Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Pileated Woodpecker 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

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/6/2026Home1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

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

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

3/5/2026home2 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

3/1/2026Hadley Cove1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

2/28/2026Turners Falls Power Canal1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/28/2026Turners Falls Power Canal1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

2/28/2026Liberty St. Bridge, Easthampton1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

13/4/2026

American Crow

283/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

63/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

53/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

43/4/2026

European Starling

123/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

73/4/2026

American Robin

23/4/2026

House Sparrow

63/4/2026

American Goldfinch

43/4/2026

American Tree Sparrow

53/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/4/2026

Mallard

33/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

23/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division for birding?
The best months to visit Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division?
Notable species at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division include Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, Red-winged Blackbird, Canada Goose, American Robin, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, European Starling, House Sparrow. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division?
Birding at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division?
There is no entrance fee at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division?
Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.