Audubon’s Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary

The Audubon Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary in Falmouth was a delightful place for a visit last week.  Grassy Pond, with its trail around the perimeter, had us looking intently to identify some of the wildlife in and around it.

The sanctuary is located right off Rt. 151 in Falmouth, and is open daily. Trail maps are available at the entrance.

We walked many of the trails, but found most delight at the pond.

The trails are well marked and easy to walk. Ashumet Holly is named for the 65 varieties of holly trees planted throughout (according to Audubon’s membership booklet).

Although this is not the tallest holly tree at Ashumet Holly, this is the largest one I have ever seen.

There is a Holly Trail, a Mystery Tree Trail, and other aptly named trails throughout the acres of land.

I was surprised to see berries still on many of the holly trees and wondered why the birds hadn’t devoured them all yet.

In the middle of the trails and trees bearing winter’s colors sat a sole crocus grouping, with one brave bloom.

Our round about way brought us back to Grassy Pond; the sights were beautiful despite the lack of spring growth. A pair of hawks flew over head, and small songbirds were everywhere.

Mirrored reflections were my favorite subject.

Going full circle brought us back to the entrance where the Swallow Barn is located. From May to August, the resident barn swallow colony returns each year.

I’ll be interested in a return visit once the swallows have arrived, and can only imagine the activity that will be here.

I have no clue what type of tree this is, but it reminded me of pussy willows for some reason. The fuzzy buds outlined against the sky were so attractive.

More information about the Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary can be found on the Audubon website.

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