Join us for a celebration of shorebirds! We’ve organized a selection of birding adventures offered by local clubs, conservation organizations, scientists, and enthusiasts—sign up in advance!
We’re thrilled to share the New England Shorebird Guide with you. Created by Soheil Zendeh and hosted at Bird Observer, the free guide comes in a web app for your phone with a wealth of info for IDing New England shorebirds.
Need help figuring out how to add it as an app to your phone? We’ve got you. See instructions below.
How to Add a Web App to iPhone Home Screen
1. Scan the QR code.
2. Open the link in Safari.
3. Tap the Share icon.
It’s the square with an upward arrow at the bottom of the Safari screen.
4. Scroll and tap “Add to Home Screen.”
5. Edit the name if you want, then tap Add.
How to Add the Shorebird Guide to Your Android Home Screen
Scan the QR code using your Android camera (or a QR scanner app).
The browser (like Chrome) should open the Shorebird Guide URL.
Look for a blue banner across the bottom or:
Tap the ⋮ menu (top right in Chrome),
Select “Add to Home screen” or “Install app.”
Give it a title (default is fine) and tap Add.
You’ll now see an app icon on your home screen—just tap it to open the guide directly, even offline if supported.
September 6th is International Shorebird Day, and we’re going to celebrate like it’s 1999.
Most of these trips are led by local birding guides who know and love these places and their special birds. Try one, two, or all of them and become a shorebird champion!
Whether you are a beginner or a birder who has felt daunted by shorebirds, a fellow Calidris sp. enthusiast, or a plover lover, these walks will enhance your skills and leave you with an enhanced sense of this incredible group of birds. In many cases, you’ll also get to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
Late summer is migration season, and many of these coastal habitats are stopovers not only for shorebirds but also for migrating songbirds and raptors. These trips can also offer a chance to observe group behaviour as birds often gather in huge numbers to fuel up before heading south.
You must sign up for these trips in advance as space is limited. In some cases, parking can be a little complicated, so we will send you all the details by email along with meet-up information, directions, and trip leader contact info. Some binoculars are available to borrow, but please email us in advance. All trips are free unless otherwise noted. Thanks!
Fort Hill, Eastham
Wednesday, September 3 at 8:00 AM
Presented by the Cape Cod Bird Club
We’ll walk the loop trail towards Hemenway Landing to look for migrating songbird and passerine activity as well as scan the marsh for shorebirds, herons, egrets, and possibly a bittern or rail on the high tide. Expect two miles of relatively easily navigable hard pack trail with mixed elevation. High tide is at 9:04 AM.
A truly beautiful location with the possibility of something unusual.
Loaner binoculars available. Spaces limited.
Parker River, US NWR
SUNDAY, September 7 at 4:15 PM
Presented by the Boston Birding Festival
Meet at Lot One on the right after the gatehouse. If you do not have a pass, there may be an entrance fee.
We will consolidate cars and explore the pannes, dunes, shores, and woodlands of this beautiful place, looking for shorebirds and other migrants. A beautiful location with the possibility of something unusual.
Loaner binoculars available. Spaces limited.
The trip is timed for anyone who wants to take the train from Boston and be picked up. There is a 7:07 pm return train. Please let us know by Friday, or we may not be able to accommodate.
First Encounter Beach, Eastham
Saturday, September 13 at 8:00 AM
Presented by the Cape Cod Bird Club
We’ll walk along the marsh trail bordered by the Herring River to observe shorebirds, herons, egrets, gulls, and terns gathering in numbers to forage on the outgoing tide. Look for migrating songbirds as well as raptors.
You may want to wear beach sandals or boots. Low tide is about 10:32 AM. The length of the trip will depend on what we find and if anyone is interested in visiting other local hotspots.
Loaner binoculars available. Spaces limited.
Norman Bird Sanctuary & Sachusest
Sunday, September 14 at 8:00 AM
Presented by the Norman Bird Sanctuary
The Boston Birding Festival is excited to partner with the Norman Bird Sanctuary for this special walk.
We’ll explore the salt marsh, mudflats, beach, and red seaweed along the rocky shore, looking for shorebirds and migrants.
The Norman Bird Sanctuary protects habitat for a variety of birds, including the Saltmarsh Sparrow. Gulls and terns can also be interesting here. The Sanctuary has a list of over 242 species. After the walk, explore the trails and gardens to see what else you might find.
We’ll be birding several locations by car. Trails are relatively flat and navigable. Some hard-packed beach.
(We’ll be coming back to this idyllic location in winter… stay tuned.)
Free. Loaner binoculars available.
Sandy Neck Beach, West Barnstable
Tuesday, September 16 – 8:00 am
Presented by the Cape Cod Bird Club
Head towards Sandy Neck Beach directly off Rt.6A and park in the main lot near the public facilities.
We’ll be looking for migrating shorebirds, terns, gulls, and perhaps other pelagic species. Once we’re finished with the beach, the marsh trail awaits. Expect at least 2-3 miles of walking in soft sand with steep elevation in some spots. High tide 7:25 AM at Barnstable.
You may want to wear beach sandals or boots.
Loaner binoculars available. Spaces limited.
