee side. In this way the dune migrates with the wind. - - -THE FUTURE OF CASTLE NECK - -Eventually, of course, the dunes might migrate the entire length of the -Neck and again be blown into the sea, which would carry the sands -farther south, mayhap to become part of Coffin and Wingaersheek Beaches. -In fact, we might expect the eventual removal of the entire Neck if sand -wasn’t constantly being added from similar erosion going on farther -north. Obviously there is a very delicate balance here, adding and -subtracting sand. The future of Castle Neck is entirely dependent upon -the sand supply from the north. Too little may eventually diminish -Crane’s Beach; while an increase could create an even larger and more -beautiful Neck. Actually, it is impossible to predict the future of a -beach, at the mercy, as it is, of changes in any of the several factors -controlling its form—sand supply, waves, currents, and position of sea -level. Anyway, what has been so long taking shape will not be altered -drastically overnight. As a matter of fact, if you really wish to know -the future of Crane’s Beach, you will have to be patient. Another -million and a half years will probably tell the story! - - -GEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES YOU CAN MAKE - - - _Ventifacts_ - -These small, faceted pebbles found in the dunes have been blasted by the -windblown sand. They show the powerful abrasive action of the wind. Most -of those you will find here were faceted just after they had been -deposited by retreating glacial ice. A migrating dune or a blowout in -the sand has left them uncovered. - - - _Erratics_ - -Large rocks occasionally found in the dunes are called “erratics.” In -this world of tiny particles they appear very much out of place, but -they were carried here by the glacier a million years ago. They have -been uncovered by the migration of some dune. - - - _Fulgurites_ - -Occasionally lightning strikes the sand, fusing it into a little tube or -ball of glass. These fulgurites have been found here but are very rare -and a real “discovery.” - - - _Glacial Till_ - -The original soil deposited by the glacier may be seen by digging into -the sand at the drumlin. Such rocky soil is quite surprising to people -who think the beach is nothing but a big “sand pile.” - - - _Garnets_ - -Examine a handful of sand. You will find that it consists of -light-colored particles (mostly Quartz) and of black particles. Under a -microscope many of these dark particles look like little gems. They are -actually a deep red and are true Garnets. Large Garnets are used as gem -stones, small ones for sandpaper—further proof of the abrasive ability -of windblown sand. - - - _History in the Sand_ - -In your handful of sand you may find particles that are neither Quartz -nor Garnet. Minerals such as Feldspar, Biotite, Mica, Magnetite, -Hornblende, and others can be identified by the geologist and are a clue -to the original type of rock over which the glacier moved. - - - _Beach Porcupines_ - -These are hard-packed balls of twigs and grasses. Loose vegetable matter -is very light and may be blown along by the wind for many miles. As it -goes it adds other vegetation to itself, until packed into a very tight, -hard ball. It may also get its start in the water by being whirled into -a tiny ball; and later it is thrown onto the beach, to begin rolling -along. A most curious souvenir! - - -MORE ABOUT THE DUNES - -The face of the land is a storybook waiting to be read. The following -books will help you piece together some of the story: - - Henry Curtis Ahl, _Dunes and Beaches of Essex County_. Boston: - Massachusetts Audubon Society, 1949. $.25 - N. E. Chute and R. L. Nichols, _Geology of the Coast of Northeastern - Massachusetts_. Massachusetts Department of Public Works and - U. S. Geological Survey Cooperative Geologic Project, Bulletin - #7. Boston, 1941. Out of print. Available in Museum of Science - Library. - John Henry Sears, _The Physical Geography, Geology, Mineralogy and - Paleontology of Essex County, Massachusetts_. Salem, Mass.: - Essex Institute, 1905. $6.00 - Charles Wendell Townsend, _Sand Dunes and Salt Marshes_. Boston: L. C. - Page, 1913. Out of print. Available in Museum of Science - Library. - ——, _Beach Grass_. Boston: Marshall Jones, 1923. $3.50 - - - - - Chapter 2 - AN INTRODUCTION TO DUNE ECOLOGY - - -Living things cover the face of the earth from the torrid sands of the -desert to the cold wastes of the Arctic, and every variation in -environment develops a closely knit community of plants and animals. -They are the ones best adapted to living where they do, or they may have -been the first to arrive there, filling all available homesites and -monopolizing the food and water supply to create a “closed” community. -In each environment, a delicate balance is established between its -various residents and between them and their surroundings. The study of -all these interrelationships is called “ecology.” - -Beginning with the environment, we have seen in our brief look at the -origins of Castle Neck how drastically an area can be altered as -conditions change on the earth’s surface. Environment is affected in -other ways, too. Man’s activity can change it almost overnight as a -bulldozer clears land for a housing development, a dam alters the flow -or course of a river, or careless disposal of a cigarette or campfire -lays waste to acres of woodland. Or, as in the slow development of a -forest, the growth of the trees themselves can change the environment, -the maturity of one species whose seedlings require sunlight -contributing to the growth of those better adapted to shade. If you -should watch an old abandoned pasture over a period of many years, you -could see environment gradually altered. First there are the mosses and -grasses that create a fertile soil. Then come the Poplars and shrubs. As -these grow they offer shade where Pines and, finally, the broad-leaved -trees can flourish. This change in vegetation will also bring about a -change in the resident animal communities. - -When parts of Castle Neck were rich farmland, specialized forms of life -which thrive in that type of environment were abundant there. We have -only to look at Castle Hill, just a few hundred yards from the dunes, or -at some of the swamps that dot the Neck to see how different are the -inhabitants from those of the dunes. On the Hill live the Oaks, Maples, -Jumping Mice, Raccoons, and Toads, plants and animals that would be -misfits indeed—if they could live at all—in the world of moving sand. -Maples and Oaks, relics of the time when the dune area was fertile, may -still be found dying and being buried over by drifting sand. Now it is a -different community of plants and animals living here. The continually -shifting sand and the scarcity of water limit the variety of life found, -but each dune dweller is specially adapted to this homesite, and no -matter how lush, green, and more attractive a neighboring meadow may -look to us, many of these specialized organisms could not survive there -at all. - -It has taken millions of years for the long, slow process of evolution -to develop specific adaptations that suit dune dwellers to their -environment. There are variations between individuals in every form of -life. Mostly these are normal inherited variations, such as height or -color. But sometimes sudden variations, called “mutations,” occur -through accidental changes in the genes controlling inheritance. These -are new characteristics not found in other members of the same species. -If the mutation is advantageous it may be passed on, and it is in this -way that new life forms slowly develop. If the mutation allows a species -to live more easily in its environment, it may displace some older form, -which may then be unable to compete successfully for food, water, or -shelter. - -Indeed, all life is engaged in a constant struggle for survival; it is -those individuals and species best able to adapt to the changing -conditions of their environment that endure. Think of the whole series -of crises faced by any living thing in its lifetime, then of these -crises being met and overcome in the seemingly inhospitable environment -of the dunes. In the beginning, our dune dweller must be born, a -difficult enough task without interference from unkind surroundings; it -must feed itself, here in an area where meals would certainly seem at a -premium; it must grow, oftentimes shedding its skin in the process; it -must live not only in the summer’s heat but, if its life span is that -long, in the winter’s cold; it must endure long periods of drought, -flood, wind, and storm; and most important of all, it must survive long -enough to reproduce its kind, or else it has missed its goal. But such -is the wonder of nature’s specializations that our dune dwellers can -usually meet these normal crises. Their adaptability and rate of -reproduction safely insure the future of their kind, and their -overpopulation, if left to nature, is delicately controlled by available -food and shelter and their predators. - -Exploring the dunes and making the acquaintance of the inhabitants, you -can see this environmental community meshing its lives together, and you -can observe the fine degree of adaptation developed by each life form. -You may find an occasional Apple tree growing out of the sand, rooted in -a more fertile soil below, a reminder of the time when that bit of the -Neck was a rich farmland. The roots of the Beach Plum also reach down to -the water table, and it is thus able to grow out of the sand, although -its seedlings cannot take root in the sand. Most of all, you will have -an opportunity to note many special animal and plant peculiarities the -dune dwellers have developed to suit their particular environment. - - -SOME ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS - - - _A Nest Deep Down in the Sand_ - -Walking through the dunes, you will frequently notice a small hole in -the sand. Poke a blade of grass into it and you will find the hole quite -deep. As a matter of fact, it may extend down two feet. This hole is -made by the Sand Dune Wolf Spider (_Lycosa pikei_) to provide a home -where the female may raise her young. Wolf Spiders are a species that -elsewhere carry their young on the back and hunt down their food wolf -fashion, not even taking time to construct a web. On the exposed dunes, -the Sand Dune Wolf Spider protects its young in this hole far beneath -the ground. - - - _No Nest at All_ - -Dozens of Common Terns are to be found nesting at the southern tip of -the Neck. Long ago, the Common Tern began laying its eggs on the bare -sand, and made no nest at all. Each egg is sand-colored, with speckles -resembling pebbles. Only a patient search will locate a Tern nest on the -Beach, and then, unless you are cautious, the discovery may come after -you have accidentally stepped on the eggs. - - - _Eating What Comes to Hand_ - -Bayberries have a hard wax covering that makes them seem quite -unpalatable to us, compared to the more succulent berries found away -from the dunes. Yet here the Crows, Tree Swallows, and Myrtle Warblers -are Bayberry-eaters. The Myrtle Warbler in particular derives most of -its winter diet from Bayberries. In fact, its name comes from the -scientific classification of the Bayberry, which is in the Wax Myrtle -Family. - - - _The Art of Being Inconspicuous_ - -The sand offers few places of retreat and few for hiding. It is not -surprising, then, that many of the living things here have a -sand-colored protective coloration. There is a large Grasshopper, or -Locust, commonly found on the Beach. Its dull, gray, speckled -wing-covers make it practically invisible when at rest. But the -underwings, used for flight, are a striking orange with black bands. -When discovered, the Locust flies up, confusing its attacker with this -bright flash of color and a loud whirring noise. Unlike most insects, -this Locust eats the thick-skinned, dry Beach Grass. - - -PLANT ADAPTATIONS - -Any plant that is adjusted to living in a region where there is a -decided lack of water is called a “xerophyte.” There are many different -ways in which plants have adapted their structure and way of life to the -dune environment. For instance, to reduce water evaporation they may -have a very small leaf, to offer less surface area to the sun; or -smaller and more numerous stomata than other plants (“Stomata” are tiny -openings through which plants exchange gasses. A pair of guard cells -surround them and control the size of