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

7/17/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/16/2026Crane Beach (TTOR)1 observed

Clapper Rail (Atlantic Coast)

Rallus crepitans

7/14/2026Plum Island (please use more refined location)2 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

7/13/2026Parker River NWR--Maintenance Area1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

7/13/2026Parker River NWR--Bill Forward Pool1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/13/2026Winter Island1 observed

Cory's Shearwater

Calonectris borealis

7/13/2026Jeffrey's Ledge (NH)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-eyed Vireo

17/17/2026

American Redstart

17/17/2026

Canada Goose

177/17/2026

American Black Duck

147/17/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

67/17/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

17/17/2026

Willet

37/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/17/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

17/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/17/2026

American Herring Gull

27/17/2026

Least Tern

27/17/2026

Black Tern

27/17/2026

Common Tern

17/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/17/2026

Least Bittern

17/17/2026

Great Egret

37/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/17/2026

Tree Swallow

107/17/2026

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.