Life In The Shifting Dunes - free ebook by Laurence B. White

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Life In The Shifting Dunes

Laurence B. White

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38 chapters

LIFE IN THE SHIFTING DUNES

LIFE IN THE SHIFTING DUNES

A popular field guide to the natural history of Castle Neck, Ipswich, Massachusetts, with attention to the unusual ecological relationships peculiar to such an area BY LAURENCE B. WHITE, JR. Museum of Science, Boston Illustrated by HENRY B. KANE A PUBLICATION OF THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, BOSTON Copyright, 1960, by the Museum of Science, Boston All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission of the publishers. Library of Congress Card Number: 60

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PREFACE

PREFACE

This popular field guide to Castle Neck, Ipswich, Massachusetts, was the inspiration of Mr. Cornelius Crane, who has summered there since boyhood. Two years ago, Mr. Crane asked us if we would be willing to undertake a survey of this typical dune area if funds were made available for the study. We were delighted to cooperate in the project, and our Education Department undertook it with real enthusiasm. Some preliminary work was done in 1957, but during July, August, and part of September, 1958,

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author is first and foremost indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Crane for their unfailing interest in the preparation of this field guide, and to members of the Museum staff who collaborated to edit and produce it. Among these were Norman D. Harris, Director of Education, Gilbert E. Merrill and Chan Waldron of the Education Department, Miss Caroline Harrison, Director of Public Relations, and Mrs. Christina Lopes and Mrs. Margaret Jordan of her department. Invaluable also in preparation of t

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THE FUTURE OF CASTLE NECK

THE FUTURE OF CASTLE NECK

Eventually, of course, the dunes might migrate the entire length of the Neck and again be blown into the sea, which would carry the sands farther south, mayhap to become part of Coffin and Wingaersheek Beaches. In fact, we might expect the eventual removal of the entire Neck if sand wasn’t constantly being added from similar erosion going on farther north. Obviously there is a very delicate balance here, adding and subtracting sand. The future of Castle Neck is entirely dependent upon the sand s

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GEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES YOU CAN MAKE

GEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES YOU CAN MAKE

These small, faceted pebbles found in the dunes have been blasted by the windblown sand. They show the powerful abrasive action of the wind. Most of those you will find here were faceted just after they had been deposited by retreating glacial ice. A migrating dune or a blowout in the sand has left them uncovered. Large rocks occasionally found in the dunes are called “erratics.” In this world of tiny particles they appear very much out of place, but they were carried here by the glacier a milli

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MORE ABOUT THE DUNES

MORE ABOUT THE DUNES

The face of the land is a storybook waiting to be read. The following books will help you piece together some of the story: Living things cover the face of the earth from the torrid sands of the desert to the cold wastes of the Arctic, and every variation in environment develops a closely knit community of plants and animals. They are the ones best adapted to living where they do, or they may have been the first to arrive there, filling all available homesites and monopolizing the food and water

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SOME ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS

SOME ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS

Walking through the dunes, you will frequently notice a small hole in the sand. Poke a blade of grass into it and you will find the hole quite deep. As a matter of fact, it may extend down two feet. This hole is made by the Sand Dune Wolf Spider ( Lycosa pikei ) to provide a home where the female may raise her young. Wolf Spiders are a species that elsewhere carry their young on the back and hunt down their food wolf fashion, not even taking time to construct a web. On the exposed dunes, the San

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PLANT ADAPTATIONS

PLANT ADAPTATIONS

Any plant that is adjusted to living in a region where there is a decided lack of water is called a “xerophyte.” There are many different ways in which plants have adapted their structure and way of life to the dune environment. For instance, to reduce water evaporation they may have a very small leaf, to offer less surface area to the sun; or smaller and more numerous stomata than other plants (“Stomata” are tiny openings through which plants exchange gasses. A pair of guard cells surround them

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NOW IT’S UP TO YOU

NOW IT’S UP TO YOU

There is something new to be known about every animal and plant. Now it’s up to you! Careful observation will allow you to discover many other examples of special adaptation to life in the shifting dunes, and the next chapters will introduce you to some of the more common of the living things inhabiting this strange sand-world. And if you wish to read more about ecology, try these books: Plants add embellishment to the earth. For thousands of years people have valued them for their elegance and

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MUSHROOMS ON THE DUNES

MUSHROOMS ON THE DUNES

The flower-like shape of this common mushroom always amazes its discoverer. The basal star is actually a protective coat that covers the ball during dry spells. Its scientific name, Geaster , means “earth star.” Hygrometricus means “water-measuring,” and refers to the opening and closing of the star....

