Sustaining Winter Birds at Minute Man National Historical Park

Written by Kiah Walker, Biologist at Minute Man National Historical Park.

Why do birds migrate? Rather than avoiding the cold (like human “snowbirds”), they’re usually searching for more abundant food. While many birds head to South America, New England's resident species and other short-distance migrants have developed specialized feeding strategies to sustain themselves year-round. You may notice birds excavating insects, scrounging seeds, gorging on berries, hunting smaller birds and mammals, scavenging roadkill, or even stashing food for later. . . . Read more.

Image: Birds recently sited at or near Minute Man NHP from left to right clockwise: White-throated Sparrow by Jay Dia, American Goldfinch by Jay Dia, American Tree Sparrow by Cris Van Dyke. 

Please click on the button to read more and view more winter birds.

Winter Lecture Save the Date

The visitor centers might be closed, but the park staff is here all winter and is busy planning for next season. Planning for Patriots' Day 2023 has begun with a preliminary schedule of events. The countdown is on as we prepare for the 250 anniversary of April 19, 1775 in 2025.

To view the preliminary schedule, please click on the button below.

Your Park Story

Staff and volunteers finished putting the Buttrick Gardens to bed for the winter in late December. A fresh layer of pine needles will protect the garden's historic irises over the winter as they wait for a bed of snow in the new year. 

Iris respond well to a light mulching of pine needles as it allows moisture and air to circulate and does not promote the rot of the exposed rhizome. We also love that the pine needles are harvested and reused from other parts of the park!

Photo by Kiah Walker, Minute Man National Historical Park's Biologist. Pictured are volunteers Karen and Ed along with Ada Fox, MMNHP's Biological Science Technician.

Check out our Garden Blog to learn more about the iris and the Buttrick Gardens. 

Species Spotlight: Flying Squirrels

Revolution 250 Podcast: William Molineux, Merchant, Smuggler, Patriot with J.L. Bell

Merchant, smuggler & patriot, William Molineux is forgotten now, but was a leading voice among the Boston Sons of Liberty. His hands were in many if not most of the protests that occurred in Boston between the 1765 Stamp Act and the protests of 1774. Click here to listen.

Massachusetts Horticultural Society Blog: Late Winter Garden Chores

There are plenty of winter garden chores to keep you busy including pruning, cutting back roses, sharpening tools, and planning for spring. Click here to read the online article.

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