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

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/17/2026Parker River NWR--Maintenance Area1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/17/2026Argilla-Northgate-Essex Rd. Fields Complex1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/16/2026Babbitt's yard1 observed

Gadwall x Mallard (hybrid)

Mareca strepera x Anas platyrhynchos

4/16/2026Greenlawn Cemetery1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Bald Hill Conservation Area1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/16/2026Witch Island, Hampton1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/15/2026Joppa Flats Education Center (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/14/2026

Mute Swan

24/14/2026

Blue-winged Teal

14/14/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/14/2026

Mallard

24/14/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/14/2026

American Goldfinch

14/14/2026

Gadwall

24/13/2026

Bufflehead

24/13/2026

Killdeer

24/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

34/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

44/13/2026

American Herring Gull

94/13/2026

Great Egret

14/13/2026

Northern Harrier

14/13/2026

Belted Kingfisher

24/13/2026

Song Sparrow

14/13/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/12/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/12/2026

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.