wild words

Welcome to a glimpse into the wild world of TerraSedna! (TerraSedna* is the name of the almost-five acres of land which I steward.) I'm in the process of recording all life I see here. On this page you'll find a sampling, with a focus on common names or even folk names (but not Latin names) of some of the species I have discovered on this land. There is much in a name, and by stopping to notice and discover exactly who I share this precious space with, I not only become closer to them, I also rightfully acknowledge each species as life, with meaning and purpose on this earth.

Long-beaked Willow
Also known as diamond willow, red willow and smooth gray willow. It is native to Maine. Snowshoe hares, deer, elk and moose browse this willow. Its buds, shoots and catkins are eaten by birds, beavers and small mammals.

Feruginous Tiger Crane Fly
This insect is often mistaken for a giant mosquito, but crane flies do not sting or bite. In their larval phase they are considered beneficial decomposers. Larvae and adults provide food for insects, spiders, fish, frogs, toads, birds and some mammals.

*TerraSedna is from "terra" which means "Earth" and "Sedna," an Inuit goddess who is said to be a fierce protector of the sea. While this land is not on the ocean, it is very close, and the human who resides here wishes to protect all wild life, on land, in the skies and in the water. "I acknowledge and thank the Wabanaki People of the Dawnland, who stewarded this land before I did. I also thank the earlier humans and nonhuman beings, both seen and unseen, who live/d here, caring for this beautiful place." ~m.s.

wild words

Long-beaked Willow Also known as diamond willow, red willow and smooth gray willow. It is native to Maine. Snowshoe hares, deer, elk and moose browse this willow. Its buds, shoots and catkins are eaten by birds, beavers and small mammals.

Feruginous Tiger Crane Fly This insect is often mistaken for a giant mosquito, but crane flies do not sting or bite. In their larval phase they are considered beneficial decomposers. Larvae and adults provide food for insects, spiders, fish, frogs, toads, birds and some mammals.

Long-beaked Willow
Also known as diamond willow, red willow and smooth gray willow. It is native to Maine. Snowshoe hares, deer, elk and moose browse this willow. Its buds, shoots and catkins are eaten by birds, beavers and small mammals.

Feruginous Tiger Crane Fly
This insect is often mistaken for a giant mosquito, but crane flies do not sting or bite. In their larval phase they are considered beneficial decomposers. Larvae and adults provide food for insects, spiders, fish, frogs, toads, birds and some mammals.