Great Sippewissett Marsh and Black Beach

Massachusetts · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

WetlandCoastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Canada Goose American Black Duck Common Eider Bufflehead Common Goldeneye

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/12/2026Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)2 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

7/12/2026Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

7/12/202612 Liberty Ln, Barnstable US-MA 41.66622, -70.393201 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/12/2026Myles Standish SF--Five Mile Pond Road2 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/12/2026Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

7/12/2026Scusset Beach State Reservation--Post #65 Pier1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

7/11/2026Great Plains Road, W Tisbury1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/11/2026Ellisville Harbor SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Least Sandpiper

17/8/2026

Snowy Egret

17/5/2026

Wild Turkey

27/3/2026

Mourning Dove

57/3/2026

Semipalmated Plover

57/3/2026

Piping Plover

107/3/2026

Willet

57/3/2026

Sanderling

37/3/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

27/3/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/3/2026

Least Tern

57/3/2026

Common Tern

77/3/2026

Green Heron

47/3/2026

Great Egret

17/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/3/2026

Osprey

57/3/2026

Northern Harrier

17/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/3/2026

Northern Flicker

17/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/3/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Massachusetts

Mount Auburn Cemetery

Historic Cambridge cemetery renowned as a spring warbler migrant trap.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Massachusetts barrier beach refuge vital for shorebirds and Piping Plovers.

Arnold Arboretum

Harvard's 281-acre living tree museum in Boston with 200+ bird species and outstanding warbler migration.

Massachusetts Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Massachusetts →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.