Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset (gate hours vary by season)

About This Location

Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Common Raven, and European Starling 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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/5/2026Coldbrook Road North, Oakham MA2 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/5/2026Home1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

3/5/2026Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)5 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

3/5/2026home2 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

3/3/2026yard3 observed

Red Crossbill (Northeastern or type 12)

Loxia curvirostra

3/2/2026Coldbrook Road North, Oakham MA2 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

3/1/2026Hadley Cove1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

3/1/2026Coldbrook Road North, Oakham MA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bald Eagle

33/3/2026

Common Raven

13/3/2026

European Starling

33/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

12/27/2026

Tufted Titmouse

22/27/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

12/27/2026

American Goldfinch

32/27/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

42/27/2026

Song Sparrow

22/27/2026

American Crow

12/21/2026

Horned Lark

62/21/2026

Snow Bunting

52/21/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/21/2026

Blue Jay

22/21/2026

Brown Creeper

12/21/2026

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 Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters for birding?
The best months to visit Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters?
Notable species at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters include Bald Eagle, Common Raven, European Starling, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-winged Blackbird, Canada Goose, American Robin, Red-tailed Hawk, House Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Turkey Vulture. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters?
Birding at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters?
There is no entrance fee at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset (gate hours vary by season).
What amenities are available at Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters?
Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam and Park Headquarters offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.