River/Riparian birding habitat

Herring River, Wellfleet

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Herring River, Wellfleet is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Brewster Wing Island1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

6/1/2026Nauset Light Beach, Eastham2 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/1/2026Red River Beach2 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

6/1/2026High Head, Pilgrim Heights1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Pochet Island1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/2026Bell's Neck Conservation Area (HCT)1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

5/31/2026Race Point1 observed

Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

5/31/2026Herring Cove Beach1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

5/31/2026Race Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

15/24/2026

Rock Pigeon

45/24/2026

Mourning Dove

45/24/2026

Clapper Rail

15/24/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

15/24/2026

Osprey

25/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/24/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/24/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/24/2026

Blue Jay

25/24/2026

American Crow

25/24/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

105/24/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/24/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/24/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

15/24/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/24/2026

Marsh Wren

25/24/2026

Gray Catbird

165/24/2026

American Robin

15/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Herring River, Wellfleet for birding?
The best months to visit Herring River, Wellfleet for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Herring River, Wellfleet?
Notable species at Herring River, Wellfleet include Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, American Wigeon, American Black Duck. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Herring River, Wellfleet?
Birding at Herring River, Wellfleet is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Herring River, Wellfleet?
Herring River, Wellfleet offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.