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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail2 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

6/2/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans

6/2/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation2 observed

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

6/1/202651 Highland Avenue, Hampton, New Hampshire, US (42.915, -70.813)2 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Plum Island--Parker River NWR & Sandy Pt. State Reservation1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Willet

35/26/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/26/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/26/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/26/2026

Tree Swallow

25/26/2026

Carolina Wren

15/26/2026

Gray Catbird

25/26/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/26/2026

Saltmarsh Sparrow

45/26/2026

Song Sparrow

15/26/2026

Bobolink

15/26/2026

Baltimore Oriole

25/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

105/26/2026

Canada Warbler

15/26/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/26/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/26/2026

American Crow

15/26/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/26/2026

American Goldfinch

25/26/2026

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.