Forest birding habitat

Heard Farm Conservation Area

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Heard Farm Conservation Area is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/2/2026Horn Pond Recreation Area1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

6/2/2026Minute Man NHP--Hartwell Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

16/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

36/2/2026

Bald Eagle

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

36/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

36/2/2026

Blue Jay

46/2/2026

American Crow

36/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

156/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

46/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

26/2/2026

Northern House Wren

16/2/2026

Marsh Wren

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Heard Farm Conservation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Heard Farm Conservation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Heard Farm Conservation Area?
Notable species at Heard Farm Conservation Area include Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Heard Farm Conservation Area?
Birding at Heard Farm Conservation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Heard Farm Conservation Area?
Heard Farm Conservation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.