River/Riparian birding habitat

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 295 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

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

Mute Swan

26/2/2026

Muscovy Duck

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

26/2/2026

Canada Goose

366/2/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

26/2/2026

Common Grackle

26/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/2/2026

Gadwall

26/1/2026

Black-bellied Plover

56/1/2026

Willet

36/1/2026

American Herring Gull

16/1/2026

Common Loon

16/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

36/1/2026

Least Bittern

16/1/2026

Snowy Egret

16/1/2026

Osprey

26/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

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 - Hellcat Dike for birding?
The best months to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike 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 - Hellcat Dike?
Notable species at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, American Herring Gull, Northern Harrier, Common Raven. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike?
Birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike 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 - Hellcat Dike?
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.