Coastal birding habitat

Newburyport Harbor

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Newburyport Harbor is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 268 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Gadwall 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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/19/2026Parker River NWR--Stage Island Trail1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/18/2026Sawyers Beach, Rye1 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

7/18/2026Parker River NWR--Emerson Rocks1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

7/18/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/17/2026I-95 S, Byfield US-MA 42.77488, -70.930121 observed

Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans

7/17/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/17/20267 Atlantic Ave, Hampton Beach1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/16/2026Crane Beach (TTOR)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

47/18/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/18/2026

Barn Swallow

27/18/2026

House Sparrow

207/18/2026

House Finch

207/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

507/18/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/18/2026

Common Grackle

407/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/18/2026

Mute Swan

27/17/2026

Mallard

17/17/2026

American Herring Gull

27/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/17/2026

Great Egret

17/17/2026

Marsh Wren

57/17/2026

Carolina Wren

17/17/2026

American Goldfinch

27/17/2026

Song Sparrow

27/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

87/17/2026

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 Newburyport Harbor for birding?
The best months to visit Newburyport Harbor for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Newburyport Harbor?
Notable species at Newburyport Harbor include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Newburyport Harbor?
Birding at Newburyport Harbor is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Newburyport Harbor?
Newburyport Harbor offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.