christinepsparks

Spring Flowers at the Cascades

Retractable Orange Antennae

I had no idea! Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars have antennae! I must have startled this one. As I approached, I noticed the bright little antlers. I have observed these creatures over the past couple of years. I had even brought a few caterpillars into my home to witness their transformation from caterpillars to butterflies. But, theContinue reading “Retractable Orange Antennae”

Another Kind of Primrose Moth

The Primrose glistened – tiny droplets coated tender trichomes. As I walked through the garden, I was delighted to see a small, rosy pink moth. Heretofore, I was familiar with Schinia florida – Primrose Moth. I was only recently aware of its existence, but I was deeply smitten! But, today’s moth was much smaller andContinue reading “Another Kind of Primrose Moth”

Rescue isn’t always Happy

Rescue isn’t always an uplifting experience. On Saturday, I got a call to help with a feral cat who has been attacked by a raccoon. This cat was badly injured, scared, and in pain. A nice lady feeds a few ferals. Twelve years ago, Spay Worcester was able to TNR her small colony. Since then,Continue reading “Rescue isn’t always Happy”

Peach

In the first week of February, I rescued a cat with a broken leg. https://hellstripheaven.com/2023/02/01/cat-with-leg-injury/ I was thrilled to get her off the streets and provide her with medical care. However, I felt terrible about leaving her kitten behind. This single kitten was on her own in the cold. She was wily. It took overContinue reading “Peach”

Marion

There was an injured cat on Marion Ave. The cat lived in a garage. There was a small opening at the bottom of the door where cats could enter and leave the garage. I set two traps near the aperture. I baited them with canned tuna and sardines in oil. Almost immediately, I saw aContinue reading “Marion”

Cat with Leg Injury

My friend Mary asked for help. There’s an injured cat on Marion Street. Her leg is broken. I can see the bones. Tufts will take her tomorrow. Time is of the essence. If we don’t catch her today, we will either have to wait a week for Tufts, or find another arrangement. So, tonight’s theContinue reading “Cat with Leg Injury”

Boba

Meet Boba! I have been trying to trap this big boy since October. Boba had been living on the streets for at least a couple of years. Some kind ladies had been feeding a group of stray cats, including Boba. Until recently, the cats had access to the cellar of the apartment. But, the apartmentContinue reading “Boba”

Difley Family Forest

On Monday, I decided to explore GWLT’s Difley Family Forest in Paxton. There were ample parking spaces in a large lot beyond the elementary school. The trailhead was clearly marked. The day was grey and the air was heavy with the promise of rain. My nose was chilly. But, a brisk autumn day can beContinue reading “Difley Family Forest”

Cook’s Pond

Wednesday was a crisp, bright fall day. I took Lucy and Floki on a short, easy jaunt in the woods. We decided to explore GWLT’s Cook’s Pond. We parked at GWLT’s Cascades trailhead on Olean Street. This is a nice level lot which could accommodate at least 6 cars. We crossed the street and headedContinue reading “Cook’s Pond”