Salt marsh and dunes at Parker River NWR on Plum Island

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalMarshWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

August-September

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Parker River NWR on Plum Island protects over 4,700 acres of barrier beach, dune, and salt marsh along the Massachusetts coast. It is a critical stopover for migrating shorebirds and hosts nesting Piping Plovers and Saltmarsh Sparrows.

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

7/21/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

7/21/2026Wright Farm Atkinson US-NH1 observed

Clapper Rail (Atlantic Coast)

Rallus crepitans

7/20/2026Plum Island (please use more refined location)1 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

17/21/2026

Semipalmated Plover

507/21/2026

Willet

27/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

1507/21/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

507/21/2026

Snowy Egret

27/21/2026

Great Egret

27/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/21/2026

Gray Catbird

17/21/2026

Mallard

37/21/2026

Mourning Dove

47/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/21/2026

House Finch

57/21/2026

American Goldfinch

17/21/2026

Chipping Sparrow

27/21/2026

Song Sparrow

17/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

127/21/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/21/2026

Common Grackle

37/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check the salt pannes for shorebirds during fall migration

  2. 2

    Winter visits can yield Snowy Owls on the dunes

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for birding are August-September. The best seasons are Spring and Winter.
What birds can I see at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge include Piping Plover, Saltmarsh Sparrow, Snowy Owl, Short-eared Owl, Purple Sandpiper, White-winged Scoter, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Common Goldeneye, Great Black-backed Gull. The area supports coastal, marsh, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is $5 per vehicle. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge?
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Observation Platforms.