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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

6/2/2026Montague Plains WMA6 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/2/2026Honey Pot -Hadley1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

6/2/2026Honey Pot -Hadley2 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

6/2/202642 Perimeter Rd, Ludlow US-MA 42.20506, -72.516362 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026Long Mountain1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/2/2026Honey Pot -Hadley1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/1/2026Azalea Way, Belchertown, MA1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

6/1/2026Honey Pot -Hadley4 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

6/1/2026Holyoke Dam (Hampshire Co. side)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

6/1/2026Alexandra Dawson Conservation Area1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

6/1/202652 Round Hill Rd, Northampton US-MA 42.32392, -72.640801 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

6/1/2026East Meadows, Northampton1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/1/2026Norwottuck Rail Trail--Station Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/26/2026

Eastern Phoebe

25/26/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/26/2026

European Starling

75/26/2026

Gray Catbird

25/26/2026

House Sparrow

45/26/2026

American Goldfinch

25/26/2026

Song Sparrow

35/26/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

35/26/2026

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.