Arlington Reservoir
Massachusetts · Northeast
Moderate
April-May, September-October
Free
Open daily, dawn to dusk
About This Location
Arlington Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mallard, Downy Woodpecker, and Common Raven among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.
Location
Loading map...
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
Gadwall
Mareca strepera
Iceland Gull (kumlieni)
Larus glaucoides
Eastern Towhee
Pipilo erythrophthalmus
Orange-crowned Warbler
Leiothlypis celata
Brown Thrasher
Toxostoma rufum
Clay-colored Sparrow
Spizella pallida
Pine Warbler
Setophaga pinus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mallard
Downy Woodpecker
Common Raven
American Robin
House Sparrow
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
American Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
American Black Duck
Hooded Merganser
Mourning Dove
Tufted Titmouse
European Starling
Song Sparrow
Birding Tips
- 1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
- 2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
- 3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.
- 4
A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.
- 5
Winter months bring peak waterfowl diversity — visit November through February for the best duck and goose viewing.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Great Meadows NWR
- Mystic Lakes
- Arlington Great Meadows
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 →