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

Loading map...

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

Common Eider

45/30/2026

White-winged Scoter

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

35/30/2026

Black-bellied Plover

25/30/2026

Willet

35/30/2026

Black-legged Kittiwake

55/30/2026

Laughing Gull

65/30/2026

Ring-billed Gull

55/30/2026

American Herring Gull

205/30/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

55/30/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

25/30/2026

Least Tern

55/30/2026

Common Tern

35/30/2026

Roseate Tern

25/30/2026

Red-throated Loon

15/30/2026

Common Loon

15/30/2026

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

15/30/2026

Sooty Shearwater

155/30/2026

Northern Gannet

305/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

155/30/2026

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.