Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Massachusetts · Northeast
Easy
September-December
Free
Dawn to dusk daily
About This Location
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation in East Boston is the last remaining salt marsh in Boston proper, a 28-acre remnant that punches far above its weight in birding productivity. Over 250 species have been recorded at this small but significant wetland, which serves as a vital stopover and wintering site for shorebirds, waterfowl, and marsh-dwelling species amid the surrounding urban development.
The marsh's boardwalk and perimeter trails provide easy access to views of Nelson's Sparrows, Saltmarsh Sparrows, and Snowy Egrets in the spartina grass, while the tidal channels attract Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, and occasional American Bitterns. During fall migration, the marsh edges host impressive sparrow diversity, and winter brings Short-eared Owls, Northern Harriers, and flocks of American Black Ducks to the open marsh.
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
Vesper Sparrow
Pooecetes gramineus
Northern Yellow Warbler
Setophaga aestiva
Green Heron
Butorides virescens
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
Black-and-white Warbler
Mniotilta varia
Solitary Sandpiper
Tringa solitaria
Northern House Wren
Troglodytes aedon
Willet
Tringa semipalmata
Field Sparrow
Spizella pusilla
Louisiana Waterthrush
Parkesia motacilla
Purple Finch
Haemorhous purpureus
Veery
Catharus fuscescens
Swainson's Thrush
Catharus ustulatus
Bonaparte's Gull
Chroicocephalus philadelphia
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mourning Dove
American Herring Gull
European Starling
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Common Grackle
Northern Cardinal
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Carolina Wren
Hermit Thrush
American Goldfinch
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Birding Tips
- 1
Visit at high tide when rails and sparrows are pushed to the marsh edges
- 2
The boardwalk provides the best access for viewing Saltmarsh and Nelson's Sparrows
- 3
Winter evenings may reveal Short-eared Owls hunting over the open marsh
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Constitution Beach
- Piers Park
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Massachusetts Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Massachusetts →