How did Buzzards Bay get its name? Historic research goes back to the year 1602 when it was discovered by Bartholomew Gosnold sailing around Cape Cod, which he had named dropping anchor near the Acushnet River in a pristine setting whose islands he described as a paradise of beauty created by God and nature. If he didn’t name it then, it probably originated in subsequent colonial times originating from the incorrect identification of local ospreys as buzzards.
The osprey is not a buzzard and instead occupies its own specific species niche after diverging from other birds of prey 25 to 30 million years ago, evolving with hollow bones and forward-facing talons that permit them to hover and dive into the water below the surface, then surface to fly away clutching as large as a 4- or 5-pound fish.
It seems logical that the image of the high profile osprey with landmark coastal nests deserves the present natural title of the bay, as a historical connection to our past just as the many Native American names of places along the bay relate to their native origin.
Out our new waterfront picture windows at Crescent Beach where the rising sun illuminates the seaside panorama that after some 400 years still remains clean and natural after Gosnold’s voyage, one morning we were visited by a common buzzard, somewhat similar in size and description to a red-tailed hawk and a close raptor cousin along with 25 other buzzard species, also classified as Buteos. It is among the largest, standing 25-inches tall with wide wings for hovering and rising high up to soar on thermals and then dive down to feed on small mammals, rodents, and serpents, as in my illustration (viewable online). Like the red-tailed hawk, they are skilled to frequently hunt in pairs for teamwork to feed the young.
The Mattapoisett Library has a relevant publication of Buzzards Bay: A Journey of Discovery by Daniel Sheldon Lee that explores the remarkable environmental history of the bay that Gosnold labeled a paradise. In the conservation chapter, credit is given to the Clean Water Act of 1985, pioneered by my old Rhode Island friend, the late John Chaffee, resulting in the bay being classified as an Estuary of National Significance to qualify for substantial federal funds. Daily watching and measuring environmental conditions is a citizens group called the Buzzards Bay Coalition. They deserve our support and thanks.
To count the many blessings in writing and drawing for environmental awareness, waking up in our new Buzzards Bay home is my daily inspiration to share with you. Thanks for joining me.
By George B. Emmons