note from Brian Cassie

[Tom Murray]

I did two long walks in Norfolk, MA , one yesterday, June 16, in late morning (clear skies, 70F) and one today at lunchtime (clear skies, 77F). Yesterday's was along the powerline clearing that crosses Seekonk Road; today's was at the abandoned Norfolk Airport and nearby Charles River access along Miller St. The powerline clearing features excellent shrubby wetland spots and open fields with much Yarrow and Red Clover. The Norfolk Airport area has wide wet meadows along the Charles River and very extensive dry fields at the airport itself, with absolutely abundant Oxeye Daisies and Red Clover as well as many other nectar sources in lesser quantities.

I expected to find a good variety of butterflies on these walks. I found none whatsoever. In addition, at the Norfolk Airport, on perhaps ten million flowers, there was not a single bumblebee or honeybee.

I'm just the reporter. It is a sad state of affairs.

Brian Cassie, Foxboro