Monthly Field Guide

Cypripedium acaule

6,399 obs

After flowering ends in July, the leaves remain green and photosynthesizing while the seed capsule develops and matures. Plants are still identifiable by their characteristic two-leaf pattern.

Rosa multiflora

4,957 obs

After flowering, small green rose hips begin forming while the plant puts energy into extending its long, arching canes that may grow several feet in a season.

Asclepias syriaca

4,581 obs

Blooms from June through August with fragrant pink-purple flower clusters that buzz with pollinator activity. This is peak identification season when flowers and leaves are both prominent.

Cornus canadensis

4,302 obs

Flowers fade and bright red berry clusters develop through July and August. The leaves remain green and prominent, making this an easy time to spot the characteristic whorl pattern even when not in...

Maianthemum canadense

3,571 obs

Flowers fade and small berries begin developing. The distinctive leaves remain prominent and easy to spot throughout the summer months.

Achillea millefolium

3,569 obs

Peak blooming season from June through August, when the characteristic flat-topped white flower clusters are most prominent and fragrant.

Harmonia axyridis

5,686 obs

Both adults and larvae are actively hunting aphids and other soft-bodied insects throughout gardens and natural areas. This is when they're most beneficial as pest controllers.

Limenitis arthemis

4,079 obs

Peak activity period with multiple generations possible. Adults are commonly seen visiting flowers like butterfly bush, milkweed, and rotting fruit. Look for worn individuals alongside fresh ones.

Limenitis arthemis

4,079 obs

Peak activity period with multiple generations possible. Adults are commonly seen visiting flowers like butterfly bush, milkweed, and rotting fruit. Look for worn individuals alongside fresh ones.

Dryocampa rubicunda

2,960 obs

Peak flight season runs through summer when adults are most active and visible. Look for the distinctive greenstriped mapleworm caterpillars feeding on maple leaves, eating entire leaf blades and l...

Papilio canadensis

2,644 obs

Most active period from June through July, when adults are commonly seen nectaring on flowers and males patrol for mates along forest edges and clearings.

Papilio canadensis

2,644 obs

Most active period from June through July, when adults are commonly seen nectaring on flowers and males patrol for mates along forest edges and clearings.

Turdus migratorius

3,359 obs

Busy with multiple broods, adults constantly hunt for insects and worms to feed nestlings. Young robins appear with heavily spotted breasts, begging noisily from their parents throughout neighborho...

Dumetella carolinensis

2,403 obs

Peak activity time when catbirds are nesting in shrubs and constantly calling. Look for adults carrying insects to feed nestlings, and listen for their complex rambling songs mixed with the signatu...

Melospiza melodia

2,193 obs

Adults are busy feeding young and may appear more secretive. Look for families moving through dense vegetation, with fledglings begging loudly for food.

Agelaius phoeniceus

1,985 obs

Peak breeding season with males aggressively defending territories while females build cup-shaped nests hidden in cattails or shrubs, often raising 2-3 broods.

Meleagris gallopavo

1,939 obs

Hens with poults (chicks) are commonly seen in open areas. Young turkeys are about the size of chickens and stay close to their mother in single-file lines.

Ardea herodias

1,715 obs

Peak activity season with adults frequently seen fishing to feed growing chicks. Young birds appear by late summer, looking similar to adults but with darker caps and less distinct markings.

Sylvilagus floridanus

3,297 obs

Prime viewing time with peak activity and multiple litters of young. Adults have sleek, shorter summer coats and are frequently seen grazing in open areas during early morning and evening hours.

Odocoileus virginianus

3,209 obs

Most active at dawn and dusk when it's cooler, sporting sleek reddish-brown coats. Bucks' antlers are fully grown but covered in fuzzy 'velvet' that supplies blood to the growing bone.

Tamias striatus

2,513 obs

Peak activity time when chipmunks are most visible, foraging actively throughout the day. You'll see them with dramatically bulging cheek pouches as they gather and cache food for winter.

