Forest birding habitat

Race Point

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Race Point is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 303 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, and Black Scoter 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

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

6/2/2026Cape Cod National Seashore--Hatches Harbor Fire Road1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

6/2/2026Cape Cod National Seashore--Hatches Harbor Fire Road1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/1/2026Manomet Point1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

6/1/2026High Head, Pilgrim Heights1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

5/31/2026Gulf of Maine (42.3370,-70.2476)3 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

5/31/2026Gulf of Maine (42.2892,-70.1763)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

66/2/2026

American Oystercatcher

16/2/2026

Black-bellied Plover

66/2/2026

Semipalmated Plover

46/2/2026

Piping Plover

36/2/2026

Willet

86/2/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

26/2/2026

Black-legged Kittiwake

16/2/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

156/2/2026

Laughing Gull

256/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

56/2/2026

American Herring Gull

506/2/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

156/2/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

26/2/2026

Common Tern

506/2/2026

Common Loon

26/2/2026

Sooty Shearwater

16/2/2026

Northern Gannet

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

256/2/2026

Horned Lark

46/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Race Point for birding?
The best months to visit Race Point for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Race Point?
Notable species at Race Point include Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Race Point?
Birding at Race Point is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Race Point?
Race Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.