2026 Daytime Pelagic and Marsh Cruise Program
Join us on summer daytime pelagic trips and marsh cruises this summer. Note that these popular trips regularly sell out. Once sold out we will keep a waitlist in the event that anyone cancels.
Daytime Pelagic Trips
The BBC has reserved a limited block of discounted group tickets on these public tours. These trips are open to all.
- 7 Seas Whale Watch Cruise, Gloucester – Friday, July 17
- 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Meet at dock by 7:45 AM
- Meeting Location: 63 Rodgers Street, Gloucester
- Group ticket: $45
- More Info about the Trip and Register Here
- Captain John’s Whale Watch Cruise, Plymouth – Thursday, August 27
- Cosponsored with the South Shore Bird Club
- 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Meet at dock by 1:30 PM
- Meeting Location: 10 Town Wharf, Plymouth
- Group ticket: $57
- More Info about the Trip and Register Here
Please watch for a repeat of our popular late fall trips from Gloucester and Hyannis in our newsletter announcements.
Marsh Cruises
Based on the immense popularity of these trips last summer, we are planning 3 trips through the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and one NEW trip through the Essex River Marsh! All of these popular trips sell out quickly, and we keep waitlists in the event of cancellations.
Parker River Marsh Cruises
Explore Parker River National Wildlife Refuge from a new perspective on a cruise through the Parker River marshes! Join us on the Yankee Clipper docked in Newburyport Harbor for a leisurely cruise through the Refuge. Enjoy close views of shorebirds, gulls, terns, and Saltmarsh Sparrows on this tour. Group discount tickets are available by registering on the BBC website no later than July 15; seating is limited. Confirmation and additional information will be provided to registrants.
Meeting location for all trips: Yankee Clipper, Waterfront Promenade Park, Merrimac Street, Newburyport.
- Saturday, August 8
- 7:15 AM – 9:45 AM
- Meet by 6:45 AM for boarding
- More Info about the Trip and Register Here
- Wednesday, August 19
- 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Meet by 4:30 PM for boarding
- More Info about the Trip and Register Here
- Monday, August 24
- 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Meet by 7:30 AM for boarding
- More Info about the Trip and Register Here
Essex River Marsh Cruise
This narrated cruise is scenic, relaxing, and educational. Join us for a cruise along the Essex River as we glide past islands, historic mansions, wildlife, and stunning scenery. The marsh itself is part of the Essex River estuary, which serves as the feeding ground for many species of beautiful birds and abundant wildlife. Group discount tickets are available by registering on the BBC website no later than July 15; seating is limited. Confirmation and additional information will be provided to registrants.
- Tuesday, August 11
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Meet by 4:30 PM for boarding
- Meeting Location: Essex River Cruises, 35 Dodge St, Essex, MA
- Group Ticket: $38
- Free parking available onsite.
- More Info about the Trip and Register Here
Overnight Pelagic Trips from Hyannis
Our overnight pelagic trips from Hyannis, MA to Hydrographer Canyon on August 22 – 23 and August 24 – 25 are still accepting names for the waitlist. Learn more here.
Seabird Webinar
On August 6 join us for a seabird webinar A Forgotten Kinship presented by Dr. Sea McKeon, Marine Program Director at the American Bird Conservancy. Registration details will be added here when available.
BBC Massachusetts Big Day – May 9, 2026
BBC Massachusetts Big Day - May 9, 2026 On May 18, 1974 Bob Stymiest led the BBC trip with the all time largest species count for the club - 162 birds seen during 20 hours
May 5 Webinar – Rescue Wildlife from Rodenticides
May 5 Webinar Open to All with Heather Packard, Mass Audubon - Rescue Wildlife from Rodenticides Please join the BBC on the evening of Tuesday, May 5 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a webinar with
April 28 Webinar – Wood-Warblers of New England
April 28 Webinar with Bill Gette - Wood-Warblers of New England Please join the BBC on the evening of April 28 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a members-only webinar with Bill Gette entitled Wood-Warblers of
April 24 Annual Members Meeting & Lecture – All Welcome
April 24 Annual Members Meeting & Lecture - All Welcome Please join us on April 24 for our Annual Members Meeting. The evening begins with a social hour at 6:30. The program starts at 7:30
4/19 Tawny-Throated Dotterel Webinar & Donation
4/19 Tawny-Throated Dotterel Webinar & Donation Upcoming Webinar Please join the BBC on April 19 at 7PM for a webinar open to all with Manomet Conservation Sciences staff and collaborators - Actions to Promote the
Conservation Alert – 2026 Horseshoe Crab Quotas
Conservation Alert - 2026 Horseshoe Crab Quotas - UPDATE Red knots feeding amongst spawning horseshoe crabs. The public comment period has been extended to March 6 and a second public hearing will take place on
BBC Massachusetts Big Day – May 9, 2026
BBC Massachusetts Big Day - May 9, 2026 On May 18, 1974 Bob Stymiest led the BBC trip with the all time largest species count for the club - 162 birds seen during 20 hours
May 5 Webinar – Rescue Wildlife from Rodenticides
