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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026131 Court St, Exeter US-NH 42.96887, -70.953461 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

4/16/202627 Mount Vernon Cir, Lawrence US-MA (42.6806,-71.1804)1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/16/2026Hamlin Reservation (TTOR)1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Hamlin Reservation (TTOR)1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

4/16/2026Martins Pond1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/16/2026Babbitt's yard1 observed

Gadwall x Mallard (hybrid)

Mareca strepera x Anas platyrhynchos

4/16/2026Greenlawn Cemetery1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

4/16/2026US-New Hampshire-East Kingston-10 Autumn Lane - 42.943x-70.991 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Bald Hill Conservation Area1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/16/2026Witch Island, Hampton1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

14/15/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

14/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/15/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/15/2026

American Robin

34/15/2026

Wild Turkey

74/13/2026

Great Egret

44/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Blue Jay

14/13/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/13/2026

Hermit Thrush

24/13/2026

Song Sparrow

14/13/2026

Swamp Sparrow

14/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

64/13/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/12/2026

Osprey

34/12/2026

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.