their opening); or a very thick -cuticle (waxy protective covering found on many plants); or their sap -may be changed chemically. Xerophytes may also be very fleshy, like the -cactus, to give more storage space for water. Their roots may drive very -deep into the ground to reach the water table, or they may be shallow -and spread out over a wide area to cover more surface. Their leaves may -grow in closely packed bundles to reduce further the surface area, or -they may be very thorny and prickly as a protection in exposed -surroundings. - -Here are just a few common examples of xerophytes and other plant -adaptations to be found at Crane’s Beach. - - - _Anchor for the Dunes_ - -Beach Grass (_Ammophila breviligulata_) is a true xerophyte and has many -sand-dwelling characteristics. Its grasslike blade is rolled in at the -sides, oftentimes becoming a tube, in order to reduce the surface area. -As you will probably discover, it has a pointed tip that can prick a -finger and, as you may well imagine, acts as a deterrent to those who -would eat or walk through it. Its underground stems, in true xerophyte -fashion, extend over a large area in an attempt to gather all possible -water, and these dense root-mats serve to anchor the dunes and prevent -their migration. - - - _A Tough Sand Dweller_ - -The Woolly Hudsonia (_Hudsonia tomentosa_) carpets the dunes, preferring -its place in full sun to more shaded spots. The tiny leaves are -awl-shaped and press very tightly against the stem, as though trying to -hold in as much water as possible. Hudsonia is covered with a -velvet-like down, which is less susceptible to evaporation than a -smooth, large surface would be. - - - _An Adaptable Mushroom_ - -Since mushrooms generally require plenty of water, you would not expect -to find them at the beach. Several species, however, may be discovered -here. The most readily identifiable is the Earth Star (_Geaster -hygrometricus_), which resembles a Puff Ball but differs in having the -outer layer of the skin divided into tough, star-shaped segments. During -the dry seasons, this star is drawn up around the ball by its -contraction, thus protecting it against further desiccation. In wet -weather, the ball swells and holds the star against the ground to allow -for water absorption. The “roots” of the Earth Star are shallow, so the -plant may readily be dislodged. The wind easily blows it across the -dunes, spreading the spores over a wide area. - - -NOW IT’S UP TO YOU - -There is something new to be known about every animal and plant. Now -it’s up to you! Careful observation will allow you to discover many -other examples of special adaptation to life in the shifting dunes, and -the next chapters will introduce you to some of the more common of the -living things inhabiting this strange sand-world. And if you wish to -read more about ecology, try these books: - - Ernest Neal, _Woodland Ecology_. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University - Press, 1958. $1.75 - John H. Storer, _The Web of Life: A First Book of Ecology_. New York: - New American Library, 1956. $.35 - - - - - Chapter 3 - PLANTS ON THE DUNES - - -Plants add embellishment to the earth. For thousands of years people -have valued them for their elegance and their usefulness. They may rate -no more than a passing glance in fields and woods, but at the beach they -stand out boldly, for here they seem almost out of place. - -We have already become acquainted with some strange beach-dwelling -plants; now let us examine more closely a few of the most common -species. - - -MUSHROOMS ON THE DUNES - - [Illustration: Earth Star] - - Earth Star - (_Geaster hygrometricus_) - - Star-shaped fleshy skin at base - Main, central body is round - -The flower-like shape of this common mushroom always amazes its -discoverer. The basal star is actually a protective coat that covers the -ball during dry spells. Its scientific name, _Geaster_, means “earth -star.” _Hygrometricus_ means “water-measuring,” and refers to the -opening and closing of the star. - - -GRASS ON THE DUNES - - [Illustration: Beach Grass] - - Beach Grass - (_Ammophila breviligulata_) - - Typical grass shape - Sharp, stiff tip to blade - -Beach Grass is the most common xerophyte here. It forms dense mats -everywhere, and once it gains footing, spreads at a remarkable rate. -When windy weather bends the blade it sometimes scribes circles in the -sand. If these are deeper on one side or incomplete, they help determine -the direction of the prevailing wind. Beach Grass can be extremely -uncomfortable to bare legs—so beware! - - -FLOWERS OF THE SEASHORE - -Because of the great variety of leaf shapes and sizes, it is usually -desirable to have the flower for conclusive identification of seashore -plants. As an aid, the following species are listed by color. - - - _White Flowers_ - - [Illustration: Blunt-leaved Sandwort] - - Blunt-leaved Sandwort - (_Arenaria lateriflora_) - - Very thin stem and leaves - Flowers ¼″ wide - -This very attractive flower is seldom found at any distance from water’s -edge. Usually it grows in the moist sand of fresh-water pools, just -above water level. On close examination you will find the leaves quite -hairy, almost downy. The flowers are mounted at the tips of long stalks. -They appear early in the spring, about May, and blooming is over by -June. - - [Illustration: Sea Milkwort] - - Sea Milkwort - (_Glaux maritima_) - - Flowers are very small, at base of leaf - Thick central stalk - Leaves small, fleshy, and crowded - -This is one of the most common beach plants, and is seldom found away -from salty soil. It grows in the salt marshes and on the beach, starting -its flowering in June and continuing throughout the summer. - - - _Red or Purple Flowers_ - - [Illustration: Beach Pea] - - Beach Pea - (_Lathyrus japonicus_) - - Flowers are in clusters - Branches end in twining tendrils - Leaflets small, toothless, and numerous - -Anyone who has seen a garden pea will recognize the Beach Pea, which is -similar to but smaller than its cousin. The purple flowers are seen from -May throughout the summer, and the peas are found in late summer. These -peas are edible, though not particularly delicious. You will notice that -Beach Pea stems are angular in cross section—a further clue to -identification. - - [Illustration: Beach Pinweed] - - Beach Pinweed - (_Lechea maritima_) - - Fruit very tiny, berry-like - Leaves tiny and narrow - -Pinweed is a plant of sandy soils. Often it is found growing alone on a -patch of barren sand. It flowers throughout July and August. Its stem is -so very woody and tough that it may easily be mistaken for a tiny, -stunted tree. - - [Illustration: Sea Lavender] - - Sea Lavender - (_Limonium nashii_) - - Large leaves, grow only from base of plant - Flowers numerous, small, on long stalks - -The Sea Lavender goes by a great variety of names: “Beach Heather” and -“Marsh Rosemary” are the most common. It is not a true dune dweller, for -it is more often found in marshy spots; but it is a typical seaside -plant. Its flowers are delicately fragrant. Amazingly enough, you may -find Sea Lavender completely submerged in salt water during periods of -high tide. - - - _Yellow Flowers_ - - [Illustration: Woolly Hudsonia] - - Woolly Hudsonia - (_Hudsonia tomentosa_) - - Tiny scale-like leaves - Very woolly, hairy - Almost mosslike appearance - -The Hudsonia is sometimes called a “False Heather” and surely reminds -one of the moors. It is found in dense mats on the dunes, and when in -bloom covers the sand with a bright yellow carpet. The flowers are borne -in May and June and open only in sunlight. Any attempt to uproot the -plant will merely break it off at the base, for the roots are extremely -long and spread over many square yards. - - [Illustration: Dusty Miller] - - Dusty Miller - (_Artemisia stelleriana_) - - Leaves hairy, white, and velvety to the touch - Leaf with many fingerlike lobes - -You don’t need to see its flowers to identify Dusty Miller. Its heavy -“wool” coat makes identification easy by feel alone. The flowers form -dense clusters during July and August. - - [Illustration: Seaside Goldenrod] - - Seaside Goldenrod - (_Solidago sempervirens_) - - Tall plant with large leaves - Heads crowded together on drooping stem - Individual heads bushy - -Everyone is familiar with Goldenrod, but few realize that there are more -than a hundred species, some of them very specific as to where they -live. The Seaside Goldenrod is the only common species found on beaches -or in marshes with salty soil. - - - _Green or Brown Flowers_ - - [Illustration: Beach Clotbur] - - Beach Clotbur - (_Xanthium echinatum_) - - Large, ragged leaves - Covered with short, rough hairs - Heads are burrlike - -The heads of this weedy plant, like those of the Burdock, are covered -with curved spines easily attaching to the fur or clothing of -passers-by. The burrs come late in the summer, during August or -September. - - [Illustration: Glasswort] - - Glasswort - (_Salicornia europaea_) - - Plant is without leaves - Fleshy, jointed stems - -Glasswort, a plant of the salt marsh, requires quantities of salt water. -It is easily identified by its leafless stem, which looks like a string -of sausages. In autumn these succulent stems turn a bright red, adding -an attractive flash of color to the dying plants around them. Glasswort -stems take in great quantities of salt, which you will taste if you chew -one. - - -SHRUBS AND TREES ON THE DUNES - - [Illustration: Sketch of tree-topped dune.] - -The shrubs and trees found on the dunes are those that grow well in -sunlight and can subsist on a small amount of water. - - - _Shrubs of the Dunes_ - - [Illustration: Bayberry] - - Bayberry - (_Myrica pensylvanica_) - - Crush a leaf; note the sweet aromatic odor - Small, white, waxy berry in fall - -No doubt the Bayberry is familiar to you. Wax from its berries has long -been used to make candles, and you may wish to take some berries home to -try your hand at this. Boiling them will cause the wax to float on the -water. Dip a piece of string (wick) to collect it. - -Sweet Gale (_Myrica gale_) very closely resembles Bayberry but has tiny -pine-cone-like fruits instead of white berries. It is very common in the -swampy areas on the beach. - - [Illustration: Beach Plum] - - Beach Plum - (_Prunus maritima_) - - Leaf with many small, sharp-pointed teeth - White flowers or purple fruit - -This “typical” sea-beach shrub is well known. Its fruit has long been -used for “Beach Plum preserve,” a New England favorite. The plums may be -collected in late summer. Beach Plum is reasonably common on the back -side of Crane’s Beach, high on the dunes. It is often twisted and -gnarled from exposure to the winds. - - [Illustration: Poison Ivy] - - Poison Ivy - (_Rhus radicans_) - - Three shiny leaflets - Small, white, waxy berries - Generally found twisting around another plant - -One must admire Poison Ivy. It apparently can live anywhere and survive -anything. Beware—for it occurs in patches on the beach. It is very -poisonous to the touch, and the best course is to wash thoroughly with a -strong soap if you come into contact with it. Some of the worst cases of -ivy poisoning may originate at the beach just because people don’t -expect to find it here. - - - _Trees of the Dunes_ - - [Illustration: Black Cherry] - - Black Cherry - (_Prunus serotina_) - - Leaves finely toothed - Twigs bitter when chewed - Black cherries in hanging clusters - -Cherries are usually considered lovers of rich soils, but this member of -the family is quite common on the dunes. It is always contorted here, -and frequently diseased, but still it survives. Generally it is found -with large swellings on the branches caused by the black cherry knot -fungus, since it is highly susceptible to this infection. The cherries -are edible, and you may or may not enjoy them. Try one and see. - - [Illustration: Quaking Aspen] - - Quaking Aspen - (_Populus tremuloides_) - - Broad, heart-shaped leaves - Stem of leaf is flat; leaf shakes easily - Smooth gray or yellow-green bark - -The Aspen thrives in sunlight and dry soil. It grows and dies quickly. -It is called a “Quaking” Aspen because its flattened leaf stems allow -its leaves to shake even in the gentlest breeze. It is often called a -Poplar tree, or just “Popple.” - - [Illustration: Pitch Pine] - - Pitch Pine - (_Pinus rigida_) - - Evergreen; with needles - Needles grouped in bunches of three - Pine cones under 3″ in length - -This picturesque pine grows well in sterile soil. It is small, gnarled, -contorted, and of little commercial value. It serves a twofold purpose -here—anchoring the soil and supplying seeds for a great variety of birds -and animals. - - -AIDS FOR YOUR INVESTIGATION - -These are the most common plants of the dunes and beach. Any careful -search will disclose many others not described. You will have to consult -one of the reference books listed below for their identification. - - Ethel Hinckley Hausman, _Beginner’s Guide to Wild Flowers_. New York: - Putnam’s, 1955. $3.50 - F. Schuyler Mathews, _Field Book of American Wild Flowers_. Completely - revised and enlarged by Norman Taylor. New York: Putnam’s, - 1955. $5.00 - George A. Petrides, _A Field Guide to Trees and Shrubs_. Boston: - Houghton Mifflin, 1958. $3.95 - Herbert S. Zim and A. C. Martin, _Trees: A Guide to Familiar American - Trees_. Rev. ed. New York: Golden Press, 1956. Cloth $2.50, - paper $1.00 - - -SOME OTHER FLOWERS OF CASTLE NECK - -To aid you further in your investigation, we attach a list of other -plants that may be found occasionally at the beach or in the swamps. - - _Flower Color_ _Name_ _Habitat_ - - White Sundew Swamps - Meadowsweet (shrub) Swamps - Canada Mayflower Woods - Garlic Mustard Woods - Wild Sarsaparilla Woods - Indian Pipe Woods - Wintergreen Woods - Starflower Woods - Dodder Woods - Bedstraw Woods - Pokeweed Fields - Chickweed Fields - Yellow Sweet Flag Swamps - Jewelweed Swamps - St.