Sciurus carolinensis

2,082 obs

Most active in early morning and evening to avoid heat. Young squirrels born in spring are learning to navigate trees, often appearing clumsy compared to adults. Summer coat is shorter and less den...

Tamiasciurus hudsonicus

1,236 obs

Coat is at its most vibrant red color. Peak activity cutting green cones and building fresh cone caches for winter.

Marmota monax

1,046 obs

Peak activity period with frequent above-ground foraging, especially in early morning and late afternoon. Young groundhogs disperse from maternal burrows, making family groups more visible.

Anaxyrus americanus

4,709 obs

Adults disperse throughout neighborhoods and woodlands, becoming excellent garden pest controllers. Look for them hunting insects under porch lights at dusk, or hiding in cool, moist spots during h...

Notophthalmus viridescens

3,736 obs

Peak activity time - adults are easily spotted swimming and hunting in ponds. Bright orange red efts wander forest floors, especially after rain.

Lithobates clamitans

3,113 obs

Peak activity season with loud calling, breeding, and the most visible frog activity around water edges. Adults are easiest to spot basking or hunting along shorelines.

Lithobates catesbeianus

2,038 obs

Prime time for bullfrog activity - males call loudly from breeding territories, tadpoles grow in the water, and adults are most active hunting at dusk and dawn.

Dryophytes versicolor

1,702 obs

Adults retreat high into the tree canopy where they're rarely seen during the day. Tadpoles develop in breeding pools, transforming into tiny froglets by mid to late summer.

Lithobates sylvaticus

1,517 obs

Adults disperse into the forest where they're harder to spot, hunting insects among leaf litter. Young tadpoles are developing in their breeding pools during early summer.

Chrysemys picta

4,350 obs

Peak activity period with maximum basking behavior during warm days. Adults are most visible and active, often seen in groups on prime basking spots throughout the day.

Thamnophis sirtalis

3,709 obs

Most active and easiest to spot, often seen basking in morning sun or hunting in gardens during cooler parts of the day. Pregnant females become noticeably thicker around the middle and seek out wa...

Chelydra serpentina

3,300 obs

Most active period when they're frequently seen hunting or basking. Females come ashore in late spring/early summer to dig nests and lay eggs in sandy or soft soil areas.

Nerodia sipedon

1,204 obs

Most active period for hunting and swimming. Often spotted diving for fish and frogs during warm mornings and evenings, with pregnant females frequently basking to help develop their young.

Lampropeltis triangulum

1,134 obs

Most active during warm summer nights when they hunt for small mammals and bird eggs. During hot days, they remain hidden under rocks, logs, or in stone wall crevices.

Malaclemys terrapin

761 obs

Peak activity season when they're most visible basking, feeding, and mating - females come ashore to dig nests in sandy areas above the high tide line during June and July.

Leucauge venusta

1,427 obs

Peak activity period when adults are most visible and webs are largest and most elaborate, making this the best time for identification and observation.

Pisaurina mira

1,193 obs

Peak activity period when adults are most visible hunting on vegetation. Look for the distinctive nursery webs with egg sacs during mid to late summer - a sure sign you've found this species.

Dermacentor variabilis

1,117 obs

Most active period from June through July when adults are actively seeking hosts for feeding and reproduction. Engorged females will drop off to lay thousands of eggs in leaf litter.

Misumena vatia

1,034 obs

Peak activity period when adults are hunting on summer flowers. Mating occurs and females begin selecting prime flower hunting spots.

Phidippus audax

922 obs

Peak activity period when both adults and juveniles are most visible. Females create silk egg sacs in protected spots, and spiderlings begin dispersing in late summer.

Dolomedes tenebrosus

858 obs

Peak activity period when adults are most visible, often seen pressed against tree bark during the day. Mating occurs and females begin carrying large, spherical egg sacs.

