Wetland birding habitat

William Forward Wildlife Management Area

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Pine Grosbeak

Pinicola enucleator

7/13/2026Rt. 1A Pullout by Stone Angel, Rye1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

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

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/13/2026Great Neck1 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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/12/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/12/2026Parker River NWR--Salt Pannes1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/12/2026Tompson Street Reservation (ECGA)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Broad-winged Hawk

17/13/2026

Canada Goose

157/13/2026

Mallard

157/13/2026

Mourning Dove

17/13/2026

Killdeer

37/13/2026

Willet

107/13/2026

Sanderling

27/13/2026

Least Sandpiper

37/13/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

27/13/2026

American Herring Gull

47/13/2026

Least Tern

27/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/13/2026

Snowy Egret

117/13/2026

Great Egret

47/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/13/2026

Osprey

27/13/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/13/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/13/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

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.