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

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/20/2026Hampton Harbor (overall)1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/20/2026188 US-1 S, Newburyport US-MA 42.79933, -70.876141 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/20/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation2 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/18/2026Sawyers Beach, Rye1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

127/20/2026

Mute Swan

47/20/2026

Gadwall

77/20/2026

Mallard

197/20/2026

American Black Duck

17/20/2026

Green-winged Teal

27/20/2026

Killdeer

17/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

67/20/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

27/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

27/20/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

1007/20/2026

Least Tern

17/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

127/20/2026

Glossy Ibis

27/20/2026

Snowy Egret

147/20/2026

Great Egret

87/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

67/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/20/2026

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.