Crane Beach

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Crane Beach is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 287 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts American Black Duck, Common Eider, and White-winged Scoter 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

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

3/4/2026Yard List - Bean Yard1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

33/5/2026

American Black Duck

63/5/2026

Common Eider

2603/5/2026

White-winged Scoter

63/5/2026

Black Scoter

23/5/2026

Long-tailed Duck

33/5/2026

Bufflehead

13/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

53/5/2026

Sanderling

33/5/2026

Dunlin

773/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/5/2026

American Herring Gull

363/5/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

273/5/2026

Common Loon

93/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

53/5/2026

Horned Lark

53/5/2026

American Robin

13/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/5/2026

Iceland Gull

13/5/2026

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 Crane Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Crane Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Crane Beach?
Notable species at Crane Beach include American Black Duck, Common Eider, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Crane Beach?
Birding at Crane Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Crane Beach?
Crane Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.