people in beach during daytime

Hammonasset Beach State Park

Connecticut · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$15-$22 per vehicle (seasonal)

Hours

Open daily, 8 AM to sunset

About This Location

Hammonasset Beach State Park is a productive birding destination in Connecticut, with 328 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, American Black Duck, and Greater Scaup among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/21/2026Hammonasset River at Route 12 observed

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

4/21/2026Hammonasset River at Route 17 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/21/2026Yard1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/20/2026Nehantic SF (Lyme Block)1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

4/20/2026Hammonasset Beach SP--Meig's Point1 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/19/2026Summer Hill Road1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/19/2026Lake House1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/19/2026Kampmeyer Preserve Trails1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/19/20266 Kitteridge Hill Rd, Old Saybrook US-CT 41.30325, -72.418701 observed

American Herring x Glaucous Gull (hybrid)

Larus smithsonianus x hyperboreus

4/18/2026Griswold Point1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/18/2026Machimoodus State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

54/21/2026

Merlin

14/21/2026

American Robin

144/21/2026

Savannah Sparrow

34/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

184/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/21/2026

Brant

774/21/2026

Mallard

34/21/2026

American Oystercatcher

24/21/2026

Willet

44/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

34/21/2026

American Herring Gull

84/21/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

24/21/2026

Red-throated Loon

14/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

154/21/2026

Snowy Egret

14/21/2026

Great Egret

14/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/21/2026

Osprey

84/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hammonasset Beach State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Hammonasset Beach State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hammonasset Beach State Park?
Notable species at Hammonasset Beach State Park include Brant, American Black Duck, Greater Scaup, Black Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Tufted Titmouse, American Robin, House Sparrow, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hammonasset Beach State Park?
Birding at Hammonasset Beach State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Hammonasset Beach State Park?
The entrance fee at Hammonasset Beach State Park is $15-$22 per vehicle (seasonal). Hours: Open daily, 8 AM to sunset.
What amenities are available at Hammonasset Beach State Park?
Hammonasset Beach State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.