Ganoderma tsugae

1,653 obs

Peak growing season with active development of new shelves and expansion of existing ones. The varnish-like surface is most pronounced during warm, humid weather.

Megacollybia rodmanii

1,139 obs

Peak season begins in mid to late summer, especially after periods of steady rain. Look for young specimens with tightly curved cap edges.

Cerioporus squamosus

665 obs

Continued growth of spring specimens, though they become tougher. New flushes may appear after heavy summer thunderstorms.

Fomitopsis mounceae

548 obs

Active growing season with new pore layers developing. Fresh brackets may appear bright and colorful during humid periods after summer rains.

Flavoparmelia caperata

510 obs

Appears more yellow-green and papery during dry spells, but thunderstorms quickly restore the bright green color. Look for powdery reproductive structures along lobe edges.

Artomyces pyxidatus

410 obs

Peak growing season with the most abundant and well-formed specimens, especially after warm summer rains.

Arion subfuscus

910 obs

Active during humid nights and rainy periods, but may burrow deeper or become less visible during hot, dry spells. Best found in early morning or after rain showers.

Littorina littorea

884 obs

Peak activity period when they're easiest to spot moving around during low tide. Large clusters are most visible and accessible for observation.

Cepaea nemoralis

437 obs

Most active during humid mornings and after summer storms - look for them climbing plant stems and walls. During dry spells, they may seal their shell openings and become dormant.

Crepidula fornicata

426 obs

Peak season for observation during low tides when tide pools are easily accessible. Living animals are most active and visible.

Mercenaria mercenaria

333 obs

Peak time for finding quahogs, both in their natural habitat and at seafood markets - they're actively feeding and easier to harvest in the warmer months.

Mytilus edulis

315 obs

Mussels are most active and easiest to observe during warm months when tides are lower. Living individuals will be tightly closed during low tide exposure, and this is when you'll find the most fre...

Carcinus maenas

1,501 obs

Peak activity season when they're most visible and aggressive. Mating occurs during summer months, and you might see females carrying orange egg masses under their abdomens.

Semibalanus balanoides

482 obs

Peak activity time when barnacles are most actively feeding - you'll see their feathery legs extending and retracting when pools are calm and clear.

Pagurus longicarpus

476 obs

Peak activity period when they're most visible and active. This is the best time to observe their shell-swapping behavior and see them in large numbers in shallow, warm waters.

Hemigrapsus sanguineus

436 obs

Peak activity time when they're most visible and abundant. Perfect season for observation as they're actively feeding and moving around the intertidal zone during low tides.

Cancer irroratus

375 obs

Most active and easiest to spot during summer low tides, when they're feeding actively and may be seen out in the open on rocky surfaces or in shallow pools.

Ovalipes ocellatus

374 obs

Peak activity period when they're most commonly caught by recreational crabbers and frequently seen in shallow waters. Females may be carrying bright orange egg masses.

Flavoparmelia caperata

510 obs

Appears more yellow-green and papery during dry spells, but thunderstorms quickly restore the bright green color. Look for powdery reproductive structures along lobe edges.

Umbilicaria mammulata

379 obs

During dry summer weather, it becomes lighter gray-brown and more rigid, but this is when the contrast between its smooth surface and bumpier relatives is most obvious.

Lobaria pulmonaria

361 obs

Often appears dull and grayish-brown during dry periods, but summer thunderstorms will bring out the brilliant green coloration. Growth is most active during humid summer months.

Cladonia rangiferina

295 obs

Appears at its driest and most silvery-gray, with a crisp, almost brittle texture during hot, dry periods. This is when the branching structure is most clearly visible and photogenic.

Cladonia cristatella

264 obs

During dry summer periods, the stalks may appear more brittle and whitish, while the red caps can fade slightly but remain visible. Look for them in shadier, moister areas during hot weather.

Xanthoria parietina

246 obs

Peak time to spot the brightest orange coloration, especially on sun-exposed surfaces. Cup-shaped fruiting bodies are most visible during humid periods.

