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

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

7/20/2026Squibnocket Pond Reservation South Aquinnah, MA US-MA 41.31927, -70.806882 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

7/20/2026Squibnocket Pond Reservation South Aquinnah, MA US-MA 41.31927, -70.806884 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

7/20/2026Squibnocket Pond Reservation South Aquinnah, MA US-MA 41.31927, -70.806881 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

7/20/2026Naushon Island1 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

7/20/2026Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard3 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

7/20/2026Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard3 observed

South Polar Skua

Stercorarius maccormicki

7/20/2026Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard2 observed

Scopoli's Shearwater

Calonectris diomedea

7/20/2026Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

7/19/2026Naushon Island1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/19/2026Bakers beach1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/19/2026Sachuest Point NWR1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

7/19/2026Gooseberry Neck2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Piping Plover

37/20/2026

Willet

47/20/2026

Red Knot

37/20/2026

Sanderling

347/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

337/20/2026

American Herring Gull

77/20/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

37/20/2026

Least Tern

17/20/2026

Common Tern

17/20/2026

Roseate Tern

27/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/20/2026

American Crow

17/20/2026

Barn Swallow

227/20/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/20/2026

House Sparrow

17/20/2026

American Goldfinch

27/20/2026

Chipping Sparrow

67/20/2026

Song Sparrow

57/20/2026

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.