* Sites marked with an asterisk are further described
in the ABA Bird Finding Guides to Eastern Massachusetts or the UMASS Cooperative Extension Service’s Bird
Finding Guide to Western Massachusetts.
Greater Boston Area
A. Nahant Causeway, Lynn Shores Reservation: Lynn - This coastal bike and walking path hugs the urban
shoreline and offers a two mile stretch of angles from which to scope out sea ducks, shorebirds, and gulls in a
scenic setting. You will want a scope for serious birding. Not everyone will be able to access the beach along
the causeway due to rocks, but even for those who can, a scope is a necessity. A parking lot runs the length of
the causeway with accessible parking spaces at regular intervals that access the 12-15 foot wide paved path.
Benches abound in the northern half, but few if any exist on the southern portion which is the actual causeway
to the island of Nahant. There is a parking fee during the summer season, but the bath house does not yet
offer accessible restrooms. Shade is a rarity and expect a regular breeze that can get quite windy. For more
information call 781-485-2803.
B. *Belle Isle Marsh Reservation: Chelsea - This popular spot off Route 1A in Chelsea just north of Boston
is a delight if you don't mind large planes flying overhead every five minutes to nearby Logan airport. Poplar
groves, willows, sumac, and a few pines edge the salt marsh and provide cover for a wide variety of songbirds
in migration. Great spot for hawks and sparrows in the fall. Three accessible parking spaces, no restrooms,
benches throughout the circular wheelchair accessible loop trail. A short side trail leads to an accessible
viewing station with benches and great views of the marsh, tidal river, and pools. A viewing tower at the north
end is not wheelchair accessible but solidly built with minimal steps to each landing. Dogs are welcome on site
and people do a good job of picking up after them. For more information call 617-727-5350. A friends group
has a comprehensive website with regularly published bird lists. http://www.friendsofbelleislemarsh.org/
C. The Fenway: Boston - (Boston Museum of Fine Arts) Accessible via public transportation (MBTA stop) On
the north side of the Museum of Fine Arts lays one of nature's gems in Boston. Part of the Muddy River
Reservation, the park is managed by Boston Parks and Recreation. Paved and accessible pathways circle the
river on both sides with a crossing at Aggaziz Road over a bridge. A smaller footbridge behind the Museum may
require assistance for some wheelchair users due to the short steep arc of the bridge on a slightly slippery
surface (metal grid work). Common birds abound from titmice to mallards and blue jays to great blue herons.
Late fall, early winter, and spring are superb times to visit. The site offers water, dense cover, and prolific food
supplies from ornamental plantings and some invasive species, which makes it an oasis for unusual birds in
migration and early winter. Yellow-breasted chat sometimes takes up temporary residence and rare sightings
have included varied thrush. Hawks can be prevalent. Benches abound but no facilities.
D. Spectacle Island: Boston Harbor – From Long Wharf in Boston, take a wheelchair accessible ferry to
Spectacle Island, the only island in Boston Harbor that offers universal access. The docks, visitor center and
paths around the island are all navigable by wheelchair, though assistance will be required for those who
normally need support. Along with views of Boston’s skyline and the surrounding harbor, the island’s shores,
grassy terrain, shrubs and low trees offer interesting potential for birding. Benches and picnic tables are
prevalent. Call Harbor Express ferry service for info on accessible ferry schedules at 617-222-6999. The
Spectacle Island visitor center offers nature and other educational programs. For more information call 617-223-
0834.
E. Pope John Paul Park: Dorchester - A wheelchair accessible walkway circling an open grassy mown hill
with views into a tidal river marsh offers common shoreline birds and the possibility of migrant songbird
sightings. The urban landscape dominates visually at a distance and in surround sound with traffic on nearby I-
93. Sun shelters and benches are prevalent, but portapotties on site may not be accessible. If you have a bike
you can park in this lot and access the adjacent Neponsett River Rail Trail. Biking is not allowed in Pope John
Paul Park. For more info call 617-727-5290.
F. Neponsett River Bike Path: Dorchester - Access this artistically embellished 2.2 mile urban bike path
from the Hallet Street parking lot or Pope John Paul II Park one block south of the Hallet Street lot. From Pope
John Paul a mural depicting birds and bicyclists at a tunnel under I-93 marks the entrance. Pass an apartment
complex, and Pope John Paul II park, then cross at Granite Ave. where the push of a button instantly stops all
traffic for an easy crossing of a very busy road. From here the wide trail turns to hard packed dirt for roughly
150 yards as it passages through tidal river and woodland edge. It is easy to pull over and the birding could be
interesting at any time of year from this vantage point which ends at another mural decorated tunnel. The bike
path becomes paved again and travels another mile or so to Central Ave. in Milton (and will eventually continue
beyond) as a narrow ribbon of welcome woodland and vegetation amidst urban reality. Enjoy murals
celebrating nature and birds along the way. For more info call 617-727-5290.
G. Squantum Point Park: Quincy – Located behind a fancy condominium community, this small shoreline park
is popular for fishing and offers easy access to views of harbor birds. Both paved and dirt pathways are
reasonably accessible through open land with thickets to a good viewing spot with stone benches overlooking
the shoreline. Large parking lot requiring paid admission in the summer season, no facilities. For more info call
617-727-5290.
H. Blue Hills Reservation: Milton – This is a large reservation with extensive hiking trails. The most
accessible part is Houghton’s Pond off Route 138. There is a large parking lot for this popular day use area,
with a wheelchair accessible visitor center and restrooms. Best birding takes place from inside or outside at the
visitor center which overlooks a small wetland adjacent to the larger pond and surrounding wood lands. 617-
698-1802.
For further information on any of these sites, or if you have a site to add, contact DCR’s Universal
Access Program at 413-545-5758.