New Ipswich, NH is a beautiful town surrounded with natural beauty. Over the years I know what to expect at different times of the year. In August I expect to see Joe Pye weed blooming by the roadside. Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) also makes an appearance. It is also called spotted touch-me-not, a reference to the seed pods which explode when touched, something I’ll try to photograph this year.
Gooseneck Loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides) is another flower that makes its appearance in August. As soon as I see that I keep my eyes open to spot the Blue Mud Wasps that frequent the flowers. These are scary wasps but they rarely bother humans. They are notable as predators of black widows.
The hummingbirds are a lot more active in Autumn as they bulk up for their migration. I’ve been trying all year to get some photos of them. One buzzed my face following me as I moved my head. That would have been the photo but I wasn’t quick enough.
When the butterfly bush blooms in August, I start looking for not only butterflies but hummingbird hawk-moths which are insects not birds. They are weird insects with wings that are almost invisible.
There will be a lot to see in the coming weeks. The asters will be making an appearance as well as birds dining on seed heads. We are heading into my favorite season.
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Nice photos.
Did you know that applying jewel weed to exposed extremities prevents poison ivy doing what poison ivy does????
Yes I knew that. However I am one of those people who is fairly immune to poison ivy. That being said a friend gave me a tin of “Green Goo” which is a hippie balm for insect bites and poison ivy. Can’t wait to try it since it contains all kinds of plant material.
I am happy that I somehow stumbled upon your website and pictures of Smithville
Reservoir and your fondness for the area. I live in the Burlington VT area and am thinking of a second home with a lake view. Originally I was thinking of around Wolfesboro but my agent has found a lovely home on in New Ipswich that I might consider, so I was digging around on the Internet trying to find a little out about the area. I am an avid hiker and have 2 fabulous dogs always with me, and 3 grown children in VT. What makes New Ipswich so special?
It has a lot of natural beauty. The Wapack Trail is probably of most interest to you as a hiker. Check out the Friends of the Wapack website.