a small white boat floating on top of a lake

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Concord Unit

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Concord Unit is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Hooded Merganser, Bald Eagle, 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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/21/2026Simon Willard Woods Conservation Area, Concord US-MA (42.4687,-71.3678)2 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

7/21/2026Cambridge Reservoir1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

7/21/2026Black Falcon Pier30 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/20/2026Belle Isle Marsh1 observed

Great Cormorant (North Atlantic)

Phalacrocorax carbo

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/20/2026Amelia Earhart Dam2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/20/2026Everett St1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

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

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/19/2026Millennium Park, Boston1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/19/2026Raymond Reservation1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

7/18/2026Franklin Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

147/21/2026

Mute Swan

17/21/2026

Wood Duck

37/21/2026

Mallard

27/21/2026

Mourning Dove

47/21/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/21/2026

Great Egret

47/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

57/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/21/2026

Willow Flycatcher

67/21/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/21/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/21/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

37/21/2026

Blue Jay

17/21/2026

American Crow

57/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

47/21/2026

Tufted Titmouse

27/21/2026

Tree Swallow

67/21/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

37/21/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Concord Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Concord Unit for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Concord Unit?
Notable species at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Concord Unit include Hooded Merganser, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Concord Unit?
Birding at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Concord Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Concord Unit?
There is no entrance fee at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Concord Unit. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Concord Unit?
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Concord Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.