Arlington Reservoir
Massachusetts · Northeast
Moderate
April-May, September-October
Free
Open daily, dawn to dusk
About This Location
Arlington Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mallard, Downy Woodpecker, and Common Raven 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
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta canadensis
Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
Wilson's Storm-Petrel
Oceanites oceanicus
Razorbill
Alca torda
Rusty Blackbird
Euphagus carolinus
Baird's Sandpiper
Calidris bairdii
Purple Martin
Progne subis
Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
Solitary Sandpiper
Tringa solitaria
Common Gallinule
Gallinula galeata
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Wood Duck
American Robin
House Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Eastern Kingbird
Cedar Waxwing
House Finch
Song Sparrow
Gray Catbird
Northern Cardinal
American Goldfinch
Eastern Warbling Vireo
American Crow
Barn Swallow
Birding Tips
- 1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
- 2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
- 3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.
- 4
A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.
- 5
Winter months bring peak waterfowl diversity — visit November through February for the best duck and goose viewing.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Great Meadows NWR
- Mystic Lakes
- Arlington Great Meadows
More in Massachusetts
Mount Auburn Cemetery
Historic Cambridge cemetery renowned as a spring warbler migrant trap.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Massachusetts barrier beach refuge vital for shorebirds and Piping Plovers.
Arnold Arboretum
Harvard's 281-acre living tree museum in Boston with 200+ bird species and outstanding warbler migration.
Massachusetts Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Massachusetts →