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

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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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/17/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/16/2026Crane Beach (TTOR)1 observed

Clapper Rail (Atlantic Coast)

Rallus crepitans

7/14/2026Plum Island (please use more refined location)2 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

7/13/2026Parker River NWR--Maintenance Area1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

7/13/2026Parker River NWR--Bill Forward Pool1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/13/2026Winter Island1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/12/2026World End Pond, Salem1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Tree Swallow

4007/12/2026

Song Sparrow

37/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

77/12/2026

Mourning Dove

67/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/10/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/10/2026

Gray Catbird

17/10/2026

American Robin

17/10/2026

Cedar Waxwing

27/10/2026

American Goldfinch

37/10/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/10/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/10/2026

Great Egret

27/8/2026

Northern Flicker

27/8/2026

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.