Norwottuck Rail Trail

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/5/2026Home1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

3/5/2026Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)5 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

3/5/2026home2 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

3/1/2026Hadley Cove1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

2/28/2026Turners Falls Power Canal1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/28/2026Turners Falls Power Canal1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

2/28/2026Liberty St. Bridge, Easthampton1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

43/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

33/5/2026

American Crow

63/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

53/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

43/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/5/2026

American Goldfinch

33/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

53/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

43/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

33/5/2026

Canada Goose

23/1/2026

Mallard

43/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

13/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/1/2026

Horned Lark

13/1/2026

Carolina Wren

13/1/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/1/2026

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.