Scusset Beach State Reservation

Massachusetts · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Scusset Beach State Reservation is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 264 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, and Common Eider among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Common Eider White-winged Scoter Black Scoter

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/18/2026Myles Standish SF--Five Mile Pond Road2 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

7/17/2026Pogorelc Sanctuary1 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

7/17/2026Manomet Point1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

7/17/2026Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/16/2026Plymouth Beach1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

7/16/2026Duxbury Beach1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/15/2026Plymouth Airport3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

37/14/2026

Laughing Gull

17/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/14/2026

Common Tern

107/14/2026

Red-throated Loon

17/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/14/2026

Gray Catbird

17/14/2026

Song Sparrow

17/14/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/14/2026

American Herring Gull

157/14/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

27/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

97/14/2026

Osprey

47/14/2026

American Crow

57/14/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/14/2026

Common Grackle

17/14/2026

Wild Turkey

17/12/2026

Mourning Dove

17/12/2026

Killdeer

17/12/2026

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.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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 →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Scusset Beach State Reservation for birding?▼

The best months to visit Scusset Beach State Reservation for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Scusset Beach State Reservation?▼

Notable species at Scusset Beach State Reservation include Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Common Eider, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Scusset Beach State Reservation?▼

Birding at Scusset Beach State Reservation is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Scusset Beach State Reservation?▼

Scusset Beach State Reservation offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.