Herring Cove Beach

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Herring Cove Beach is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Common Eider, Surf Scoter, 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

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

3/5/2026High Head, Pilgrim Heights1 observed

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

3/1/2026MacMillan Wharf1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

2/22/2026Maurice’s Campground, Wellfleet1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

2/22/2026Wellfleet Town Pier2 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

2/22/2026Race Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

802/28/2026

Surf Scoter

352/28/2026

White-winged Scoter

402/28/2026

Black Scoter

282/28/2026

Long-tailed Duck

162/28/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

82/28/2026

American Herring Gull

162/28/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

282/28/2026

Iceland Gull

12/28/2026

Horned Grebe

22/28/2026

Red-throated Loon

12/28/2026

Common Loon

362/28/2026

American Crow

12/28/2026

Razorbill

262/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

52/28/2026

Song Sparrow

12/28/2026

Common Goldeneye

32/22/2026

Northern Gannet

12/22/2026

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