Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 295 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and American Herring Gull 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

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

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

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

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

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/2026Turner Hill1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

3/5/2026Devereaux Beach1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/5/2026Andrews Point1 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

3/4/2026Halibut Point SP4 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

3/4/2026Yard List - Bean Yard1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/3/202624 scotland rd1 observed

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

3/2/2026Parker River NWR1 observed

Common Eider (Northern)

Somateria mollissima

3/2/2026Great Neck--Pavilion Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/2/2026

American Black Duck

23/2/2026

American Herring Gull

13/2/2026

Northern Harrier

23/2/2026

Common Raven

13/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/2/2026

White-throated Sparrow

63/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

83/2/2026

Common Eider

143/1/2026

Black Scoter

73/1/2026

Long-tailed Duck

23/1/2026

Bufflehead

223/1/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

33/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

83/1/2026

American Tree Sparrow

23/1/2026

Blue Jay

12/28/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

12/28/2026

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 Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike for birding?
The best months to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike?
Notable species at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, American Herring Gull, Northern Harrier, Common Raven. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike?
Birding at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike?
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Hellcat Dike offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.