Isles of Shoals - Star Island, Rye

New Hampshire · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Isles of Shoals - Star Island, Rye is a productive birding destination in New Hampshire, with 283 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

Sanderling Brown Pelican Osprey Royal Tern Willet

Live Bird Data

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

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

3/5/2026Rye Harbor SP (Ragged Neck)1 observed

Eastern Screech-Owl

Megascops asio

3/5/2026Dead Duck Cove, Eliot Boat Launch1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/5/2026806 Main St., South Eliot4 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/4/2026Rt. 1A, Second Pullout South of Odiorne Point, Rye1 observed

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

3/2/2026Parker River NWR1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New Hampshire

Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge

New England boreal habitat with rare northern species at the edge of their southern range.

Airport Road, Swanzey

Forest birding hotspot in New Hampshire with 203 recorded species.

Elm Brook Recreation Area, Hopkinton

Forest birding hotspot in New Hampshire with 204 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Isles of Shoals - Star Island, Rye for birding?▼

The best months to visit Isles of Shoals - Star Island, Rye for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Isles of Shoals - Star Island, Rye?▼

Notable species at Isles of Shoals - Star Island, Rye include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Isles of Shoals - Star Island, Rye?▼

Birding at Isles of Shoals - Star Island, Rye is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Isles of Shoals - Star Island, Rye?▼

Isles of Shoals - Star Island, Rye offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.