What's Your Nature?

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Encounters on the Saddlemire Trail

Posted by Liz Anderson,
North Country explorer from Andover, Massachusetts
June 11, 2025

I went for a walk on the Saddlemire Trail with my binoculars with the intention of looking for birds. I did find many birds (including American Redstarts, an Eastern Meadowlark, Yellow Warblers, and more) but I also saw a porcupine and a painted turtle! The porcupine was taking a nap up in a tree, and was still there when I passed by again on my way back. The painted turtle was on the side of the trail poking its head out of its shell near a patch of wild strawberries. These encounters were very special!