green trees beside river under cloudy sky during daytime

Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Pileated Woodpecker 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

6/2/2026Montague Plains WMA6 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/2/2026Honey Pot -Hadley1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

6/2/2026Honey Pot -Hadley2 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

6/2/202642 Perimeter Rd, Ludlow US-MA 42.20506, -72.516362 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026Long Mountain1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/2/2026Honey Pot -Hadley1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/1/2026Azalea Way, Belchertown, MA1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

6/1/2026Honey Pot -Hadley4 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

6/1/2026Holyoke Dam (Hampshire Co. side)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

6/1/2026Alexandra Dawson Conservation Area1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

6/1/202652 Round Hill Rd, Northampton US-MA 42.32392, -72.640801 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

6/1/2026East Meadows, Northampton1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Vulture

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

26/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

56/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

26/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

56/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

46/2/2026

Northern House Wren

16/2/2026

European Starling

76/2/2026

Gray Catbird

66/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/2/2026

Wood Thrush

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division for birding?
The best months to visit Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division?
Notable species at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division include Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, Red-winged Blackbird, Canada Goose, American Robin, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, European Starling, House Sparrow. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division?
Birding at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division?
There is no entrance fee at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division?
Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.