A beautiful day of birding: HCT Field Classes with Peter Trull offer spring thrills and expert insight

Spring is action time in the bird world. It’s also the perfect time to join a Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) Birding Field Class, led by noted naturalist and author Peter Trull. What sets these classes apart is the shared sense of discovery and easy camaraderie in the group, anchored by Trull’s wide knowledge and superb bird identification ability. And beginning birders are welcome — just bring your binoculars and your curiosity!

Our group gathered on a typically iffy Cape spring morning at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve. Despite the gray chill, there was birding electricity in the air, as Trull set the stage for the thrills to come. “We like to learn about the birds–who they are, why they’re here, what they’re doing,” he said. “Everybody’s thinking about breeding and nesting and pair-forming and finding a mate and making everything work out.”

Ospreys soared overhead as we made our way along the trail. Trull would later describe conditions as “very birdy” in the species checklist that is sent to all participants after the field class, and indeed, our avian friends were everywhere! The group worked together to spot birds, and our binoculars moved in unison — a magnifying symphony, conducted with aplomb by maestro Trull.

Field classes go beyond a checklist

And sure, getting a good look at a bird is a huge reward. But with Trull’s field classes, you get the chance to understand the feathered existential drama that is playing out before you. If you’ve got a question, just ask Peter. Wide-ranging discussions sparked by observation yield greater knowledge, and a feeling of connecting the dots about our beautiful natural world.

Plus, you might get to see a goose fight! As we worked our way deeper into the Cold Brook Preserve, we heard a heck of a lot of honking. Something was up. As we drew nearer to one of the ponds, it appeared that a Canada goose couple was a bit perturbed by the presence of another goose in the pond.

Angry geese are loud, but it went beyond that. Suddenly the goose couple rushed at the loner and it got physical. A splash and whack battle ensued and the loner vamoosed. Peace returned to the pond and the couple floated away, now masters of their realm.

Beyond the brouhaha, there were lovely and peaceful moments where we welcomed guest stars that included turkey vultures, Eastern bluebirds, downy woodpeckers and a Northern harrier. We got a particularly good look at a pair of tree swallows atop an HCT nest box, admiring their handsome deep-blue iridescent backs.

The intoxicating concoction of discovery and education had us all under its spell. At one point, Trull simply said, “I love birds,” and that said it all!

When we got back to the Cold Brook parking lot, folks lingered and chatted, basking in the field class magic. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about birds, spring, with its life-jolt of energy and urgency, is the time to do it. “It was beautiful,” said Trull. “And it’s going to be like that every day through the end of May.”

And with more sunshine and warmth every week, each birding adventure is sure to satisfy.

—Join an HCT Birding Field Class with naturalist and author Peter Trull: Upcoming classes are scheduled for Tuesday, April 14th, Friday, April 17th, Tuesday, April 21st, Friday, April 24th and Tuesday, April 28th. For more information and to register, please click here.

—Sign up for HCT eNews, a great way to stay in the loop about exciting HCT events, guided walks and other interesting news.

—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.