Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/5/2026Parker River NWR--Hellcat Boardwalk Trail3 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/5/2026Horn Pond Recreation Area1 observed

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

3/5/2026Andrews Point1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

3/5/2026Horn Pond Recreation Area1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/2026Turner Hill1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

3/5/2026Devereaux Beach1 observed

Brant (Black)

Branta bernicla

3/5/2026Nahant--Short Beach3 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/5/2026Andrews Point1 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

3/4/2026Halibut Point SP4 observed

Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x islandica

3/4/2026Winthrop Beach and Five Sisters1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

73/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/3/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

43/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/3/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Blue Jay

33/3/2026

American Crow

23/3/2026

Common Raven

33/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

163/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

83/3/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

103/3/2026

European Starling

13/3/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/3/2026

House Sparrow

83/3/2026

American Goldfinch

13/3/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

103/3/2026

Song Sparrow

43/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

73/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding?
The best months to visit Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Notable species at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) include Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Birding at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.