March in Westport is an exciting time to look for the subtle, but serious changes that indicate the earth is thawing and the return of bird life is just around the corner. Just like the weather, we can use the observations and historical data of scientists to forecast the birds travelling through Westport.
Why Look to the Birds?
From the simple enjoyment of seeing new species at your backyard feeder to the contributions that even a casual observer can make to citizen science via apps like eBird, taking note of our feathered friends is like keeping a calendar, a notebook, and a weather journal all at once. As these changes take place, it is a reminder of the warm times to come, and a reassurance that our regular rotation of seasonal changes continues apace.
Migratory Hotspot
Our location along the Atlantic Flyway situates Westport as a true migratory hotpot for birds. Although May is when a bevy of warblers will make their way through and into our coastal habitats, early Spring is a crucial time for the reemergence of birdlife. As the ground thaws, insects begin to come out to feed on early emerging plant life, and the food web is reinvigorated. In addition to these seasonal changes, Westport provides a diverse array of habitats–salt marshes, oak holly forests, rocky shorelines–that support an incredible number of species.
Who’s Showing Up?
- Osprey! Along with the other birds of prey who are activated and hunting for the small mammals peeking out from their winter downtime, March sees the return of fish hawk – one of the surest signs of spring in the South Coast.
- Songbirds! Our wonderful, sing-songy thrushes like Eastern bluebirds and American robins have remained active, but as the temperatures warm these birds will become ever more visible.
- Waterfowl! Look to the freshwater ponds to start to see the activity of ducks like Blue-winged teal and Wood ducks begin to ramp up their activity. If the water is thawing, it’s likely the waterfowl will be at work probing for food.
Looking to Spread Your Wings?
Westport Woods is a great place to explore new species in a different setting. In recent days, we have seen a smattering of Savannah sparrows foraging for food, heard the hints of Red-winged blackbirds calling in the distance, and enjoyed the song of our resident Eastern bluebirds. If you walk at dusk, you might soon hear the distinct mating call of the American Woodcock!
The 80+ acres that currently host trails provides many of the habitats our area is known for, including vernal pools and native grasses. Walking along the Woodland Path offers the chance to see birds utilize trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. The beautiful pollinator garden around Kirby House will “spring” to life in the coming months. The garden features bird feeders and a camera for monitoring visiting bird species.
Visiting the Learning Center is a great way to “take off” this spring, as we can furnish you with a bird checklist bespoke to the species of the South Coast, and Westport in particular. Plus, you can always check out one of our explorer backpacks, outfitted with binoculars, field guides, collection jars and more.
Join Us For More!
Our calendar of events in the coming month is positively packed with programs to entice and encourage your birding adventures.
- March 11 we host Dr. Hamza Malik from the Lloyd Center for the Environment to discuss the seasonal arrival of our iconoclastic raptor, the Osprey.
- That weekend, we’ll host a family-friendly bird box building workshop.
- This month of bird bonanzas will culminate in our annual live owl show, Eyes On Owls (tickets still available!) with regional raptor experts Marcia and Mark Wilson.
- There are several walks you can join us on, as well. All events are listed on our website.
We look forward to seeing you (and your binoculars) here on the trails at Westport Woods soon!