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

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/2/2026Mill Pond Reservation1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/2/202624 Milton Rd, Brookline US-MA 42.32911, -71.127341 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Cold Spring Park, Newton US-MA 42.33039, -71.211981 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

6/2/2026Middlesex Fells Reservation--Hemlock Pool1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

6/2/2026Blue Hills Reservation--Unquity Bottom1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

6/2/2026Arnold Arboretum1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Arnold Arboretum1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

6/2/2026Middlesex Fells Reservation--Winford Way Entrance1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/2/2026Millennium Park, Boston1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/2/2026Squantum Marshes1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026The West Woods1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

6/2/2026Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

6/2/2026707 Shirley Street, Winthrop, Massachusetts, US (42.367, -70.973)2 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/2/2026Horn Pond Recreation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

106/1/2026

Wild Turkey

16/1/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

36/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/1/2026

Gray Catbird

26/1/2026

American Robin

26/1/2026

House Finch

46/1/2026

American Goldfinch

26/1/2026

Song Sparrow

26/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

66/1/2026

Common Grackle

36/1/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

36/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

26/1/2026

Mallard

26/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Blue Jay

46/1/2026

American Crow

16/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/1/2026

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.