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

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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

7/21/2026Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/21/2026Ellisville Harbor SP1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

7/21/2026Lovells Pond1 observed

Barred Owl

Strix varia

7/20/20263 Calebs Common Cir, Edgartown US-MA (41.3814,-70.4932)1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

7/20/2026Sandwich Harbor Marshes1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/20/2026Myles Standish SF--Five Mile Pond Road2 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

7/20/2026Naushon Island1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

7/19/2026Naushon Island1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

7/19/2026Naushon Island1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/19/2026Ellisville Harbor SP1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

7/19/2026Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

37/21/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/21/2026

Killdeer

17/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/21/2026

Osprey

17/21/2026

Bald Eagle

17/21/2026

Northern Flicker

27/21/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/21/2026

Blue Jay

27/21/2026

American Crow

37/21/2026

Fish Crow

37/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/21/2026

Tree Swallow

217/21/2026

Purple Martin

27/21/2026

Barn Swallow

17/21/2026

European Starling

407/21/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/21/2026

Northern Mockingbird

37/21/2026

American Robin

77/21/2026

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.