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GRASS ON THE DUNES

GRASS ON THE DUNES

Beach Grass is the most common xerophyte here. It forms dense mats everywhere, and once it gains footing, spreads at a remarkable rate. When windy weather bends the blade it sometimes scribes circles in the sand. If these are deeper on one side or incomplete, they help determine the direction of the prevailing wind. Beach Grass can be extremely uncomfortable to bare legs—so beware!...

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FLOWERS OF THE SEASHORE

FLOWERS OF THE SEASHORE

Because of the great variety of leaf shapes and sizes, it is usually desirable to have the flower for conclusive identification of seashore plants. As an aid, the following species are listed by color. This very attractive flower is seldom found at any distance from water’s edge. Usually it grows in the moist sand of fresh-water pools, just above water level. On close examination you will find the leaves quite hairy, almost downy. The flowers are mounted at the tips of long stalks. They appear e

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SHRUBS AND TREES ON THE DUNES

SHRUBS AND TREES ON THE DUNES

The shrubs and trees found on the dunes are those that grow well in sunlight and can subsist on a small amount of water. No doubt the Bayberry is familiar to you. Wax from its berries has long been used to make candles, and you may wish to take some berries home to try your hand at this. Boiling them will cause the wax to float on the water. Dip a piece of string (wick) to collect it. Sweet Gale ( Myrica gale ) very closely resembles Bayberry but has tiny pine-cone-like fruits instead of white b

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AIDS FOR YOUR INVESTIGATION

AIDS FOR YOUR INVESTIGATION

These are the most common plants of the dunes and beach. Any careful search will disclose many others not described. You will have to consult one of the reference books listed below for their identification....

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SOME OTHER FLOWERS OF CASTLE NECK

SOME OTHER FLOWERS OF CASTLE NECK

To aid you further in your investigation, we attach a list of other plants that may be found occasionally at the beach or in the swamps. Everyone likes to be a beachcomber! And each passing tide exposes the secrets of the sea to those interested enough to take a closer look. Suppose that we examine this world which is revealed to us twice daily....

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“WEEDS” OF THE SEA

“WEEDS” OF THE SEA

The sea holds many strange plants that have taken on fantastic sizes and shapes because of their underwater environment. In spite of their size, these plants are usually among the most primitive—a simple sheet of cells. Such plants are called algae and are subdivided according to their colors. The bladders are filled with air, and children like to squeeze them to hear their pop. These bladders cause the plant to float upright, thus keeping all its sides in contact with water. When dried by the s

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ANIMALS OF THE SEA

ANIMALS OF THE SEA

The most common sponge on Crane’s Beach is the Finger Sponge. Even a small piece may be identified by the holes on its surface, through which the animal filtered water. The strange appearance of this sponge has given it the repulsive name of “Dead Men’s Fingers.” Only the most searching eye will discover this sponge, because it so closely resembles a dull uninteresting rock or pile of bread crumbs. When it has been freshly broken, it has a vile odor—a good clue to identification. The tentacles d

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FOR MORE INFORMED BEACHCOMBING

FOR MORE INFORMED BEACHCOMBING

The insect world populating the dense grass jungles and sand-dune deserts at Castle Neck is generally unfamiliar to the human towering above, yet its principal characters may readily be observed by the keen eye, or, better, the keen eye aided by a simple magnifying glass. Insects are identified by the presence of six legs. Insect-like animals may be found with more than six legs. Let’s look at these first....