-John’s-wort Swamps - Yellow Loosestrife Swamps - Silvery Cinquefoil Woods - Wood Sorrel Woods - Mustards (several) Fields - Leafy Spurge Fields - Cyprus Spurge Fields - Evening Primrose Fields - Common Mullein Fields - Butter-and-Eggs Fields - Reddish Seaside Knotwood Sand - Steeplebush (shrub) Swamp - Sheep Sorrel Fields - Soapwort Fields - Coast Blite Marsh - Roses (several) Various - Purple Purple Loosestrife Swamps - American Cranberry Swamps - Common Milkweed Fields - Canada Thistle Fields - Seaside Gerardia Marshes - Blue Blue Flag Swamps - Violets (several) Swamps - Forget-me-not Swamps - Skullcap Swamps - Bittersweet Nightshade Swamps - Monkey Flower Swamps - Asters (many species) Woods - Bluets Fields - Blue Curls Fields - Brown or Green Common Cat-tail Swamps - Narrow-leaved Cat-tail Swamps - Curled Dock Fields - Halberd-leaved Orache Marshes - Sea Blite Marshes - - - - - Chapter 4 - LIFE AT THE EDGE OF THE SEA - - -Everyone likes to be a beachcomber! And each passing tide exposes the -secrets of the sea to those interested enough to take a closer look. -Suppose that we examine this world which is revealed to us twice daily. - - -“WEEDS” OF THE SEA - -The sea holds many strange plants that have taken on fantastic sizes and -shapes because of their underwater environment. In spite of their size, -these plants are usually among the most primitive—a simple sheet of -cells. Such plants are called _algae_ and are subdivided according to -their colors. - - - _The Brown Algae_ - - [Illustration: Common Rockweed] - - Common Rockweed - (_Fucus_, several species) - - Brown, flattened body - Central midrib - Stem has air bladders - -The bladders are filled with air, and children like to squeeze them to -hear their pop. These bladders cause the plant to float upright, thus -keeping all its sides in contact with water. - - [Illustration: Nodose Rockweed] - - Nodose Rockweed - (_Ascophyllum nodosum_) - - Thin, round stem - No central midrib - -When dried by the sun, this plant makes an interesting and lasting -souvenir, for it turns a lustrous black. - - [Illustration: Common Kelp] - - Common Kelp - (_Laminaria agardhii_) - - Broad, flat blade - Several feet in length - -The kelps of the Pacific grow several hundred feet in length, making -them the largest of the algae and among the very largest plants. - - [Illustration: Fingered Kelp] - - Fingered Kelp - (_Laminaria digitata_) - - Many blades, extending like fingers on a hand - -All kelps have a rootlike structure called a “holdfast” to serve as an -anchor. Often tiny sea creatures dwell in among the holdfast. Why not -take a look? - - [Illustration: Perforated Kelp] - - Perforated Kelp - (_Agarum cribrosum_) - - Central midrib - Broad blade punctured with hundreds of holes - -In Asia this kelp is farmed for food called agar. An extract of the -plant, agar-agar, is used in the laboratory as a culture medium for -bacteria and other disease-producing organisms. - - - _The Green Algae_ - - [Illustration: Sea Lettuce] - - Sea Lettuce - (_Ulva species_) - - A sheet of green - -This is a very simple seaweed that reproduces itself by fragmentation, -each fragment growing into a new plant. Two common kinds are found at -Crane’s Beach: - - _Ulva lactuca_, which is the broad green “leaf”; _Ulva lanceolata_, - which is in thinner, more ribbon-like strips. - - - _The Red Algae_ - - [Illustration: Irish Moss] - - Irish Moss - (_Chondrus crispus_) - - Flattened, branching fronds - Purple in life, white when sun-bleached - -Here is a very common tidal plant that has commercial value. It is -called “Dulse” on the Boston markets, and a very delicious pudding is -prepared from it (seamoss farine). Why not take some home and try it? - - [Illustration: Polysiphonia] - - Polysiphonia - (_Polysiphonia_, several species) - - Pink or red color - Branching, lace-like appearance - -Sometimes called “Mermaid’s Hair,” these tiny plants are very common on -the beach. There are many kinds of Polysiphonias, but a microscopic -study is usually necessary to tell them apart. - - [Illustration: Coralline Algae] - - Coralline Algae - (_Coralline_, several species) - - White or pink limy covering - Appear jointed - -These plants have the amazing ability of concentrating lime from the sea -water and depositing it on their fronds, thus acquiring a stony, -coral-like appearance. - - -ANIMALS OF THE SEA - - [Illustration: Dolphin] - -Animals, in a kaleidoscope of unbelievable sizes, shapes, and colors, -abound here at the margin of the sea. Specializations range from the -single-celled body of the zooplankton to the multicellular body of the -Seals and the occasional Porpoise. - - - _The Sponges_ - - [Illustration: Finger Sponge] - - Finger Sponge - (_Chalina oculata_) - - Brown or tan color - In colonies of fingerlike projections - -The most common sponge on Crane’s Beach is the Finger Sponge. Even a -small piece may be identified by the holes on its surface, through which -the animal filtered water. The strange appearance of this sponge has -given it the repulsive name of “Dead Men’s Fingers.” - - [Illustration: Crumb-of-Bread Sponge] - - Crumb-of-Bread Sponge - (_Halichondria panicea_) - - Pale green in life - Light tan or white when dried on beach - Crumbles easily - -Only the most searching eye will discover this sponge, because it so -closely resembles a dull uninteresting rock or pile of bread crumbs. -When it has been freshly broken, it has a vile odor—a good clue to -identification. - - - _The Jelly-like Animals_ - - [Illustration: White Jellyfish] - - White Jellyfish - (_Aurelia aurita_) - - Flattened body - Under 10″ in diameter - -The tentacles dangling down from the underside of this jellyfish are -covered with tiny stinging cells, which in this species do not penetrate -human skin. - - [Illustration: Pink or Red Jellyfish] - - Pink or Red Jellyfish - (_Cyanea capillata_) - - More than 10″ in diameter - Reddish center, yellowish sides - -This jellyfish occasionally grows up to eight feet in diameter, with -tentacles a hundred or more feet long. The stinging cells can painfully -wound a swimmer, but you may examine a small jellyfish safely by placing -your hand on the smooth dorsal surface and turning it over. - - [Illustration: Sea Anemone] - - Sea Anemone - (_Metridium dianthus_) - - Cylindrical, soft body - Tentacles at top give flower-like appearance - Generally very colorful - -The “petals” of the Sea Anemone’s flower-like head are actually -tentacles covered with stinging cells and used to stun its food. -Generally found in the water at tide level, the Sea Anemone moves by -walking on its single, base-like foot. - - - _The Worms_ - - [Illustration: Clam Worm] - - Clam Worm - (_Nereis virens_) - - Jointed - One pair of paddle-like feet per segment - Two “tails” - Pinchers on the head (watch out!) - -This is the best-known worm on the beach because of its desirability as -fish bait. During the day it lives in its burrow in the sand, wandering -forth at night and swimming about in the water, where it becomes easy -prey for gulls and fishes. The skin is brilliantly iridescent in the -sunlight. - - - _The Crustaceans_ - - [Illustration: Common Barnacle] - - Common Barnacle - (_Balanus balanolides_) - - Common on rocks and shellfish - White, volcano-shaped shell - Two “barn doors” at top - -This animal goes through life standing on its head and kicking food into -its mouth with its feet! When it is submerged in sea water you can see -its shell doors open and its feather-like feet sweep the water for -microscopic food organisms. The limy shell first suggests a relationship -with the clam, but body structure shows it to be a closer relative of -the crab. - - [Illustration: Shrimps] - - Shrimps - (_Crago septemspinosus_, the Sand Shrimp, and _Palaemonetes vulgaris_, - the Prawn) - - Hard, transparent shell - Long antennae - Paddle-like tail - -These tiny tide-pool creatures look for all the world like the larger -edible shrimp served in local restaurants. Actually, these miniature -two-inch-long shrimps are edible also, and quite enjoyable if you have -the time and patience to collect enough for a meal. - - [Illustration: American Lobster] - - American Lobster - (_Homarus americanus_) - -Bits and pieces of Lobster are frequently found on the beach, but seldom -the entire animal. The Lobster inhabits deeper water and finds its way -to shore only after losing a battle with one of its enemies. A favorable -dining size is one or two pounds; however, Lobsters do attain weights up -to forty pounds. - - [Illustration: True Crabs] - - True Crabs - (Cancridae and Portunidae) - - Football-shaped in cross section - Two large claws - Eyes mounted on stalks - -The three very common True Crabs of Crane’s Beach may be found in one -search of the tidal pools. They are: - - Rock Crab (_Cancer irroratus_): A brick-red shell, somewhat - granulated, with a black and yellowish undersurface. - - Jonah Crab (_Cancer borealis_): Similar in color to the above, but its - shell has a more sculptured surface. - - Green Crab (_Carcinides maenas_): A greenish-colored shell. The last - pair of legs end in sharp points, rather than being flattened like - paddles. - - [Illustration: Horseshoe Crab] - - Horseshoe Crab - (_Limulus polyphemus_) - - Shell with horseshoe-shaped outline - Long, sharply pointed tail - Two immovable compound eyes - -The Horseshoe is not a Crab at all, but is more closely related to the -spiders, mites, and scorpions. In spite of its relations, the Horseshoe -is a harmless creature whose only protection is its hard shell. -Therefore it may be examined freely—a strange “living fossil” that has -survived 400,000,000 years of evolution with very little change. - - - _The Mollusks_ - - [Illustration: Oyster] - - Oyster - (_Ostrea virginica_) - - Mottled, unattractive shell - Gray splotches on inside surface - -Even without pearls, our Oyster is worth many thousands of dollars a -year to shellfish dealers because of its delicious flesh. Its tropical -relatives are the pearl producers. - - [Illustration: Mussels] - - Mussels - (_Mytilidae_) - - Blue-colored shells - Shells covered with black, horny skin - -Living mussels are always found attached to rocks or pieces of wood by -tiny threads of their own making. Two common mussels are: - - Edible Mussel (_Mytilus edulis_): Smooth, velvety-blue shell - identifies it. The animal within is edible and quite delicious. It is - commonly utilized as food in Europe but less so here, where we have, - and seem to prefer, the Oyster. - - Ribbed Mussel (_Modiolus demissus plicatulus_): Similar to the above - but with many distinct ribs radiating on the surface. The Ribbed - Mussel is not considered edible. While not poisonous, it is most - unpalatable. - - [Illustration: Hardshell Clam] - - Hardshell Clam - (_Venus mercenaria_) - - Thick, round shell - Purple blotches on inside surface - -Also called “Quahog,” “Little Neck,” “Round Clam,” or “Cherrystone,” the -Hardshell Clam is another highly prized seafood. - - [Illustration: Edible Clam] - - Edible Clam - (_Mya arenaria_) - - Fragile shell with egg-shaped outline - Wing extending out from inside top of left half of shell - -These clams are found just a foot or so under the sand, and their empty -shells are common on the beaches. This is the Softshell Clam, which we -enjoy steamed, baked, or fried, as well as in New England’s famous -clambakes and clam chowders. - - [Illustration: Surf Clam] - - Surf Clam - (_Spisula solidissima_) - - Very large shell - Spoon-shaped trough at inside top of shell - -This is the largest clam on the Atlantic seaboard, growing up to about -seven inches in length. It is edible, and just one or two make a large -chowder. The shell makes a fine ashtray and an unusual and useful -souvenir. - - [Illustration: Razor Clam] - - Razor Clam - (_Ensis directus_) - - Elongated brown shell - -The Razor has a very large foot, with which it can often dig faster than -the hand trying to discover it. Although delicious, the Razor Clam is -seldom seen on the markets because it is so difficult to capture. - - [Illustration: Snails] - - Snails - (Littorinidae, Thiasidae, and Naticidae) - - Clams in a coiled shell - -Several species are found at Crane’s Beach: - - Periwinkles (_Littorina_): These have a wrinkled shell about the size - of a thumbnail. Because they are able to withstand long periods - without water, Periwinkles are often found high on a beach. - - Rock Purple (_Thais lapillus_): Has a rough, white shell coming to a - point at the top. This snail secretes a purplish dye that was used by - the American Indians and the ancient Phoenicians to produce their - “royal purple” dyes. - - Moon Snail (_Polinices heros_): Large white shell with almost round - shape. The Moon Snail lays its eggs in a sand “collar,” which is - frequently discovered on the beach in its dry state. - - [Illustration: Slipper Shell] - - Slipper Shell - (_Crepidula fornicata_) - - Shell is boat-shaped - Tiny “seat” inside shell - -This animal protects its bare underside by attaching itself to a handy -rock with its suction-cup foot. Often there are enough of them to give -the rock a warted appearance. - - - _The Spiny-skinned Animals_ (_Echinoderms_) - - [Illustration: Starfishes] - - Starfishes - (_Asterias vulgaris_, and others) - - Five-armed body - -The Starfish seems to like Oysters as well as we do, and it opens them -by sheer strength. Oystermen used to tear Starfish apart to destroy -them, until they discovered that each arm has the ability to regenerate -and become a whole starfish! - - [Illustration: Sea Urchin] - - Sea Urchin - (_Strongylocentrotus droehbachiensis_) - - Round body - Covered with spines - -Here is a creature with a scientific name much too long for its size. -Indeed, the name is said to be the longest in animal nomenclature. The -Sea Urchin is a living fossil with four times as many extinct cousins as -living ones. - - [Illustration: Sand Dollar] - - Sand Dollar - (_Echinarachnius parma_) - - Silver-dollar size and shape - Raised, star-shaped pattern on back - -This is an animal of deeper water and so the bather seldom sees a live, -heavily spined specimen. We find the dry, spineless shells on the beach. -Wrap them carefully if you wish to take them home, because they are most -fragile. - - - _The Fishes_ - -The waters off Crane’s Beach abound with many dramatic fishes such as -Cod, Mackerel, Flounder, and Sand Sharks; but we are concerned only with -the common tidal fishes that are regularly washed onto the shore. - - [Illustration: Pipefish] - - Pipefish - (_Syngnathus fuscus_) - - Lead-pencil size and shape - Hard, bony plates cover body - -One look at a Pipefish will convince you that it must be related to the -Seahorse. It spawns late in the spring, the female laying her eggs in -the pouch on the stomach of the male. The male carries these eggs -kangaroo-fashion, until they hatch during the summer. - - [Illustration: Silverside] - - Silverside - (_Menidia menidia_) - - Silver stripe running down a light side - -These fish are also an important food item for the Gulls and Terns. -Silversides run in schools of a hundred or more, which can be located by -the flocks of birds gathered round overhead. - - [Illustration: Skates] - - Skates - (_Raja_, several species) - - Strange bat shape - Long ratlike tail - -These are harmless fish resembling the dangerous Rays of the tropics, -except for their habits. The egg cases of the Skate are rectangular, -black, horny envelopes. They are commonly found on the beach, where they -are called “mermaids’ purses.” If you find a fresh one and open it, you -may discover a miniature Skate inside. - - [Illustration: Killifish] - - Killifish - (_Fundulus heteroclitus_) - - Stout, olive-green fish - Rounded tail - -The “Chub,” well known to fishermen, can live for a day covered only -with a layer of damp seaweed. It does us a real service by feeding on -the mosquito larvae in brackish water. - - [Illustration: Sticklebacks] - - Sticklebacks - (_Gasterosteus_ and _Apeltes_ species) - - Spines on the back - Very narrow base to tail - -During the early summer months, the Stickleback builds a barrel-shaped -nest, held together with gelatinous threads. After the eggs have been -deposited, the male guards the nest with amazing vigor, considering his -size. - - [Illustration: Sand Lance] - - Sand Lance - (_Ammodytes americanus_) - - Knife-shaped body - Long dorsal fin (fin on back) - Protruding lower jaw - -Thriving abundantly off the beach, the Sand Lance is an important item -in the diet of shore birds. - - -FOR MORE INFORMED BEACHCOMBING - -Thus begins our day of beachcombing. Every animal and plant of the sea -has a tale to tell and some of the most exciting of all are found in -this ribbon-like strip of water in the tidal wash. - -For your further investigation, here is a list of reference books: - - Charles M. Breder, Jr., _Field Book of Marine Fishes of the Atlantic - Coast_. Rev. ed. New York: Putnam’s, 1948. $5.00 - Ralph M. Buchsbaum, _Animals without Backbones_. Rev. ed. Chicago: - University of Chicago Press, 1948. $8.00, text ed. $6.00 - Rachel L. Carson, _The Edge of the Sea_. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, - 1955. $3.95 - Roy Waldo Miner, _Field Book of Seashore Life_. New York: Putnam’s, - 1950. $7.00 - Percy A. Morris, _A Field Guide to the Shells of Our Atlantic and Gulf - Coasts_. Rev. ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1951. $3.95 - Herbert S. Zim and Lester Ingle, _Seashores: A Guide to Animals and - Plants along the Beaches_. New York: Golden Press, 1955. Cloth - $2.50, paper $1.00 - - - - - Chapter 5 - INSECTS AND THEIR KIN - - -The insect world populating the dense grass jungles and sand-dune -deserts at Castle Neck is generally unfamiliar to the human towering -above, yet its principal characters may readily be observed by the keen -eye, or, better, the keen eye aided by a simple magnifying glass. - -Insects are identified by the presence of six legs. Insect-like animals -may be found with more than six legs. Let’s look at these first. - - -INSECT RELATIVES: MULTILEGGED CREATURES - - - _Eight-legged Animals_ - - [Illustration: Ticks] - - Ticks - (Ioxidae and Argasidae) - - Body egg-shaped in outline - Very small head - Parasitic on human beings as well as animals - -Ticks are quite common at the beach, but only the tourist who ventures -into the woods will encounter them. From the tip of a blade of grass -they hook on to a warm-blooded animal passing by. In removing a Tick -some care is necessary so that the tiny head will not remain embedded in -the victim. Ticks can usually be persuaded to let go if touched with a -lighted cigarette or daubed with rubbing alcohol. - - [Illustration: Harvestmen] - - Harvestmen - (_Phalangida_) - - Very small oval body - Extremely long, slender legs - -Better known as “Daddy-long-legs,” these creatures resemble Spiders, but -are not very closely related to them. They are perfectly harmless and -cannot bite. Most of them feed on plant juices or dead insects. - - [Illustration: True Spiders] - - True Spiders - (Araneida) - - Body divided into two distinct parts - All have poison fangs - -Many spiders are to be found on Crane’s Beach. Most are small, harmless, -and difficult to identify. However, some of the general groups may be -readily recognized: - - Sheet-web Spiders (Linyphiidae): A small spider, usually less than a - quarter of an inch long. Its sheetlike web identifies it. - - Orb-weaving Spiders (Argiopidae): All of these spiders build their - webs like a wheel with radiating spokes. The Orange-and-Black Garden - Spider (_Miranda aurantia_), a large species infesting grassy places - in the fall, is typical of the group. - - Crab Spiders (Thomisidae): The Crab Spiders do not construct webs, but - their crablike shape and the fact that they walk sidewise will - identify them. - - Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae): This spider hunts its prey instead of - building a web and waiting for its meal to happen along. Wolf Spiders - are often large and quite hairy. The holes you find in the sand dunes - are nurseries constructed by the female Sand Dune Wolf Spider (_Lycosa - pikei_). - - Jumping Spiders (Attidae): “Jumpers” have a rather fat body that is - heavily covered with hair. They too hunt their prey, often jumping - several inches to capture it. - - - _Creatures with More Than Eight Legs_ - - [Illustration: Sow Bugs] - - Sow Bugs - (Isopoda) - - Flat, segmented body - Less than ten pairs of legs - -The Sow Bug, commonly called the “Pill Bug,” is usually found hiding -under a damp log. It is completely innocuous and will often roll into a -ball when disturbed. - - [Illustration: Centipedes] - - Centipedes - (Chilopoda) - - Elongated, segmented body - Fifteen or more pairs of legs - One pair of legs per segment - -The Centipede is usually found hidden in a moist place. It feeds on -insects killed by a poison injected through its jaw. Although Centipedes -occasionally bite a finger, their poison is so weak that the bite can be -ignored. - - [Illustration: Millipedes] - - Millipedes - (Diplopoda) - - Hard, segmented, worm-shaped body - Two pair of legs per segment - Roll into a ball when disturbed - -The Millipede is found in much the same habitat as the Centipede, under -a board or rock or inside a rotten stump. It is harmless, and lives for -the most part on decaying plants. - - -INSECTS: SIX-LEGGED ANIMALS - - - _The Mayflies_ - - [Illustration: Mayflies] - -These insects have long, soft bodies and two long “tails.” The first -stage in the Mayfly’s life is spent under water in one of the several -swampy pools behind the main beach. Early in the spring it changes into -the winged adult that is unable to eat. This adult lays its eggs and -dies soon afterwards. - - - _The Dragonflies and Damselflies_ - - [Illustration: Dragonflies] - - Dragonflies - (Aeshnidae, and others) - - Two pairs of long, stiff wings - Two large compound eyes, which touch each other - Hold wings outspread when they alight - -Dragonflies are often called “Devil’s Darning Needles,” but they are -perfectly harmless. They frequent wet areas, where they feed on other -insects—particularly mosquitoes! - - [Illustration: Damselflies] - - Damselflies - (Lestidae and Coenagrionidae) - - Two pairs of long wings - Large compound eyes do not touch - Wings folded over back when resting - -Aside from their smaller, more delicate appearance, these insects look -like the Dragonflies. They are found in the same places and have similar -habits. - - - _The Fan-winged Insects: Grasshoppers, Crickets, etc._ - - [Illustration: Short-horned Grasshoppers] - - Short-horned Grasshoppers - (Acrididae) - - Antennae shorter than body - Typical Grasshopper shape - -Most Grasshoppers are strong fliers and are easily frightened into -flight. The males may be heard singing during the day—a rasping noise -produced by drawing the hind leg across the veins on the wing. - - [Illustration: Crickets] - - Crickets - (Gryllidae) - - Antennae longer than body - Black or dark brown color - -The commonest Cricket here is the Black Field Cricket (_Acheta -assimilis_). The “singing” of the Cricket is produced by the male as he -rubs his wings together. Of particular interest is the Snowy Tree -Cricket (_Oecanthus niveus_), which chirps rhythmically. By counting the -chirps in one minute and subtracting forty, then dividing this total by -four and adding your new sum to fifty, you will have a rough estimate of -the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. - - [Illustration: Praying Mantis] - - Praying Mantis - (_Stagmomantis carolina_) - - Pale green color - Forefeet bent as though praying - -Mantids were once rare in New England