Rye Harbor State Park (Ragged Neck)

New Hampshire · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rye Harbor State Park (Ragged Neck) is a productive birding destination in New Hampshire, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, and Common Eider among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

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

White-crowned Sparrow (leucophrys)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/5/2026Dunn Farm, Berwick1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

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

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

3/4/2026Spinney Lane and Durham Reservoir1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/3/202624 scotland rd1 observed

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

3/2/2026Parker River NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

53/5/2026

American Herring Gull

23/5/2026

Common Eider

13/4/2026

Surf Scoter

33/4/2026

Black Scoter

23/4/2026

Long-tailed Duck

53/4/2026

Bufflehead

23/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/4/2026

Horned Grebe

13/4/2026

Red-necked Grebe

13/4/2026

Common Loon

23/4/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

13/2/2026

Greater Scaup

13/2/2026

White-winged Scoter

13/2/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

43/2/2026

Purple Sandpiper

173/1/2026

American Crow

23/1/2026

Brant

53/1/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/1/2026

Great Cormorant

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rye Harbor State Park (Ragged Neck) for birding?
The best months to visit Rye Harbor State Park (Ragged Neck) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rye Harbor State Park (Ragged Neck)?
Notable species at Rye Harbor State Park (Ragged Neck) include Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rye Harbor State Park (Ragged Neck)?
Birding at Rye Harbor State Park (Ragged Neck) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Rye Harbor State Park (Ragged Neck)?
Rye Harbor State Park (Ragged Neck) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.