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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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/2/202624 Milton Rd, Brookline US-MA 42.32911, -71.127341 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail2 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

6/2/2026Middlesex Fells Reservation--Hemlock Pool1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

6/2/2026Middlesex Fells Reservation--Winford Way Entrance1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/2/2026Squantum Marshes1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

6/2/2026707 Shirley Street, Winthrop, Massachusetts, US (42.367, -70.973)2 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/2/2026Horn Pond Recreation Area1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Rose Kennedy Greenway1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

6/2/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans

6/2/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

26/2/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

26/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Least Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

96/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

126/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

36/2/2026

Northern House Wren

56/2/2026

Carolina Wren

26/2/2026

Gray Catbird

166/2/2026

American Robin

56/2/2026

American Goldfinch

26/2/2026

Common Grackle

46/2/2026

Northern Waterthrush

16/2/2026

American Redstart

66/2/2026

Magnolia Warbler

26/2/2026

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.

  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.