Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

New Hampshire · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

CoastalWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New Hampshire, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and 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

Sanderling Brown Pelican Osprey Royal Tern Willet

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/6/2026Woodridge neighborhood1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

3/6/2026Blackberry Hill Road, Berwick1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/6/2026US-New Hampshire-East Kingston-10 Autumn Lane - 42.943x-70.991 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

3/6/2026Dead Duck Cove, Eliot Boat Launch2 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/6/202616 Whippoorwill Ln, Kittery US-ME (43.1004,-70.7192)1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026806 Main St., South Eliot3 observed

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

3/5/2026Rye Harbor SP (Ragged Neck)1 observed

Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

3/5/2026Backyard, Berwick1 observed

Eastern Screech-Owl

Megascops asio

3/5/2026Dead Duck Cove, Eliot Boat Launch1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (leucophrys)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/5/2026Dunn Farm, Berwick1 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

3/4/2026Spinney Lane and Durham Reservoir1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/4/2026Rt. 1A, Second Pullout South of Odiorne Point, Rye1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/3/202624 scotland rd1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

More in New Hampshire

Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge

New England boreal habitat with rare northern species at the edge of their southern range.

Airport Road, Swanzey

Forest birding hotspot in New Hampshire with 203 recorded species.

Elm Brook Recreation Area, Hopkinton

Forest birding hotspot in New Hampshire with 204 recorded species.

New Hampshire Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New Hampshire →

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge for birding?▼

The best months to visit Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Notable species at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Birding at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.