William Forward Wildlife Management Area

Massachusetts · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

William Forward Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Great Blue Heron Red-winged Blackbird Mallard Green Heron Virginia Rail

Live Bird Data

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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Bald Hill Conservation Area1 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

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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/16/2026Witch Island, Hampton1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Harrier

14/4/2026

Rough-legged Hawk

14/4/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Massachusetts

Mount Auburn Cemetery

Historic Cambridge cemetery renowned as a spring warbler migrant trap.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Massachusetts barrier beach refuge vital for shorebirds and Piping Plovers.

Arnold Arboretum

Harvard's 281-acre living tree museum in Boston with 200+ bird species and outstanding warbler migration.

Massachusetts Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Massachusetts →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit William Forward Wildlife Management Area for birding?▼

The best months to visit William Forward Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at William Forward Wildlife Management Area?▼

Notable species at William Forward Wildlife Management Area include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at William Forward Wildlife Management Area?▼

Birding at William Forward Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at William Forward Wildlife Management Area?▼

William Forward Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.