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

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/19/2026Race Point1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

7/18/2026First Landing Park and Provincetown Causeway1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/18/2026Cape Cod National Seashore--Hatches Harbor Fire Road1 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

7/17/2026Manomet Point1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

7/17/2026Stellwagen Bank--SW Corner1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

7/17/2026Hatches Harbor, Provincetown1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

7/17/2026Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/14/2026Race Point Beach, Provincetown1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

27/18/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

17/18/2026

Semipalmated Plover

17/18/2026

Willet

17/18/2026

Sanderling

67/18/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

137/18/2026

Laughing Gull

207/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

157/18/2026

American Herring Gull

2007/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

2007/18/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

17/18/2026

Least Tern

57/18/2026

Common Tern

2507/18/2026

Roseate Tern

47/18/2026

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

17/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

1207/18/2026

Mourning Dove

27/18/2026

Black-bellied Plover

27/18/2026

Piping Plover

27/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/18/2026

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.