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

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

4/17/202660 Montclair Rd, Haverhill US-MA (42.8011,-71.0981)1 observed

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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026131 Court St, Exeter US-NH 42.96887, -70.953461 observed

Gadwall x Mallard (hybrid)

Mareca strepera x Anas platyrhynchos

4/16/2026Greenlawn Cemetery1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

4/16/2026US-New Hampshire-East Kingston-10 Autumn Lane - 42.943x-70.991 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Bald Hill Conservation Area1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/16/2026Witch Island, Hampton1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/17/2026

Gadwall

24/17/2026

Mallard

104/17/2026

American Black Duck

24/17/2026

Green-winged Teal

64/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/17/2026

Great Egret

14/17/2026

Surf Scoter

44/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

54/16/2026

American Herring Gull

64/16/2026

Osprey

44/16/2026

Northern Flicker

24/16/2026

American Kestrel

24/16/2026

Blue-headed Vireo

14/16/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/16/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

24/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/16/2026

American Robin

124/16/2026

American Goldfinch

44/16/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/16/2026

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.