Dunback Meadow

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/5/2026Horn Pond Recreation Area1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

3/5/2026Weston Rd. Community Garden, Wellesley1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

3/5/2026Horn Pond Recreation Area1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

3/5/2026Brook Farm and Gethsemane Cemetery1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/5/2026Arnold Arboretum1 observed

Common Eider (Northern)

Somateria mollissima

3/5/2026UMass Boston--Campus Grounds and Dorchester Bay1 observed

Brant (Black)

Branta bernicla

3/5/2026Nahant--Short Beach3 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Mount Auburn Cemetery1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/5/2026Westwood Yard1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/4/2026Merrimack River behind Tsongas Arena1 observed

Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x islandica

3/4/2026Winthrop Beach and Five Sisters1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/4/2026Castle Island and Pleasure Bay1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/4/2026Castle Island and Pleasure Bay1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

23/1/2026

Mourning Dove

33/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Northern Flicker

13/1/2026

Blue Jay

183/1/2026

American Crow

23/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

153/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/1/2026

European Starling

553/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/1/2026

American Robin

123/1/2026

House Sparrow

43/1/2026

House Finch

63/1/2026

American Goldfinch

23/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

33/1/2026

White-throated Sparrow

113/1/2026

Song Sparrow

43/1/2026

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.