Coastal birding habitat

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge - Morris Island

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge - Morris Island is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 288 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Brewster Wing Island1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

6/1/2026Nauset Light Beach, Eastham2 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/1/2026Red River Beach2 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Pochet Island1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/2026Bell's Neck Conservation Area (HCT)1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach1 observed

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

5/31/2026Nauset Light Beach, Eastham1 observed

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach1 observed

Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach1 observed

Sabine's Gull

Xema sabini

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

136/1/2026

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

American Oystercatcher

26/1/2026

Black-bellied Plover

186/1/2026

Piping Plover

16/1/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

16/1/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

26/1/2026

Red Knot

236/1/2026

Sanderling

26/1/2026

Laughing Gull

706/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

36/1/2026

American Herring Gull

3456/1/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

906/1/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

16/1/2026

Least Tern

56/1/2026

Common Tern

156/1/2026

Common Loon

16/1/2026

Northern Gannet

46/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

86/1/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

16/1/2026

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 Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge - Morris Island for birding?
The best months to visit Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge - Morris Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge - Morris Island?
Notable species at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge - Morris Island include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Common Eider, Surf Scoter. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge - Morris Island?
Birding at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge - Morris Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge - Morris Island?
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge - Morris Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.