1.   You can spot me in the winter woods because in my youth, I often keep my leaves throughout the winter as they turn tan or white, giving me a ghostly look.
American beech black bear black vulture bobcat eastern bluebird fireflies little bluets or Quaker ladies northern mockingbird ticks

2.   I’m a sign of spring, named for a common spring color, and also, in another name, for a type of bonnet that certain women wore.
American beech black bear black vulture bobcat eastern bluebird fireflies little bluets or Quaker ladies northern mockingbird ticks

3.   My range is expanding eastward from western Mass, so you might have a chance to spot me when I’m out and about from mid-March to mid-December.
American beech black bear black vulture bobcat eastern bluebird fireflies little bluets or Quaker ladies northern mockingbird ticks

4.   Massachusetts has three of us, so after you’ve been outside gardening or walking trails, check your skin and clothing for our adult or tiny immature forms.
American beech black bear black vulture bobcat eastern bluebird fireflies little bluets or Quaker ladies northern mockingbird ticks

5.   I’m a relatively new scavenger to this region, and I’m able to eat dead, rotten meat without getting sick myself or spreading disease because strong acids and harsh conditions in my stomachs degrade many microbes.
American beech black bear black vulture bobcat eastern bluebird fireflies little bluets or Quaker ladies northern mockingbird ticks

6.   I’m a patient carnivore named for my short tail and the way I run, but you’re more likely to see me on a trail camera than to meet me in the woods because I’m shy and prefer to avoid people and coyotes.
American beech black bear black vulture bobcat eastern bluebird fireflies little bluets or Quaker ladies northern mockingbird ticks

7.   It’s a special summer treat to see my flashes when I’m courting on summer evenings.
American beech black bear black vulture bobcat eastern bluebird fireflies little bluets or Quaker ladies northern mockingbird ticks

8.   I’m one of many wild creatures that like the berries found in local woods in summer and fall.
American beech black bear black vulture bobcat eastern bluebird fireflies little bluets or Quaker ladies northern mockingbird ticks

9.   I’m well known for nonstop singing and for mimicking other songs and sounds to include in my own song, and for eating berries of multiflora rose to help me get through the New England winter.
American beech black bear black vulture bobcat eastern bluebird fireflies little bluets or Quaker ladies northern mockingbird ticks