This May, with many of the flowering plants and emergent foliage just opening now at almost mid-month, has made the Cape and Islands pretty as a picture. The shadbush is blooming and in some places overwhelms the senses with its delicate white flowers. Meanwhile, lots of land birds have already passed by well inland and the spring migration at places like Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge have seen impressive flights of vireos, warblers and many other kinds of birds.
Our region has not been exactly red hot this spring, nonetheless it is always great to see spring warblers and the return of the many species that are only here for a few short months
The waters at the tip of the Cape at Provincetown are currently very full of marine life and seabirds. Last weekend at Herring Cove large numbers of gulls and terns with a few falcon-like seabirds called jaegers put on a great show stunning several visiting birders from the north shore. A couple claimed it was the greatest avian spectacle they had ever seen. The birds will likely remain for a while as long as the abundance of bait fish continues.
The waters surrounding the area, not just off of Provincetown, are far from devoid of birdlife and have migrating loons, northern gannets, lots of sea ducks, 3 species of terns and lots of activity. Beaches and tidal flats have an abundance of activity with nesting American oystercatchers, piping plovers and least terns as well willets in the salt marshes. At low tide the flats are crowded with lots of migrant shorebirds that are staging on their way to Arctic breeding grounds.
This weekend is a big fundraising weekend for the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuaries “Birdathon”, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuaries “Birdathon” and a Nantucket “Birdathon as well-it will be exciting to see what is turned up.
Scores of observers will be out trying to find as many bird species as possible while raising much needed funds for their favorite sanctuaries. The various sanctuaries and their respective teams try to get pledges from sponsors, individuals, etc. of so much for bird species found. All monies raised go to the sanctuaries, and this event has become a fun, educational and important fund raising tool.
Orioles, both the familiar Baltimore and smaller, less colorful, orchard oriole, were widespread and seemingly everywhere. Those people with fruit trees, and/or providing jelly and/or oranges in their yards or at feeding stations have been thrilled at the “wave” of colorful birds that has blown in for a visit. Most of these birds will continue on their journey to breeding areas elsewhere. The birds presence, however brief, on the Cape and Islands will not soon be forgotten by those who had their senses, startled, tickled and pleased by these great looking (and sounding) birds.
Birds are on the move right now. Both for individual numbers and variety of species, from the time you read this for about 10 more days, the Cape and Islands experiences its peak of the spring migration. Speaking in terms of bird life, almost anything can show up anywhere at any time. So keep those binoculars handy because one will certainly have need of them.
Lastly, if one has good hearing, keep your ears open. When hearing an unfamiliar bird song or call, go track it down. In a few short days, most all of the nesting species songs can be learned and then it is only necessary to track down songs that are not recognized. Another 30 years, especially on the coast in spring where birds often sing only partial songs or incomplete songs, and one might become expert. No matter it is fun to attempt (or to relearn) the songs every spring.
