Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$8 adults

Hours

Open daily, 8:30 AM - dusk (trails)

About This Location

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 314 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Mallard 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

702/28/2026

Mute Swan

12/28/2026

Mallard

182/28/2026

American Black Duck

402/28/2026

Bufflehead

112/28/2026

Wild Turkey

22/28/2026

Mourning Dove

12/28/2026

American Herring Gull

162/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

32/28/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

22/28/2026

Northern Flicker

42/28/2026

Blue Jay

72/28/2026

American Crow

122/28/2026

Common Raven

12/28/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

122/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

62/28/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

22/28/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

42/28/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

52/28/2026

Winter Wren

12/28/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding?
The best months to visit Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Notable species at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck, Bufflehead, Northern Pintail, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, American Herring Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Birding at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
The entrance fee at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is $8 adults. Hours: Open daily, 8:30 AM - dusk (trails).
What amenities are available at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.