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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/18/202612–18 Sunset Dr, Newbury US-MA 42.79752, -70.812631 observed

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian x American)

Anas crecca

4/18/2026Parker River NWR--Bill Forward Pool1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/18/2026Higgins Marsh1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/18/2026Plum Island (please use more refined location)2 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/18/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

4/18/2026Huckleberry Lane, Hampton1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Glossy Ibis

114/18/2026

Northern Flicker

14/18/2026

American Kestrel

14/18/2026

Canada Goose

44/18/2026

Mute Swan

14/18/2026

American Black Duck

34/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/18/2026

Bufflehead

104/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/18/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/18/2026

Great Egret

14/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/18/2026

Osprey

24/18/2026

Song Sparrow

14/18/2026

Swamp Sparrow

14/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

84/18/2026

Mallard

34/18/2026

American Bittern

14/18/2026

Northern Harrier

14/18/2026

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.