Wetland birding habitat

Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area - Lancaster

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area - Lancaster is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

7/15/2026104 Tuttle Road, Sterling, Massachusetts, US (42.46, -71.766)1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/15/2026Haynes Reservoir8 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/15/2026Hamlin esker & red line1 observed

Brown Creeper (americana/nigrescens)

Certhia americana

7/15/2026Hamlin esker & red line3 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

7/15/2026Hamlin esker & red line1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/15/2026Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/14/2026Whitehall Reservoir2 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/13/2026RT-2 W, Westminster US-MA 42.54366, -71.897521 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/13/2026Chauncy Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-capped Chickadee

17/15/2026

Mourning Dove

17/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/15/2026

House Finch

17/15/2026

American Goldfinch

17/15/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/15/2026

American Robin

27/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/15/2026

Bald Eagle

17/15/2026

Eastern Towhee

27/15/2026

Blue Jay

17/15/2026

Northern House Wren

17/15/2026

Song Sparrow

17/14/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/14/2026

Brown Creeper

17/14/2026

Scarlet Tanager

27/14/2026

Chimney Swift

27/14/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area - Lancaster for birding?
The best months to visit Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area - Lancaster for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area - Lancaster?
Notable species at Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area - Lancaster include Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area - Lancaster?
Birding at Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area - Lancaster is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area - Lancaster?
Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area - Lancaster offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.