Birds
The Clinging Birds include those with strong feet that make it easy for them to run up and down a tree trunk or to grasp onto a small surface to retrieve an insect or gnat. These include the Woodpeckers and Nuthatches. They live anywhere that has trees; coniferous or deciduous forests. They can be found in any forest in Westford.
Perching birds range in size all the way from tiny kinglets and warblers to large ravens. They all share the same type of foot, with three toes pointed forward and one backward. This foot is adapted to gripping a perch. The muscles and tendons of their legs are designed to tighten the grip on the perch if the bird begins to fall backward. Their habitats range from deciduous forests to marshes. They can be found in habitats all across Westford.
Duck like birds are aquatic birds. They nest on the shores of marshes or lakes, and feed on water insects or fish. This means that in Westford they would be found in places like Nab Lake, Snake Meadow Brook, or Keyes Pond. They have webbed feet for swimming. Their bills are ideal for scooping and draining water for insect retrieval.
Swallow like birds have a unique boomerang shaped wingspan for gliding. They are great flyers, and catch most of their insect-prey in flight. They readily nest in nesting boxes in the middle of meadows or marshes. They instinctually nest at the edge of forests near open spaces. You will often see Tree Swallows flying over sports fields in Westford, for example the athletic fields at Westford Academy.
Hawk like birds are carnivorous hunters. Their amazing eyesight allows them to spot prey from 100 feet in the air. You will often see Red-tailed hawks riding air currents above fields or open roads. Hawks will often nest atop large trees. When in Westford, look for their nests in tall pines.
Wading birds always stay at the water's edge. Their long, straw-like legs allow them to tip-toe with ease through marshes. They primarily eat small fish. Wading birds like the Great Blue Heron can be found in ponds and marshy areas, including but not limited to, East Boston Camps.