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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/21/2026Parker River NWR--Lot 61 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/20/2026Hampton Harbor (overall)1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/20/2026188 US-1 S, Newburyport US-MA 42.79933, -70.876141 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

47/20/2026

American Herring Gull

67/20/2026

Least Tern

47/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/20/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/19/2026

Common Tern

27/19/2026

Glossy Ibis

27/19/2026

Tree Swallow

87/19/2026

Song Sparrow

17/19/2026

Piping Plover

47/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/18/2026

Snowy Egret

17/18/2026

Cedar Waxwing

47/18/2026

House Finch

87/18/2026

Mourning Dove

87/16/2026

Great Egret

17/16/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/16/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/16/2026

Eastern Kingbird

67/16/2026

Blue Jay

17/16/2026

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.