Chapter 7

WINGS OVER THE SAND

More than any other form of nature, birds invite the notice of the casual naturalist. Their specializations, their plumage, and their song all serve as attractive bait for our attention.

It is not surprising, then, that more books have been written about birds than any other life form, and that many of these have been directed especially to the layman.

Although more than 150 species of birds may appear during the course of a year at Crane’s Beach, only a small number will be described here in any detail. Many of these will be summer birds that regularly nest on Castle Neck.

The common and scientific names of the birds listed below are in accordance with the nomenclature in the latest edition (5th) of the American Ornithologists’ Union _Check-list_ (1957).

BIRDS OF THE SEA

Herring Gull (_Larus argentatus_)

Body is pure white Grayish-blue wings, tipped with black Somewhat larger than a Crow

This is the familiar “Sea Gull,” one of many species so called. Its value as a beach scavenger and “garbage collector” has earned it protection by the federal government. While preferring the rocky coasts of Maine for nesting, the Herring Gull is by far the most familiar, if not the most common bird found at Crane’s Beach.

Great Black-backed Gull (_Larus marinus_)

Much larger than Herring Gull Wings are black on top surface

This beautiful gull, like its common cousin, is a scavenger. It is larger and more antagonistic than the Herring Gull and will often steal its food. In Maine, where both breed, the Great Black-back frequently feeds on the Herring Gull’s eggs or nestlings.

Common Tern (_Sterna hirundo_)

Small, sleek, white body Forked tail Black crown on top of head Orange-red bill

These delightful, graceful birds are again nesting at the tip of the Neck. Their nest has been described earlier (page 7). Under government protection, their numbers have been increasing rapidly. Keep a sharp watch and you may spot an Arctic or Roseate Tern, both very similar to the Common. It is entertaining to watch the Tern fish. It hovers against the wind in one spot just off shore—then suddenly drops into the water, only to reappear again in a moment with some morsel of food. Repeated again and again, this performance becomes a real show which even the most uninterested sun bather cannot ignore.

BIRDS OF THE BEACH

Piping Plover (_Charadrius melodus_)

Small, sandy-colored bird Black neck ring and forehead markings Voice: A clear, forlorn “peep-lo”

This rather rare shorebird so perfectly matches the dry sand on which it hunts that it is often completely invisible until it moves. If the sparsely lined nest is discovered, the parents go into a “broken wing” act to draw attention to themselves and away from their eggs or young. The four light buff eggs marked with black are laid in May.

_Five Common Migrants_

Although rare, the Piping Plover has been described in detail because it does nest here. The following five birds are very common on the Neck during much of the summer but do not nest on New England beaches.

Semipalmated Plover (_Charadrius semipalmatus_)

Resembles Piping Plover but is darker brown Black ring on neck Tail is dark, with white edges

Black-bellied Plover (_Squatarola squatarola_)

About Robin size Tail and rump are white Named for its spring color patterns

Greater Yellowlegs (_Totanus melanoleucus_)

A large Sandpiper with bright yellow legs Tail and rump are white In flight, body appears light, wings dark

Sanderling (_Crocethia alba_)

Legs and bill are black White stripe across wing Body is brown or gray color

Semipalmated Sandpiper (_Ereunetes pusillus_)

Very tiny sandpiper Stout bill Blackish legs

BIRDS OF THE SWAMPY AREAS

Redwinged Blackbird (_Agelaius phoeniceus_)

Male is black, with red shoulder patches Female is a brown, uninteresting bird

The male Redwing is familiar to everyone. His beautiful black plumage with red shoulder bars allows a rapid identification. He is usually seen flitting about over a marsh attempting to attract the attention of some admiring female. The nest is built in a shrub on the marsh in late May or June. Ordinarily it is well concealed, and often the only indication of its existence is the loud scolding of the anxious parents when intruders approach.

Black Duck (_Anas rubripes_)

In flight: A dark duck with silvery underwings On water: Light brown with a yellow bill Bright red feet

This heavily hunted waterfowl continues to breed even in well-populated areas. Its nest is found here on the edges of the many fresh-water pools that dot the Neck in association with the swamps. About nine white or buff-colored eggs are produced in May. After nesting, these ducks may still be seen feeding on submerged plants. They obtain their meal in a crazy “dabbling” fashion, standing on their heads so that only the tail protrudes above the surface.

Black-crowned Night Heron (_Nycticorax nycticorax_)

White breast, black on back and on crown of head About Herring Gull size Long, wading legs

Although most active at night, these herons may be seen throughout the day resting or feeding. They wade about in both the fresh and salt marshes in search of fish or crustaceans, which they seize with their long bills. This heron nests only rarely, if ever, on the Neck now, but thirty years ago great rookeries were found here. These birds are still to be found on the Neck in fair numbers even though man’s invasion of the area has reduced its desirability as a nesting place.

Marsh Hawk (_Circus cyaneus_)

Males gray; females brown Medium-sized hawk Always with an obvious white rump

During the summer this handsome bird of prey is a familiar sight soaring close to the ground over all large marshy areas. In flight it holds its wings at an angle over its back, rather than parallel to the ground as do most hawks. It mates for life, bringing forth a brood of young once each summer. The nest is quite un-hawk-like, located on the ground and constructed of tall grasses. The Marsh Hawk leaves the area and migrates southward sometime in early September.

