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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/16/2026Race Point Beach, Provincetown1 observed

Common Eider (Northern)

Somateria mollissima

4/16/2026Race Point1 observed

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

4/12/2026Gulf of Maine US (42.2166,-70.2509)1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

4/12/2026Stellwagen Bank--Race Point Waters1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

4/9/2026Race Point1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/9/2026Race Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

174/12/2026

Surf Scoter

184/12/2026

White-winged Scoter

144/12/2026

Black Scoter

274/12/2026

Long-tailed Duck

424/12/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

284/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/12/2026

American Herring Gull

154/12/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

24/12/2026

Red-throated Loon

114/12/2026

Common Loon

54/12/2026

Pine Warbler

24/12/2026

Iceland Gull

64/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/11/2026

Common Goldeneye

44/11/2026

Dunlin

24/11/2026

Common Murre

14/11/2026

Song Sparrow

14/11/2026

American Coot

14/6/2026

American Oystercatcher

24/6/2026

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.