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| early morning mist covers the abandoned bog in late October |
Nothing like a slow stroll in an abandoned bog on a cool October morning. A hint of frost tinges low undergrowth. The warmth of the morning sun powers a rising mist.
It's harvest time for cranberries but not in this bog. Left fallow for a number of years, the land was purchased in 2001 for preservation by the Harwich Conservation Trust. The area is now returning to the wild, with grasses, brush and young trees growing into a mixed habitat ideal for plants, birds and animals, near the center of the village of Harwich Port.
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| a portion of Cold Brook running through the bog |
More than 280 species of plants find a home here. The area is officially known as the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve but locals refer to it as the Bank Street Bogs. The birding community considers it a hot spot for observing. Indeed, 17 species were seen here this morning.
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| Great Blue Heron warming in the morning sun |
A Great Blue Heron surveys his domain, absorbing the early morning rays. More than a dozen yellow-rumped warblers dart among the clumps of brush. Hardy butterflies don't seem to care that hard frosts threaten.
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| American Copper in the grass |
To resident Cape Codders, the bogs provide a refreshing alternative to seashore rambles. The blowing sand and flying foam of wind-blown beaches can wait for another day. Thanks to Mr. Robert F, Smith for guiding the Harwich Conservation Trust to protect this boggy home for nature to thrive and for human visitors to savor.
