The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge

New Hampshire · Northeast

ModerateOfficial Site
Habitat
WetlandForest
Best Seasons
SpringSummer
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-July

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Pondicherry NWR in New Hampshire's White Mountains region protects a unique mosaic of boreal bog, marsh, and spruce-fir forest habitats. The refuge sits at the southern edge of the boreal zone, making it one of the best places in New England to find typically northern species.

The Pondicherry Loop Trail offers access to the refuge's diverse habitats, where birders can find Black-backed Woodpeckers, Boreal Chickadees, and Gray Jays among the spruces, while the marsh hosts American Bitterns and Wilson's Snipe.

Location

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Notable Species

Black-backed WoodpeckerSpruce GrouseBoreal ChickadeeGray JayPalm Warbler

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/4/2026Rt. 1A, Second Pullout South of Odiorne Point, Rye1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/4/2026Rt. 1A, Second Pullout South of Odiorne Point, Rye1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/4/202620 Mechanic Street, Gorham, New Hampshire, US (44.391, -71.177)1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/4/2026Gilford Home1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

3/4/2026910 First Crown Point Rd, Strafford US-NH 43.32380, -71.120068 observed

Pine Siskin (green morph)

Spinus pinus

3/3/2026Reed Road, Colebrook, New Hampshire, US (44.897, -71.466)1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Red)

Passerella iliaca

3/3/20262 Holstein Backyard2 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/3/202624 scotland rd1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/3/2026Pulpit Rocks, Rye1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/3/2026Pulpit Rocks, Rye1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/3/2026Pulpit Rocks, Rye1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

3/3/2026South Rd, Deerfield3 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/3/2026Gilford Home1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/2/2026house1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

3/2/202671 Park St, Northfield US-NH 43.43905, -71.593163 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

3/2/2026Penacook Boscawen .751 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/2/20261 - My Patch1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/2/2026Gilford Home1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/1/2026Pulpit Rocks, Rye1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/1/2026Pulpit Rocks, Rye1 observed

Recent Observations

American Goldfinch

UNH--Main Campus, Durham

3/4/2026

7 birds

Mourning Dove

7 Crestview Dr, Dover US-NH 43.21447, -70.89290

3/4/2026

2 birds

Pileated Woodpecker

7 Crestview Dr, Dover US-NH 43.21447, -70.89290

3/4/2026

1 birds

Red-bellied Woodpecker

7 Crestview Dr, Dover US-NH 43.21447, -70.89290

3/4/2026

1 birds

Dark-eyed Junco

7 Crestview Dr, Dover US-NH 43.21447, -70.89290

3/4/2026

5 birds

Tufted Titmouse

7 Crestview Dr, Dover US-NH 43.21447, -70.89290

3/4/2026

2 birds

House Finch

7 Crestview Dr, Dover US-NH 43.21447, -70.89290

3/4/2026

2 birds

Downy Woodpecker

7 Crestview Dr, Dover US-NH 43.21447, -70.89290

3/4/2026

1 birds

White-breasted Nuthatch

7 Crestview Dr, Dover US-NH 43.21447, -70.89290

3/4/2026

2 birds

Black-capped Chickadee

7 Crestview Dr, Dover US-NH 43.21447, -70.89290

3/4/2026

2 birds

Eastern Bluebird

7 Crestview Dr, Dover US-NH 43.21447, -70.89290

3/4/2026

2 birds

Hairy Woodpecker

7 Crestview Dr, Dover US-NH 43.21447, -70.89290

3/4/2026

1 birds

Northern Harrier

Hampton Beach SP

3/4/2026

1 birds

American Herring Gull

Bicentennial Park, Hampton

3/4/2026

4 birds

Common Eider

Bicentennial Park, Hampton

3/4/2026

3 birds

Long-tailed Duck

Bicentennial Park, Hampton

3/4/2026

2 birds

Common Loon

Bicentennial Park, Hampton

3/4/2026

3 birds

Black Scoter

Bicentennial Park, Hampton

3/4/2026

1 birds

Horned Grebe

Bicentennial Park, Hampton

3/4/2026

3 birds

Surf Scoter

Bicentennial Park, Hampton

3/4/2026

3 birds

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk the Pondicherry Loop Trail early in the morning for the best chance at boreal specialties

  2. 2

    Listen for Black-backed Woodpeckers drumming on dead spruce trees — they are quiet and easily overlooked

Amenities

Parking
Trails

Nearby Attractions

  • White Mountain National Forest
  • Presidential Range

Birding Guides

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

12 min read

Top Spring Migration Hotspots Across America

10 min read

Fall Migration Guide: Hawks, Sparrows, and More

10 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge for birding?▼
The best months to visit Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge for birding are May-July. The best seasons are Spring and Summer.
What birds can I see at Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge?▼
Notable species at Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge include Black-backed Woodpecker, Spruce Grouse, Boreal Chickadee, Gray Jay, Palm Warbler. The area supports wetland, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge?▼
Birding at Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge?▼
There is no entrance fee at Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge?▼
Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.