[MASSBIRD] Accessing Cumberland Farms IBA

[Jonathan Jones]

Hi folks,

I've seen posts from many saying that they birded Cumberland Farms, but I cannot figure out where the access to it is. Mass Audubon says it's private land, but they offer no description for access. Do people typically bird it from the road?

Thanks,
Jonathan Jones
Wrentham, MA

[Jonathan Jones]

Thanks to all who responded. Here is a summary of the responses:

The IBA is owned by Cumberland Farms. It consists of nearly 2,000 acres and is bounded by:
- Fuller St in Middleboro and Halifax (southern boundary)
- Wood Street in Halifax (eastern boundary)
- River Street in Halifax and Middleboro (northern boundary)
- Route 105 in Middleboro (western boundary).

The IBA is accessed at various points, most using the River Street entrance:
- Head east on River Street from Route 105.
- The entrance is about 1/2 mile on the right.
- If you see Pratt Street on your left you went too far.
- Pull into a dirt parking area on the right with a dirt road running into the fields.
- You can drive on the dirt road but most people walk in from the lot.

Other accesses include, but aren't limited to:
- Wood Street (known for Shrikes)
- Route 105

Stop anywhere you want and hike in or just scope the trees. No need to worry about walking at Cumbies trespassing-wise. Whoever owns it allows all sorts of people in for recreational use. Farmers using parts of the land lease it from Cumbies. Just don't disturb any crops.

Wear orange clothing during hunting seasons (not needed on Sundays), making your presence known. Boots are also recommended.

Please correct or amend if I missed anything important.

Thanks,
Jonathan Jones
Wrentham, MA

On Dec 2, 2012, at 8:46 PM, patricia reeser wrote:

> Jonathan: I had the same question, did you get any answers?
> Patricia Reeser
> West Newbury, Ma
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Jonathan Jones
> Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2012 10:20 AM
> To: mass...@TheWorld.com
> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Accessing Cumberland Farms IBA