Wetland birding habitat

Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, and Downy Woodpecker among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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)

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/2/2026Frances A. Crane WMA2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

6/1/2026Frances A. Crane WMA1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

6/1/2026South Cape Beach SP1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

6/1/2026Santuit Pond Preserve1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/1/202622 Drift Rd, Falmouth US-MA 41.59259, -70.645072 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/202622 Drift Rd, Falmouth US-MA 41.59259, -70.645072 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Sheriff’s Meadow Sanctuary--Sheriff's Meadow Pond1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/31/2026Wakeby Pond1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

5/30/2026Sandwich Harbor Marshes1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eastern Kingbird

26/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

26/2/2026

Field Sparrow

36/2/2026

Savannah Sparrow

66/2/2026

Prairie Warbler

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

26/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

American Crow

56/2/2026

Fish Crow

46/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

26/2/2026

European Starling

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

26/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area include Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area?
Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.