Birdwatching on Monomoy Island, Cape Cod

The other day, Papa and I made our way down to the village of Chatham...bird watching was on our mind.  Last summer we had discovered in one of our wanderings a hidden jewel...the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.  The Refuge is on Morris Island which is connected to the mainland.  

Last summer we only had time to follow the Trail map for Morris Island.  There are two wonserful trails on the mainland and the Refuge provides you with a trail map so that you can learn all about a seashore environment.   But we were intrigued by the offering of a boat trip out to Monomoy Island and vowed we would return when we were better prepared with water and snacks to spend an afternoon birdwatching. Since our reservation was scheduled for 2 P.M Papa and I had an hour and a half to kill before boarding the boat.

On an overlook we had our picnic lunch...must fortify oneself if your going to spend several hours on a deserted island!  The Refuge sits high on a hill and you can see South Beach Island straight ahead from this lookout. 

  North and South Monomoy Islands are visible in the distance to the right.  Monomoy has evolved from a series of smal, sand-spit barrier islands in the 1800's to an arm of land connected to the mainland in the 20th century.  In 1958, a spring storm tore the sand spit from the mainland, creating a single island separated from Morris Island. Twenty years later, the island split in two during a blizzard.  Left in its wake was the present-day 2.5 mile stretch of North Monomoy and the six mile arm of South Monomoy.

After refreshing ourselves with fruit cups containing watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, blueberries and strawberries as well as crackers and cheeses we were ready to do some exploring before we boarded the boat. We packed our backback with our binoculars, water, apples and oranges and candy bars.  Did I say candy bars?  Yes, candy bars...learned the lesson from Bill Bryson when he hiked the Appalacian Trail...candy bars are a must...at least Papa thinks so! 

From the upper staircase Papa spotted an osprey nest and wanted to know if we had time to venture out over the grasslands to see it closer. We had more then an hour and I thought it was a grand plan.  As we descended the steps, we were overtaken by a large family...adults and children all running quickly down the stairs and as they reached the sand throwing off their sneakers and socks.

Come to find out they were going on a two hour seal cruise to watch Grey and Harbour Seals in their own environment.

 Notice Mom at the back of the group making sure everyone gets on the boat and that she hasn't left anyone behind.  I had to smile...isn't that what Moms do?

Since our boat wasn't leaving for a while Papa and I hiked through the marsh grass over to the osprey nest.  As you make your way from open beach to sand dunes, we noticed rooted vegetation of beach grass and poison ivy.  POISON IVY.....oh no, I'm really allergic to poison ivy....I break out all over!  Nevertheless, we continue our hike. 

This is a closer view showing two babies, mouth open, waiting for Mama or Daddy to come back with a fish!

It was nearing 2 so Papa and I left the hungry ospreys and hiked back to the beach where the boat pulls in.  That's the deal....no dock....you just wade in the water out to the boat, ascend the steps and your off.   We notice that several other adults are joining us to go over to Monomoy Island to go birdwatching.  Some seem extremely serious about this activity and are extremely knowledgeable about the birds we might see.  By the end of the ride, Papa is engaged in "bird talk" with the other passengers...I on the other hand am watching for seals....all too soon we arrive at South Monomoy Island.  Once again...no dock....you just climb down the stairs at the back of the boat into the water.

I am really surprised when we arrive on the island.  I thought there would be few people here...what I didn't expect were all the people that make their way here in private boats to fish, sunbathe and picnic on Monomoy.

The beach is just breathtaking....no wonder people come with beach chairs and Colman coolers.  Monomoy is not just for avian lovers.  

I put away my camera and get out my binoculars and Papa and I are off to the marshlands and the tall cord grasses for it is here we will see the shorebirds and waterfowl.  A fresh supply of nutients is washed into these salt marshes twice daily providing an abundance of food.  

Suddenly Papa sees an American Oystercatcher cracking open an oyster shell.....and over there a tern diving for a small sandlance in the water.  Papa is so excited...his bird book out....binoculars glued to his eyes....he's in Paradise!  I take out my camera....and as I try to take a picture of my funny avian lover I notice these words blinking "CF card is full".  Damn....here I am on this most wonderful island and I can't take any shots.  My other CF card is in the car.  Despite having a CF card full, Papa and I had a glorious time treking around the island and almost missed the last boat back to the mainland.  We saw piping plovers, two endangered roseate terns, numerous laughing gulls, some Black skimmers and several American Oystercatchers....but no herons!

For information concerning the Monomoy Island and South Beach Ferry:  www.monomoyislandferry.com 

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge 

30 Wikis Way, Morris Island

Chatham, Mass.