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

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

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

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/12/2026Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newbury US-MA 42.79043, -70.809681 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

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

Black Guillemot

Cepphus grylle

7/11/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

7/11/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

7/11/2026Cherry Hill Reservoir1 observed

Bridled Tern

Onychoprion anaethetus

7/10/2026Isles of Shoals--White and Seavey Islands, Rye1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

97/10/2026

Mallard

107/10/2026

American Black Duck

167/10/2026

Green-winged Teal

37/10/2026

Ruddy Duck

17/10/2026

Killdeer

27/10/2026

Willet

27/10/2026

Least Sandpiper

97/10/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

37/10/2026

American Herring Gull

17/10/2026

Least Tern

57/10/2026

Forster's Tern

17/10/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/10/2026

Snowy Egret

17/10/2026

Willow Flycatcher

27/10/2026

Least Flycatcher

17/10/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/10/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/10/2026

Tree Swallow

47/10/2026

Gray Catbird

17/10/2026

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.