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

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

6/3/2026Roslindale Wetlands Urban Wild Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/3/2026Roslindale Wetlands Urban Wild Park1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/3/2026Franklin Park--Scarboro Pond1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/3/2026Millennium Park, Boston1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

6/3/2026Minute Man NHP--Hartwell Area1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

6/3/2026Arnold Arboretum1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

6/3/2026Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/3/2026Rose Kennedy Greenway1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

6/3/2026Wilde Rd, Shirley US-MA 42.53409, -71.647294 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

316/3/2026

Mute Swan

26/3/2026

Wood Duck

66/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

56/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/3/2026

Osprey

26/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/3/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/3/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

46/3/2026

Marsh Wren

56/3/2026

Gray Catbird

26/3/2026

Song Sparrow

86/3/2026

Swamp Sparrow

36/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

466/3/2026

Common Grackle

96/3/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

36/3/2026

Mallard

26/3/2026

Mourning Dove

26/3/2026

Virginia Rail

16/3/2026

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.