River/Riparian birding habitat

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Bill Forward Pool

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Bill Forward Pool is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts American Herring Gull, Northern Harrier, and Northern Mockingbird 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

84/16/2026

Mute Swan

24/16/2026

Northern Shoveler

34/16/2026

Gadwall

14/16/2026

Mallard

14/16/2026

American Black Duck

44/16/2026

Greater Scaup

34/16/2026

Bufflehead

64/16/2026

Wilson's Snipe

34/16/2026

Fish Crow

14/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/16/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/16/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/16/2026

American Robin

34/16/2026

Purple Finch

24/16/2026

Field Sparrow

14/16/2026

Savannah Sparrow

24/16/2026

Song Sparrow

24/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/16/2026

Common Grackle

14/16/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Bill Forward Pool for birding?
The best months to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Bill Forward Pool 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 - Bill Forward Pool?
Notable species at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Bill Forward Pool include American Herring Gull, Northern Harrier, Northern Mockingbird, American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Bill Forward Pool?
Birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Bill Forward Pool is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Bill Forward Pool?
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Bill Forward Pool offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.