Coastal birding habitat

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Stage Island Pool

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalRiver/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Stage Island Pool is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

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

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail1 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

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

6/1/202651 Highland Avenue, Hampton, New Hampshire, US (42.915, -70.813)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

46/2/2026

Mallard

36/2/2026

Song Sparrow

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

36/2/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Willet

25/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

55/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Canada Goose

65/28/2026

Least Tern

35/28/2026

Snowy Egret

25/28/2026

Great Egret

35/28/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/28/2026

American Crow

25/28/2026

Gray Catbird

15/28/2026

American Robin

15/28/2026

Bobolink

15/28/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/28/2026

Common Grackle

15/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 - Stage Island Pool for birding?
The best months to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Stage Island Pool 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 - Stage Island Pool?
Notable species at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Stage Island Pool include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal, river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Stage Island Pool?
Birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Stage Island Pool 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 - Stage Island Pool?
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Stage Island Pool offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.