May 5 Webinar Open to All with Heather Packard, Mass Audubon - Rescue Wildlife from Rodenticides Please join the BBC on the evening of Tuesday, May 5 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a webinar with
April 28 Webinar – Wood-Warblers of New England
April 28 Webinar with Bill Gette - Wood-Warblers of New England Please join the BBC on the evening of April 28 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a members-only webinar with Bill Gette entitled Wood-Warblers of
April 24 Annual Members Meeting & Lecture – All Welcome
April 24 Annual Members Meeting & Lecture - All Welcome Please join us on April 24 for our Annual Members Meeting. The evening begins with a social hour at 6:30. The program starts at 7:30
4/19 Tawny-Throated Dotterel Webinar & Donation
4/19 Tawny-Throated Dotterel Webinar & Donation Upcoming Webinar Please join the BBC on April 19 at 7PM for a webinar open to all with Manomet Conservation Sciences staff and collaborators - Actions to Promote the
Conservation Alert – 2026 Horseshoe Crab Quotas
Conservation Alert - 2026 Horseshoe Crab Quotas - UPDATE Red knots feeding amongst spawning horseshoe crabs. The public comment period has been extended to March 6 and a second public hearing will take place on
BBC Massachusetts Big Day – May 9, 2026
BBC Massachusetts Big Day - May 9, 2026 On May 18, 1974 Bob Stymiest led the BBC trip with the all time largest species count for the club - 162 birds seen during 20 hours
May 5 Webinar – Rescue Wildlife from Rodenticides
May 5 Webinar Open to All with Heather Packard, Mass Audubon - Rescue Wildlife from Rodenticides Please join the BBC on the evening of Tuesday, May 5 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a webinar with
April 28 Webinar – Wood-Warblers of New England
April 28 Webinar with Bill Gette - Wood-Warblers of New England Please join the BBC on the evening of April 28 from 7PM to 8:30PM for a members-only webinar with Bill Gette entitled Wood-Warblers of
April 24 Annual Members Meeting & Lecture – All Welcome
April 24 Annual Members Meeting & Lecture - All Welcome Please join us on April 24 for our Annual Members Meeting. The evening begins with a social hour at 6:30. The program starts at 7:30
4/19 Tawny-Throated Dotterel Webinar & Donation
4/19 Tawny-Throated Dotterel Webinar & Donation Upcoming Webinar Please join the BBC on April 19 at 7PM for a webinar open to all with Manomet Conservation Sciences staff and collaborators - Actions to Promote the
Conservation Alert – 2026 Horseshoe Crab Quotas
Conservation Alert - 2026 Horseshoe Crab Quotas - UPDATE Red knots feeding amongst spawning horseshoe crabs. The public comment period has been extended to March 6 and a second public hearing will take place on
News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
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Pine Hill Road Grassland
Lancaster - Pine Hill Road Grasslands Pine Hill Road, Lancaster, MA, United StatesIn June, this wonderfully preserved grassland is alive with the songs of breeding Grasshopper and Vesper Sparrow, which are state listed as endangered species. Prairie Warbler, Indigo Bunting, and American Kestrels nest regularly here as well. A mile walk on level grade; can be dry so bring water.
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Halibut Point State Park, Rockport
Rockport - Halibut Point State Park Halibut Point State Park, Rockport, MA, United StatesA two-hour walk, about 1.5 miles, over easy to moderate gravel roads and trails in search of seasonal specialties. Boots advisable. Restrooms are available. In case of inclement weather check with leader night before trip (text ok). Cosponsored by DCR. For more Information see: https://www.mass.gov/locations/halibut-point-state-park
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Bring Back Boblinks: Bobolinks at Farm Meadow, Lincoln
Lincoln - Farm Meadow Lincoln Road, Lincoln, MA, United StatesAn opportunity to see Bobolinks, a declining and unique species, displaying and singing in their breeding habitat, possibly with fledglings! In addition to Bobolinks, possible species include Indigo Bunting, Wood Thrush, Pileated Woodpecker, and maybe an Alder Flycatcher if we're lucky! This is about a 1.5 mile walk circling the hayfield where the Bobolinks breed, and up
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Belle Isle Marsh Reservation (Winthrop)
Winthrop - Belle Isle March and Marine Ecology Park Banks Street, Winthrop, MA, United StatesJoin us to observe resident birds and summer migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare birds. Birders of all levels will enjoy this walk. The trails are (generally) flat and easy to walk. A water bottle and water proof clothing including a hat are
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Neponset River Greenway – An Urban Oasis
Boston - Neponset River Greenway, Mattapan to Milton (T accessible) 1674 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA, United StatesEnjoy an approximately 2-mile trip along the Neponset River Greenway on a metal and asphalt boardwalk and bike path. Let's see what we can find: Yellow-rumped Warblers, Gray Catbirds, and other migrant and resident species. Beginners, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ encouraged as well as more experienced birders. Loaner binoculars available.