Here are some of the most common bird species found on Cape Cod, Massachusetts:

• Gulls – Species like Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, and Ring-billed Gull are abundant along the beaches and coastline.
• Terns – Common Tern, Least Tern, and Roseate Tern nest on the Cape’s beaches and dunes during summer.
• Shore birds – Common shore birds include sandpipers like Semipalmated Plover, Oystercatchers, Yellowlegs, and Red Knots that migrate through in spring and fall.
• Osprey – These distinctive fish-eating raptors nest on platforms near waterways and the ocean shore.
• American Robin – One of the most widespread songbirds on the Cape that enjoys yards and parks.
• Chickadees – Both Black-capped Chickadee and Boreal Chickadee are Cape winter residents.
• Northern Cardinal – The bright red male cardinals add color to backyard feeders year-round.
• Red-tailed Hawk – These large soaring hawks are commonly seen hunting mice and voles in open fields.
• Great Blue Heron – A ubiquitous sight along shorelines and marshes hunting for fish.
• Turkey Vulture – These broad-winged scavengers circle high over fields looking for carrion.
• Many species of warblers, sparrows, woodpeckers, wrens and more can be spotted during spring and fall migration as well. The Cape’s diverse habitats make for abundant birding!

Here are some of the birds commonly found in yards throughout Cape Cod. Many residents provide feeders, bird houses, and bird baths for their feathered friends, as do we. See also my photos of Hawks and Shore Birds. Click any image for a carousel slide show.