The Massachusetts Army National Guard’s Natural Resource Program is hosting grassland bird tours in May on Camp Edwards. This is an unusual opportunity for avid birders, naturalists and photographers to walk through the Camp Edwards grasslands on a guide-led 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 Eastern Meadowlark.
Additional information on the grassland habitat is available at https://campedwards.ng.mil/Environmental/Natural-Resources/Natural-Habitat/. For a look at fascinating
research on Joint Base Cape Cod grassland bird migration please visit: https://vtecostudies.org/projects/grasslands/grassland-bird-migration-project/
Each tour will cover approximately 150 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.
Each tour is limited to 20 people and spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis. All tours are from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Here are the tour dates and deadlines:
- Friday, May 23; registration deadline is Friday, May 16
- Saturday, May 24; registration deadline is Friday, May 16
- Saturday, May 31; registration deadline is Friday, May 23
- Sunday, June 1; registration deadline is Friday, May 23
- Monday, June 2; registration deadline is Friday, May 23
To register for a tour, please send an email to: emily.d.kelly2.nfg@army.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.
For more information, please see the flyer below.

News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
-
-
Great Meadows NWR, Concord
Concord - Great Meadows Concord Unit, Entrance Rd, Concord, MA, United StatesWe will walk easy trails looking for shorebirds, ducks, wading birds, rails, and nesting songbirds. This is also a great time to look for butterflies and other interesting insects. Note that entrance fee or pass is required. Loaner binoculars available; please email trip leader to reserve a pair! If the weather doens't look good, contact the
-
Arnold Arboretum, Bussey Hill & Peter’s Hill (Early Birders Series)
Arnold Arboretum - South St Gate 395 South St, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit Arnold Arboretum! Located in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Boston, Arnold Arboretum is a 281-acre public preserve home to an extensive collection of flora from across the globe. As we navigate through the park’s hills and gardens, expect to see summer songbird residents. We have no
-
Charles River Esplanade
Boston - Charles River Esplanade - Centennial Fountain at River's Edge Boston, MA, United StatesCome join for a relaxing guided bird walk along the Charles River Esplanade, open to birders of all experience levels! We will be walking for about 1 mile and identifying birds on land and water along the way. Meet on the path by the river near the Centennial Fountain. From Back Bay, cross the Dartmouth
-
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation (Winthrop side)
Winthrop - Belle Isle March and Marine Ecology Park Banks Street, Winthrop, MA, United StatesJoin us to observe resident birds and fall 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, water proof clothing including a hat, sunblock &
-
Shorebirds & More at Parker River NWR
Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United StatesWe will be looking for Shorebirds and other Refuge specialties. We will drive and walk to various places on the Refuge. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required. Restroom available.






