The Massachusetts Army National Guard’s Natural Resource Program is hosting grassland bird tours in June on Camp Edwards.  This is an unusual opportunity for avid birders, naturalists and photographers to walk through the Camp Edwards grasslands on a guide-lead tour.  Peter Trimble, an ornithologist who has worked with the Natural Resource Program for the last 17 years will lead the tour.  Mr. Trimble has extensive knowledge of the birds found in the Camp Edwards grasslands.

There are several hundred acres of grassland managed on Camp Edwards at the Massachusetts Military Reservation.  This thriving habitat, a rarity in the rest of Massachusetts, is home to a variety of grassland bird species including four state-listed species: Upland Sandpiper, Northern Harrier, Grasshopper Sparrow and the Vesper Sparrow. 

Other bird species you may encounter are the Clay Colored Sparrow, Northern Bobwhite, Meadowlark, and many Bluebirds.

Each tour will cover approximately 137 acres of this rare and endangered habitat and will last around two hours.  Attendees should bring sunscreen, tick protection, and water.  Don’t forget your binoculars and camera.  Photography is encouraged.
 

Tour Dates and Registration Information Each tour is limited to 20 people and spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Saturday, June 16, 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday, June 23, 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday, June 23, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
To register for a tour, please send an email to ma-mmrpao@ng.army.mil, with your name, telephone number, and which tour date you would like.  A confirmation email will be sent with further information including directions, base access, meeting place and parking.
Please remember, Camp Edwards is a restricted access facility and attendees must be registered to access the base.