A surprising discovery in nature's realm awaits!
As the days grow shorter in October, it's the perfect moment to reconnect with Cape Cod's woodlands and open spaces. Say goodbye to the bonus summer days of early October, and hello to an inland adventure. There's no better place to explore during this transitional time than the Long Pasture Sanctuary, a gem nestled in Cummaquid and managed by Audubon.
The sanctuary's trails offer a diverse experience, taking you through upland meadows, dense forests, a tranquil freshwater pond, and finally, to the sandy shores of Barnstable Harbor. The low-angled sun and morning dew create a magical atmosphere, transforming the vibrant asters and goldenrod into works of art. Even the withered remains of summer blooms become captivating subjects under the right lighting conditions.
Last week, amidst a busy schedule, I seized a 30-minute lunch break to wander the sanctuary's meadow path. It was a sunny day, and I held out hope for a final glimpse of the season's monarch butterflies. However, the milkweed plants, their favorite nectar source, were releasing feathery seeds, carried away by the southern winds, signaling the butterflies' departure.
Though not a dedicated photo walk, my camera was at the ready. The sugar maple by the stone wall showed some autumnal hues, but the dry summer had taken its toll on the foliage. As my journey neared its end, I hadn't captured a single shot. But then, near the trailhead, a small cluster of asters caught my eye, and a bee-like figure buzzed around one of the blooms.
Curious, I moved in for a closer look. What I thought was a bee turned out to be a hoverfly! A fascinating revelation: hoverflies have only one set of wings, while bees have two. Their eyes are also distinctly different. Though they don't sting, hoverflies are important pollinators, and their tail markings resemble those of bees.
This encounter with the bee impersonator was the highlight of my day, reminding me that appearances can be deceiving. It's a valuable lesson: don't judge a book by its cover, or in this case, a fly by its bee-like appearance!
