Plum Island
Massachusetts · Northeast
Challenging
April-May, September-October
$5 per vehicle
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
Plum Island is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 364 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts American Black Duck, Wild Turkey, and Mourning Dove 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
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalis
Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Common Eider
Red-breasted Merganser
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Semipalmated Plover
Piping Plover
Short-billed Dowitcher
Long-billed Dowitcher
Spotted Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Willet
Greater Yellowlegs
Stilt Sandpiper
Sanderling
Least Sandpiper
Birding Tips
- 1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
- 2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
- 3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.
- 4
Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.
- 5
Check access conditions and any ferry schedules before planning your trip to ensure the site is reachable.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Parker River NWR
- Newburyport Harbor
- Joppa Flats Education Center
More in Massachusetts
Mount Auburn Cemetery
Historic Cambridge cemetery renowned as a spring warbler migrant trap.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Massachusetts barrier beach refuge vital for shorebirds and Piping Plovers.
Arnold Arboretum
Harvard's 281-acre living tree museum in Boston with 200+ bird species and outstanding warbler migration.
Massachusetts Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Massachusetts →