a large lake surrounded by lush green hills

Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset (gate hours vary by season)

About This Location

Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Common Raven, and European Starling 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

7/22/2026Atkins Reservoir1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/21/2026Honey Pot, Hadley1 observed

Merlin (Taiga)

Falco columbarius

7/17/2026Smith College2 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/13/2026Backyard1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/12/2026Keefe Ave1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/12/2026Quabbin Reservoir--Gate 351 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/12/2026Lithia Springs Road, South Hadley US-MA 42.28670, -72.563602 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

27/19/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/19/2026

American Crow

57/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

57/19/2026

Barn Swallow

57/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/19/2026

American Goldfinch

27/19/2026

Chipping Sparrow

37/19/2026

Gray Catbird

47/17/2026

Wood Thrush

17/17/2026

American Robin

17/17/2026

Song Sparrow

27/17/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/17/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

17/17/2026

Prairie Warbler

17/17/2026

Scarlet Tanager

17/17/2026

Mourning Dove

17/9/2026

Chimney Swift

77/9/2026

Ring-billed Gull

77/9/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/9/2026

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.

  4. 4

    A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.

  5. 5

    Winter months bring peak waterfowl diversity — visit November through February for the best duck and goose viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters for birding?
The best months to visit Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters?
Notable species at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters include Bald Eagle, Common Raven, European Starling, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-winged Blackbird, Canada Goose, American Robin, Red-tailed Hawk, House Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Turkey Vulture. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters?
Birding at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters?
There is no entrance fee at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset (gate hours vary by season).
What amenities are available at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters?
Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.