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In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we visit a quiet New Hampshire pond in early spring, where the first warm days bring painted turtles out to bask on sunlit logs. With their bright red and yellow markings, these turtles emerge after surviving winter in near-frozen, muddy conditions using a remarkable ability to absorb […]

In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we step into the quiet, snow-covered forests of New Hampshire at night to listen for the enchanting calls of owls. From the deep, resonant hoots of the Great Horned Owl to the playful “who cooks for you?” of the Barred Owl, these nocturnal voices fill the winter […]

In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we take a quiet, snowy walk along a frozen New Hampshire pond, seeking out the subtle winter signs of the muskrat. We observe the tell-tale muskrat lodge and discuss how these hardworking, semi-aquatic rodents survive the deep freeze without hibernating. Learn the specialized traits that allow them […]

In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we pause near a woodland pond on a cool October morning, where the loud, musical trill of the gray treefrog echoes through the air. Hard to spot at just two inches long, these tiny amphibians can blend perfectly with bark or leaves, yet their call carries astonishing […]

In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we step beside a clear New Hampshire stream in late September and discover the brook trout, a brilliantly patterned fish with bright orange bellies and scattered blue-and-red spots. As autumn deepens, these trout move into gravelly shallows to spawn, shaping the next generation of their species. We […]

In this episode of On the Nature Trail, we wander the salt marshes of New Hampshire on a quiet September afternoon and encounter the striking snowy egret. With its ghostlike white feathers, black legs, and bright yellow feet, this elegant shorebird glides through tidal creeks in search of fish, shrimp, and frogs. We explore its […]

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 […]