Coastal birding habitat

Horseneck Beach

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Horseneck Beach is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, and Song Sparrow 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

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

6/2/202602739, Mattapoisett US-MA (41.6444,-70.8161)

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

6/1/2026Penikese Island15 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/1/2026324 Corys Ln, Portsmouth US-RI 41.59956, -71.275201 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/30/2026Gooseberry Neck1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/29/2026Star of the Sea Reserve (DNRT)1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/29/2026Allens Pond WS--Allens Neck (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/29/2026King Farm (Private)1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/27/2026Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/27/2026Conanicut Point and North Woods, Jamestown1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/27/2026Menemsha Hills Reservation (TTOR)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/27/2026Gooseberry Neck1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/27/2026Moshup Trail1 observed

Northern Bobwhite (Eastern)

Colinus virginianus

5/26/202655 Almeida Terrace1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

5/26/2026Sachuest Pt. NWR--Salt Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Plover

145/28/2026

Piping Plover

15/28/2026

Willet

25/28/2026

Osprey

15/28/2026

Bald Eagle

15/28/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/28/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/28/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/28/2026

Prairie Warbler

15/28/2026

Mute Swan

25/22/2026

Mallard

15/22/2026

Common Eider

185/22/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

85/22/2026

Mourning Dove

25/22/2026

Sanderling

355/22/2026

American Herring Gull

255/22/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

125/22/2026

Least Tern

205/22/2026

Common Tern

555/22/2026

Common Loon

125/22/2026

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 Horseneck Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Horseneck Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Horseneck Beach?
Notable species at Horseneck Beach include Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Song Sparrow, Canada Goose, Common Eider. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Horseneck Beach?
Birding at Horseneck Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Horseneck Beach?
Horseneck Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.