Coastal birding habitat

South Beach, Chatham

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

South Beach, Chatham is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Brewster Wing Island1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

6/1/2026Nauset Light Beach, Eastham2 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/1/2026Red River Beach2 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Pochet Island1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/2026Bell's Neck Conservation Area (HCT)1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach1 observed

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

5/31/2026Nauset Light Beach, Eastham1 observed

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach1 observed

Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach1 observed

Sabine's Gull

Xema sabini

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Black-bellied Plover

46/2/2026

Piping Plover

36/2/2026

Willet

56/2/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

16/2/2026

Laughing Gull

506/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

36/2/2026

American Herring Gull

256/2/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

206/2/2026

Least Tern

156/2/2026

Common Tern

406/2/2026

Red-throated Loon

16/2/2026

Common Loon

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

1506/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Horned Lark

46/2/2026

Bank Swallow

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

56/2/2026

European Starling

26/2/2026

American Robin

16/2/2026

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 South Beach, Chatham for birding?
The best months to visit South Beach, Chatham for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at South Beach, Chatham?
Notable species at South Beach, Chatham include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at South Beach, Chatham?
Birding at South Beach, Chatham is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at South Beach, Chatham?
South Beach, Chatham offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.