Herring River, Wellfleet

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Herring River, Wellfleet is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan 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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/5/2026Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Harwich Port US-MA 41.67360, -70.080282 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

3/5/2026Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

3/4/2026Muddy Creek Headwaters Preserve1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

3/4/2026Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/4/2026Hopkins Lane Gardens, Orleans1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

3/3/2026Home - Lower Mill Pond, Brewster1 observed

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

3/1/2026MacMillan Wharf1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/1/2026Dennis Home1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/1/2026D&F Clapp's House, Brewster US-MA 41.73730, -70.088561 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

2/28/2026Town Cove, Orleans1 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

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