Wetland birding habitat

Great Sippewissett Marsh and Black Beach

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Great Sippewissett Marsh and Black Beach is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and Common Eider 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

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

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

6/1/2026Penikese Island15 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

Willet

15/30/2026

Osprey

25/30/2026

Gray Catbird

25/30/2026

American Robin

15/30/2026

Song Sparrow

25/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/30/2026

Prairie Warbler

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/30/2026

Mallard

25/30/2026

American Oystercatcher

25/30/2026

Semipalmated Plover

15/30/2026

Piping Plover

45/30/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

15/30/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

65/30/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

105/30/2026

Ring-billed Gull

85/30/2026

American Herring Gull

15/30/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

35/30/2026

Least Tern

155/30/2026

Common Tern

35/30/2026

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 Great Sippewissett Marsh and Black Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Great Sippewissett Marsh and Black Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Great Sippewissett Marsh and Black Beach?
Notable species at Great Sippewissett Marsh and Black Beach include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Common Eider, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Great Sippewissett Marsh and Black Beach?
Birding at Great Sippewissett Marsh and Black Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Great Sippewissett Marsh and Black Beach?
Great Sippewissett Marsh and Black Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.