Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Massachusetts · Northeast
Easy
April-May, September-October
$5 per vehicle
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
Bay-breasted Warbler
Setophaga castanea
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Nyctanassa violacea
Northern Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialis
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellata
Red-necked Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatus
Great Shearwater
Ardenna gravis
White-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys
Rusty Blackbird
Euphagus carolinus
Wilson's Warbler
Cardellina pusilla
King Rail
Rallus elegans
Clapper Rail
Rallus crepitans
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Gadwall
Mallard
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Canada Goose
Willet
Great Egret
Osprey
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Barn Swallow
Carolina Wren
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
American Goldfinch
Common Grackle
Northern Yellow Warbler
Great Black-backed Gull
Willow Flycatcher
Tufted Titmouse
Cedar Waxwing
Birding Tips
- 1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
- 2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
- 3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.
- 4
Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.
- 5
Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Plum Island
- Joppa Flats Education Center
- Newburyport Whale Watch
More in Massachusetts
Mount Auburn Cemetery
Historic Cambridge cemetery renowned as a spring warbler migrant trap.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Massachusetts barrier beach refuge vital for shorebirds and Piping Plovers.
Arnold Arboretum
Harvard's 281-acre living tree museum in Boston with 200+ bird species and outstanding warbler migration.
Massachusetts Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Massachusetts →