Coastal birding habitat

Plymouth Beach

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Plymouth Beach is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Common Eider, and Surf Scoter 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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

6/2/2026Burrage Pond WMA2 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

6/1/2026Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/1/2026Manomet Point1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/1/2026Manomet Cemetery1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/31/2026Foothills Preserve, Plymouth1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/31/2026Colby Phillips Property, Hanover1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Colby Phillips Property, Hanover1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

5/30/2026Sandwich Harbor Marshes1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

5/29/2026MSSF East, Plymouth US-MA (41.8645,-70.6321)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

15/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Black-bellied Plover

105/31/2026

Semipalmated Plover

35/31/2026

Piping Plover

95/31/2026

Willet

45/31/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

15/31/2026

Sanderling

85/31/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

125/31/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

25/31/2026

Laughing Gull

85/31/2026

Least Tern

2005/31/2026

Common Tern

1505/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

1005/31/2026

Osprey

55/31/2026

Tree Swallow

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

25/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/31/2026

House Sparrow

15/31/2026

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 Plymouth Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Plymouth Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Plymouth Beach?
Notable species at Plymouth Beach include Brant, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Plymouth Beach?
Birding at Plymouth Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Plymouth Beach?
Plymouth Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.