Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge - Concord Unit

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

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

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

3/5/202626 Broadmeadow Rd, Groton US-MA (42.6053,-71.5704)14 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

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Mount Auburn Cemetery1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/4/2026Merrimack River behind Tsongas Arena1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hooded Merganser

23/4/2026

Bald Eagle

23/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

53/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

83/4/2026

American Crow

73/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

43/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

73/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

63/4/2026

Carolina Wren

43/4/2026

European Starling

23/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/4/2026

House Sparrow

23/4/2026

House Finch

23/4/2026

American Goldfinch

13/4/2026

American Tree Sparrow

23/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

33/4/2026

Song Sparrow

43/4/2026

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.