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

7/16/202651 Overlook Drive--Amherst1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/14/2026Honey Pot, Hadley1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/14/2026Montague Sandplains1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/13/2026Backyard1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/12/2026Keefe Ave1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/12/2026Quabbin Reservoir--Gate 351 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/12/2026Lithia Springs Road, South Hadley US-MA 42.28670, -72.563602 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/12/2026Atkins Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/14/2026

Green Heron

17/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/14/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/14/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/14/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/14/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/14/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/14/2026

Blue Jay

17/14/2026

American Crow

17/14/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/14/2026

European Starling

17/14/2026

Gray Catbird

17/14/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/14/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/14/2026

Veery

17/14/2026

Wood Thrush

17/14/2026

American Robin

17/14/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/14/2026

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.