The Massachusetts Army National Guard’s Natural Resource Program is hosting grassland bird tours in May and June 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.

Other bird species you may encounter are the Clay Colored Sparrow, Prairie Warbler, and Brown Thrasher along with other shrubland/grassland species. Additional information on the grassland habitat is available at www.massnationalguard.org/ERC/natural_habitat.htm. For a look at fascinating research on Joint Base Cape Cod grassland bird migration please visit: https://vtecostudies.org/projects/grasslands/grasslandbird-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.

Tour Dates and Registration Information

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. Tour dates are:

  • Saturday, May 20; registration deadline is Friday, May 12
  • Wednesday, May 24; registration deadline is Wednesday, May 17
  • Friday, May 26; registration deadline is Friday, May 19
  • Saturday, May 27; registration deadline is Friday, May 19
  • Wednesday, May 31; registration deadline is Wednesday, May 24
  • Monday, June 5; registration deadline is Friday, May 26

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@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.

Bring Back Bobolinks!

Bring Back Bobolinks! This year the BBC is introducing new Endangered Species Program. Each year we plan to focus on a single bird species facing serious threats in Massachusetts and elsewhere. With this effort we

Bring Back Bobolinks!

Bring Back Bobolinks! This year the BBC is introducing new Endangered Species Program. Each year we plan to focus on a single bird species facing serious threats in Massachusetts and elsewhere. With this effort we

Bring Back Bobolinks!

Bring Back Bobolinks! This year the BBC is introducing new Endangered Species Program. Each year we plan to focus on a single bird species facing serious threats in Massachusetts and elsewhere. With this effort we

News Categories

Upcoming Field Trips

  • Squantum – Quincy

    Quincy - Squantum - Moswetuset Hummock Quincy, MA, United States

    We'll check the marshes and the mudflats in Squantum for shorebirds, starting at Moswetuset Hummock and visiting other spots nearby. We'll try checking the high tide roosts for shorebirds as well. Be prepared for the possibility of biting insects. Cosponsored with South Shore Bird Club.

  • Parker River Marsh Cruise

    Newburyport - Yankee Clipper Tours Waterfront Promenade Park, 36 Merrimac Street, Newburyport, MA, United States

    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

  • Millennium Park

    Boston - Millennium Park Canoe Launch 300 Gardner Street, Boston, MA, United States

    Joint with Mass Audubon BNC. Join 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 though there are some hills. A water bottle, water proof

  • Shorebirds at Winthrop Beach with Soheil Zendeh

    Winthrop - DCR Winthrop Beach Reservation - Sturgis St 59 Winthrop Shore Drive, Winthrop, MA, United States

    We are happy to offer this shorebirding field trip at Winthrop Beach led by Soheil Zendeh. Shorebirding beginners welcome. We meet at the corner of Winthrop Shore Drive and Sturgis St in Winthrop. A scope will probably be useful if you have one. Definitely bring binoculars. Meeting at 9 am, timed with the tide. Soheil

  • Essex River Marsh Cruise

    Essex - Essex River Marsh Cruise 35 Dodge St, Essex, MA, United States

    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

Go to Top