A bird lover’s paradise beckons

Massachusetts ranks only 44th in size among U.S. states but our varied ecosystems — urban, woodland, mountain, farmland, open meadow, and more than 1,500 miles of coastline — means it has an extraordinary variety of habitat for birds and wildlife.

In fact, Massachusetts has documented 510 species of birds, from the rare Tundra Swan to the Common Eider to the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo, which all appear on the official Massachusetts bird list, according to the American Ornithological Society. But whether you are an amateur birder or just someone who enjoys watching the antics of the resident birds from your window, you won’t be disappointed.

Homeowners at The Preserve at Hunters Hill — a gated 55+ lifestyle community located in the woodlands and meadows of Dighton — will have the chance to observe dozens of backyard birds from the common Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, Black-Capped Chickadee, and Blue Jay to the fairly exotic Snowy Owl, Atlantic Puffin and Laughing Gull.

In addition, the nearby Taunton River and the coastal beaches of  Massachusetts and Rhode Island provide bird watchers with a great perch to view, photograph or paint dozens of species. Populations of American Bald Eagles and Ospreys, along with other raptors are recovering, thanks to years of smart environmental stewardship and bans on certain pesticides.  The Massachusetts Audubon Society  organizes programs year round and provides information about the region’s wildlife sanctuaries.

Southeastern Massachusetts is a great place for bird lovers.