Forest birding habitat

Norwottuck Rail Trail

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Norwottuck Rail Trail is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, 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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

6/2/2026Montague Plains WMA6 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/2/2026Honey Pot -Hadley1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

6/2/2026Honey Pot -Hadley2 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

6/2/202642 Perimeter Rd, Ludlow US-MA 42.20506, -72.516362 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026Long Mountain1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/2/2026Honey Pot -Hadley1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/1/2026Azalea Way, Belchertown, MA1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

6/1/2026Honey Pot -Hadley4 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

6/1/2026Holyoke Dam (Hampshire Co. side)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

6/1/2026Alexandra Dawson Conservation Area1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

6/1/202652 Round Hill Rd, Northampton US-MA 42.32392, -72.640801 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

6/1/2026East Meadows, Northampton1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/1/2026Norwottuck Rail Trail--Station Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

66/2/2026

Mourning Dove

46/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

36/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

66/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

46/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

66/2/2026

Barn Swallow

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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