How to Tell it's Spring by Watching Bay State Beach Birds

So you don't have a calendar and the weather is slow in changing. What's the best way of telling spring is coming? Why, heading to a Massachusetts beach and observing the bird life, of course!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• binoculars
• camera
• bird identification book

1. 
    

   When the brants begin moving out and the egrets move back in to Wollaston Beach in Quincy, Massachusetts; spring has finally sprung. Brants, easily confused with Canada geese, have shorter necks and lack the telltale white triangle on their cheeks. Brants spend the warmer months in the Arctic. Many people associate graceful white egrets with warmer climes like Florida; but they range into New England when the weather becomes fair.

2. 
    
   Egrets: they're not just for Florida!

   One of the earlier springtime arrivals is the red tailed hawk, many of which live in close proximity to, and seeming to have little fear of people.

3. 
    
   Male merganser.

   Mergansers, diving ducks with spiky punk 'dos, can be observed on the coast as they prepare to head to inland rivers and lakes.

4. 
    
   Egret in breeding plumage on newly budding tree.

   Egrets are large and easy to spot with their long necks and legs. With patience and luck, you might see one stalk and spear a fish with its long, sharp beak.

5. 
    
   Soaring osprey looks for fish --- or at the intruder with the camera below.

   However, the apex avian of Boston beach birds is that raptor of rapture -the osprey. These "fish hawks" are large with a striking pattern of black wings and back and a white chest. They build enormous nests, often on large, man-made platforms. One of the most awe-inspiring sights in nature is to see an osprey plummet down to the water and seize a fish in its talons.

Tips & Warnings

• The birds described are all large and not particularly secretive and can easily be observed in the comfort of your car. However, watching while on foot, on a bike or a kayak or canoe makes for an even more satisfying experience.
• Enjoy the wildlife from a distance - try to avoid "spooking" them by getting too close. Otherwise, you may unnecessarily stress them or even frighten them from the area.

[neptune]

on 11/23/2008 when i first came to southwest harbour, it was winter and i stood on the beach with a bunch of loaves of bread...and was able to get them to eat right from my hand...i think they were only seagulls, but it was still cool as the snow was falling and everything seemed surreal....
Neptune