Dear Katie,

While it feels like many species are tucked away waiting for spring at this time of year, there's still plenty to see out there! Below are just a few of the posts that were shared in the Nature Watchers group in November. Want to see the rest? Click here to join.

What are you seeing out there? We'd love to hear from you! Click here for more information about Harpswell Nature Watchers.

Frozen, water and ice.

(Submitted by Robert Rowe. November 28, 2023)

Taken at Curtis Cove. I thought they were pebbles at first.

(Submitted by Sarah Beigbeder. November 25, 2023)

In South Harpswell, a hawk being chased by crows.

(Submitted by Glen Grauer. November 19, 2023)

Although when flowering Jimson-weed (Datura stramonium) can be considered attractive with its large trumpet-shaped violet or white flowers, when it is fruiting (as shown in the picture) it gives a different impression. Also called thorn apple, for obvious reasons, this plant is quite poisonous. It is an annual that can become invasive because each one of its fruits releases hundreds of seeds when it dries and ruptures. In summer, its flowers open at night and are pollinated by Sphinx moths. According to the Native Plant Trust facts on this species, on the plus side, this plant can be used for bioremediation to remove TNT from explosive waste sites!



(Submitted by Lynn Knight. November 12, 2023)

Surprised a snake and surprised by a snake at Otter Brook, it was right on the trail! It disappeared into the leaves and then looked out from under a downed tree trunk.

To see a video of the snake, visit the Facebook page.

(Submitted by Gina Snyder. November 7, 2023)