Photography

Picture-Perfect Opportunities

The Morris Island trails offer scenic views of coastal dunes, tidal flats, and surrounding waters, along with opportunities to photograph migratory songbirds and shorebirds, including piping plovers, willets, and terns. During the winter, look for sea ducks and northern harriers. The refuge's offshore islands offer additional opportunities to photograph expansive coastal landscapes, migratory birds, and gray seals. These remote areas are accessible only by boat, with seasonal closures in place to protect sensitive wildlife habitats. From changing tides and coastal sunsets to wildlife throughout the seasons, Monomoy offers something new to discover with every visit.

Know Before You Go

Help protect wildlife and their habitats while capturing the perfect shot!

• Keep your distance: Use a zoom lens to photograph wildlife without approaching or disturbing animals. Stay at least 150 feet from seals.
• Respect nesting birds: Never approach nests or disturb resting and feeding shorebirds. If birds change their behavior as you approach, you're too close.
• Stay in designated areas: Respect posted wildlife closures and avoid entering restricted dunes and nesting habitats.
• Check the tides: Portions of the Morris Island trails are affected by tides and may be inaccessible at high tide.
• Know your access areas: Offshore islands are accessible only by boat, and public access may change seasonally.
• No drones: Launching, landing, or operating an aircraft including unmanned aircraft (drones) from or on lands and waters administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service is prohibited (50 CFR 27.34).

Visit our Wildlife Watching page for more information on observing coastal wildlife responsibly.