Cuttyhunk Island

Massachusetts · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cuttyhunk Island is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 277 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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/5/2026Hoft Farm Preserve (TNC)1 observed

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

3/5/2026NEFSC1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/3/2026King Farm (Private)1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/2/2026Veterans Memorial Way, New Bedford US-MA 41.65779, -70.919331 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/1/2026King Farm (Private)1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

2/28/202639 Marvin Circle1 observed

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

2/27/2026Briggs Marsh, Little Compton (limited access)1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

2/25/2026King Farm (Private)1 observed

Snow Goose x Brant (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta bernicla

2/22/2026Fort Phoenix - Inland from bridge1 observed

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

2/22/2026Woods Hole--Thickets1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

2/22/2026Phoenix Rail Trail2 observed

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 Cuttyhunk Island for birding?
The best months to visit Cuttyhunk Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cuttyhunk Island?
Notable species at Cuttyhunk Island include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cuttyhunk Island?
Birding at Cuttyhunk Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Cuttyhunk Island?
Cuttyhunk Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.