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

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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

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

7/19/2026Nauset Light Beach, Eastham1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/19/2026North Beach, Orleans1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/19/2026Off Pamet Harbor8 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

7/19/2026Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

7/19/2026First Landing Park and Provincetown Causeway1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/19/2026Race Point1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/17/2026Harwich Marshes1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

7/17/2026Crows Pond, Chatham2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

17/19/2026

Mallard

17/19/2026

American Black Duck

37/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

27/19/2026

Clapper Rail

27/19/2026

Virginia Rail

27/19/2026

Laughing Gull

17/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/19/2026

Green Heron

27/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/19/2026

Osprey

17/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Northern Flicker

27/19/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/19/2026

Blue Jay

37/19/2026

American Crow

67/19/2026

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.