Birds of Special Interest

Park on the north side of the farm (on the right if you coming from town) and walk along the trails that lead into the grasslands. Here two species that are uncommon in eastern Massachusetts can be found.

• Bobolinks nests here and are abundant; a recent survey counted well over 50 of these beautiful song birds flying around the fields. The summer male has unusual plumage. He is dressed in black with a yellow nape and white patches in the wings and rump. The  female and non-breeding male have orange heads and back with brown on the wings and tail.The grasslands here are on a mowing schedule to protect nests and young during the summer breeding season.

• Eastern Meadowlarks also nest here but are fewer in numbers. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to look for this species, which is declining in numbers as eastern farmlands are lost to forest. The best ways to find Meadowlarks are to listen for their song and to scan the fence posts around the perimeter of the looking for perching birds.

Returning to the parking lot on the north side, follow one of the trails that wend through the brushy edge and walk up the hill in front of you. Here you might find three of the most beautiful birds in the East.

• Rose-breasted Grosbeak 

• Orchard Oriole

• Baltimore Oriole   

Of these birds, the Orchard Oriole is perhaps the lesser known. In recent years it has been expanding its range northward and it now nests at Woodson Farm. The chocolate and black plumage of the male is more subtle than that of the Baltimore Oriole, although the female's yellowish-green color catches the eye more readily. 

• Great-crested Flycatcher

• Pileated Woodpecker

These large birds can sometimes be found in the woods on the west side of the Farm. If you climb the hill and loop back down on the other side you will find a path on your left into these woods. These two species are not commonly seen, but are present. The flycatcher especially is more likely heard than seen.