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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026131 Court St, Exeter US-NH 42.96887, -70.953461 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/16/2026Hamlin Reservation (TTOR)1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Hamlin Reservation (TTOR)1 observed

Gadwall x Mallard (hybrid)

Mareca strepera x Anas platyrhynchos

4/16/2026Greenlawn Cemetery1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

4/16/2026US-New Hampshire-East Kingston-10 Autumn Lane - 42.943x-70.991 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Bald Hill Conservation Area1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/16/2026Witch Island, Hampton1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/15/2026Joppa Flats Education Center (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Gadwall

24/17/2026

Mallard

104/17/2026

American Black Duck

24/17/2026

Green-winged Teal

64/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/17/2026

Great Egret

14/17/2026

Mute Swan

24/17/2026

Common Eider

64/17/2026

Black Scoter

24/17/2026

Long-tailed Duck

404/17/2026

Bufflehead

64/17/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

24/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

24/17/2026

Mourning Dove

34/17/2026

Piping Plover

24/17/2026

American Herring Gull

164/17/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

34/17/2026

Horned Grebe

44/17/2026

Red-necked Grebe

14/17/2026

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.