but in recent years seem to have -been extending their range northward and are now quite common even in -the grassy beach area. They are said to be the only insects that can -look over their shoulders. - - - _The Earwigs_ - - [Illustration: European Earwig] - - European Earwig - (_Forficula auricularia_) - - Wings short, not half length of body - Two pincers on tail - -The Earwig hides by day, coming out at night to feed on plant material. -Since it does not bite with its pincers, it can be handled freely. Other -species are occasionally found. The Seaside Earwig (_Anisolabis -maritima_) is the largest New England earwig. It has more than -twenty-four segments to its antennae, whereas the European has no more -than fifteen. - - - _The True Bugs_ - -In common parlance, the term “bug” is usually applied to all insects. -Actually the following group is the only one scientifically recognized -as “bugs.” In all of them, half of the forewing is thickened and -leather-like, and all of the mouth parts are designed to pierce their -food. - - [Illustration: Lygaeid Bugs] - - Lygaeid Bugs - (Lygaeidae) - - Four sections to antenna - Antennae end in club shape - Very few veins in forewing - -The most common member of this group is the Red-and-Black Milkweed Bug -(_Oncopeltus fasciatus_), which feeds exclusively on Milkweed. A small -insect (_Geocoris_) also belongs to this group. It has a hammer-shaped -head and may be found beneath dried seaweed. - - [Illustration: Stink Bugs] - - Stink Bugs - (Pentatomidae) - - Broad, shield-shaped insect - -There are many kinds of Stink Bugs, so named because of the disagreeable -odor they emit when crushed. Some are brightly colored and are commonly -found on the fleshy dune plants. - - - _The Aphids and Scale Insects_ - - [Illustration: Woolly Alder Aphid] - - Woolly Alder Aphid - (_Prociphilus tessellatus_) - - White, woolly mass on Alder or Maple tree - -The Woolly Aphid is found only on Alder and Maple trees and may be -recognized by its downy appearance. Although it feeds on the tree, it is -never common enough to do any damage. The wool is a secretion of wax -protecting the insect. - - [Illustration: Oyster-shell Scale] - - Oyster-shell Scale - (_Lepidosaphes ulmi_) - - Tiny oyster-shell-shaped body covering - Attached to bark of tree (particularly Poplar and Birch) - -You must look very carefully to discover one of these insects. The young -Scales have legs and move about during the month of June. Then they -settle down, lose their legs, and secrete a wax shell over their bodies. -These Scales are extremely common at the beach, but only the careful -observer is likely to see them. - - - _The Golden-eyed Insects_ - - [Illustration: Common Lacewing] - - Common Lacewing - (_Chrysopa_, several species) - - Delicate-green insect - Very large wings - Golden-colored eyes - -In spite of its delicate shape, when caught the Lacewing emits an odor -which has earned it the name “Stink Fly.” Its eggs are laid singly on -long stalks because the young, called “aphid lions,” are cannibalistic. - - - _Nature’s Insect Tanks: Beetles_ - - [Illustration: Carrion Beetles] - - Carrion Beetles - (Silphidae) - - Body is soft but horny - Five segments in antennae - Usually found near dead animals - -The Carrion Beetles lay their eggs on a dead animal, which they bury as -a food reserve for their young. This habit has given them the common -name of “Burying Beetles.” - - [Illustration: Ground Beetles] - - Ground Beetles - (Carabidae) - - Dark brown or black - Head narrower than mid-body - Usually have prominent jaws - -The legs of the Ground Beetle are designed for quick movement. These -beetles are mostly active by night. They are beneficial because they eat -other insects. - - [Illustration: Tiger Beetles] - - Tiger Beetles - (Cicindelidae) - - Bright green or blue, metallic - Head broader than neck - Run and fly quickly - -The adult feeds savagely on other insects, killing them with powerful -jaws—which can also nip your finger. The larvae are called “doodlebugs” -and live in upright burrows in the sand, allowing their jaws to extend -above ground to capture unsuspecting prey. - - [Illustration: Click Beetles] - - Click Beetles - (Elateridae) - - When turned over, the insect snaps back upright - First body segment as broad as the last - -Click Beetles are so named because of the resounding “click” they make -when snapping up into the air after being overturned. The adults are -strict vegetarians, so look for them on plants. - - [Illustration: Scarab Beetles] - - Scarab Beetles - (Scarabaeidae) - - Large body, oval outline - Antennae terminate with fanlike segment - Body has “polished” finish - -There are more than 1400 species in this group in the United States and -more than 30,000 in the world. Two of the most common at the beach are: - - May Beetle (_Phyllophaga fusca_): A large cylindrical brown body. Also - called “June Bug,” in May and June it is frequently discovered at - night flying to a light. - - Japanese Beetle (_Popillia japonica_): The head and forebody are - metallic green; the wings are copper color. Introduced from the Orient - about fifty years ago, these beetles do great damage to many kinds of - plants. - - [Illustration: Snout Beetles or Weevils] - - Snout Beetles or Weevils - (Curculionidae) - - Small, roundish body - Dull, uninteresting color - Long tube (snout) on head - -These are very common beetles on the dunes. Their long snout is used to -drill into seeds and plant tissues. None of our species do great harm, -but they have some unpleasant relatives—the Plum Curculio -(_Conotrachelus nenuphar_) and the Cotton Boll Weevil (_Anthonomus -grandis_). - - [Illustration: Ladybug Beetles] - - Ladybug Beetles - (Coccinellidae) - - Hemispherical shape - Brightly colored - -Many kinds of “Ladybug” or “Ladybird” Beetles can be found at the beach. -Some feed on plants and others on small insects. The insect-eating -varieties are extremely valuable. - - [Illustration: Fireflies] - - Fireflies - (Lampyridae) - - A “tail light” - Elongated soft body - Head is not visible from above - -The Firefly’s light is produced by the chemical reaction of a substance -called luciferin. It is an almost perfect “cold” light, with practically -no heat loss. The light is used to attract the opposite sex during -mating. The larva of this beetle is the “glowworm.” - - - _The Scaled-wing Insects: Butterflies and Moths_ - -Butterflies may be identified by their threadlike antennae, which are -club-shaped at the end; Moths usually have feathered antennae. - - [Illustration: Swallowtails] - - Swallowtails - (Papilionidae) - - Large Butterflies - Tail-like extension on hind wings - -The Tiger Swallowtail (_Papilio ajax_), with yellow and black wings, is -the largest butterfly at the beach, and, indeed, the largest butterfly -in America. In midsummer you may find one fluttering about flowering -plants. - - [Illustration: Cabbage and Sulphur Butterflies] - - Cabbage and Sulphur Butterflies - (Pieridae) - - Half-dollar size - White or orange wings - -These butterflies are common wherever there is an open area such as the -dunes. In other parts of the United States the caterpillars destroy -great amounts of alfalfa and cabbage. - - [Illustration: Milkweed Butterflies] - - Milkweed Butterflies - (Danaidae) - - Large size - Orange and black markings - -The Monarch Butterfly (_Danaus plexippus_) is our most common species. -Because of its bitter taste the birds won’t eat it. - - [Illustration: Wood Nymphs] - - Wood Nymphs - (Satyridae) - - Butterflies with two large “eye spots” in brown wings - Large wing veins are swollen at base - -Nymphs are found from sea level to the mountain peaks. Look for them in -the Pitch Pine woods behind the beach. - - [Illustration: Skippers] - - Skippers - (Hesperiidae) - - Very hairy Butterflies, even wings - Erratic, skipping flight - -The Skippers look much like Moths. Their crazy, zigzag flight helps -identify them. - - [Illustration: Sphinx Moths] - - Sphinx Moths - (Sphingidae) - - Sphinx Moths frequently have a five-inch wingspread and - are called “Hawk” or “Hummingbird” Moths. - - [Illustration: Saturnid Moths] - - Saturnid Moths - (Saturniidae) - - Very large, hairy moths - Large, feather-like antennae - -Two species occur in our area: - - Cecropia Moth (_Samia cecropia_): It is the largest moth in our area, - having varying colors of brown and yellow. - - Luna Moth (_Tropaea luna_): New England’s most beautiful moth, the - Luna is pale green, with a brown leading edge on the forewing and a - long tail-like extension from the hind wing. - - [Illustration: Tiger Moths] - - Tiger Moths - (Arctiinae) - - Yellowish-brown body - Three rows of black spots on body - -The larvae of these moths are the well-known “Woolly Bear” caterpillars -that are covered with a dense coat of rusty-red and black hairs. They -are not beneficial. Two common examples are: - - Salt-marsh Caterpillar (_Estigmene acrea_): This caterpillar is - covered with rose-colored hair. It feeds on practically every type of - leaf in the fall. - - Webworm (_Hyphantria cunea_): It covers the ground for several feet - with its silky web. In large numbers, Webworms can denude a tree in - short order. Periodic outbreaks of these “Soldier Worms” are common at - the beach. - - [Illustration: Eastern Tent Caterpillar] - - Eastern Tent Caterpillar - (_Malacosoma americanum_) - - Adult moth is reddish brown - Extremely hairy, even on legs - -The adult is less readily recognized than is the web home of these -caterpillars. In the spring, the webs may be found on most of the Black -Cherry trees in the area. - - [Illustration: Measuringworms] - - Measuringworms - (Geometridae) - - Small gray or brown Moths - Margin of wings frilly or scalloped - -The caterpillars of these moths are the famous “Inch-worms” which move -along by arching the body to bring the tail up to the head, then -throwing the head out as if measuring the inches with the body. - - - _The Two-winged Insects: Flies and Mosquitoes_ - -Flies differ from other insects in having only two wings (one pair). The -second pair has degenerated into a tiny club-shaped structure that aids -the Fly in keeping its balance. - - [Illustration: Biting Midges] - - Biting Midges - (Certaopogonidae) - - Minute size (usually felt rather than seen!) - -Also called “No-see-ums” and “Sand Flies,” these tiny blood-sucking -Flies are altogether too common at the beach. So small that they can -pass through window screening, they are best discouraged with a liberal -dose of insect repellent. - - [Illustration: Crane Flies] - - Crane Flies - (Tipulidae) - - Resemble overgrown Mosquitoes - Extremely long, threadlike legs - -Crane Flies are associated with the wet, swampy areas behind the beach. -In spite of their mosquito-like shape, they can’t bite. - - [Illustration: Gall Midges] - - Gall Midges - (Cecidomyiidae) - - Minute Flies with humpback - Antennae as long as body - -The galls appear as unnatural swellings on plant stems or leaves. Each -species of these flies has a specific-shaped gall, made on a specific -type of plant, and at a specific place on the plant. - - [Illustration: Horse and Deer Flies] - - Horse and Deer Flies - (Tabanidae) - ½″ to 1″ in length - Head is hemispherical in shape - Large eyes, occupy entire head - - The mouth of these flies is designed to puncture the skin - and draw blood. They frequently are pests, with a special - fondness for bathers. - - [Illustration: Robber Flies] - - Robber Flies - (Asilidae) - - Large flies - Hind body narrower than forebody - Head hollowed out between eyes - -Robber Flies do not bother human beings but they attack other insects, -often larger than themselves, in mid-air. - - [Illustration: Syrphid Flies] - - Syrphid Flies - (Syrphidae) - - Large black-and-yellow-striped bodies - Superficially resemble bees - -The Syrphids are constantly found among flowers and so are called -“Flower Flies.” They are nearly as important as bees in pollination. All -are harmless to us. - - [Illustration: Mosquitoes] - - Mosquitoes - (Culicidae) - - Small, long-legged insects - Threadlike antennae covered with whorls of hair - -Only female Mosquitoes bite. They must have one meal of blood before -they can lay eggs. We have eighteen species of Mosquitoes in our area. - - - _The Ants, Wasps, and Bees_ - - [Illustration: Ants] - - Ants - (Formicidae) - - Small, usually wingless, insects - Extremely thin waist - -Ants are social insects, and our species is found in large or small -colonies everywhere. Ants are also the most common insect. Two readily -recognized types are: - - Carpenter Ant (_Camponotus herculeanus pennsylvanicus_): A large black - ant that is found burrowing in damp wood. The labyrinth-like tunnels - in rotten wood will aid you in finding a colony. - - Mound Ant (_Formica exsectoides_): Produce the well-known “ant hills,” - which may be six inches to a foot in diameter. - - [Illustration: Hornets and Potter Wasps] - - Hornets and Potter Wasps - (Vespidae) - - Black or black and yellow, not furry, “Wasp-waisted” - - Bald-faced Hornet (_Vespula maculata_): This is a black wasp with - white markings. The distinctive nest is made of paper manufactured - from wood pulp gathered by the insect from dead trees or old fence - posts. At the end of the season, it may be as much as a foot or two in - diameter. The only safe time to collect these nests is during the - winter months! - - Potter Wasp (_Eumenes fraternus_): The Potter Wasp constructs a “clay - pot” on branches of trees, particularly Red Cedar, which it fills with - paralyzed caterpillars as food for its young. - - [Illustration: Bumble and Honey Bees] - - Bumble and Honey Bees - (Apidae) - - Extremely hairy, woolly appearance - Hind legs flattened for pollen collection - - Bumblebees (Bombus, species): Bumblebees are common visitors to - flowers. Their heavy body seems much too bulky for flight. The bee - makes its nest in old mouse nests on the ground and a careful search - for such nests will generally result in discovery of a Bumblebee’s - home. - - Honey Bee (_Apis mellifera_): The well-known Honey Bee was brought to - this country from Europe. It has now become a common “wild” bee as - well as a domesticated species. You may find some wild-bee colonies in - hollow trees, particularly on Castle Hill. - - - - - INSECT COLLECTING—AN INEXPENSIVE HOBBY - - -Insects are everywhere and it is easy to collect them. Practically no -expense is required to produce a very beautiful collection. Some of the -seaside insects are most unusual and not available elsewhere, so it -would be well to start your collection right here. Some references that -will help you are: - - Donald J. Borror and Dwight M. DeLong, _An Introduction to the Study - of Insects_. New York: Rinehart, 1954. $10.00 - Alexander B. Klots and E. B. Klots, _Living Insects of the World_. New - York: Doubleday, 1959. $9.95 - Su Zan Noguchi Swain, _Insects in Their World_. New York: Garden City - Books, 1955. $2.95 - Herbert S. Zim and Clarence Cottam, _Insects: A Guide to Familiar - American Insects_. Rev. ed. New York: Golden Press, 1956. - Cloth $2.50, paper $1.00 - - - - - Chapter 6 - MEETING THE MAMMALS - - -Mammals are defined simply as warm-blooded animals that have hair and -nourish their young on milk. They are considered the highest form of -Earth life. They are common everywhere, but their secretive habits make -observation difficult. You may consider yourself quite fortunate if you -see even one or two of the mammals living on Castle Neck during a single -visit here. - -In this chapter lengths given are measurements from the nose to tip of -the tail. - - -INSECT-EATING MAMMALS: SHREWS - - [Illustration: Short-tailed Shrew] - - Short-tailed Shrew - (_Blarina brevicauda_) - - Dark, slate-gray body - Length 4″ or 5″ - Tail about 1″ - -This little mammal is a creature of damp areas and is generally -associated with damp forests. It makes burrows just under the surface of -the ground. It is the _only_ poisonous mammal in the United States and -uses its venom to stun and kill its prey. However, the only result of a -nip on your finger will be considerable swelling. Because of its -insect-eating habit the Shrew is a most beneficial animal. - - [Illustration: Cinereus Shrew] - - Cinereus Shrew - (_Sorex cinereus_) - - Grayish-brown body - Length 3″ to 4″ - Tail more than 1″ - -This is the most common shrew on the Neck. It is found roving about the -salt marshes in search of insects. It hunts during the day as well as at -night, generally keeping concealed under a grassy cover. - - -WINGED MAMMALS: BATS - -Everyone can identify Bats. Their fingers are extended and joined with a -leathery membrane. Their ears are large to aid in catching the echo of -their voice as it is reflected from obstacles. They are most frequently -seen at twilight when they flitter over the dunes in quest of the many -insects abounding there. Bats have tremendous value because they eat -such insect pests as mosquitoes and flies. - -We have five major kinds of Bats. They are not easily identified in -flight. - - [Illustration: Little Brown Bat] - - Little Brown Bat - (_Myotis_, several species) - - Less than 4″ long - Common - - [Illustration: Big Brown Bat] - - Big Brown Bat - (_Eptesicus fuscus_) - - More than 4″ long - Reddish-brown fur - Common - - [Illustration: Pipistrelles] - - Pipistrelles - (_Pipistrellus subflavus_) - - The “Pigmy Bat,” under 3″ long - Rare - - [Illustration: Silver-haired Bat] - - Silver-haired Bat - (_Lasionycteris noctivagans_) - - About 3½″ long - Gray or silvery hair on back - Rare - - [Illustration: Red Bat] - - Red Bat - (_Lasiurus borealis_) - - About 3½″ long - Rusty-red fur with whitish tips - -and - - [Illustration: Hoary Bat] - - Hoary Bat - (_L. cinereus_) - - About 4½″ long - Yellowish-brown fur tipped with white - - -LONG-EARED JUMPERS: RABBITS - - [Illustration: New England Cottontail] - - New England Cottontail - (_Sylvilagus transitionalis_) - - Large hind jumping legs - More than 1′ long - -While the New England Cottontail is named for our area, it does extend -its range southward to mid-Alabama. It may be separated from other -species of Cottontails by a narrow black spot between the ears. It is -very common on the Neck. These rabbits stay hidden most of the day, -venturing forth at night or early in the morning. Because their diet is -exclusively vegetable matter, we do not consider them beneficial. - - -BUCK-TOOTHED MAMMALS: RODENTS - - [Illustration: Eastern Gray Squirrel] - - Eastern Gray Squirrel - (_Sciurus carolinensis_) - - About 18″ long - Bushy tail, less than half the total length - Gray fur, white on underside - -The Gray Squirrel easily adapts itself to any environment. The large -treetop nests constructed of _leaves_ are made by this squirrel. A brood -of two to six young is raised once or twice each spring. - - [Illustration: Red Squirrel] - - Red Squirrel - (_Tamiasciurus hudsonicus_) - - About 14″ long - Bushy tail, about half the total length - Rusty-red fur, underside white - -This little squirrel will often be heard before it is seen, scolding its -terrestrial enemies with a loud clatter from a perch high in a -protective tree. In late spring its yearly brood of four or five is -raised in a nest of shredded bark built high in a tree. - - [Illustration: Eastern Chipmunk] - - Eastern Chipmunk - (_Tamias striatus_) - - 8″ or 10″ long - Reddish-brown fur with two white stripes on back - White stripes on back are margined with black - -The Chipmunk is a squirrel that keeps to the ground and seldom climbs -trees except to collect nuts. It packs the nuts in two large cheek -pouches, and when these are full they look like a very bad case of -mumps. The Chipmunk’s nest is found underground. - - [Illustration: Common Woodchuck] - - Common Woodchuck - (_Marmota monax_) - - Large, fat animal over 2′ long - Grayish- to reddish-brown fur - Bushy tail, 5″ or 6″ long - -The Woodchuck has many common names; “Chuck,” “Marmot,” or “Ground Hog” -are the ones used in our area. “Chucks” live in deep burrows underground -and there is always a great mound of earth in front of their opening. -Frequently the “Chuck” is seen standing upright on its hind feet -surveying its territory from the top of this mound. The same tunnel -probably has several other more concealed openings which are used as -escape hatches. The Woodchuck hibernates far below the ground during the -winter months, and in the northern United States never comes out on -February 2, “Ground Hog Day.” - - [Illustration: Muskrat] - - Muskrat - (_Ondatra zibethica_) - - Resembles a large rat - About 2′ long - Tail ratlike, flattened from side to side - -The Muskrat is an aquatic mammal and is always found in association with -water. It is very common in the marshy areas of the beach and may -frequently be seen swimming about in such spots. The Muskrat’s fur has -become specialized for its aquatic existence and is water-proofed with a -heavy layer of oil. Muskrats feed extensively on the marsh plants. In -late fall they construct large dome-shaped homes that protrude above the -water. - - [Illustration: White-footed Mouse] - - White-footed Mouse - (_Peromyscus leucopus_) - - Feet and legs are white - Large eyes; prominent ears - -These mice are common all over the Neck. They are nocturnal and may be -discovered in the daytime hiding under boards that have washed onto the -shore, or they may be found in the wooded areas behind the main beach. -Their small nests are constructed out of fur and grass and are located -in depressions in the ground, frequently under a board or log. When the -original owners vacate these nests they are often taken over by -Bumblebees, Centipedes, Earwigs, and other secretive creatures. - - [Illustration: Eastern Meadow Mouse] - - Eastern Meadow Mouse - (_Microtus pennsylvanicus_) - - Very small eyes - Tail short, about one-third total length - Brown fur, gray on underside - -The Meadow Mouse is by far the most common mammal of Castle Neck. Its -burrows may be seen just under the grass in all areas having ground -cover. It feeds on many of the trees in the area, chewing the bark -around the base. This girdling will eventually kill the tree. While this -habit makes Meadow Mice undesirable, they fortunately prefer the smaller -herbaceous plants when they are available. Although common, Meadow Mice -are seldom seen because their days are spent running through their -burrows. These may extend over an area of many square yards. - - [Illustration: Meadow Jumping Mouse] - - Meadow Jumping Mouse - (_Zapus hudsonius_) - - Tail longer than body, sparsely haired - White underside, olive-yellow back - -Occasionally when one is walking in the grassy fields, a Jumping Mouse -will suddenly bound away in leaps averaging three or four feet. If it is -really frightened, these leaps may carry the mouse as far as ten feet. -In the United States the Jumping Mouse is much more closely related to -the Porcupine than to true mice. Un-mouse-like, it hibernates in an -underground nest during the winter months. Jumping Mice eat both insects -and plants. - - -DOGLIKE MAMMALS: FOXES - - [Illustration: Red Fox] - - Red Fox - (_Vulpes fulva_) - - Looks like a long-legged dog - Reddish fur; feet and ears black - Large bushy tail, white on tip - -Only the most fortunate observer will see a Fox, which is most secretive -and truly sly in its habits. It digs burrows and produces four to nine -young during April. The Fox has been known to adapt its habits to -changes humans have made in its environment, and it is most beneficial -because it eats thousands of mice annually. - - -RING-TAILED MAMMAL: RACCOON - - [Illustration: Raccoon] - - Raccoon - (_Procyon lotor_) - - Dense gray fur - Tail ringed with bands of black and white - Black “mask” over eyes - -Raccoons are creatures of the night and seldom venture forth in the -daylight. They are expert climbers, spending many hours high in a lofty -perch, and if pursued they usually seek refuge in a tree or swamp. They -feed on frogs, fish, eggs, insects, nuts, corn, and shellfish, which -they rinse carefully. The shellfish they skillfully remove from their -shells, and often small piles of shells are the only clue to a Raccoon’s -presence. - - -SCENT-PRODUCING MAMMALS: SKUNKS, MINK, WEASELS - - [Illustration: Striped Skunk] - - Striped Skunk - (_Mephitis mephitis_) - - Black fur with two white stripes on back - Large bushy tail, white at tip - -The Skunk is an inoffensive creature that tries hard to avoid people. -Even when confronted, it is generally good-natured, relying on its -presence to discourage investigation and employing its powerful scent -only if pressed. Skunks usually live in holes not far from water. These -holes have generally been taken over from another mammal by “squatter’s -rights.” From four to seven youngsters are born in late April and they -follow their mother about faithfully wherever she goes. - - [Illustration: Mink] - - Mink - (_Mustela vison_) - - Elongated brown animal - Bushy tail, about 8″ long - Toes are webbed - -The Mink is extremely rare on the Neck and a careful and thorough search -is