Coastal birding habitat

BHI - Deer Island

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

BHI - Deer Island is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Greater Scaup, and Surf Scoter among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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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

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/2/2026Mill Pond Reservation1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/2/202624 Milton Rd, Brookline US-MA 42.32911, -71.127341 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Cold Spring Park, Newton US-MA 42.33039, -71.211981 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

6/2/2026Middlesex Fells Reservation--Hemlock Pool1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

6/2/2026Blue Hills Reservation--Unquity Bottom1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

6/2/2026Arnold Arboretum1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Arnold Arboretum1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

6/2/2026Middlesex Fells Reservation--Winford Way Entrance1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/2/2026Millennium Park, Boston1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/2/2026Squantum Marshes1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026The West Woods1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

6/2/2026707 Shirley Street, Winthrop, Massachusetts, US (42.367, -70.973)2 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/2/2026Horn Pond Recreation Area1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

6/2/2026Minute Man NHP--Hartwell Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/31/2026

American Black Duck

15/31/2026

Common Eider

65/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

American Herring Gull

2505/31/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

95/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

135/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Common Raven

15/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

75/31/2026

Barn Swallow

35/31/2026

European Starling

175/31/2026

Gray Catbird

25/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

35/31/2026

American Robin

55/31/2026

House Sparrow

75/31/2026

House Finch

35/31/2026

Song Sparrow

55/31/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit BHI - Deer Island for birding?
The best months to visit BHI - Deer Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at BHI - Deer Island?
Notable species at BHI - Deer Island include Brant, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at BHI - Deer Island?
Birding at BHI - Deer Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at BHI - Deer Island?
BHI - Deer Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.