FREE! Join us for this leisurely ramble around the pond during fall migration.
DATE – SAT. SEPT 26
TIME – 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM
WHERE – Fresh Pond Reservation
QUESTIONS? hello@bostonbirdingfestival.org
FREE! Loaner binoculars are available—please email us in advance. Beginners welcome. Spaces limited--you must register for this event. See you out there.
A SIGNED waiver is required.
SIGN THE WAIVER
GPS ADDRESS
250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge, MA
Meeting location: Cambridge Water Department, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge. Meet outside the main entrance.
By transit: Take the Red Line to Alewife and walk about ½ mile, or take the 74 or 78 bus from Harvard Square to Concord Avenue at New Street and walk about 10 minutes.
By bike: This is the best wat to gett here! The Water Department is accessible from the Watertown–Cambridge Greenway.
Parking: Parking is limited. Accessible parking is available. We encourage participants to use public transportation, bike or carpool.
LINKS
SPECIAL THANKS to The Cambridge Water Department and Ranger Amanda for their support of this program.
Historical accounts describe Fresh Pond and the surrounding wetlands as a remarkable place for birds. During migration and winter, the pond attracted large gatherings of ducks—including Canvasbacks and Lesser Scaup—along with Pied-billed Grebes and many other waterbirds--rarer visitors today.
Fresh Pond was also well known for gulls, and even rare northern visitors such as Glaucous Gull.Herons, rails, kingfishers, swallows, owls, raptors and migrating songbirds all made frequent use of the pond and its surrounding woods and wetlands.
Over time, hunting, pollution, industry and development changed the pond and its surrounding. Much of the larger wetland complex surrounding Fresh Pond was filled or drained, and some of the great bird gatherings dwindled. But many of those birds did not disappear entirely.
We may no longer see rafts of Canvasbacks, but a few still visit—and they remain an exciting find.In recent decades, the Reservation has become cleaner, better protected and more hospitable to wildlife. Native plant restoration, invasive-species control and improved stewardship have created more food, cover and safer places for migrating birds to rest and feed. It is by any account and incredible story of renewal.
Climate change and continued development remain serious threats. But the work at Fresh Pond proves that an urban landscape can recover much its ecological value with some work. Fresh Pond remains an important stopover for migrating birds.
So let’s celebrate and go find some cool birds.
TRAILS AND ACCESSIBILTY
This walk will follow a broad, nearly level, mostly paved path. Some pavement may be uneven, and the route may include a short section of firm stone dust. We will travel approximately 2.5 mile(s) at a slow pace, with frequent stops. Accessible parking is available nearby. Please contact us with questions or accommodation requests.
The trail is shared with runners, bicycles and dogs, including off-leash dogs in permitted areas. If you are concerned about dogs, please let your trip leaders know.
FACILITIES
Restrooms are available near the Water Treatment Plant starting at 7:00 AM.