required to locate one. They are associated with water and feed on -shellfish and other aquatic creatures. They are best known for their -fur, a favorite for coats. Fortunately, Mink are not common enough on -the Neck to warrant commercial trapping. - - [Illustration: Long-tailed Weasel] - - Long-tailed Weasel - (_Mustela frenata_) - - Long thin body; yellowish beneath, brown above - Tail long, about half the total length - -The Weasel is a vicious, bloodthirsty animal that often kills just for -the sport of it. Most of its victims are mice and insects, so its -murderous instincts really benefit us. Weasels hunt at all hours of the -day or night and all year round. Specimens in our area will occasionally -turn pure white in winter and become an “Ermine.” - - -HOOF-FOOTED MAMMALS: DEER - - [Illustration: White-tailed Deer] - - White-tailed Deer - (_Odocoileus virginianus_) - - Tail held upright when alarmed - White patch on throat under chin - Ear lined with white - -The White-tailed Deer is certainly the most obvious mammal on the Neck -and is readily seen if one will take a short stroll in the wooded area -behind the main beach or farther out on the Neck. There are probably -close to one hundred deer here, a number approaching overpopulation. -They feed mostly on grasses and the more succulent plants. Usually deer -produce twins in early summer (June). The fawns are light tan and -spotted with white. Deer may be seen readily in early evening when they -come into the open fields to browse. They seem to have become quite -accustomed to human observers and will frequently be as interested in -you as you are in them. - - -MAMMAL STUDY—A LIFETIME PROJECT - -Occasionally Whales, Seals, and Porpoises are sighted off the beach. -These are true aquatic mammals. We have only listed the mammals -regularly found living on the Neck. To see all of them is a summer’s -project, and to study their life histories is equally exciting and -challenging. - -A few books to help you are: - - William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossenheider, _A Field Guide to the - Mammals_. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1952. $3.95 - Victor H. Cahalane, _Mammals of North America_. New York: Macmillan, - 1947. $7.95 - William J. Hamilton, Jr., _The Mammals of Eastern United States_. - Ithaca, N. Y.: Comstock, 1943. Out of print. Available in - Museum of Science Library. - Ralph S. Palmer, _The Mammal Guide: Mammals of North America North of - Mexico_. Garden City, N. Y.: Doubleday, 1954. $4.95 - Herbert S. Zim and D. F. Hoffmeister, _Mammals: A Guide to Familiar - American Species_. New York: Golden Press, 1955. Cloth $2.50, - paper $1.00 - - - - - Chapter 7 - WINGS OVER THE SAND - - -More than any other form of nature, birds invite the notice of the -casual naturalist. Their specializations, their plumage, and their song -all serve as attractive bait for our attention. - -It is not surprising, then, that more books have been written about -birds than any other life form, and that many of these have been -directed especially to the layman. - -Although more than 150 species of birds may appear during the course of -a year at Crane’s Beach, only a small number will be described here in -any detail. Many of these will be summer birds that regularly nest on -Castle Neck. - -The common and scientific names of the birds listed below are in -accordance with the nomenclature in the latest edition (5th) of the -American Ornithologists’ Union _Check-list_ (1957). - - -BIRDS OF THE SEA - - [Illustration: Herring Gull] - - Herring Gull - (_Larus argentatus_) - - Body is pure white - Grayish-blue wings, tipped with black - Somewhat larger than a Crow - -This is the familiar “Sea Gull,” one of many species so called. Its -value as a beach scavenger and “garbage collector” has earned it -protection by the federal government. While preferring the rocky coasts -of Maine for nesting, the Herring Gull is by far the most familiar, if -not the most common bird found at Crane’s Beach. - - [Illustration: Great Black-backed Gull] - - Great Black-backed Gull - (_Larus marinus_) - - Much larger than Herring Gull - Wings are black on top surface - -This beautiful gull, like its common cousin, is a scavenger. It is -larger and more antagonistic than the Herring Gull and will often steal -its food. In Maine, where both breed, the Great Black-back frequently -feeds on the Herring Gull’s eggs or nestlings. - - [Illustration: Common Tern] - - Common Tern - (_Sterna hirundo_) - - Small, sleek, white body - Forked tail - Black crown on top of head - Orange-red bill - -These delightful, graceful birds are again nesting at the tip of the -Neck. Their nest has been described earlier (page 7). Under government -protection, their numbers have been increasing rapidly. Keep a sharp -watch and you may spot an Arctic or Roseate Tern, both very similar to -the Common. It is entertaining to watch the Tern fish. It hovers against -the wind in one spot just off shore—then suddenly drops into the water, -only to reappear again in a moment with some morsel of food. Repeated -again and again, this performance becomes a real show which even the -most uninterested sun bather cannot ignore. - - -BIRDS OF THE BEACH - - [Illustration: Piping Plover] - - Piping Plover - (_Charadrius melodus_) - - Small, sandy-colored bird - Black neck ring and forehead markings - Voice: A clear, forlorn “peep-lo” - -This rather rare shorebird so perfectly matches the dry sand on which it -hunts that it is often completely invisible until it moves. If the -sparsely lined nest is discovered, the parents go into a “broken wing” -act to draw attention to themselves and away from their eggs or young. -The four light buff eggs marked with black are laid in May. - - - _Five Common Migrants_ - -Although rare, the Piping Plover has been described in detail because it -does nest here. The following five birds are very common on the Neck -during much of the summer but do not nest on New England beaches. - - [Illustration: Semipalmated Plover] - - Semipalmated Plover - (_Charadrius semipalmatus_) - - Resembles Piping Plover but is darker brown - Black ring on neck - Tail is dark, with white edges - - [Illustration: Black-bellied Plover] - - Black-bellied Plover - (_Squatarola squatarola_) - - About Robin size - Tail and rump are white - Named for its spring color patterns - - [Illustration: Greater Yellowlegs] - - Greater Yellowlegs - (_Totanus melanoleucus_) - - A large Sandpiper with bright yellow legs - Tail and rump are white - In flight, body appears light, wings dark - - [Illustration: Sanderling] - - Sanderling - (_Crocethia alba_) - - Legs and bill are black - White stripe across wing - Body is brown or gray color - - [Illustration: Semipalmated Sandpiper] - - Semipalmated Sandpiper - (_Ereunetes pusillus_) - - Very tiny sandpiper - Stout bill - Blackish legs - - -BIRDS OF THE SWAMPY AREAS - - [Illustration: Redwinged Blackbird] - - Redwinged Blackbird - (_Agelaius phoeniceus_) - - Male is black, with red shoulder patches - Female is a brown, uninteresting bird - -The male Redwing is familiar to everyone. His beautiful black plumage -with red shoulder bars allows a rapid identification. He is usually seen -flitting about over a marsh attempting to attract the attention of some -admiring female. The nest is built in a shrub on the marsh in late May -or June. Ordinarily it is well concealed, and often the only indication -of its existence is the loud scolding of the anxious parents when -intruders approach. - - [Illustration: Black Duck] - - Black Duck - (_Anas rubripes_) - - In flight: A dark duck with silvery underwings - On water: Light brown with a yellow bill - Bright red feet - -This heavily hunted waterfowl continues to breed even in well-populated -areas. Its nest is found here on the edges of the many fresh-water pools -that dot the Neck in association with the swamps. About nine white or -buff-colored eggs are produced in May. After nesting, these ducks may -still be seen feeding on submerged plants. They obtain their meal in a -crazy “dabbling” fashion, standing on their heads so that only the tail -protrudes above the surface. - - [Illustration: Black-crowned Night Heron] - - Black-crowned Night Heron - (_Nycticorax nycticorax_) - - White breast, black on back and on crown of head - About Herring Gull size - Long, wading legs - -Although most active at night, these herons may be seen throughout the -day resting or feeding. They wade about in both the fresh and salt -marshes in search of fish or crustaceans, which they seize with their -long bills. This heron nests only rarely, if ever, on the Neck now, but -thirty years ago great rookeries were found here. These birds are still -to be found on the Neck in fair numbers even though man’s invasion of -the area has reduced its desirability as a nesting place. - - [Illustration: Marsh Hawk] - - Marsh Hawk - (_Circus cyaneus_) - - Males gray; females brown - Medium-sized hawk - Always with an obvious white rump - -During the summer this handsome bird of prey is a familiar sight soaring -close to the ground over all large marshy areas. In flight it holds its -wings at an angle over its back, rather than parallel to the ground as -do most hawks. It mates for life, bringing forth a brood of young once -each summer. The nest is quite un-hawk-like, located on the ground and -constructed of tall grasses. The Marsh Hawk leaves the area and migrates -southward sometime in early September. - - -BIRDS OF THE FIELDS AND WOODED AREAS - - [Illustration: Rufous-sided Towhee] - - Rufous-sided Towhee - (_Pipilo erythrophthalmus_) - - Underside white, orange on sides - Tail is long, dark, with white corners - About size and shape of a Robin - -Towhees are more often heard than seen. Their loud scratching noise in -the underbrush frequently frightens hikers. If disturbed, they will run -on the ground to a place of safety. Their song is very distinctive and -has been said to sound like “Drink your tea” with the _tea_ ending -extended, or “You and meeeee.” The Towhee generally breeds twice every -summer, building its nest in a small shrub or on the ground. This nest -is usually as difficult to discover as the bird itself. - - [Illustration: Tree Swallow] - - Tree Swallow - (_Iridoprocne bicolor_) - - White throat and stomach - Blue-green back and head - Crescent-shaped wings, notched tail - -Usually seen winging low over water, the Tree Swallow serves to clean -the air of water-loving insects. These swallows appear on the Neck in -great numbers during the fall, when the scarcity of insects changes -their diet to Bayberries. Tree Swallows are among the last birds to -migrate in the fall and always the first to return the following spring. -Their nests are occasionally discovered in a hollow tree during May or -June, but these little birds will readily accept a bird house in lieu of -a hollow tree. - - [Illustration: Eastern Kingbird] - - Eastern Kingbird - (_Tyrannus tyrannus_) - - Appears gray at a distance - Square black tail with conspicuous white tip - -Infrequently, one sees a Hawk being attacked in flight by a much smaller -bird. This little ball of courage is likely to be the Kingbird. Because -of its swiftness in flight, the Kingbird is an able fly catcher and -feeds on flies regularly. It builds a nest on the Neck, usually high in -a tree, affording it a good lookout post. Watch for this nest in June. - - [Illustration: Brown Thrasher] - - Brown Thrasher - (_Toxostoma rufum_) - - Brown bird with light breast covered with dark streaks - Long curved bill; very long tail - -The Thrasher, and its cousin the Catbird, are both common summer -residents and nest on Castle Neck. The Thrasher’s loud song, often -mimicking other birds, is distinctive because every phrase occurs in -pairs. When the nest is approached, the song changes into a series of -short clucking noises, with an occasional hiss scolding the intruder. -Persistent investigation may uncover the well-constructed nest on the -ground. Look for this nest containing four brown-marked blue eggs during -late May or June. - - [Illustration: Mourning Dove] - - Mourning Dove - (_Zenaidura macroura_) - - A slim, brown bird - Long pointed tail, bordered with white - -This lovely, delicate dove occurs in every state of the Union. The waste -areas on the Neck are especially suited to it because its main foodstuff -is Pitch Pine seeds, weeds, and grasses. The Mourning Dove’s nest, -placed in a Pitch Pine, is so carelessly made that it is apt to be -mistaken for an old nest which is falling apart. Why