Birding in the Base

The Massachusetts Army National Guard’s Natural Resource Program is hosting grassland bird tours in May and June 2015 on Camp Edwards. This is an unusual opportunity for avid birders, naturalists and photographers to walk through the Camp Edwards grasslands on a guide-lead tour.

There are several hundred acres of grassland managed on Camp Edwards at Joint Base Cape Cod. This thriving habitat, a rarity in the rest of Massachusetts, is home to a variety of grassland bird species including four state-listed species: Upland Sandpiper, Northern Harrier, Grasshopper Sparrow and the Vesper Sparrow.

 

Other bird species you may encounter are the Clay Colored Sparrow, Northern Bobwhite, Meadowlark, and many Bluebirds. Additional information on the grassland habitat is available at www.E&RC.org.

                                                                                                                                                    

Each tour will cover approximately 137 acres of this rare and endangered habitat and will last around two hours. Attendees should bring sunscreen, tick protection, and water. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera. Photography is encouraged.

Tour Dates and Registration Information:

Each tour is limited to 25 people and spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Tour dates and times are:

Saturday, May 30, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.; registration deadline is Thursday, May 21

Saturday, June 13, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.; registration deadline is Friday, June 5

Children over 10 years of age are welcome on the tour.

To register for a tour, please send an email to emily.d.kelly2.nfg@mail.mil, with your name, telephone number, and which tour date you would like. A confirmation email will be sent with further information including directions, base access, meeting place and parking.

Accessing Camp Edwards on Joint Base Cape Cod:

Please remember, Camp Edwards is a restricted access facility and attendees must be registered to access the base.  All attendees will be asked to provide their full names, driver’s license number and date of birth to complete the registration process.