In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we explore the rocky tidepools of New Hampshire’s seacoast and search for one of the ocean’s most fascinating invertebrates: the sea star. Though often called “starfish,” these echinoderms aren’t fish at all. With spiny skin, flexible arms, and remarkable eyespots that detect light and movement, sea stars […]

In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we explore the saltmarshes of New Hampshire at low tide and encounter the striking willet, a tall shorebird known for its bold wing patterns and piercing calls. Once nearly gone from northern coasts, willets have made a quiet comeback. We follow their movements through tidal creeks, courtship […]

In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we kneel beside a quiet tidepool along New Hampshire’s rocky shore and catch a fleeting glimpse of the Atlantic rock crab. With its spiny carapace and stealthy movements, this resilient crustacean thrives in a constantly changing world of waves, predators, and hidden corners. From larval drift to […]

In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we head to the rocky coast of New Hampshire in July to observe the sleek and curious harbor seal. From bobbing heads in the surf to basking on sunlit rocks, these “sea dogs” are a fascinating part of our coastal ecosystem. We explore their biology, behavior, and […]

In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we paddle through the quiet morning stillness of the Androscoggin River and encounter one of New Hampshire’s most powerful birds— the bald eagle. From its commanding perch in a tall pine to its breathtaking flight across the water, this majestic raptor offers a rare glimpse into the […]

🎙️ Birds in Summer In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we tune into the softer side of the bird world as summer unfolds across New Hampshire. From the flute-like song of the Wood Thrush to the persistent chatter of the Red-eyed Vireo, July brings a gentler chorus as birds settle into the rhythm […]

In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we tap into the world of the pileated woodpecker – New Hampshire’s largest and loudest woodpecker. With its bold red crest, echoing drumming, and wild, laughter-like calls, this striking bird leaves unmistakable signs of its presence in the forest. We explore how pileated woodpeckers carve deep rectangular […]

🎙️ In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we slither into the sandy, sunlit habitats of the eastern hognose snake, one of New Hampshire’s most dramatic and misunderstood reptiles. Known for its upturned snout and theatrical defense tactics, this snake puts on quite a show when threatened, from flattening its neck like a cobra […]

🎙️ The Wood Turtle In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we explore the remarkable life history of the wood turtle – one of New Hampshire’s most intriguing and long-lived reptiles. From hatching in sandy streambanks to navigating decades of seasonal movements between forests and rivers, wood turtles live slow, deliberate lives shaped by […]

🎙️ The Buzz of June In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we tune in to the hum of summer as fields, forests, and gardens come alive with the sounds of pollinators. From the deep buzz of bumblebees to the whisper-light whir of hoverflies, these essential insects fill the air with a hidden symphony. […]