Coastal birding habitat

Herring Cove Beach

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Herring Cove Beach is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Common Eider, Surf Scoter, and White-winged Scoter 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

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

6/2/2026Cape Cod National Seashore--Hatches Harbor Fire Road1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

6/2/2026Cape Cod National Seashore--Hatches Harbor Fire Road1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/1/2026Manomet Point1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

6/1/2026High Head, Pilgrim Heights1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

5/31/2026Gulf of Maine (42.2892,-70.1763)1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

5/31/2026Gulf of Maine (42.2892,-70.1763)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

65/28/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

55/28/2026

Laughing Gull

35/28/2026

American Herring Gull

105/28/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

105/28/2026

Least Tern

95/28/2026

Common Tern

35/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

405/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/28/2026

Eastern Kingbird

35/28/2026

Blue Jay

15/28/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/28/2026

Barn Swallow

25/28/2026

Gray Catbird

15/28/2026

American Goldfinch

25/28/2026

Song Sparrow

25/28/2026

Eastern Towhee

25/28/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

35/28/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/28/2026

Pine Warbler

25/28/2026

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 Herring Cove Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Herring Cove Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Herring Cove Beach?
Notable species at Herring Cove Beach include Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Herring Cove Beach?
Birding at Herring Cove Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Herring Cove Beach?
Herring Cove Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.