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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/16/2026Race Point Beach, Provincetown1 observed

Common Eider (Northern)

Somateria mollissima

4/16/2026Race Point1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/15/2026Monomy HS, Harwich1 observed

Northern House Wren (Northern)

Troglodytes aedon

4/14/2026Cold Brook Preserve1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/14/2026Cold Brook Preserve1 observed

Ring-necked Duck x scaup sp. (hybrid)

Aythya collaris x marila/affinis

4/12/2026Bell's Neck Conservation Area (HCT)1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

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

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

4/10/2026Home - Lower Mill Pond, Brewster1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/10/2026Cold Brook Preserve1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

4/9/2026Race Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

14/8/2026

Northern Flicker

14/8/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/8/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

4/8/2026

American Goldfinch

14/8/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/8/2026

Brant

34/4/2026

Canada Goose

114/4/2026

Mallard

24/4/2026

American Black Duck

104/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

14/4/2026

Bufflehead

64/4/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

24/4/2026

Mourning Dove

34/4/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/4/2026

American Herring Gull

124/4/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

24/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/4/2026

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.