Coastal birding habitat

Coast Guard Beach

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Coast Guard Beach is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and American Black Duck 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

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

7/19/2026Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

7/18/2026Nauset Light Beach, Eastham1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/17/2026Harwich Marshes1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

7/17/2026Crows Pond, Chatham2 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/17/202621 BP Mud Pond Walkabout1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

7/17/2026Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/17/2026Nauset Bay East1 observed

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

7/15/2026Nauset Bay East1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

37/18/2026

Mourning Dove

37/18/2026

American Oystercatcher

27/18/2026

Black-bellied Plover

37/18/2026

Killdeer

17/18/2026

Semipalmated Plover

507/18/2026

Piping Plover

77/18/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

907/18/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/18/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

107/18/2026

Willet

27/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/18/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

17/18/2026

Sanderling

77/18/2026

Least Sandpiper

307/18/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

607/18/2026

Laughing Gull

107/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/18/2026

American Herring Gull

227/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

247/18/2026

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