Coastal birding habitat

Crane Beach

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Crane Beach is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 287 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts American Black Duck, Common Eider, and White-winged Scoter 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

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/17/2026Parker River NWR--Maintenance Area1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/17/2026Argilla-Northgate-Essex Rd. Fields Complex1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/16/2026Babbitt's yard1 observed

Gadwall x Mallard (hybrid)

Mareca strepera x Anas platyrhynchos

4/16/2026Greenlawn Cemetery1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Bald Hill Conservation Area1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/16/2026Witch Island, Hampton1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/15/2026Joppa Flats Education Center (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-breasted Merganser

34/17/2026

American Herring Gull

84/17/2026

Osprey

34/17/2026

Wild Turkey

164/15/2026

Killdeer

14/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/15/2026

Great Egret

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

14/15/2026

American Robin

34/15/2026

American Goldfinch

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/15/2026

Brant

874/14/2026

Canada Goose

24/14/2026

American Black Duck

164/14/2026

Common Eider

204/14/2026

Surf Scoter

84/14/2026

White-winged Scoter

64/14/2026

Long-tailed Duck

374/14/2026

Sanderling

2104/14/2026

Dunlin

3404/14/2026

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