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Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free for Mass Audubon members, $3 non-members

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull, and Downy 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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/13/202611 Woodside Park, Winthrop, Mass., US (42.369, -70.986)3 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/13/2026Sylvester Baxter Riverfront Park1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/13/2026Belle Isle Marsh1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

7/13/2026Parker River NWR--Maintenance Area1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/13/2026Fenway Victory Gardens1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/13/2026Great Neck1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

7/13/2026Parker River NWR--Bill Forward Pool1 observed

Razorbill

Alca torda

7/13/2026Castle Island and Pleasure Bay1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/13/2026Winter Island1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

7/13/2026Winthrop Beach and Five Sisters30 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/12/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-eyed Vireo

37/10/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/10/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/10/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

37/10/2026

Northern House Wren

27/10/2026

Carolina Wren

37/10/2026

Gray Catbird

67/10/2026

American Robin

57/10/2026

American Goldfinch

37/10/2026

Common Grackle

27/10/2026

Northern Cardinal

57/10/2026

Chimney Swift

37/8/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/8/2026

Blue-headed Vireo

17/8/2026

American Crow

67/8/2026

Wood Thrush

17/8/2026

House Sparrow

27/8/2026

Song Sparrow

27/8/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/5/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding?
The best months to visit Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Notable species at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) include Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-winged Scoter, Ring-billed Gull, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, European Starling, Eastern Bluebird, Dark-eyed Junco. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Birding at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
The entrance fee at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is Free for Mass Audubon members, $3 non-members. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.