Changes Coming to Mt Auburn Cemetery This Spring

Mt. Auburn Cemetery has announced changes to birder access starting this spring. In short, the gates will open every day starting at 6:00 AM but the key program has been discontinued. Here is a portion of the announcement:

As the spring season approaches, we are excited to announce that for the first time, Mount Auburn will be open to all at 6 AM during the months of April and May for the Spring Bird Migration.

As a member of our birding community you know that Mount Auburn Cemetery is recognized as one of the premier birding destinations in Massachusetts. The Cemetery’s diverse horticultural collections and natural features attract many species of birds, both migratory and year-round residents.  As an Important Bird Area designated by Mass Audubon, Mount Auburn’s 175 acres play a vital role as a bird habitat for dozens of species of migratory birds is renowned as a regular site of pilgrimage for thousands of bird watchers each year, from both near and far, especially during spring migration.  We are excited to offer this expanded access to our landscape this spring, so that birders can enjoy early morning song and activity during peak migration.

If you are a member of our longstanding “Bird Key” program, in which participants were granted a key to the Egyptian Gateway pedestrian entrance to enter on foot to go birding before opening hours in the spring, please note that your key will no longer be valid.  The main Cemetery gates at 580 Mount Auburn St. will open at 6 AM for all visitors, no special access or fee is required.  

Read the full announcement here: https://www.mountauburn.org/2025/03/03/introducing-early-bird-hours-this-spring/

Mt. Auburn Cemetery has long welcomed birders to walk the grounds throughout the year. The Cemetery has a long and illustrious history in the birding community, dating back to the times of William Brewster, a founder of the American Ornithologists Union (now AOS) and the first president of Massachusetts Audubon Society.

Learn more about Mt. Auburn Cemetery and become a supporter by joining the Friends of Mt. Auburn.