Calm water reflects blue sky and distant sand dunes.

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$8 adults

Hours

Open daily, 8:30 AM - dusk (trails)

About This Location

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 314 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Mallard 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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/16/2026Race Point Beach, Provincetown1 observed

Common Eider (Northern)

Somateria mollissima

4/16/2026Race Point1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/15/2026Monomy HS, Harwich1 observed

Northern House Wren (Northern)

Troglodytes aedon

4/14/2026Cold Brook Preserve1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/14/2026Cold Brook Preserve1 observed

Ring-necked Duck x scaup sp. (hybrid)

Aythya collaris x marila/affinis

4/12/2026Bell's Neck Conservation Area (HCT)1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

4/11/2026Race Point Beach, Provincetown1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

4/10/2026Home - Lower Mill Pond, Brewster1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/10/2026Cold Brook Preserve1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

4/9/2026Race Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/16/2026

Wood Duck

14/16/2026

Mourning Dove

14/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/16/2026

American Herring Gull

14/16/2026

Snowy Egret

64/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/16/2026

Osprey

24/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/16/2026

Northern Flicker

14/16/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/16/2026

Blue Jay

24/16/2026

American Crow

44/16/2026

Fish Crow

14/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/16/2026

Tufted Titmouse

34/16/2026

Tree Swallow

114/16/2026

Purple Martin

14/16/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/16/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding?
The best months to visit Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Notable species at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck, Bufflehead, Northern Pintail, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, American Herring Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Birding at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
The entrance fee at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is $8 adults. Hours: Open daily, 8:30 AM - dusk (trails).
What amenities are available at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.