Massachusetts State Flower and State Bird

Black-Capped Chickadee ~ Parus atricapillus
In summer, the Black-Capped Chickadee feeds mainly on insects, seeds, wild berries, and other fruits. Because he can alight upside down on the underside of a twig and perform similar gymnastics, he often finds food missed by other birds. The Chickadee ranks as the most trusting and least pugnacious bird among those that visit feeding stations. Northern shrikes and fast-moving hawks prey on Chickadees, but the little birds often escape by quickly diving for cover in a network of evergreen twigs.

Mayflower ~ Epigaea repens
It seems more than likely that the Mayflower derives its name from the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America. After what must have been the most harrowing winter of their lives, the Pilgrims came upon this delicate, fragrant harbinger of spring. In affectionate memory of their ship, they called it the Mayflower. The Mayflower (or trailing arbutus as it is also known) often blossoms before the snow has melted, lives close to the earth, spreads in thick mats, and prefers either sandy soil in woods or a home among rocks under pine trees.

From The Wildflowers of the 50 States U.S. stamps issued July 24, 1992:



Massachusetts Wildflower - Wild Columbine

Art from the 50-stamp series, State Birds and Flowers,
issued April 14, 1982 simultaneously in all state capitals.