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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/11/2026Honey Pot, Hadley1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/11/2026Montague Sandplains2 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/11/2026Montague Plains WMA5 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

7/10/2026Quabbin Reservoir--Gate 351 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/10/2026Lithia Springs Trail1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/9/2026Florence neighborhood2 observed

Red Crossbill (Northeastern or type 12)

Loxia curvirostra

7/9/2026Montague Sandplains6 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

67/10/2026

Mourning Dove

37/10/2026

Green Heron

17/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/10/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/10/2026

Northern Flicker

37/10/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/10/2026

Willow Flycatcher

27/10/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/10/2026

Blue Jay

27/10/2026

Tufted Titmouse

37/10/2026

Tree Swallow

17/10/2026

Barn Swallow

357/10/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/10/2026

Gray Catbird

47/10/2026

American Robin

157/10/2026

House Sparrow

107/10/2026

American Goldfinch

47/10/2026

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.