Calm water reflects blue sky and distant sand dunes.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 362 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and American Herring Gull 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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

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

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/12/2026Parker River NWR--Salt Pannes1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/12/2026Tompson Street Reservation (ECGA)2 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

7/12/2026Parker River NWR--Maintenance Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Semipalmated Sandpiper

37/12/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/12/2026

Song Sparrow

17/12/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

17/12/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

47/12/2026

Willet

27/12/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

47/12/2026

Least Sandpiper

307/12/2026

Osprey

17/12/2026

Tree Swallow

147/12/2026

European Starling

187/12/2026

American Goldfinch

27/12/2026

Saltmarsh Sparrow

27/12/2026

Snowy Egret

97/12/2026

Gray Catbird

27/12/2026

Canada Goose

17/12/2026

Gadwall

107/12/2026

Mallard

127/12/2026

American Black Duck

27/12/2026

Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)

27/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, American Herring Gull, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, White-winged Scoter, Ring-billed Gull, Common Goldeneye, Great Black-backed Gull, Horned Grebe, Downy Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is $5 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.