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Mass Audubon Photography Wildlife Blinds Featured In National Guide

Boy scouts and volunteers assembling the bird blind at Mass Audubons Visual Arts Center. Photo credit: Shawn Carey

Belted Kingfisher Photo credit: Shawn Carey

LINCOLN, Mass.—Birders and photographers alike can focus on sensational wildlife viewing at three visual blinds on Mass Audubon sanctuaries that are featured in the Guide to Wildlife Viewing and Photography Blinds. The 125-page online guide (currently available to download for free) lists visual and photography blinds in 21 states throughout the United States and was published by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Virginia Department of Game and Fisheries. The three blinds on Mass Audubon sanctuaries in Canton, Marshfield, and Wellfleet were the only ones featured in Massachusetts.

Professional wildlife photographer Shawn Carey worked with staff at Mass Audubon sanctuaries to improve existing blinds and create enhancements to surrounding habitat to attract wildlife. For example, near one of two bird blinds at Mass Audubon’s Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield, a rock-resting place for birds and perches at various heights were strategically placed within a few feet of the blind.

Renovations to the two identical wooden bird blinds built in the mid-1980s provide added features to allow for sensational bird viewing. Wildlife photographers can sit on a bench in front of plexiglass windows and mount their camera on special built-in plates. Viewers can peruse the bird identification panel as they look out at birds on perches placed in front of the blind. Placed at opposite sides of a pond, one blind is ideal for morning photography while the other blind is best for afternoon viewing. Each structure holds 10 people and plans are underway to adapt one blind for wheelchair accessibility.

And a small bird blind at Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary overlooking Goose Pond is nestled in the woods while logs and branches placed in the pond offer natural perches for birds. Invasive phragmites was removed to increase visibility from the photography blind while also improving the habitat. This property comprises more than 1,000 acres of salt marsh, sandy beach, pine woodlands, heathland, and freshwater pond, making this viewing and photography blind an ideal setting for observing many shorebirds.

“The improvements to these bird blinds make all the difference in the world,” says Carey. “For example, kingfishers are incredibly difficult to photograph and from the blind I get amazing results and see more than I ever have before.”

Carey also consulted on a new bird blind built by Eagle Boy Scouts at Mass Audubon’s Visual Arts Center in Canton. The wooden structure has a back door for quiet entry and up to four photographers can snap away through the holes in the camouflage-colored burlap. Located in a field with bird feeders and perches, it’s an ideal spot for visitors interested in learning how to observe and photograph many common birds, such as blue jays, nuthatches, and goldfinch. The perches are movable, allowing photographers to also take images of wildlife in natural settings.

“Some of my best photos from Massachusetts are from these blinds,” says Carey. “And with the few changes we’ve made, many people have benefited with better views of many birds and other wildlife.”

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Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 34,000 acres of conservation land, provide educational programs for 200,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Mass Audubon's mission and actions have expanded since our beginning in 1896 when our founders set out to stop the slaughter of birds for use on women's fashions. Today we are the largest conservation organization in New England. Our statewide network of 47 wildlife sanctuaries welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as the base for our conservation, education, and advocacy work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.