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

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

6/2/2026Cape Cod National Seashore--Hatches Harbor Fire Road1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

6/2/2026Cape Cod National Seashore--Hatches Harbor Fire Road1 observed

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

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

6/1/2026High Head, Pilgrim Heights1 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

5/31/2026Race Point1 observed

Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

5/31/2026Herring Cove Beach1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

5/31/2026Race Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

56/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Willet

36/2/2026

Laughing Gull

16/2/2026

American Herring Gull

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

76/2/2026

Snowy Egret

56/2/2026

Green Heron

26/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Osprey

26/2/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

26/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Blue Jay

26/2/2026

American Crow

66/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

66/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

56/2/2026

Tree Swallow

196/2/2026

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.

  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.