BIRDS OF THE FIELDS AND WOODED AREAS

Rufous-sided Towhee (_Pipilo erythrophthalmus_)

Underside white, orange on sides Tail is long, dark, with white corners About size and shape of a Robin

Towhees are more often heard than seen. Their loud scratching noise in the underbrush frequently frightens hikers. If disturbed, they will run on the ground to a place of safety. Their song is very distinctive and has been said to sound like “Drink your tea” with the _tea_ ending extended, or “You and meeeee.” The Towhee generally breeds twice every summer, building its nest in a small shrub or on the ground. This nest is usually as difficult to discover as the bird itself.

Tree Swallow (_Iridoprocne bicolor_)

White throat and stomach Blue-green back and head Crescent-shaped wings, notched tail

Usually seen winging low over water, the Tree Swallow serves to clean the air of water-loving insects. These swallows appear on the Neck in great numbers during the fall, when the scarcity of insects changes their diet to Bayberries. Tree Swallows are among the last birds to migrate in the fall and always the first to return the following spring. Their nests are occasionally discovered in a hollow tree during May or June, but these little birds will readily accept a bird house in lieu of a hollow tree.

Eastern Kingbird (_Tyrannus tyrannus_)

Appears gray at a distance Square black tail with conspicuous white tip

Infrequently, one sees a Hawk being attacked in flight by a much smaller bird. This little ball of courage is likely to be the Kingbird. Because of its swiftness in flight, the Kingbird is an able fly catcher and feeds on flies regularly. It builds a nest on the Neck, usually high in a tree, affording it a good lookout post. Watch for this nest in June.

Brown Thrasher (_Toxostoma rufum_)

Brown bird with light breast covered with dark streaks Long curved bill; very long tail

The Thrasher, and its cousin the Catbird, are both common summer residents and nest on Castle Neck. The Thrasher’s loud song, often mimicking other birds, is distinctive because every phrase occurs in pairs. When the nest is approached, the song changes into a series of short clucking noises, with an occasional hiss scolding the intruder. Persistent investigation may uncover the well-constructed nest on the ground. Look for this nest containing four brown-marked blue eggs during late May or June.

Mourning Dove (_Zenaidura macroura_)

A slim, brown bird Long pointed tail, bordered with white

This lovely, delicate dove occurs in every state of the Union. The waste areas on the Neck are especially suited to it because its main foodstuff is Pitch Pine seeds, weeds, and grasses. The Mourning Dove’s nest, placed in a Pitch Pine, is so carelessly made that it is apt to be mistaken for an old nest which is falling apart. Why it doesn’t do just this during the nesting season is a marvel. This beautiful dove is sometimes mistaken for its extinct cousin the Passenger Pigeon.

Sparrow Hawk (_Falco sparverius_)

Long pointed wings and long tail Our only small hawk with a black-banded rufous tail

In recent years this colorful hawk has become quite a city dweller, having little fear of humans. During May, four or five eggs are laid in a deserted Woodpecker’s hole or any convenient cavity. As one would guess from its size, the Sparrow Hawk feeds mainly on insects and seldom on a mouse or sparrow. It is often seen hovering over a field in search of prey or just surveying its feeding territory from a high vantage point.

Great Horned Owl (_Bubo virginianus_)

Only large owl with ear tufts Gray appearance, with white throat patch Voice: Deep, penetrating “Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo” (usually an odd number of hoo’s)

One or two of these magnificent birds can generally be found on any thorough search of the Neck. They hunt the Neck by night, taking a great toll of mice and other small animals. The Great Horned Owl nests earlier than any other New England bird, usually in February or March. So early, in fact, it occasionally returns from a hunt to find its nest and eggs covered with snow. A Great Horned can often be located during the day by following the sound of a noisy flock of Crows. These birds spend hours screaming and scolding Owls whenever they find one sleeping during the day.

Yellow Warbler (_Dendroica petechia_)

Only tiny _all_-yellow bird here Reddish streaks on breast of males

On first discovery, this warbler is likely to be identified as an escaped canary. Indeed, it is oftentimes called the “Wild Canary.” It has a very charming, persistent song, which it sings during most of the day. It builds a tiny nest lined with down in the fork of a shrub. Unfortunately, the Yellow Warbler arrives late in the spring and leaves us early in the fall.

Yellowthroat (_Geothlypis trichas_)

Male: All yellow, with a black mask over eyes Female: Drab olive color with bright yellow throat

A very familiar bird on Castle Neck, the Yellowthroat constantly makes its presence known by a bright “witchity-witchity” song, sounding as though it is asking “What-cha-see?” Its nest is built on or close to the ground and is a rather bulky affair, much larger than seems necessary for so small a bird. As with most of the warblers, the Yellowthroat’s diet consists entirely of insects—a characteristic that makes it a most valuable guest.

