River/Riparian birding habitat

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - North Pool Overlook

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - North Pool Overlook is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 252 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Common Raven, Northern Harrier, and Surf 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

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/17/2026I-95 S, Byfield US-MA 42.77488, -70.930121 observed

Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans

7/17/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/17/20267 Atlantic Ave, Hampton Beach1 observed

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

Pine Grosbeak

Pinicola enucleator

7/13/2026Rt. 1A Pullout by Stone Angel, Rye1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

277/17/2026

American Black Duck

17/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/17/2026

Mallard

17/17/2026

Snowy Egret

17/17/2026

Great Egret

17/17/2026

Northern Harrier

17/17/2026

Gray Catbird

37/17/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/17/2026

American Goldfinch

17/17/2026

Song Sparrow

17/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/17/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

17/17/2026

House Finch

17/17/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/17/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/17/2026

Wood Duck

57/16/2026

Common Grackle

17/16/2026

Mourning Dove

37/15/2026

Killdeer

17/15/2026

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 - North Pool Overlook for birding?
The best months to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - North Pool Overlook 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 - North Pool Overlook?
Notable species at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - North Pool Overlook include Common Raven, Northern Harrier, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - North Pool Overlook?
Birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - North Pool Overlook 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 - North Pool Overlook?
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - North Pool Overlook offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.