It is not surprising, then, that more books have been written about birds than any other life form, and that many of these have been directed especially to the layman.
Although more than 150 species of birds may appear during the course of a year at Crane’s Beach, only a small number will be described here in any detail. Many of these will be summer birds that regularly nest on Castle Neck.
The common and scientific names of the birds listed below are in accordance with the nomenclature in the latest edition (5th) of the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list (1957).
BIRDS OF THE SEA
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)
Body is pure white Grayish-blue wings, tipped with black Somewhat larger than a Crow
This is the familiar “Sea Gull,” one of many species so called. Its value as a beach scavenger and “garbage collector” has earned it protection by the federal government. While preferring the rocky coasts of Maine for nesting, the Herring Gull is by far the most familiar, if not the most common bird found at Crane’s Beach.
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)