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

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

284/16/2026

Mute Swan

24/16/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/16/2026

Common Eider

64/16/2026

Bufflehead

64/16/2026

Mourning Dove

14/16/2026

American Herring Gull

24/16/2026

Red-necked Grebe

14/16/2026

Common Loon

14/16/2026

Northern Flicker

14/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

34/16/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/16/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

14/16/2026

American Robin

44/16/2026

American Goldfinch

14/16/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/16/2026

Savannah Sparrow

34/16/2026

Song Sparrow

34/16/2026

Eastern Towhee

24/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

124/16/2026

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 - 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.