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

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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruddy Turnstone

14/8/2026

Canada Goose

14/6/2026

Mallard

24/6/2026

American Black Duck

54/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

54/6/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

14/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/6/2026

Glossy Ibis

34/6/2026

Great Egret

54/6/2026

Osprey

54/6/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

34/6/2026

American Goldfinch

54/6/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/6/2026

Song Sparrow

14/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/6/2026

Common Grackle

44/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/6/2026

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.