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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Brickyard Pond1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/16/2026Pogorelc Sanctuary1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/16/2026Manomet Conservation Sciences1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Little Harbor Beach2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Ryder Conservation Area2 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/15/2026Woodneck Beach and Marsh1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

4/10/2026380 Ashers Path E, Mashpee US-MA 41.62875, -70.477132 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/7/2026Massachusetts Military Reservation1 observed

Snow Bunting

Plectrophenax nivalis

4/7/2026Duxbury Beach3 observed

Common Eider (Northern)

Somateria mollissima

4/5/2026Sandwich Marina2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

164/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/13/2026

Osprey

24/13/2026

American Crow

64/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/13/2026

American Robin

74/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/13/2026

Common Eider

1004/11/2026

Black Scoter

24/11/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

64/11/2026

American Herring Gull

14/11/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

24/11/2026

Brant

74/10/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/10/2026

Common Loon

44/10/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/10/2026

Fish Crow

14/10/2026

Song Sparrow

34/10/2026

Surf Scoter

104/9/2026

White-winged Scoter

54/9/2026

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.