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INSECT RELATIVES: MULTILEGGED CREATURES

INSECT RELATIVES: MULTILEGGED CREATURES

Ticks are quite common at the beach, but only the tourist who ventures into the woods will encounter them. From the tip of a blade of grass they hook on to a warm-blooded animal passing by. In removing a Tick some care is necessary so that the tiny head will not remain embedded in the victim. Ticks can usually be persuaded to let go if touched with a lighted cigarette or daubed with rubbing alcohol. Better known as “Daddy-long-legs,” these creatures resemble Spiders, but are not very closely rel

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INSECTS: SIX-LEGGED ANIMALS

INSECTS: SIX-LEGGED ANIMALS

These insects have long, soft bodies and two long “tails.” The first stage in the Mayfly’s life is spent under water in one of the several swampy pools behind the main beach. Early in the spring it changes into the winged adult that is unable to eat. This adult lays its eggs and dies soon afterwards. Dragonflies are often called “Devil’s Darning Needles,” but they are perfectly harmless. They frequent wet areas, where they feed on other insects—particularly mosquitoes! Aside from their smaller,

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INSECT COLLECTING—AN INEXPENSIVE HOBBY

INSECT COLLECTING—AN INEXPENSIVE HOBBY

Insects are everywhere and it is easy to collect them. Practically no expense is required to produce a very beautiful collection. Some of the seaside insects are most unusual and not available elsewhere, so it would be well to start your collection right here. Some references that will help you are: Mammals are defined simply as warm-blooded animals that have hair and nourish their young on milk. They are considered the highest form of Earth life. They are common everywhere, but their secretive

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INSECT-EATING MAMMALS: SHREWS

INSECT-EATING MAMMALS: SHREWS

This little mammal is a creature of damp areas and is generally associated with damp forests. It makes burrows just under the surface of the ground. It is the only poisonous mammal in the United States and uses its venom to stun and kill its prey. However, the only result of a nip on your finger will be considerable swelling. Because of its insect-eating habit the Shrew is a most beneficial animal. This is the most common shrew on the Neck. It is found roving about the salt marshes in search of

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WINGED MAMMALS: BATS

WINGED MAMMALS: BATS

Everyone can identify Bats. Their fingers are extended and joined with a leathery membrane. Their ears are large to aid in catching the echo of their voice as it is reflected from obstacles. They are most frequently seen at twilight when they flitter over the dunes in quest of the many insects abounding there. Bats have tremendous value because they eat such insect pests as mosquitoes and flies. We have five major kinds of Bats. They are not easily identified in flight. and...

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LONG-EARED JUMPERS: RABBITS

LONG-EARED JUMPERS: RABBITS

While the New England Cottontail is named for our area, it does extend its range southward to mid-Alabama. It may be separated from other species of Cottontails by a narrow black spot between the ears. It is very common on the Neck. These rabbits stay hidden most of the day, venturing forth at night or early in the morning. Because their diet is exclusively vegetable matter, we do not consider them beneficial....

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BUCK-TOOTHED MAMMALS: RODENTS

BUCK-TOOTHED MAMMALS: RODENTS

The Gray Squirrel easily adapts itself to any environment. The large treetop nests constructed of leaves are made by this squirrel. A brood of two to six young is raised once or twice each spring. This little squirrel will often be heard before it is seen, scolding its terrestrial enemies with a loud clatter from a perch high in a protective tree. In late spring its yearly brood of four or five is raised in a nest of shredded bark built high in a tree. The Chipmunk is a squirrel that keeps to th

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DOGLIKE MAMMALS: FOXES

DOGLIKE MAMMALS: FOXES

Only the most fortunate observer will see a Fox, which is most secretive and truly sly in its habits. It digs burrows and produces four to nine young during April. The Fox has been known to adapt its habits to changes humans have made in its environment, and it is most beneficial because it eats thousands of mice annually....

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RING-TAILED MAMMAL: RACCOON

RING-TAILED MAMMAL: RACCOON

Raccoons are creatures of the night and seldom venture forth in the daylight. They are expert climbers, spending many hours high in a lofty perch, and if pursued they usually seek refuge in a tree or swamp. They feed on frogs, fish, eggs, insects, nuts, corn, and shellfish, which they rinse carefully. The shellfish they skillfully remove from their shells, and often small piles of shells are the only clue to a Raccoon’s presence....

