Quabbin Reservoir - Gate 35

Massachusetts · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Golden-crowned Kinglet

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

6/2/2026Montague Plains WMA6 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026Long Mountain1 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

6/1/2026Foundations Long Meadow Brook1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

6/1/2026Home1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/1/2026Norwottuck Rail Trail--Station Rd.1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/31/2026Montague Plains Wildlife Management Area, Montague US-MA (42.556, -72.522)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

45/31/2026

Common Merganser

15/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/31/2026

Least Sandpiper

25/31/2026

Common Loon

55/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

45/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

55/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

Veery

35/31/2026

Wood Thrush

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/31/2026

Ovenbird

45/31/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

25/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/31/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Massachusetts

Mount Auburn Cemetery

Historic Cambridge cemetery renowned as a spring warbler migrant trap.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Massachusetts barrier beach refuge vital for shorebirds and Piping Plovers.

Arnold Arboretum

Harvard's 281-acre living tree museum in Boston with 200+ bird species and outstanding warbler migration.

Massachusetts Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Massachusetts →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.