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

Common Raven

Corvus corax

7/19/2026Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard1 observed

Cory's Shearwater

Calonectris borealis

7/19/2026Gooseberry Neck2 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

7/19/2026Gooseberry Neck2 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/19/2026Quansoo1 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

7/18/2026Aquinnah1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/17/2026Old Farm Road1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/17/2026Long Point Wildlife Refuge (TTOR)1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

7/17/2026Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard2 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/16/2026Allens Pond WS--Allens Neck (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

7/16/2026Star of the Sea Reserve (DNRT)1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

7/16/2026Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/15/2026Barney’s joy spit1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Virginia Rail

17/13/2026

American Oystercatcher

37/13/2026

Piping Plover

27/13/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

27/13/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

17/13/2026

American Herring Gull

27/13/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/13/2026

Least Tern

127/13/2026

Common Tern

77/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/13/2026

Snowy Egret

27/13/2026

Osprey

27/13/2026

American Robin

17/13/2026

Song Sparrow

17/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/13/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/13/2026

Willet

37/12/2026

Gray Catbird

17/12/2026

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.