The Vernal Renaissance - a celebration of sping and birding

Spring is a season eagerly awaited by birders, naturalists, and gardeners alike. In New England most of the birds of summer, forced by cold temperatures and diminishing food supplies, migrate south in winter, thus causing their return in spring to be a season of great anticipation. For non-migratory organisms, as well as plants, different survival mechanisms are needed. By early March there are already noticeable changes taking place in our local late winter weather, including longer and occasionally warmer days, the first signs of melting snow and ice, and periodically warm southwest winds to usher in the vanguard of early bird migrants such as waterfowl, American Woodcocks, Horned Larks, and blackbirds. At the same time, pussy willows are popping, skunk cabbage is appearing in swampy woodlands, and wood frogs are moving into local ponds for breeding. Everything is waking up! In this mini-workshop participants will be introduced to some of the many natural changes that spring brings about, including an examination of a few of the many adaptations used by Massachusetts birds, animals, and plants to survive the seasonal changes induced by local spring weather (and possibly in long-range climate changes as well). An accompanying field trip to a variety of South Shore habitats will provide a look at some of the birds and other organisms typical of the season, along with information about how to appreciate some of the behaviors and sometimes less familiar creatures that we will likely observe. Habitats that we will visit will include both coastal and freshwater environments, as well as inland fields and woodlands as well. This workshop will provide the perfect introduction to early spring in southeastern Massachusetts. Registration is required. Call (508) 528-3140 for details. See http://www.massaudubon.org/catalog/listing.php?program_code=614-SB12WI1 for more information.