Forest birding habitat

Cape Ann

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape Ann is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 267 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Gadwall 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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/19/2026Parker River NWR--Stage Island Trail1 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

7/18/2026Parker River NWR--Emerson Rocks1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

7/18/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/17/2026I-95 S, Byfield US-MA 42.77488, -70.930121 observed

Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans

7/17/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/17/20267 Atlantic Ave, Hampton Beach1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/16/2026Crane Beach (TTOR)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

57/19/2026

Mourning Dove

27/19/2026

American Oystercatcher

47/19/2026

Killdeer

37/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

37/19/2026

American Herring Gull

37/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/19/2026

Glossy Ibis

27/19/2026

Barn Swallow

17/19/2026

Gray Catbird

17/19/2026

American Robin

17/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/19/2026

House Finch

27/19/2026

Song Sparrow

17/19/2026

Common Grackle

47/19/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/19/2026

Common Tern

17/19/2026

European Starling

87/19/2026

House Sparrow

27/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Ann for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Ann for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Ann?
Notable species at Cape Ann include Brant, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Ann?
Birding at Cape Ann is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cape Ann?
Cape Ann offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.