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.






News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Squantum – Quincy (CANCELED, MOVED TO AUGUST 2 & AUGUST 17)
Quincy - Squantum - Moswetuset Hummock Quincy, MA, United StatesThis trip was listed by mistake. Due to the tides, the best dates are August 2 and August 17. Please see those listings.
Belle Isle Marsh Marine Ecology Park, Winthrop
Winthrop - Belle Isle March and Marine Ecology Park Banks Street, Winthrop, MA, United StatesJoin the Brookline Bird Club in collaboration with Boston Nature Center to look for birds in a unique urban habitat that often draws numerous uncommon and rare birds. Target species include bobolinks, dunlin, egrets, falcons, hawks, herons, ibis, oystercatchers, plovers, ravens, sandpipers, sparrows, swallows & swifts, terns, warblers, vultures, and yellowlegs. Birders of all levels [...]
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.
Squantum – Quincy
Quincy - Squantum - Moswetuset Hummock Quincy, MA, United StatesWe'll check the marshes and the mudflats in Squantum for shorebirds, starting at Moswetuset Hummock and visiting other spots nearby. At high tide (~6:15 am), 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.
An Oasis for Birds at Belle Isle Marsh
East Boston - Belle Isle Parking Lot 1399 Bennington Street, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin DCR park staff for a relaxed, one-mile bird walk through flat, easy terrain at this Massachusetts State Reservation and birding hot spot. At Belle Isle and at additional nearby locations— We’ll search for large groups of herons and egrets, and shorebird rarities. Participants are responsible for their own transportation between locations (by car or [...]