BIRDING
Gloucester,
as part of the Cape Ann Peninsula, is a wonderful spot
for birding. On many days you will see a number of birders
on Jodrey State Fish Pier. Eastern Point is also quite
popular. Located on Eastern Point is Mass Audubon's Eastern
Point Wildlife Sanctuary. This area has been listed
by Mass Audubon as an IBA - Important Bird Area. This means
it is a site that provides essential habitat to one or
more species of breeding, wintering and/or migrating birds. Fortunate
birders have witnessed gannets, jaegers, Barrow’s
Goldeneye and puffins from the Dogbar Breakwater on Eastern
Point.
Alcids
and rare gulls attract thousands of birders to Gloucester
in winter. Kumlien’s Iceland and Glaucous
Gulls are regulars while Black-headed, Slaty-backed and
even Ivory Gulls have provided birders with spectacular
views of these birds rarely seen in the lower 48 states.
Gloucester
is also along the Atlantic flyway which is the reason we
see so many different types of birds. Many
birders love to come here and stay at one of many accommodations
open year round. We are also only 45 minutes (24
miles) from the Parker
River Wildlife Refuge. This is a tremendous
place to view birds and other wildlife.
Gloucester is part of The
Great Marsh. This is an area of salt marsh
grasslands, tidal creeks and estuaries. It is the largest
salt marsh in New England and extends from Cape Ann
to New Hampshire. Migrating shorebirds and terns rest
and feed here. Least terns, Red Knots and many other
shorebirds are possible.
Finally,
if you get to Gloucester in any but the summer months
be sure to check out Gloucester City Hall’s
tower for peregrine falcons (below). We hope you will come
to Gloucester, winter or summer, to enjoy viewing our
wonderful creatures.
For more information on birding Gloucester see A
Birder’s
Guide to Eastern Massachusetts published by the
American Birding Association.
For the latest on what is being seen today, try Massachusetts
Birding List
For
specific questions email Cape Ann Birds |
