Audubon notebook

HOLDEN – This is the time of year to show visitors to the Fields Pond Audubon Center the secret of the Jewelweed – aka the “touch-me-not.” This plant’s seed pod explodes when touched, delighting children and grandparents alike.

Not to worry – “explode” is a major exaggeration, and the seed pods are only an inch long. The explosion is silent.

When touched, the pods contract violently, self-destructing and sending tiny seeds flying in all directions. If the pod doesn’t explode right away, give it a gentle squeeze.

The fireworks may not be quite the Fourth of July, but recently a sophisticated visitor from New York City shouted “oh” in delight each time as she popped one “touch-me-not” seed pod after another.

Jewelweed is a very common orange wildflower that grows in damp, rich soil.

“Summer flies away on the wings of swallows” is an old saying that captures the poignancy of the season. Slim swallow silhouettes grace the telephone wires these days, a reminder that the seasons are changing.

Now is also the time eastern kingbirds are gathering in small groups for migration. They are related to the well-known eastern phoebe; both are in the flycatcher family.

At the Fields Pond Audubon Center, eastern kingbirds are seen on their favorite perch near the lake. They fly out to catch an insect and return to the same perch.

Lunch for the kingbird can be a dragonfly, a butterfly or a bee, which are often “de-winged” before becoming lunch.

During migration kingbirds start to eat berries as well as insects. Their intestines change to adapt slowly to the change of diet.

By the time they reach their destination, the Amazon rain forest, they are in large flocks and are eating a diet of mostly berries. We’ll see them again next May.

For information on Fields Pond Audubon Center, call 989-2591.