Introducing 2013 Gift Certificates!
12/10/2012 02:30 PM
When thinking of that perfect holiday gift, why not consider something that evokes the joy of summer on Cape Cod? Give the gift of unspoiled nature with a Barnstable Harbor Ecotours gift certificate! Gift certificates are available in $25, $50, and $100, and good for any regularly scheduled trip in the 2013 season. You may purchase gift certificates during the off-season either by phone (508-221-6126), or securely online using PayPal™.
We look forward to seeing you aboard The Horseshoe Crab when we resume operation in May, 2013. Look for our full schedule including an announcement of our opening weekend in January!
Happy Holidays,
-Captain Joe
We look forward to seeing you aboard The Horseshoe Crab when we resume operation in May, 2013. Look for our full schedule including an announcement of our opening weekend in January!
Happy Holidays,
-Captain Joe
Gail Huff Visits Barnstable Harbor Ecotours
08/12/2012 01:43 PM
This past Wednesday, August 8, we were thrilled to welcome Gail Huff, wife of U.S. Senator Scott Brown (R-MA), onboard The Horseshoe Crab. Senator Brown was instrumental in helping Barnstable Harbor Ecotours expedite our USCG licenses, for which we extend our sincere thanks. Here are a few pictures of Gail with our owner and captain, Joe Nastasi.
"Little Neck" Field Trip
08/04/2012 04:20 PM
On Saturday afternoon, August 4 Barnstable Harbor Ecotour naturalist Ken Morton and manager Phillip Zerbo engaged in a little “field research” and adventured around the point of Sandy Neck to a lightly traveled spot called “Little Neck.” Little Neck is not labeled on maps; it is the small “sandbar to the sandbar” as seen here:
View Larger Map
That image is taken at low tide. At high tide during shorebird migration this area is the place to be to watch birds. The migrants are starting to show up in force, and there were hundreds of shorebirds in a very concentrated area at the far western end of Little Neck.
We saw dozens of (and in some cases hundreds of): Ruddy Turnstone, Short-billed Dowitcher, Common Tern, Least Tern, Forster's Tern, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Willet, Double-crested Cormorant, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, and Laughing Gull. Other notables include a single Black Tern (immature), and two American Oystercatcher who camped out for a while and gave us great looks!
Toward the end of our trip there was quite the commotion caused by probably well-meaning humans… and their two dogs. We understand how dogs are “part of the family” and that they are part of the culture of many Sandy Neck visitors. It is important to note, however, that when dogs engage in “play” this is very stressful for the birds, who use this area for key periods of rest. There are hundreds and hundreds of acres available on Sandy Neck for your dogs to enjoy the beach. Little Neck at high tide is not that time and place.
We caught up with Captain Joe and The Horseshoe Crab on the way back into the harbor, carrying a full load of happy passengers! We hope to see you onboard soon!
View Larger Map
That image is taken at low tide. At high tide during shorebird migration this area is the place to be to watch birds. The migrants are starting to show up in force, and there were hundreds of shorebirds in a very concentrated area at the far western end of Little Neck.
We saw dozens of (and in some cases hundreds of): Ruddy Turnstone, Short-billed Dowitcher, Common Tern, Least Tern, Forster's Tern, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Willet, Double-crested Cormorant, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, and Laughing Gull. Other notables include a single Black Tern (immature), and two American Oystercatcher who camped out for a while and gave us great looks!
Toward the end of our trip there was quite the commotion caused by probably well-meaning humans… and their two dogs. We understand how dogs are “part of the family” and that they are part of the culture of many Sandy Neck visitors. It is important to note, however, that when dogs engage in “play” this is very stressful for the birds, who use this area for key periods of rest. There are hundreds and hundreds of acres available on Sandy Neck for your dogs to enjoy the beach. Little Neck at high tide is not that time and place.
We caught up with Captain Joe and The Horseshoe Crab on the way back into the harbor, carrying a full load of happy passengers! We hope to see you onboard soon!