Virginia rails are secretive birds of the marshes. They are heard more than they are seen.

Oversand vehicle access will be restricted on the barrier beaches that rim Chappaquiddick and Edgartown over the next few weeks to protect piping plover and least tern chicks.

Fledglings are abundant now, and will be for the next month. They may or may not be with their parents.

Birds are territorial during the breeding season and do not move around much.

June has made it to our shores, even though the cool wet weather seems more suitable for April or May.

Migrating shorebirds have been scarce so far this month; we have observed relatively few.

Allan Keith found a cattle egret in the fields at the Grey Barn on May 20.

A glossy ibis was spotted by Richard Price on May 12, as it foraged in the salt marsh along Sengekontacket Pond.

Last week’s column was too good to continue.

April goes out with a bang. The northward migration is in full swing.