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.
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