Birding at the Beach: HCT Field Classes offer insights from naturalist Peter Trull

Are you curious about the lives of birds? Perhaps you’re a birder who would like to see a species you have never seen before. Maybe you’re just beginning your birding journey and would like expert insight from one of the Cape’s foremost bird experts.

Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) has the perfect program for you! Our Red River Beach Birding Field Classes, led by renowned naturalist Peter Trull, offer a fantastic opportunity to see and learn about migratory and resident bird species of the shore, salt marsh and Nantucket Sound.

Classes take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on July 15th, July 18th, July 25th and July 29th. For more information and to reserve a spot, click here. Bringing binoculars is highly recommended.

These walks take place before a beach parking fee starts. If you want to stay beyond 9 a.m. to enjoy the beach, you can choose to pay a parking fee when the toll booth opens at 9 a.m.

Trull says Red River Beach is a dynamic birding area due to the variety of habitats and offers easy viewing of all sorts of species. “It’s all right there, and we are observing birds the whole time,” he said. “Very often people who are on the Red River trips see birds they’ve never seen before.”

Beyond birds, Trull will also help you discover the ecology of the varied habitats in the Red River Beach area. “We talk about the different grasses and plants that grow in salt marshes versus the habitats and plants that grow on barrier beaches, and the different algae that are washing in and out of the river,” he said.

Beginning birders welcome

The programs are designed to welcome experienced birders and those who are just beginning their birding journey. “Every class is a teaching class,” said Trull. “I’m always working with those who don’t have the experience, and the class is designed to build confidence. There’s no reason to be uptight if you don’t know what bird it is. I just teach about the lives of birds, what they’re doing and why they’re doing it.”

Trull also said that the experienced birders who take the class are wonderfully helpful and supportive of folks who are just starting out.

It’s hard to imagine a more perfect way to spend a morning on Cape Cod. With 50 years of experience as a naturalist and field guide author, Trull brings good humor, keen insights and a fantastic teaching ability on every walk. Chances are good that you’ll see some fabulous birds and you’ll also meet fun folks who share your interests. This voyage of discovery and camaraderie will be a highlight of your Cape Cod summer!

—HCT offers great guided programs year-round. To see the full calendar view of upcoming walks and events, click here.

—Sign up for HCT eNews, a great way to stay in the loop about exciting HCT events, guided walks and other interesting news.

—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.