it doesn’t do just -this during the nesting season is a marvel. This beautiful dove is -sometimes mistaken for its extinct cousin the Passenger Pigeon. - - [Illustration: Sparrow Hawk] - - Sparrow Hawk - (_Falco sparverius_) - - Long pointed wings and long tail - Our only small hawk with a black-banded rufous tail - -In recent years this colorful hawk has become quite a city dweller, -having little fear of humans. During May, four or five eggs are laid in -a deserted Woodpecker’s hole or any convenient cavity. As one would -guess from its size, the Sparrow Hawk feeds mainly on insects and seldom -on a mouse or sparrow. It is often seen hovering over a field in search -of prey or just surveying its feeding territory from a high vantage -point. - - [Illustration: Great Horned Owl] - - Great Horned Owl - (_Bubo virginianus_) - - Only large owl with ear tufts - Gray appearance, with white throat patch - Voice: Deep, penetrating “Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo” (usually an odd - number of hoo’s) - -One or two of these magnificent birds can generally be found on any -thorough search of the Neck. They hunt the Neck by night, taking a great -toll of mice and other small animals. The Great Horned Owl nests earlier -than any other New England bird, usually in February or March. So early, -in fact, it occasionally returns from a hunt to find its nest and eggs -covered with snow. A Great Horned can often be located during the day by -following the sound of a noisy flock of Crows. These birds spend hours -screaming and scolding Owls whenever they find one sleeping during the -day. - - [Illustration: Yellow Warbler] - - Yellow Warbler - (_Dendroica petechia_) - - Only tiny _all_-yellow bird here - Reddish streaks on breast of males - -On first discovery, this warbler is likely to be identified as an -escaped canary. Indeed, it is oftentimes called the “Wild Canary.” It -has a very charming, persistent song, which it sings during most of the -day. It builds a tiny nest lined with down in the fork of a shrub. -Unfortunately, the Yellow Warbler arrives late in the spring and leaves -us early in the fall. - - [Illustration: Yellowthroat] - - Yellowthroat - (_Geothlypis trichas_) - - Male: All yellow, with a black mask over eyes - Female: Drab olive color with bright yellow throat - -A very familiar bird on Castle Neck, the Yellowthroat constantly makes -its presence known by a bright “witchity-witchity” song, sounding as -though it is asking “What-cha-see?” Its nest is built on or close to the -ground and is a rather bulky affair, much larger than seems necessary -for so small a bird. As with most of the warblers, the Yellowthroat’s -diet consists entirely of insects—a characteristic that makes it a most -valuable guest. - - -SOME WINTER SPECIALTIES - -A few tourists visit the beach during the winter. It is generally -considered to be a “dead” time of year. Yet the birds abound here, and -many may be found only during the cold months. Five examples are: - - [Illustration: Common Loon] - - Common Loon - (_Gavia immer_) - - Large, almost Goose size - Long, straight bill - Winter: Dark gray back, whitish throat and breast - -All summer long the Loon lives in the quiet of some hidden northern -lake, but in the winter it moves out into the ocean. The winter seas are -cold and savage, and yet the Loon takes them in stride. It is a powerful -swimmer and can dive easily and deeply. The voice of the Loon, heard -only in summer, is very distinctive; the loud, “crazy” laughing call is -responsible for the saying “As crazy as a loon.” - - [Illustration: Horned Grebe] - - Horned Grebe - (_Podiceps auritus_) - - Resembles a duck but has slender neck and pointed bill - Winter: Dark gray back, line down neck, and top of head; white on - breast, front of neck, and underside of head - -The Horned Grebe spends most of its time on the water, frequently even -sleeping there. It has also learned to preen itself in water by rolling -over on its side. Grebes swim and dive actively, catching many small -fish and crustaceans. When frightened into flight they will run many -yards across the surface of the water before finally hurtling into the -air. - - [Illustration: Snowy Owl] - - Snowy Owl - (_Nyctea scandiaca_) - - Very large white owl - A round, smooth head - -The Snowy is a day-flying owl and therefore may be seen perched high on -a sand dune looking around for mice. Its home is in the Arctic tundra, -where it feeds on Lemmings. When these are scarce during the winter, the -Snowy migrates southward to new feeding grounds. Because it is not used -to humans, you can often get quite close to this owl before it will be -frightened into flight. - - [Illustration: Snow Bunting] - - Snow Bunting - (_Plectrophenax nivalis_) - - About size of Song Sparrow - White body, rusty on head and back - Long, pointed, white wings with black tips - -From its breeding grounds in the Arctic, this large sparrow-like bird -comes to Crane’s Beach only in the winter. It is at home during the -hardest, most severe snowstorms. One may stand on the verge of frostbite -and watch large flocks of Snow Buntings flitting about, whistling in a -cheerful tinkling song. Look for them among the dunes or marshes, where -they feed on the grass and weed seeds. - - [Illustration: Ipswich Sparrow] - - Ipswich Sparrow - (_Passerculus princeps_) - - Large sparrow, gray above, white below - Breast and sides have dull brown markings - Upper parts more heavily streaked - -The Ipswich Sparrow is an occasional visitor to Ipswich. It was isolated -years ago on desolate Sable Island off the coast of Nova Scotia. It -breeds only on Sable Island, but its winter migrations cause it to -wander along the Atlantic Coast. It was first reported in 1868 from the -dunes on Castle Hill, hence its name Ipswich Sparrow. When observed, -this bird is most often found among the debris left at high tide on the -upper beach. It is quick to fly when disturbed and, upon landing, will -run for several yards to lose itself in the Beach Grass. - - -FOR A WIDER ACQUAINTANCE AMONG THE BIRDS - -It is obvious that this chapter serves only to introduce you to the -great variety of bird life awaiting the interested naturalist. To -continue your study, consider the purchase of a good binocular and one -or all of the books listed below. - - _Field List: Birds of Essex County, Massachusetts_. Salem, Mass.: - Peabody Museum, 1952. $.35 - Edward Howe Forbush, _Natural History of the Birds of Eastern and - Central North America_. Revised and abridged by John B. May. - Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1939. $7.50 - Roger Tory Peterson, _How to Know the Birds_. New York: New American - Library, 1949. $.50 - ——, _A Field Guide to the Birds_. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1947. - $3.95 - Charles Wendell Townsend, _The Birds of Essex County, Massachusetts. - Memoirs of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, No. 3_. Cambridge, - Mass.: Nuttall Ornithological Club, 1905. Available in Museum - of Science Library. - ——, _Supplement to The Birds of Essex County, Massachusetts. Memoirs - of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, No. 5_. Cambridge, Mass.: - Nuttall Ornithological Club, 1920. Available in Museum of - Science Library. - George J. Wallace, _An Introduction to Ornithology_. New York: - Macmillan, 1955. $8.00 - - -COMMON BIRDS OF CASTLE NECK - -Here are sixty of the most common birds you can expect to find at Castle -Neck: - - Green Heron - Black-crowned Night Heron - Black Duck - Red-shouldered Hawk - Marsh Hawk - Sparrow Hawk - Ruffed Grouse - Ring-necked Pheasant - Piping Plover - Semipalmated Plover - Killdeer - Black-bellied Plover - Spotted Sandpiper - Greater Yellowlegs - Semipalmated Sandpiper - Sanderling - Common Tern - Mourning Dove - Screech Owl - Great Horned Owl - Chimney Swift - Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Kingfisher - Flicker - Downy Woodpecker - Hairy Woodpecker - Kingbird - Phoebe - Tree Swallow - Barn Swallow - Bluejay - White-breasted Nuthatch - House Wren - Catbird - Brown Thrasher - Robin - Bluebird - Cedar Waxwing - Starling - Red-eyed Vireo - Black-and-White Warbler - Yellow Warbler - Myrtle Warbler - Yellowthroat - Blackburnian Warbler - American Redstart - House Sparrow - Bobolink - Meadowlark - Redwinged Blackbird - Baltimore Oriole - Grackle - Brown-headed Cowbird - Purple Finch - American Goldfinch - Rufous-sided Towhee - Savannah Sparrow - Chipping Sparrow - Swamp Sparrow - Song Sparrow - - -NOW IT’S UP TO YOU! - -For your added interest the following personal check list of 179 -specimens discussed in this field guide allows for recording where and -when you make your own discoveries at Castle Neck. - -As a matter of convenience, animals are arranged by chapter and broad -groupings. - -Use the Field Note pages for additional observations. - - - - - PERSONAL CHECKLIST - - -Chapter I. “The Shifting Dunes” - - _Date seen_ _Locality_ - - Beach Porcupines - Erratics - Fulgurites - Garnets - Glacial till - Ventifacts - - -Chapter III. “Plants on the Dunes” - - _Mushrooms_ - Earth Star - _Flowering Plants_ - Beach Clotbur - Beach Grass - Beach Pea - Beach Pinweed - Blunt-leaved Sandwort - Dusty Miller - Glasswort - Sea Lavender - Sea Milkwort - Seaside Goldenrod - Woolly Hudsonia - _Trees and Shrubs_ - Bayberry - Beach Plum - Black Cherry - Pitch Pine - Poison Ivy - Quaking Aspen - (Some other flowers of Castle Neck at end of chapter.) - - -Chapter IV. “Life at the Edge of the Sea” - - _Seaweeds_ - Coralline Algae - Irish Moss - Kelp (Common) - (Fingered) - (Perforated) - Polysiphonia - Rockweed (Common) - (Nodose) - Sea Lettuce - _Lower Animals_ - Anemone - Barnacle - Clam (Edible) - (Hardshell) - (Razor) - (Surf) - Clam Worm - Crab (Green) - (Jonah) - (Rock) - Horseshoe Crab - Jellyfish (Red) - (White) - Lobster - Moon Snail - Mussel (Edible) - (Ribbed) - Oyster - Periwinkle - Rock Purple - Sand Dollar - Sea Urchin - Shrimp (Prawn) - (Sand) - Slipper Shell - Sponge (Crumb-of-Bread) - (Finger) - Starfish - _Fishes_ - Killifish - Pipefish - Sand Lance - Silverside - Skate - Stickleback - - -Chapter V. “Insects and their Kin” - - _Insect-Like Animals_ - Centipede - Harvestman - Millipede - Sow Bug - Spider (Crab) - (Jumping) - (Orange-and-Black Garden) - (Orb weaving) - (Sheet web) - (Wolf) - Tick - _True Insects_ - Aphid (Woolly Alder) - Ant (Carpenter) - (Mound) - Bee (Bumble) - (Honey) - Beetle (Carrion) - (Click) - (Firefly) - (Ground) - (Japanese) - (Ladybug) - (May) - (Snout) - (Tiger) - Bug (Red-and-Black Milkweed) - (Stink) - Butterfly (Cabbage) - (Monarch) - (Skipper) - (Sulphur) - (Tiger Swallowtail) - (Wood Nymph) - Caterpillar (Salt Marsh) - (Tent) - Cricket (Field) - (Snowy Tree) - Damselfly - Dragonfly - Earwig (European) - (Seaside) - Fly (Crane) - (Deer) - (Horse) - (Robber) - (Syrphid) - Grasshopper (Short-horned) - Hornet (Bald-faced) - Lacewing - Mantis (Praying) - Mayfly - Measuringworm - Midge (Biting) - (Gall) - Mosquito - Moth (Cecropia) - (Luna) - (Sphinx) - (Tiger) - Scale (Oyster-shell) - Wasp (Potter) - Webworm - - -Chapter VI. “Meeting the Mammals” - - Bat (Big Brown) - (Hoary) - (Little Brown) - (Pipistrelles) - (Red) - (Silver-haired) - Chipmunk - Cottontail (New England) - Deer (White-tailed) - Fox (Red) - Muskrat - Mouse (White-footed) - (Eastern Meadow) - (Meadow Jumping) - Mink - Raccoon - Shrew (Cinereus) - (Short-tailed) - Skunk - Squirrel (Eastern Gray) - (Red) - Woodchuck - Weasel (Long-tailed) - - -Chapter VII. “Wings over the Sand” - - Blackbird (Redwinged) - Bunting (Snow) - Dove (Mourning) - Duck (Black) - Grebe (Horned) - Gull (Great Black-backed) - (Herring) - Hawk (Marsh) - (Sparrow) - Heron (Black-crowned Night) - Kingbird (Eastern) - Loon (Common) - Owl (Great Horned) - (Snowy) - Plover (Black bellied) - (Piping) - (Semipalmated) - Sanderling - Sandpiper (Semipalmated) - Sparrow (Ipswich) - Swallow (Tree) - Tern (Common) - Thrasher (Brown) - Towhee (Rufous-sided) - Warbler (Yellow) - Yellowlegs (Greater) - Yellowthroat - (Sixty common birds of Castle Neck at end of chapter) - - - - - FIELD NOTES - - - [Illustration: Map] - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - -—Silently corrected a few typos. - -—Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook - is public-domain in the country of publication. - -—In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by - _underscores_. - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Life in the Shifting Dunes, by Laurence B. 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