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

Willet (Eastern)

Tringa semipalmata

4/17/2026Horseneck Beach SP--Westport River3 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/16/2026Hoft Farm Preserve (TNC)1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Seapowet Ave5 observed

American Wigeon x Mallard (hybrid)

Mareca americana x Anas platyrhynchos

4/16/2026Egypt Lane Ponds, Fairhaven1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/15/2026Woodneck Beach and Marsh1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

4/14/2026Star of the Sea Dr, South Dartmouth US-MA (41.5997,-70.9665)1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

4/14/2026Goosewing Beach Preserve & Quicksand Pond4 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/11/2026Seapowet Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/3/2026

Mallard

24/3/2026

Bufflehead

24/3/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/3/2026

Mourning Dove

34/3/2026

American Oystercatcher

24/3/2026

Piping Plover

34/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/3/2026

American Herring Gull

154/3/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

54/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/3/2026

Glossy Ibis

14/3/2026

Osprey

24/3/2026

Northern Harrier

14/3/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/3/2026

Northern Flicker

24/3/2026

American Crow

24/3/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/3/2026

Carolina Wren

14/3/2026

European Starling

64/3/2026

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.