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

Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans

6/3/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

6/2/2026Parker River Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

6/2/2026Rye Harbor1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

46/3/2026

Mallard

186/3/2026

House Finch

16/3/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/3/2026

Northern Waterthrush

16/3/2026

Canada Goose

106/3/2026

Willet

16/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/3/2026

Great Egret

16/3/2026

Alder Flycatcher

16/3/2026

Willow Flycatcher

26/3/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/3/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/3/2026

Tree Swallow

16/3/2026

Gray Catbird

36/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

66/3/2026

Common Grackle

16/3/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

36/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/3/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

26/3/2026

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.