The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

William Forward Wildlife Management Area

Massachusetts · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

William Forward Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Great Blue HeronRed-winged BlackbirdMallardGreen HeronVirginia Rail

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

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

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

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/2/2026Greenlawn Cemetery1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/2/20261 - My Patch1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/1/2026Halibut Point SP1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

3/1/2026Hampton-Seabrook Marsh--Cross Beach Rd., Seabrook2 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

More in Massachusetts

Mount Auburn Cemetery

Historic Cambridge cemetery renowned as a spring warbler migrant trap.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Massachusetts barrier beach refuge vital for shorebirds and Piping Plovers.

Arnold Arboretum

Harvard's 281-acre living tree museum in Boston with 200+ bird species and outstanding warbler migration.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit William Forward Wildlife Management Area for birding?▼
The best months to visit William Forward Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at William Forward Wildlife Management Area?▼
Notable species at William Forward Wildlife Management Area include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at William Forward Wildlife Management Area?▼
Birding at William Forward Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at William Forward Wildlife Management Area?▼
William Forward Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.