Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 35

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 35 is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Black-capped Chickadee 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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/5/2026Coldbrook Road North, Oakham MA2 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

3/3/2026Royalston Town Center2 observed

Red Crossbill (Northeastern or type 12)

Loxia curvirostra

3/2/2026Coldbrook Road North, Oakham MA2 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

3/1/2026Coldbrook Road North, Oakham MA1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

2/28/2026Turners Falls Power Canal1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/28/2026Turners Falls Power Canal1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

2/28/2026598 S Pleasant St, Amherst US-MA 42.35751, -72.520342 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

2/28/202652 Pond St, Gardner US-MA 42.57628, -72.009651 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

2/28/2026Settright1 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

2/27/20261180 S East St, Amherst- Andrew’s Greenhouses.6 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Downy Woodpecker

12/22/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/22/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

62/22/2026

Tufted Titmouse

12/22/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

32/22/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

22/22/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

12/21/2026

Common Raven

22/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

12/21/2026

Brown Creeper

12/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 35 for birding?
The best months to visit Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 35 for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 35?
Notable species at Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 35 include Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Golden-crowned Kinglet. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 35?
Birding at Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 35 is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 35?
Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 35 offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.