Nature Connection: Of Deer And Turtles And Summer Dreams

On a recent fine day, it seemed like a fun idea to go scout some locations for my summer outdoor sketching and watercolor classes. Begun way back in the early 1980s, these classes have taken many students and me all over the Cape to draw and paint and, well, enjoy the views. We have our favorite spots, but I’m always on the lookout for new favorites.

My criteria are simple. There must be adequate parking, easy walking, a bathroom nearby, and several options that will interest artists. Plein air painting has become more and more popular over the years, and there are some obvious spots that painters all flock to, so finding some out of the way places is a fun challenge each spring.

I find that getting people to leave their safe little villages to explore new areas a half hour, or heaven forbid, an hour away in the summer is both challenging and satisfying. Once they make the effort, they almost always wonder why they don’t travel around the Cape more often. Also, getting outdoors and sketching and painting together is a great way to make new friends and catch up with old ones.

I took my husband and one of my daughters along for the ride, and our first stop was in Brewster. We found that the area has a lot of construction and no parking right now, so back in the car and off to Eastham, to Fort Hill. The lupines in bloom are always a draw here, but every year they bloom earlier than the year before, and if you’re planning to see them this year, by the time you read this you probably have missed them. They were already fading when we saw them. 

There were many other lovely things to see besides the obvious gorgeous views. There were yellow and common yellow-throat warblers singing as well as a million catbirds. OK, the latter may have been a slight exaggeration.

We watched a pair of eastern meadowlarks checking out possible nesting spots and saw many red-winged blackbirds protecting their already established nests. As we headed back up the hill to the parking lot, we saw a beautiful doe standing in the grass with the sea shining behind her. It was one of those magical moments, an unexpected but appreciated delight. A small flock of cedar waxwings flew overhead, and when we left, we left a bunch of happy people watching the deer as she took her time deciding where to go next. 

There were stops in Wellfleet and Truro, at beaches and in the woods. At one stop in Truro a park ranger told us we might see something special at the lookout spot and to be careful and respectful. As we neared the spot we quieted and slowed our steps. Sure enough, there was a large female snapping turtle laying her eggs in the sand just off the path. We didn’t get close, giving her plenty of room, but as we walked on, we couldn’t help but notice other spots she seemed to have started and stopped. The spot she chose was way up a hill close to a heavily used path. I don’t know whether park rangers will protect the nest or let nature take its course, but where did she come from? The closest fresh water was a long way downhill, so she’d made a long trip to get to her chosen spot.

At another stop we stood by a pond listening to the green frogs twanging away as if they were giving a concert. A few bullfrogs added their baritone voices, and in the distance we could hear a goose calling. My daughter pointed out a frog that was hanging out almost at our feet. It seemed to be staring right at us, unconcerned about our presence. When one of us moved, it considered moving but only moved a few feet when I bent down to take its photo. It’s a busy place, and this frog had obviously seen a lot of people and must have felt we were a friendly bunch. Let’s hope that stays true.

We took in a lot of views, walked some lovely paths, saw and heard a lot of birds and enjoyed many late spring and early summer flowers. Rosa rugosas and beach peas were in full bloom everywhere.

Later, in a different part of the Cape, I was treated to the sight of four oystercatchers flying from one place to another, vocalizing all the while. A piping plover also had a lot to say as it flew from one part of the beach to another, and willets were raising a ruckus in the marsh nearby.

In my own yard we have catbirds, blue jays, robins, cardinals, house wrens, and Baltimore orioles nesting. The song sparrows have fledged their young and the house finches are on nest number two.It’s a most wonderful time of year. Unless, of course, you need to go to Plymouth on a Thursday and come back on the Cape with all the travelers. Even that, however, is worth all the rest, I think. 

So, get off the road. Go visit one of the many beaches or conservation areas to see what is out and about. Butterfly and dragonfly action is heating up, and before we know it all the young birds will be ready to leave their nests. Flowers are blooming everywhere, the beaches are hopping with fish and crabs, and kids are building sandcastles.

It’s easy to keep visiting our favorite places, but this summer, why not head somewhere on the Cape you’ve never been? I’ve lived my whole life here and I’m still finding new places that are amazing in every town.