SOME WINTER SPECIALTIES

A few tourists visit the beach during the winter. It is generally considered to be a “dead” time of year. Yet the birds abound here, and many may be found only during the cold months. Five examples are:

Common Loon (_Gavia immer_)

Large, almost Goose size Long, straight bill Winter: Dark gray back, whitish throat and breast

All summer long the Loon lives in the quiet of some hidden northern lake, but in the winter it moves out into the ocean. The winter seas are cold and savage, and yet the Loon takes them in stride. It is a powerful swimmer and can dive easily and deeply. The voice of the Loon, heard only in summer, is very distinctive; the loud, “crazy” laughing call is responsible for the saying “As crazy as a loon.”

Horned Grebe (_Podiceps auritus_)

Resembles a duck but has slender neck and pointed bill Winter: Dark gray back, line down neck, and top of head; white on breast, front of neck, and underside of head

The Horned Grebe spends most of its time on the water, frequently even sleeping there. It has also learned to preen itself in water by rolling over on its side. Grebes swim and dive actively, catching many small fish and crustaceans. When frightened into flight they will run many yards across the surface of the water before finally hurtling into the air.

Snowy Owl (_Nyctea scandiaca_)

Very large white owl A round, smooth head

The Snowy is a day-flying owl and therefore may be seen perched high on a sand dune looking around for mice. Its home is in the Arctic tundra, where it feeds on Lemmings. When these are scarce during the winter, the Snowy migrates southward to new feeding grounds. Because it is not used to humans, you can often get quite close to this owl before it will be frightened into flight.

Snow Bunting (_Plectrophenax nivalis_)

About size of Song Sparrow White body, rusty on head and back Long, pointed, white wings with black tips

From its breeding grounds in the Arctic, this large sparrow-like bird comes to Crane’s Beach only in the winter. It is at home during the hardest, most severe snowstorms. One may stand on the verge of frostbite and watch large flocks of Snow Buntings flitting about, whistling in a cheerful tinkling song. Look for them among the dunes or marshes, where they feed on the grass and weed seeds.

Ipswich Sparrow (_Passerculus princeps_)

Large sparrow, gray above, white below Breast and sides have dull brown markings Upper parts more heavily streaked

The Ipswich Sparrow is an occasional visitor to Ipswich. It was isolated years ago on desolate Sable Island off the coast of Nova Scotia. It breeds only on Sable Island, but its winter migrations cause it to wander along the Atlantic Coast. It was first reported in 1868 from the dunes on Castle Hill, hence its name Ipswich Sparrow. When observed, this bird is most often found among the debris left at high tide on the upper beach. It is quick to fly when disturbed and, upon landing, will run for several yards to lose itself in the Beach Grass.

FOR A WIDER ACQUAINTANCE AMONG THE BIRDS

It is obvious that this chapter serves only to introduce you to the great variety of bird life awaiting the interested naturalist. To continue your study, consider the purchase of a good binocular and one or all of the books listed below.

_Field List: Birds of Essex County, Massachusetts_. Salem, Mass.: Peabody Museum, 1952. $.35 Edward Howe Forbush, _Natural History of the Birds of Eastern and Central North America_. Revised and abridged by John B. May. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1939. $7.50 Roger Tory Peterson, _How to Know the Birds_. New York: New American Library, 1949. $.50 ——, _A Field Guide to the Birds_. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1947. $3.95 Charles Wendell Townsend, _The Birds of Essex County, Massachusetts. Memoirs of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, No. 3_. Cambridge, Mass.: Nuttall Ornithological Club, 1905. Available in Museum of Science Library. ——, _Supplement to The Birds of Essex County, Massachusetts. Memoirs of the Nuttall Ornithological Club, No. 5_. Cambridge, Mass.: Nuttall Ornithological Club, 1920. Available in Museum of Science Library. George J. Wallace, _An Introduction to Ornithology_. New York: Macmillan, 1955. $8.00

COMMON BIRDS OF CASTLE NECK

Here are sixty of the most common birds you can expect to find at Castle Neck:

Green Heron Black-crowned Night Heron Black Duck Red-shouldered Hawk Marsh Hawk Sparrow Hawk Ruffed Grouse Ring-necked Pheasant Piping Plover Semipalmated Plover Killdeer Black-bellied Plover Spotted Sandpiper Greater Yellowlegs Semipalmated Sandpiper Sanderling Common Tern Mourning Dove Screech Owl Great Horned Owl Chimney Swift Ruby-throated Hummingbird Kingfisher Flicker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Kingbird Phoebe Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Bluejay White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Catbird Brown Thrasher Robin Bluebird Cedar Waxwing Starling Red-eyed Vireo Black-and-White Warbler Yellow Warbler Myrtle Warbler Yellowthroat Blackburnian Warbler American Redstart House Sparrow Bobolink Meadowlark Redwinged Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird Purple Finch American Goldfinch Rufous-sided Towhee Savannah Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Song Sparrow

NOW IT’S UP TO YOU!

For your added interest the following personal check list of 179 specimens discussed in this field guide allows for recording where and when you make your own discoveries at Castle Neck.

As a matter of convenience, animals are arranged by chapter and broad groupings.

Use the Field Note pages for additional observations.

PERSONAL CHECKLIST