Jeffrey Preserve — Bird Walk with Deb DeSalvo May 16, 2026

In the world of bird watching, May is the month when it all happens in the northeastern part of North America. Neo-tropical migrants make their way back from their wintering grounds in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. They fly thousands of miles, sing beautiful melodies while searching for insects in the not-yet-fully-open leaves of the trees. All of this has been happening for millennia—the timing of emerging insects with the arrival of the hungry migrants has been synchronized so that the birds can survive and refuel at just the right moment. And we bird watchers are here to witness this miraculous event each spring.

On May 16, led by Deb DeSalvo, 9 seasoned and not-so-seasoned bird watchers took to the paths of the Tewksbury Land Trust’s Jeffrey Preserve. We gathered around the entrance and listened to the sounds of warblers, thrushes, blue jays, and wrens. The catbirds were plentiful and we were able to get a good look at a downy woodpecker, climbing the side of a maple tree, using its tail to balance itself.

As we made our way up the trail, the vocalizations continued. The birds were calling to each other and announcing their arrival. Towhees, Ovenbirds, and a Veery, which is a kind of thrush. Many birds migrate at night, so what you are hearing in the wee hours of the morning (also called the dawn chorus) is basically just a shouting out (mostly by the male bird species) of “I am here now!” and  “Who else is here?” Migrating birds fly thousands of miles, establish a territory with enough food to feed themselves and their young, seek out a mate, build a nest, raise young, and then migrate back south a few months later. Every year. Again and Again. The risks are huge. And we need to consider their habitats and how we can help them succeed.The Tewksbury Land Trust is one of the local organizations that looks to preserve land for our migrating species and the local birds, too. Good habitat is vital to their survival. Consider helping them with their mission to conserve land in this area. Helping the TLT is helping the birds!

At the upper portion of the preserve, we were at the forest edge, and saw a few sparrows in the open areas. And then Gia-Raquel Esposito, TLT president, shouted “What’s that?!” and a few yards away, in the open, on top of a bush was a glorious indigo bunting. A bright blue bird that is breathtaking in its blue-ness. Way to go, Gia-Raquel!

It was a wonderful day, with over 50 species of birds seen and/or heard. The weather was perfect—not too hot and not too cool. Look for another bird walk in the fall at one of the many TLT preserves. Meanwhile, in your own backyard, consider the birds, and remember to minimize chemicals and to plant native plants.