April 19, 2024: Common Grackles, with iridescent plumage, yellow eyes, and gregarious behavior, migrate to Falmouth in the spring for the breeding season. These Grackles can be found in a variety of habitats. They are opportunistic feeders, known to forage for insects, seeds, and fruits. This Grackle was recently seen in the northeast corner of Salt Pond near Mill Road.

Common Grackles are migratory birds known for their distinctive iridescent plumage and noisy, gregarious behavior. Their migration to and from Cape Cod typically occurs during the spring and fall seasons.

In spring, Common Grackles migrate northward from their wintering grounds in the southern United States and Mexico to breed in more northern regions, including Falmouth. They are often among the first migrants to arrive in the area as temperatures begin to warm and food becomes more abundant.

During the fall migration, Common Grackles head southward, returning to their wintering grounds. Cape Cod serves as a crucial stopover site for some of these birds as they journey south, providing them with essential resources to refuel and rest before continuing their journey.

While on Cape Cod, Common Grackles can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, fields, marshes, and suburban areas. They are opportunistic feeders, known to forage for insects, seeds, fruits, and even small vertebrates. Their presence adds to the rich tapestry of birdlife that characterizes the region during migration seasons.