July 21, 2009

Burridge Pond Osprey nest meets with success.

Adult pair raise chick in wildlife management area.

Great Place for Dogs and People

Eastern Painted turtle, Jimdogg trains new dog Brady, Elmer holds large Musk turtle. Two ponds, plenty to see and do.

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Once known as the "Great Cedar Swamp,"  Burrage Pond is now managed by the state division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Originally deeded to the state was some 1625 acres of bogs and forest. This area is expanding and now includes the bog ponds on the west side out to Elm St. From swamp to cranberry bogs to open space,  this gem on the south shore can be used by all.

The regional headquarters of the Massachusetts Environmental Police is located here off Hawks Ave. . Go right from Pleasant St. across the tracks and go behind the first building you see. Plenty of parking at both parking areas.

During the fall and winter there is hunting allowed here. However during the spring and summer, the bikers, and hikers use the area on a regular basis. Miles of dike roads between the ponds and the forest make for enjoyable walks with plenty of space for all.  The flat terrain allows for senior citizens to have easy access to the outdoors. Dog walkers keep an eye out for each other and there is always another road to take to avoid any "pet-frontations".

There is also plenty of fishing to be done from shore and some big largemouth bass are caught and released here every year. The bogs are still full of "wild cranberries" and the bog creeks full of green frogs and bull frogs. Early spring brings the peepers back to life and even with a cold wind a few were starting to sing.  A lone osprey nest awaits it's occupants and flocks of tree swallows feast on the newly hatched flies and midges.

Known for it's bird populations, birders of every description come here with binoculars and note pads. According to state records 81 species were recorded here in 2003. This is one of the "Best" places to hike, bike, fish, or just chill out. Enjoy the outdoors and pass in on to your children and grandchildren.

Information gathered in this article about Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area can be found @ :

Burrage Pond Dec 2007

Elmer shows off a nice largemouth his first of the 2007-2008 winter season.

Ice fishing starts early this year! Bite Me bait Co heads to Burrage Pond Hanson to fish for crappies.

With cold weather settling in early this winter, shallow ponds around the state are sporting a 3-4 inch layer of ice. A trip to Burrage Pond Dec. 6, 2007 found ice conditions favorable for fishing. The pond is a shallow impoundment located in the towns of Hanson and Halifax, MA. It has a population of good sized crappies and largemouth bass. Pickerel and perch grace the waters as well.  It is only 8 feet deep at best and since the cranberry business left the waters have improved.  Sunday morning Dec. 9, found Elmer and Jimdogg heading out of the parking lot and trekking the 1/2 - 3/4 mile hike to the fishing spot. The way was smooth and there was plenty to see along the way. With Esterbrooke as equipment porter, Elmer took the time to show the boys the beauty of the Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area. No crappies today, but a couple of nice bass, made the morning.  Burrage Pond

Tuesday Afternoon as the song starts out, was just right for some local pond fishing. Elmer takes advantage of a great dog walking place to catch some Burridge Pond pickerel. Then takes to the kayak in Jacobs Pond, Norwell to land a couple of  nice bass. 10 inch rubber eel does the trick. Fish on the left is about 3.5 pounds.

"Elmer"