Horseneck Beach

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/5/202638 Marine Ave, Jamestown US-RI 41.49396, -71.383131 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/3/2026King Farm (Private)1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/2/2026Veterans Memorial Way, New Bedford US-MA 41.65779, -70.919331 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/1/2026King Farm (Private)1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/1/2026Lee River Drive, Swansea1 observed

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

2/27/2026Briggs Marsh, Little Compton (limited access)1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

2/26/20261350 West Main Road, Middletown, Rhode Island, US (41.536, -71.293)1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

2/25/2026King Farm (Private)1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

2/24/202610 pardon tucker place, jamestown RI1 observed

Snow Goose x Brant (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta bernicla

2/22/2026Fort Phoenix - Inland from bridge1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

2/22/2026Phoenix Rail Trail2 observed

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.