River/Riparian birding habitat

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Pannes

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Pannes is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 281 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Robin, and Snowy Owl 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

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026Isles of Shoals--Appledore Island1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail2 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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

6/2/2026Isles of Shoals--Appledore Island1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

6/2/2026Isles of Shoals--Appledore Island1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

6/2/2026Isles of Shoals--Appledore Island1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

56/2/2026

Willet

16/2/2026

American Herring Gull

16/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

36/2/2026

American Goldfinch

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

26/2/2026

Gadwall

36/2/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

26/2/2026

Least Sandpiper

16/2/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

216/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

Song Sparrow

16/2/2026

Eastern Towhee

26/2/2026

Canada Goose

26/2/2026

Mallard

16/2/2026

Least Tern

26/2/2026

Common Grackle

16/2/2026

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 - Salt Pannes for birding?
The best months to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Pannes 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 - Salt Pannes?
Notable species at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Pannes include Canada Goose, American Robin, Snowy Owl, Bald Eagle, Merlin. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Pannes?
Birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Pannes 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 - Salt Pannes?
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Pannes offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.