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
Loading map...
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
Baltimore Oriole
Icterus galbula
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
White-faced Ibis
Plegadis chihi
Willet
Tringa semipalmata
American Goshawk
Astur atricapillus
Brown Thrasher
Toxostoma rufum
White-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelope
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Brant
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
Mallard
American Black Duck
Green-winged Teal
Greater Scaup
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Wild Turkey
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Greater Yellowlegs
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 →