A large body of water surrounded by rocks

Halibut Point State Park

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free (parking $5 MA residents, $20 non-residents)

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Halibut Point State Park is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 287 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Wood Duck, and King 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

7/21/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Clapper Rail (Atlantic Coast)

Rallus crepitans

7/20/2026Plum Island (please use more refined location)1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/20/2026Hampton Harbor (overall)1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/20/2026188 US-1 S, Newburyport US-MA 42.79933, -70.876141 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/19/2026

American Herring Gull

47/19/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/19/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/19/2026

Green Heron

17/19/2026

Osprey

17/19/2026

Northern Flicker

37/19/2026

Blue Jay

27/19/2026

American Crow

37/19/2026

Tree Swallow

307/19/2026

Barn Swallow

37/19/2026

Gray Catbird

37/19/2026

American Robin

17/19/2026

House Sparrow

207/19/2026

House Finch

27/19/2026

American Goldfinch

37/19/2026

Song Sparrow

27/19/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Halibut Point State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Halibut Point State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Halibut Point State Park?
Notable species at Halibut Point State Park include Brant, Wood Duck, King Eider, Common Eider, White-winged Scoter, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Downy Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, European Starling, Eastern Bluebird. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Halibut Point State Park?
Birding at Halibut Point State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Halibut Point State Park?
The entrance fee at Halibut Point State Park is Free (parking $5 MA residents, $20 non-residents). Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Halibut Point State Park?
Halibut Point State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.