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

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

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/13/2026Great Neck1 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

Bridled Tern

Onychoprion anaethetus

7/13/2026Isles of Shoals--White and Seavey Islands, Rye1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/12/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/12/2026Parker River NWR--Salt Pannes1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/12/2026Tompson Street Reservation (ECGA)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/13/2026

Semipalmated Plover

67/13/2026

Willet

47/13/2026

Least Sandpiper

307/13/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

457/13/2026

Least Tern

67/13/2026

Snowy Egret

57/13/2026

Great Egret

27/13/2026

Osprey

27/13/2026

Northern Flicker

17/13/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/13/2026

Gray Catbird

27/13/2026

Song Sparrow

47/13/2026

Eastern Towhee

27/13/2026

Common Tern

57/13/2026

Tree Swallow

47/13/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

37/13/2026

Common Grackle

37/13/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

97/12/2026

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.