Horn Pond Recreation Area

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Horn Pond Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 239 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Wood Duck 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

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/6/2026Jordan's Furniture Marsh, Reading1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

3/6/2026Woburn Community Gardens1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/6/202620 Lincoln Road1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

3/5/2026Weston Rd. Community Garden, Wellesley1 observed

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

3/5/2026Devereaux Beach1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

3/5/2026Devereaux Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

23/6/2026

Mallard

123/6/2026

Mourning Dove

63/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

33/6/2026

Blue Jay

33/6/2026

American Crow

23/6/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

153/6/2026

Tufted Titmouse

43/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

43/6/2026

Carolina Wren

23/6/2026

European Starling

13/6/2026

House Sparrow

403/6/2026

American Goldfinch

13/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

63/6/2026

White-throated Sparrow

83/6/2026

Song Sparrow

23/6/2026

Common Grackle

23/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

63/6/2026

Canada Goose

13/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

23/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.

  5. 5

    Winter months bring peak waterfowl diversity — visit November through February for the best duck and goose viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Horn Pond Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Horn Pond Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Horn Pond Recreation Area?
Notable species at Horn Pond Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Wood Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, American Robin, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Horn Pond Recreation Area?
Birding at Horn Pond Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Horn Pond Recreation Area?
There is no entrance fee at Horn Pond Recreation Area. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Horn Pond Recreation Area?
Horn Pond Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.