Forest birding habitat

Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Great Horned Owl, Canada Goose, and Mallard among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail2 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

6/2/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans

6/2/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation2 observed

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

6/1/202651 Highland Avenue, Hampton, New Hampshire, US (42.915, -70.813)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

35/29/2026

Mourning Dove

25/29/2026

Killdeer

15/29/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

15/29/2026

Willet

45/29/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

15/29/2026

American Herring Gull

25/29/2026

Great Cormorant

15/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

45/29/2026

Glossy Ibis

285/29/2026

Great Egret

15/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/29/2026

Northern Flicker

25/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/29/2026

Alder Flycatcher

15/29/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/29/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

35/29/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding?
The best months to visit Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Notable species at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) include Great Horned Owl, Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Birding at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.