Coastal birding habitat

Scusset Beach State Reservation

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/2/2026Frances A. Crane WMA2 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

6/1/2026Frances A. Crane WMA1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/1/2026Manomet Point1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

6/1/2026South Cape Beach SP1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

6/1/2026Santuit Pond Preserve1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/1/2026Manomet Cemetery1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/1/202622 Drift Rd, Falmouth US-MA 41.59259, -70.645072 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/202622 Drift Rd, Falmouth US-MA 41.59259, -70.645072 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/31/2026Foothills Preserve, Plymouth1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/31/2026Wakeby Pond1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

5/30/2026Sandwich Harbor Marshes1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/27/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/27/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/27/2026

Blue Jay

15/27/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/27/2026

Gray Catbird

95/27/2026

Eastern Towhee

55/27/2026

Baltimore Oriole

25/27/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/27/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/27/2026

Northern Parula

15/27/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

65/27/2026

Pine Warbler

15/27/2026

Black-throated Green Warbler

25/27/2026

Common Tern

15/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

345/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/25/2026

Osprey

15/25/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/25/2026

American Robin

25/25/2026

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 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.