Coastal birding habitat

Cape Cod National Seashore - Salt Pond Visitors Center

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape Cod National Seashore - Salt Pond Visitors Center is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan 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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Brewster Wing Island1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

6/1/2026Nauset Light Beach, Eastham2 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/1/2026Red River Beach2 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

6/1/2026High Head, Pilgrim Heights1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Pochet Island1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/2026Bell's Neck Conservation Area (HCT)1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach1 observed

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

5/31/2026Nauset Light Beach, Eastham1 observed

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach1 observed

Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach1 observed

Sabine's Gull

Xema sabini

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue Jay

15/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/30/2026

American Robin

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/30/2026

Common Grackle

35/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/26/2026

Black-bellied Plover

65/26/2026

Willet

405/26/2026

Laughing Gull

25/26/2026

Least Tern

25/26/2026

Snowy Egret

15/26/2026

Osprey

35/26/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

35/26/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/26/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/26/2026

Barn Swallow

15/26/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

15/26/2026

Gray Catbird

85/26/2026

American Goldfinch

65/26/2026

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 Cape Cod National Seashore - Salt Pond Visitors Center for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Cod National Seashore - Salt Pond Visitors Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Cod National Seashore - Salt Pond Visitors Center?
Notable species at Cape Cod National Seashore - Salt Pond Visitors Center include Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Cod National Seashore - Salt Pond Visitors Center?
Birding at Cape Cod National Seashore - Salt Pond Visitors Center is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cape Cod National Seashore - Salt Pond Visitors Center?
Cape Cod National Seashore - Salt Pond Visitors Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.