Watch thousands of migrant shorebirds roost and feed along the middle of this 12+-mile barrier beach in Chatham. Get close-up views of short-billed dowitchers, red knots, sanderlings, black-bellied plovers, semipalmated plovers, and Hudsonian godwits. Nesting species, such as the piping plover and American oystercatcher, also make an appearance. Marbled godwits and whimbrels are often spotted, and true rarities like curlew sandpipers, bar-tailed godwits, and red-necked stints are found almost every year. Terns (roseate, Forster's, common, and possibly Arctic and black) gather in great numbers at the end of the summer. Seals can be seen hauled out on the ocean side of the beach on some visits.
This birding trip begins with a 15-20 minute boat shuttle to South Beach, and involves moderate to slightly difficult walking as we explore several miles of beach and salt marsh. Trip participants meet 30 minutes before the program at Veteran's Field Road in Chatham (directions will be provided) for a Mass Audubon van shuttle to Outermost Harbor Marine where we will board a small vessel.
We welcome birders of all levels on our birding trips. Please note that these trips are designed for those with a specific interest in birds; the naturalist's goal is to help participants find and observe as many bird species as possible.
Instructions and Directions: Pre-registration required. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Program registrations will not be taken on-site by the program leader.
This trip involves wading ashore from a boat; your feet will get wet and you may get wet up to your knees or thighs, depending on the tide and your stature. Please be prepared to walk on wet sand for 3+ miles; note that walking on sand is more strenuous that walking on dirt or concrete. You will be exposed to sun, wind, and salt spray. We recommend that you bring binoculars, sunscreen, windbreaker, hat, and drinking water. Bathrooms are available at the docks (or at the meeting locations), but not on the beaches.
Please note our cancellation policy: In order to receive a refund, you must notify us of your cancellation at least 7 days before the program begins. If we cancel the program, you will receive a full refund. We reserve the right to change programs, schedules, and instructors, and to cancel programs due to unfavorable weather.
Exploring wild areas can lead to unique experiences; at the same time, viewing wildlife can be unpredictable. Our program descriptions provide a guideline to what we can expect to see. However, the absence of a particular species is not a valid basis for a refund request.
