River/Riparian birding habitat

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Lot 1

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Lot 1 is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 286 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and White-winged Scoter 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

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

King Rail

Rallus elegans

7/11/2026Parker River Wildlife Refuge1 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

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

7/10/2026Parker River NWR--North Pool Overlook1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

7/10/2026Parker River NWR--Salt Pannes2 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/9/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/11/2026

Killdeer

27/11/2026

Willet

77/11/2026

Least Sandpiper

27/11/2026

Common Tern

17/11/2026

Osprey

17/11/2026

Purple Martin

507/11/2026

House Sparrow

27/11/2026

Song Sparrow

27/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

507/11/2026

House Finch

27/11/2026

Gadwall

17/11/2026

American Herring Gull

17/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/11/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/11/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/11/2026

Tree Swallow

47/11/2026

Barn Swallow

27/11/2026

Marsh Wren

17/11/2026

European Starling

27/11/2026

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 - Lot 1 for birding?
The best months to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Lot 1 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 - Lot 1?
Notable species at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Lot 1 include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Lot 1?
Birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Lot 1 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 - Lot 1?
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Lot 1 offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.