Wildlife Watch by Marian Harman – March 2020

This is certainly an unusual time in our history. A pandemic is sweeping the world and we are told to “shelter in place”. For the first time any of us can remember, gatherings of all kinds are cancelled and most institutions, including schools and the library, are closed or running on a virtual basis. Fortunately, … Read more

Wildlife Watch by Marian Harman – February 2020

What is your favorite bird? Many of us would answer, “Chickadee!” After all the black-capped chickadee is the Massachusetts state bird. Chickadees’ cheerful presence at our bird feeders or in the trees along our walk, is always welcome. Its range is confined to North America, from the northeast to northern California and south to the … Read more

Wildlife Watch by Marian Harman – January 2020

Do you wonder if your winter bird feeding actually helps the birds? Many experts have told us that birds don’t really need us; that feeding is only for people to enjoy birds, not to keep birds alive. But a new study done in the United Kingdom suggests that feeding birds may indeed help them. Cornell … Read more

Wildlife Watch by Marian Harman – December 2019

Happy New Year! Westford Wildlife Watch is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Wildlife Watch, which began in 1990, was inspired by Chuck Roth, then Education Coordinator at Mass Audubon. Roth had started asking people to send wildlife reports to him in his hometown of Littleton. When I asked Westford residents to send me their … Read more

Wildlife Watch by Marian Harman – October 2019

Where have all the birds gone? Many wildlife watchers have asked this question recently. Indeed, our feeders, after being in constant demand all summer, are now virtually empty of birds, save for an occasional goldfinch. As I recall, this is always a concern for feeder watchers at this time of year. There may be several … Read more