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

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/202618 Wauwinet Road, Nantucket, Massachusetts, US (41.305, -70.01) POLPIS HARBOR BOAT LAUNCH2 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

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

4/12/2026Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge4 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/12/2026Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge3 observed

Ring-necked Duck x scaup sp. (hybrid)

Aythya collaris x marila/affinis

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

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

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

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/10/2026Cold Brook Preserve1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/7/2026Thompson's Field--North of Cape Cod Rail Trail1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

4/6/2026D&F Clapp's House, Brewster US-MA 41.73730, -70.088561 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Black Duck

14/16/2026

Common Eider

304/16/2026

Surf Scoter

14/16/2026

Bufflehead

34/16/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

484/16/2026

Mourning Dove

84/16/2026

American Oystercatcher

44/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/16/2026

Laughing Gull

204/16/2026

American Herring Gull

164/16/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

64/16/2026

Red-throated Loon

14/16/2026

Common Loon

64/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

384/16/2026

Great Egret

14/16/2026

Osprey

44/16/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/16/2026

Northern Flicker

24/16/2026

Blue Jay

34/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

124/16/2026

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.