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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail2 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail1 observed

Northern Fulmar

Fulmarus glacialis

6/2/2026Jeffrey's Ledge (NH)15 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

6/2/2026Jeffrey's Ledge (NH)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

6/2/2026Jeffrey's Ledge (NH)32 observed

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

6/2/2026Jeffrey's Ledge (NH)3 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

6/2/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans

6/2/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation2 observed

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

6/1/202651 Highland Avenue, Hampton, New Hampshire, US (42.915, -70.813)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

126/1/2026

Gadwall

16/1/2026

Mallard

206/1/2026

Green-winged Teal

26/1/2026

Mourning Dove

46/1/2026

Willet

66/1/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

406/1/2026

Common Tern

16/1/2026

Snowy Egret

16/1/2026

Great Egret

36/1/2026

Osprey

26/1/2026

Northern Harrier

16/1/2026

Bald Eagle

16/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/1/2026

Brown Thrasher

16/1/2026

American Robin

36/1/2026

Chipping Sparrow

26/1/2026

Song Sparrow

26/1/2026

Eastern Towhee

16/1/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/1/2026

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.