Discover The Rich Biodiversity Of Cape Cod On A Winter Birding Trip

26.02.2024 - 06:11 / forbes.com

Massachusetts may measure in at just 27,363 square kilometers, but what this historic state lacks in size it certainly makes up for in biodiversity. From the craggy peaks of the Berkshires to the tip of Provincetown, classic New England fauna can all be found in abundance across the commonwealth—but when it comes to winter birdwatching in particular, it’s best to head east. Carved eons ago by moving glaciers, Cape Cod serves as a top summer vacation destination, while the dead of winter brings ample opportunity for birdwatchers hoping to lengthen their life list. With winter in its final throes, don’t miss out on the last few weeks of cold-weather birding across this stunning Bay State region.

The scenic Mid Cape may not be home to as much protected land as its neighboring districts, but there’s still a wealth of top-tier birding destinations to explore across the region, with Barnstable serving as a top spot. During a visit, birders can swing by the Mass Audubon Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary to search for waders and native reptiles across its newly-restored wetlands, while Mass Audubon's Barnstable Great Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary offers over 1,500 hectares of pristine Bay State land to explore, with multiple owl species calling the area home—but of course, there’s far more to the area than simply Barnstable.

Further east, the sprawling town of Dennis stretches from Cape Cod Bay to Nantucket Sound, with one particularly scenic destination existing in the form of the Indian Lands Conservation Area. Located on the edge of the Bass River, this idyllic preserve is renowned for its lush landscapes, while its thick stretches of forest harbor a wealth of fascinating avifauna. Upon arrival, guests should be sure to keep their eyes peeled for classic New England passerines like cardinals, blue jays and black-capped chickadees, while waterfowl can be found in abundance across the park’s many riverside trails.

The eastern reaches of Cape Cod serve as a crucial haven for a massive array of resident and migratory shorebirds, and the Lower Cape is a top spot for scoping them out. During a drive through Harwich, visitors can stop by the pristine Hawksnest State Park to search for scarlet tanagers and ospreys along its many marsh trails, while the town of Orleans offers a particularly charming roadside attraction in the form of the Bird Watchers' General Store. Operating for roughly four decades, this storied storefront is brimming with all sorts of birder paraphernalia, with binoculars, feeders and all sorts of avian-themed trinkets up for grabs.

In the southeasternmost reaches of Cape Cod, visitors can find a true gem of biodiversity within the borders of Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. Spanning roughly twelve