Wetland birding habitat

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 267 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/18/2026Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge4 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/17/2026Harwich Marshes1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

7/17/2026Crows Pond, Chatham2 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/17/202621 BP Mud Pond Walkabout1 observed

Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans

7/16/2026Polpis Harbor Boat Launch1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/14/2026Parker's River Landing, Yarmouth2 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

7/14/2026Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/13/2026Monomoy NWR--Morris Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

57/18/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

27/18/2026

Mourning Dove

27/18/2026

American Oystercatcher

107/18/2026

Black-bellied Plover

217/18/2026

Semipalmated Plover

97/18/2026

Piping Plover

27/18/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

2737/18/2026

Willet

27/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

217/18/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

37/18/2026

Red Knot

27/18/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

27/18/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

37/18/2026

Laughing Gull

257/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/18/2026

American Herring Gull

747/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

207/18/2026

Least Tern

67/18/2026

Forster's Tern

27/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge?
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.