Field Observations
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Least Terns join the party on Massachusetts beaches
The least terns are the smallest terns found in the Americas. They winter mainly along the coastline of the northern region of South America. They breed in many parts of the United States, mainly on the open beaches and islands. In Massachusetts, least terns arrive right behind Willets typically by…
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Return of Willets
When I walked on the beach this morning, I hoped to see willets. And almost like a clockwork, they have returned to their breeding grounds in MA. By the end of April, willets return and start to stake out their territories. On May 1st, the beach was alive with the …
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The Nike Bird - Red-winged Black Birds bring back good memories
Red-Winged Blackbirds (RWBB) are the harbingers of Spring. But to me, this bird will always remind me of my father, whom we lost about six months ago. This bird was his favorite here in North America, and he called this bird the Nike bird because of the yellow swoosh. I…
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Sounds of spring - listening for the arrival of spring
The days are getting longer, the weather is warmer, and spring is finally near. The transition from winter to spring brings new energy to the atmosphere. I like to listen to the arrival of the spring among many signs of spring, like the melting of snow, new buds on trees…
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Return of Piping Plovers
Days get longer The beach is alive Renewal of life
As winter slowly progresses toward spring in late February and early March, I like to listen to the changes around me. The Eastern Phoebe, one of the earliest spring migrants, announces the season’s change. Soon after that, I keep my…
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