Coastal birding habitat

Cuttyhunk Island

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cuttyhunk Island is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 277 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

6/2/202602739, Mattapoisett US-MA (41.6444,-70.8161)

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

6/1/2026Penikese Island15 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

5/31/2026Hoft Farm Preserve (TNC)1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

5/30/2026Hoft Farm Preserve (TNC)10 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/30/2026Gooseberry Neck1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/29/2026Star of the Sea Reserve (DNRT)1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/29/2026Allens Pond WS--Allens Neck (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/29/2026King Farm (Private)1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/28/2026Lucy Vincent Beach1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/27/2026Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/27/2026Menemsha Hills Reservation (TTOR)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/27/2026Gooseberry Neck1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

506/1/2026

Mallard

66/1/2026

Common Eider

366/1/2026

American Oystercatcher

46/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Willet

16/1/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

176/1/2026

American Herring Gull

5006/1/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

2006/1/2026

Common Tern

5006/1/2026

Roseate Tern

36/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

406/1/2026

Osprey

16/1/2026

Bank Swallow

66/1/2026

Barn Swallow

16/1/2026

European Starling

206/1/2026

American Robin

16/1/2026

Song Sparrow

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

56/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

26/1/2026

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 Cuttyhunk Island for birding?
The best months to visit Cuttyhunk Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cuttyhunk Island?
Notable species at Cuttyhunk Island include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cuttyhunk Island?
Birding at Cuttyhunk Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Cuttyhunk Island?
Cuttyhunk Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.