Birds

black birds with long necks sitting on a rocky island.
Double-Crested Cormorants

NPS Photo/ S. Zendeh

Field surveys have identified more than 200 bird species including gulls, terns, herons, ducks, geese, hawks, plovers, sandpipers, doves, owls, woodpeckers, and perching birds. During migration, large numbers of shorebirds utilize the mudflats and salt marshes around the harbor, while transient hawks and songbirds regularly make use of the more remote islands, or those with suitable habitat. In late fall and winter, great flocks of waterfowl gather in harbor waters.

 
two people looking through binoculars from a landing craft.
Our Bird Monitoring Program

Learn about the Bird Monitoring Program at the Boston Harbor Islands and the ways you can get involved to support our efforts.

bird with orange beak and eyes, black head, white chest, & brown wings. On a shore with two chicks.
Coastal Bird Monitoring

Learn more about the Coastal Bird Monitoring in Northeast Temperate Network Parks program.

 

Birds at the Boston Harbor Islands

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    Last updated: August 19, 2024

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    Contact Info

    Mailing Address:

    Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
    21 Second Ave

    Charlestown, MA 02129

    Phone:

    617 223-8666

    Contact Us