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BELLE ISLE

This 241 acre tidal marsh is Boston's last! It is archetypical of the type of marsh that used to line most of Massachusetts Bay. Today you will find excellent birding opportunities in this reservation.

 
Target Birds  ::   Terrain  ::  T - Access  
Panoramic of Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Panoramic of Belle Isle's large meadow

Marsh and Meadow Birds

The main draw for most birders to Belle Isle will be the large tidal marsh and pans that produce great numbers of Herons, Egrets, Shorebirds, and even breeding Saltmarsh Sharptailed Sparrows. However, the large meadow at the center of Belle Isle should certainly not be ignored! Bobolinks, Meadowlarks, and even migrant Upland Sandpipers are seen here at the right time of year.

The aforementioned Saltmarsh Sharptailed Sparrows are VERY easy to get at Belle Isle - first refresh yourself with the song of the Saltmarsh Sharptailed Sparrow. Then go to the main parking area and head out onto the Sireen Reinstead Memorial Boardwalk and give a listen. During the early summer months you are sure to hear one and if you are patient you might get to see one briefly scuttering through the marsh grasses.

Belle Isle is also one of the best spots in the BIMBO territory to see / hear Virginia Rails

Boardwalk and Marsh Overlook at Belle Isle
Boardwalk and Marsh Overlook
Currently this map highlghts the easiest to access points using public transportation. I will add other points on this map for access on the east side of the marsh at a later date.
T-ACCESS
Take the Blue Line to Suffolk Downs - The large stand of Phragmites you see is the western edge of Belle Isle. Walk left (north) to access the main section of Belle Isle with the large meadow and Marsh Overlook. Cross the street at the lights and head down the thicket trail to see the southern pans and extense of the marsh.