Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Great Horned Owl, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Great Horned Owl

13/4/2026

Canada Goose

602/27/2026

Mallard

12/27/2026

Mourning Dove

22/27/2026

Bald Eagle

12/27/2026

Eastern Screech-Owl

22/27/2026

Eastern Bluebird

22/27/2026

American Robin

12/27/2026

Swamp Sparrow

12/27/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding?
The best months to visit Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Notable species at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) include Great Horned Owl, Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Birding at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)?
Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.