Cape Ann

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape Ann is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 267 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Gadwall 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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/5/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail3 observed

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

3/5/2026Andrews Point1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/2026Turner Hill1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

3/5/2026Devereaux Beach1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/5/2026Andrews Point1 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

3/4/2026Halibut Point SP4 observed

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

3/2/2026Parker River NWR1 observed

Common Eider (Northern)

Somateria mollissima

3/2/2026Great Neck--Pavilion Beach1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/2/2026Greenlawn Cemetery1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/1/2026Halibut Point SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

22/28/2026

Canada Goose

1202/28/2026

Gadwall

62/28/2026

Mallard

502/28/2026

American Black Duck

1152/28/2026

Greater Scaup

62/28/2026

King Eider

12/28/2026

Common Eider

3002/28/2026

Harlequin Duck

252/28/2026

Surf Scoter

502/28/2026

White-winged Scoter

202/28/2026

Black Scoter

302/28/2026

Long-tailed Duck

302/28/2026

Bufflehead

402/28/2026

Common Goldeneye

32/28/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

252/28/2026

Wild Turkey

42/28/2026

Rock Pigeon

2202/28/2026

Mourning Dove

52/28/2026

Purple Sandpiper

12/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Ann for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Ann for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Ann?
Notable species at Cape Ann include Brant, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Ann?
Birding at Cape Ann is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cape Ann?
Cape Ann offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.