Grassland birding habitat

Dunback Meadow

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Dunback Meadow is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

7/21/2026Cambridge Reservoir1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/21/2026707 Shirley Street, Winthrop, Massachusetts, US (42.367, -70.973)1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

7/21/2026Black Falcon Pier30 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/21/2026Squantum Marshes2 observed

Great Cormorant (North Atlantic)

Phalacrocorax carbo

7/20/202699 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts, US (42.36, -71.085)1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/20/2026Belle Isle Marsh1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/20/2026Amelia Earhart Dam2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/20/2026Everett St1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/19/2026Winthrop Beach and Five Sisters1 observed

Razorbill

Alca torda

7/19/2026Castle Island and Pleasure Bay1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

7/19/2026Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Downy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/18/2026

Blue Jay

17/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/18/2026

Gray Catbird

17/18/2026

American Robin

207/18/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/18/2026

Song Sparrow

37/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/18/2026

Mallard

27/18/2026

Mourning Dove

77/18/2026

Chimney Swift

17/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

107/18/2026

Bald Eagle

17/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

37/18/2026

Northern Flicker

27/18/2026

Willow Flycatcher

47/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

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