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SCENT-PRODUCING MAMMALS: SKUNKS, MINK, WEASELS

SCENT-PRODUCING MAMMALS: SKUNKS, MINK, WEASELS

The Skunk is an inoffensive creature that tries hard to avoid people. Even when confronted, it is generally good-natured, relying on its presence to discourage investigation and employing its powerful scent only if pressed. Skunks usually live in holes not far from water. These holes have generally been taken over from another mammal by “squatter’s rights.” From four to seven youngsters are born in late April and they follow their mother about faithfully wherever she goes. The Mink is extremely

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HOOF-FOOTED MAMMALS: DEER

HOOF-FOOTED MAMMALS: DEER

The White-tailed Deer is certainly the most obvious mammal on the Neck and is readily seen if one will take a short stroll in the wooded area behind the main beach or farther out on the Neck. There are probably close to one hundred deer here, a number approaching overpopulation. They feed mostly on grasses and the more succulent plants. Usually deer produce twins in early summer (June). The fawns are light tan and spotted with white. Deer may be seen readily in early evening when they come into

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MAMMAL STUDY—A LIFETIME PROJECT

MAMMAL STUDY—A LIFETIME PROJECT

Occasionally Whales, Seals, and Porpoises are sighted off the beach. These are true aquatic mammals. We have only listed the mammals regularly found living on the Neck. To see all of them is a summer’s project, and to study their life histories is equally exciting and challenging. A few books to help you are: More than any other form of nature, birds invite the notice of the casual naturalist. Their specializations, their plumage, and their song all serve as attractive bait for our attention. It

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BIRDS OF THE SEA

BIRDS OF THE SEA

This is the familiar “Sea Gull,” one of many species so called. Its value as a beach scavenger and “garbage collector” has earned it protection by the federal government. While preferring the rocky coasts of Maine for nesting, the Herring Gull is by far the most familiar, if not the most common bird found at Crane’s Beach. This beautiful gull, like its common cousin, is a scavenger. It is larger and more antagonistic than the Herring Gull and will often steal its food. In Maine, where both breed

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BIRDS OF THE BEACH

BIRDS OF THE BEACH

This rather rare shorebird so perfectly matches the dry sand on which it hunts that it is often completely invisible until it moves. If the sparsely lined nest is discovered, the parents go into a “broken wing” act to draw attention to themselves and away from their eggs or young. The four light buff eggs marked with black are laid in May. Although rare, the Piping Plover has been described in detail because it does nest here. The following five birds are very common on the Neck during much of t

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BIRDS OF THE SWAMPY AREAS

BIRDS OF THE SWAMPY AREAS

The male Redwing is familiar to everyone. His beautiful black plumage with red shoulder bars allows a rapid identification. He is usually seen flitting about over a marsh attempting to attract the attention of some admiring female. The nest is built in a shrub on the marsh in late May or June. Ordinarily it is well concealed, and often the only indication of its existence is the loud scolding of the anxious parents when intruders approach. This heavily hunted waterfowl continues to breed even in

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BIRDS OF THE FIELDS AND WOODED AREAS

BIRDS OF THE FIELDS AND WOODED AREAS

Towhees are more often heard than seen. Their loud scratching noise in the underbrush frequently frightens hikers. If disturbed, they will run on the ground to a place of safety. Their song is very distinctive and has been said to sound like “Drink your tea” with the tea ending extended, or “You and meeeee.” The Towhee generally breeds twice every summer, building its nest in a small shrub or on the ground. This nest is usually as difficult to discover as the bird itself. Usually seen winging lo

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SOME WINTER SPECIALTIES

SOME WINTER SPECIALTIES

All summer long the Loon lives in the quiet of some hidden northern lake, but in the winter it moves out into the ocean. The winter seas are cold and savage, and yet the Loon takes them in stride. It is a powerful swimmer and can dive easily and deeply. The voice of the Loon, heard only in summer, is very distinctive; the loud, “crazy” laughing call is responsible for the saying “As crazy as a loon.” The Horned Grebe spends most of its time on the water, frequently even sleeping there. It has al

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COMMON BIRDS OF CASTLE NECK

COMMON BIRDS OF CASTLE NECK

Here are sixty of the most common birds you can expect to find at Castle Neck:...

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NOW IT’S UP TO YOU!

NOW IT’S UP TO YOU!

For your added interest the following personal check list of 179 specimens discussed in this field guide allows for recording where and when you make your own discoveries at Castle Neck. As a matter of convenience, animals are arranged by chapter and broad groupings. Use the Field Note pages for additional observations....

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Chapter I. “The Shifting Dunes”

Chapter I. “The Shifting Dunes”

Date seen Locality...

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