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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Brickyard Pond1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/16/2026Pogorelc Sanctuary1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Little Harbor Beach2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Ryder Conservation Area2 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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

4/14/2026Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)5 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

4/11/2026Caleb Pond, Edgartown US-MA (41.3803,-70.4994)1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

4/10/2026380 Ashers Path E, Mashpee US-MA 41.62875, -70.477132 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/7/2026Massachusetts Military Reservation1 observed

Common Eider (Northern)

Somateria mollissima

4/5/2026Sandwich Marina2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Killdeer

24/17/2026

Northern Flicker

14/17/2026

American Kestrel

14/17/2026

Blue Jay

24/17/2026

American Crow

24/17/2026

Purple Martin

14/17/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/17/2026

American Robin

14/17/2026

American Goldfinch

34/17/2026

Field Sparrow

64/17/2026

Song Sparrow

14/17/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

44/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/17/2026

American Woodcock

54/14/2026

Osprey

14/14/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/14/2026

House Sparrow

34/14/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/14/2026

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.