Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free for Mass Audubon members, $3 non-members

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull, and Downy Woodpecker 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

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/6/2026Woburn Community Gardens1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

3/6/2026Woburn Community Gardens1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

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

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

3/5/2026Andrews Point1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/2026Turner Hill1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

3/5/2026Devereaux Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

13/2/2026

American Herring Gull

23/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

American Crow

53/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/2/2026

Brown Creeper

13/2/2026

American Robin

13/2/2026

House Finch

33/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding?
The best months to visit Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Notable species at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) include Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-winged Scoter, Ring-billed Gull, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, European Starling, Eastern Bluebird, Dark-eyed Junco. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Birding at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
The entrance fee at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is Free for Mass Audubon members, $3 non-members. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.