Inland any field or body of water that normally attracts gulls or shorebirds has potential for "rarities" in a storm. I put "rarities" in quotes because it is likely that many species that are rarely seen inland in southern New England normally cross over in migration. For example, lines between the Arctic breeding range of the Sabine's Gull and its non-breeding range off southwestern Africa, or between the breeding ranges of various jaegers and sandpipers and their non-breeding ranges or coastal migration routes. It is likely that many of these birds pass undetected over interior North America, including inland Massachusetts, without detection except when put down by a storm, either a major storm like the current one or a passing thunderstorm that might put a bird down for an hour or two. A nor'easter can also blow in normally pelagic species, like Dovekie, to inland fresh bodies of water.
David
David Spector Belchertown, Massachusetts
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________________________________________ From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> on behalf of Josh <opihi...> Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2026 2:32 PM To: MassBird <massbird...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Storm birding
Seems like I’ve always heard that First Encounter Beach (on Cape Cod) is the best place in the state to be during and immediately after a nor’easter. I’ve almost never been there, too long of a drive for me. The overall premise I’ve heard is that the nor’easter blows birds into Cape Cod Bay, and those birds try to fly southeast back toward the open ocean but run into the Cape, so follow the bayshore counter-clockwise until they can get around Race Point. If I’m recalling that correctly, then pretty much anywhere that sticks out into Cape Cod Bay, with a decent view and good access, might have potential. It’s best to be somewhere that you can see the ocean from inside your car, because your optics (including eyeglasses) become much less useful once exposed to the rain and blowing wet sand. Race Point probably has more and better birds than First Encounter, but you can’t really drive out to the water’s edge there: I think a permit is required, and there’s a! high risk of getting your car stuck in the sand, while First Encounter has a paved public parking lot right at the water’s edge.
Further north, if Ipswich Bay has similar dynamics, then somewhere on the northwest side of Cape Ann might be good. Unfortunately, it seems like most of the places where you can park your car with a good view of the ocean are on the other side. Halibut Point might be ideal, but as I recall, one has to walk a fair distance across exposed rocks to reach a good ocean view there, not safe to do during a storm.
> On Sep 26, 2026, at 12:32 AM, Laura M <magrinha97...> wrote: > > Hi, anyone have tips for birding before, during or after this monster, prolonged rainstorm beginning now in eastern MA? As in where to go and what to look out for? Might it be worthwhile? > > Thanks, Laura > <magrinha97...> > South Boston
