Field School: Birding the Fall Migration

As summer fades into fall, Cape Cod comes alive with an extraordinary mix of resident birds, southbound migrants, and the first arrivals of winter. Spend an action-packed weekend exploring barrier beaches, salt marshes, tidal flats, and woodlands as you actively search for shorebirds, raptors, songbirds, seabirds, and ducks.

Kick off Friday afternoon with a lively indoor session packed with practical identification strategies. Strengthen your skills as we break down breeding biology, foraging ecology, and migration patterns—giving you the tools to better understand and identify the species you'll encounter. Then head into the field for an evening birding adventure at the sanctuary, a vital stop along the Atlantic Flyway, and put your new knowledge to work right away.

On Saturday, rise early and bird renowned Outer Cape hotspots before traveling to Provincetown to scan the pier for coastal species. Then climb aboard a whale watch out of Provincetown Harbor and head offshore, where you'll look across open waters for pelagic birds and other marine wildlife—an exhilarating way to expand your seabird experience.

Sunday begins back at the sanctuary with a live bird banding demonstration led by Certified Master Bander James Junda, offering an unforgettable, up-close look at avian research in action. Learn how banding contributes to conservation science and how Mass Audubon advances bird biodiversity across the region. Then spend the afternoon exploring birding hotspots across the mid and lower Cape, capping off an extensive journey through some of the Cape's most productive habitats.

We tailor the schedule to current sightings, weather, and tides to maximize birding success and ensure the most rewarding outings possible. Guided by Mass Audubon's expert educators and naturalists, you'll enjoy a dynamic, supportive field school that welcomes beginners and challenges seasoned birders to grow their skills and life lists.