Lepomis gibbosus

327 obs

Most active and easiest to spot as they feed heavily in warm, shallow water. Colors are at their most vibrant, especially the orange ear flaps.

Lepomis macrochirus

297 obs

Peak activity period when bluegills roam throughout their habitat, from deep water to shallow flats, actively feeding and showing their brightest colors. They often school up and can be seen cruisi...

Micropterus nigricans

241 obs

Peak activity period when they're most active and easiest to spot, often lurking near cover in warm surface waters during early morning and evening feeding times.

Morone saxatilis

192 obs

Peak fishing season with stripers actively feeding in coastal waters. Fish are in prime condition with bright silver coloration.

Salvelinus fontinalis

171 obs

Seek deep, cool pools or spring-fed areas during hot weather, as they're sensitive to warm water. Often found near cold water inflows or under shaded overhangs.

Micropterus dolomieu

162 obs

Most active in early morning and evening, moving to deeper cooler water during hot days. Colors are at their most vibrant bronze.

Oxidus gracilis

228 obs

Most active during humid weather and after rain showers. Look for them in the early morning or evening when they venture out to feed - they tend to hide during hot, dry periods.

Rudiloria trimaculata

197 obs

Most active period when they're easiest to find foraging in moist areas. Look during cooler parts of the day or after rain when they venture closer to the surface.

Scutigera coleoptrata

190 obs

Peak activity period when they're most likely to be spotted darting across bathroom floors or basement walls, actively hunting the abundant insects that also seek indoor shelter during hot weather.

Apheloria virginiensis

78 obs

Most active period when you're likely to spot them crawling on the forest floor or climbing on rotting logs during humid evenings.

Lithobius forficatus

59 obs

Peak activity season - frequently spotted in gardens during evening watering or when disturbing mulch. Hot, dry weather may drive them to seek shelter in basements and cool, damp areas.

Pseudopolydesmus serratus

51 obs

Most active during humid periods, especially after rain. Look under bark and in rotting wood where moisture levels stay consistent.

Cyanea fulva

129 obs

Peak season for Atlantic Lion's Mane jellies, when they reach their full size and distinctive cinnamon coloring is most pronounced in mid-summer warmth.

Aurelia aurita

112 obs

Peak season for moon jelly sightings - they're abundant in shallow coastal waters and frequently visible from beaches, docks, and boats, often forming loose groups or blooms.

Diadumene lineata

60 obs

Peak activity period with frequent feeding and reproduction. Tentacles are often extended and the striped patterns are most vibrant.

Metridium senile

58 obs

At their most impressive size with full tentacle displays. Warm weather makes tide pool and shallow water exploration most comfortable for observation.

Cyanea capillata

42 obs

Peak season for sightings, especially in July and August when they're most commonly encountered near the surface. Warmer water brings them closer to shore.

Astrangia poculata

24 obs

Peak activity period when polyps are most likely to be extended during daylight hours, making identification easier. Colonies may appear more colorful due to active symbiotic algae.

Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis

162 obs

Most active period with peak feeding behavior. Empty tests (shells) commonly wash up on beaches as predation increases and storms dislodge specimens.

Asterias rubens

130 obs

Peak activity period when they're easiest to observe feeding and moving around. Commonly seen during summer tide pooling expeditions.

Asterias forbesi

58 obs

Easily found in tide pools and shallow water during low tides - this is the best time for observation and identification.

Echinarachnius parma

55 obs

Peak time for finding both living sand dollars in shallow waters and fresh specimens washed ashore. Living ones are most active and easiest to observe during calm, low tide periods.

Henricia sanguinolenta

32 obs

Most active period when they're feeding and moving across the seafloor. Divers and snorkelers have the best chance of spotting them during this season.

Arbacia punctulata

18 obs

Peak activity period when they're easiest to spot moving across rocks and feeding during daylight hours at low tide.