Back on Cape Cod, I found a new place to explore. Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is a group of small islands off the southeast corner of Cape Cod, off the elbow, if you picture the Cape as a flexed arm. The street that leads to the refuge is Wikis Way, but the street sign was almost obscured by a tree and the prominent sign said No Outlet. I passed it by twice until I spotted the name of the street.
Monomoy Visitor Center was closed in September. A volunteer showed me the Morris Island trail map and warned against ticks and poison ivy. The island ferry to two islands, designated wilderness with no roads or habitation, was not available—the captain was recovering from an injury—so visitors couldn’t go beyond Morris Island. There was a trail around one end of Morris Island, an inviting way to see what I could of the refuge. The path alternated between sand and muddy. Marshes and wetlands cover the islands, dunes along the sea. The tide was way out, so walking along the beach was possible and pleasant on this sunny day.
Terns, plover, wading egrets, gulls, and other birds enjoyed the pools that gathered along the long stretch of beach. Crabs scuttled by. A couple of seals could be spotted at the far end, some other hikers told me, but I didn’t make it that far, having lost the trail for a while in tall grass, and slowed by the heat and sand. It was an enjoyable wander nonetheless.
Gleaming white Great Egrets stole the show, undoubtedly the highlight of the visit. Their slow-motion dance was captivating.
Older Cape Cod posts:
Cape Cod July 2023:
Falmouth bike path to beach, Martha’s Vineyard, Heritage Gardens
Cape Cod Fall 2021:
Yarmouth and Hyannis, Chatham, National Seashore, Provincetown, Yarmouth, Chapin sunset, Cape Cod Canal, Sandwich, Nor’easter, Falmouth, Woods Hole
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Ruth Rosenfeld 
Nothing like a wildlife refuge along the coast. Looks like a pretty area teeming with life Ruth. Have a great Saturday. Allan
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Thanks for reading, Allan! Enjoy your weekend.
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Beautiful place! Birdwatchers and nature lovers must be flocking to this Cape Cod wildlife habitat where they can watch thousands of seabirds and explore the mudflats. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It wasn’t at all crowded that day, some fishermen and just a few hikers. It would be a great spot for birdwatching. Thanks for your visit, Aiva!
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Hi. Here’s something you’d enjoy on the Cape: a seal cruise. Lots of seals are in the Monomoy area.
https://www.monomoysealcruise.com/
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I was hoping to take one of their rides to the outer islands, but they were not operating that week. The captain was out sick. ☹ The seal cruise would have been a good one.
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Oh wow what a beautiful area full of wildlife and nature. The beaches look really beautiful and peaceful.
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It was an interesting mix, the marshes up against the beach. The birds love it. Thanks for your visit.
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A beautiful, isolated part of Cape Cod rich with wildlife! Looks like a tranquil respite from civilization, as well as discovering another part of this distinctive region in the US. 🙂
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It was quiet and serene, except for the birds, in September when I was there. I imagine it’s a popular spot in summer.
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It must feel so nice and peaceful to be doing some birdwatching there. I love those egrets! We have a lot of them here in Singapore as well.
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It’s peaceful there in September but probably more touristy in summer. I have always pictured Singapore as very urban. But of course it’s an island on the ocean and must have many beautiful waterways.
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Oh yes you’ve pictured it right. It’s very modern here, but those birds are everywhere here. The whole county is like a massive garden – trees and plants in every corner. Birds thrive here in the city, but I’ve also seen them in a nature reserve where they come home to in the evening. 🙂
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I can almost smell the sea breeze and hear the birds with your photos.
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Thank you, Jay. That’s the best compliment.
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When I think “East Coast,” bustling cities are the first thing to come to mind. What a nice break that must be from those bustling cities.
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Along the coasts are many beautiful places. Cape Cod is full of little towns, more like villages, beaches, and winding roads through green spaces and forests. It’s been great to spend time there while my son is living there.
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A lovely walk in the sort of environment I love to explore and photograph! That last shot of the egret is wonderful 😀
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Thank you, Sarah! You would enjoy wandering there. I spent quite a while watching and snapping the egrets to catch that one.
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Wow so many trips to Cape Cod. And you have found another amazing spot. Maggie
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Catsitting… my son and his wife took a belated honeymoon to Europe for 3 weeks, and I was happy to inhabit their house, take care of the kitty, and wander the Cape! They will be leaving there sometime before next summer, so I have to get my Cape time in as much as possible. Thanks for reading, Maggie.
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Lucky you! Hopefully they move to somewhere equally pretty 😊
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What a lovely wander. And those egrets are stunning. Great captures Ruth.
Alison
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Thanks for coming along, Alison!
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Even though you’ve spent a lot of time in Cape Cod, it’s always nice to discover somewhere new. This looks like a great spot to enjoy the scenery without the hordes of tourists. Great shots.
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Thanks so much! The tourists have thinned out some in September, so it’s been a perfect time to enjoy these pretty and serene places. Perhaps I wouldn’t have lost the trail if there had been more people around!
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Lovely!
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Thanks!
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