Coastal birding habitat

Hadley Cove

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hadley Cove is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Ring-billed Gull, Downy Woodpecker, and Merlin 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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/21/2026Honey Pot, Hadley1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/21/2026Atkins Reservoir3 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/20/2026Montague Sandplains1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/18/2026sheepfold3 observed

Merlin (Taiga)

Falco columbarius

7/17/2026Smith College2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Cardinal

17/21/2026

Mourning Dove

27/21/2026

American Robin

17/21/2026

Chimney Swift

17/21/2026

Killdeer

27/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/21/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/21/2026

Blue Jay

27/21/2026

American Crow

17/21/2026

Barn Swallow

17/21/2026

Gray Catbird

27/21/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/21/2026

Cedar Waxwing

47/21/2026

American Goldfinch

167/21/2026

Song Sparrow

107/21/2026

Bobolink

27/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

607/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hadley Cove for birding?
The best months to visit Hadley Cove for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hadley Cove?
Notable species at Hadley Cove include Ring-billed Gull, Downy Woodpecker, Merlin, Blue Jay, American Crow. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hadley Cove?
Birding at Hadley Cove is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hadley Cove?
Hadley Cove offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.