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

6/2/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail2 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail1 observed

Northern Fulmar

Fulmarus glacialis

6/2/2026Jeffrey's Ledge (NH)15 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

6/2/2026Jeffrey's Ledge (NH)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

6/2/2026Jeffrey's Ledge (NH)32 observed

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

6/2/2026Jeffrey's Ledge (NH)3 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

6/2/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans

6/2/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

46/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

76/2/2026

Blue Jay

26/2/2026

American Crow

36/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

26/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

36/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

26/2/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

16/2/2026

Northern House Wren

16/2/2026

Carolina Wren

26/2/2026

Gray Catbird

146/2/2026

American Robin

66/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

206/2/2026

House Sparrow

16/2/2026

House Finch

16/2/2026

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.