2. Travel
  3. Massachusetts: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

May 2006

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a 4,662-acre site best known for its bird-watching opportunities. It occupies the southern two-thirds of Plum Island and is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Home to 800-plus species of plant and animal life, Parker River's most renowned resident is the Piping Plover, a small sandpiper-like bird that was named a protected species in 1986. When the plover is nesting, the refuge's beaches are closed and certain areas unavailable to visitors. This period usually ends by late July. More than 302 different species of birds have been spotted on the refuge over the past 20 years, including varieties of swans, herons, vultures, pheasant, gulls and woodpeckers. With a barrier beach, dunes, wooded groves, salt marsh, and wetland impoundments, a visit during migration is always worthwhile.
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  • Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

    Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

  • Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

    Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

  • Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

    Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

  • Eastern Kingbird

    Eastern Kingbird

    The Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) perches on treetops, fences, and utility poles. When another bird flies into its territory--even one much larger than itself--it attacks fiercely, uttering a piercing cry. When one of a pair starts the battle, the other usually joins in. Its aggressive behavior has earned this bird its common name. In late summer and early fall they often flock, and large numbers pursue flying insects; they also feed on wild berries, which they deftly pluck while on the wing.

  • Eastern Kingbird

    Eastern Kingbird

    The Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) perches on treetops, fences, and utility poles. When another bird flies into its territory--even one much larger than itself--it attacks fiercely, uttering a piercing cry. When one of a pair starts the battle, the other usually joins in. Its aggressive behavior has earned this bird its common name. In late summer and early fall they often flock, and large numbers pursue flying insects; they also feed on wild berries, which they deftly pluck while on the wing.

  • Snowy Egret

    Snowy Egret

    The Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) is a small, delicate white heron with a slender black bill, black legs, and yellow feet. It is found in small ponds as well as along the ocean shore.

  • Snowy Egret

    Snowy Egret

    The Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) is a small, delicate white heron with a slender black bill, black legs, and yellow feet. It is found in small ponds as well as along the ocean shore.

  • Snowy Egret

    Snowy Egret

    The Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) is a small, delicate white heron with a slender black bill, black legs, and yellow feet. It is found in small ponds as well as along the ocean shore.

  • Eastern Kingbird

    Eastern Kingbird

    The Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) perches on treetops, fences, and utility poles. When another bird flies into its territory--even one much larger than itself--it attacks fiercely, uttering a piercing cry. When one of a pair starts the battle, the other usually joins in. Its aggressive behavior has earned this bird its common name. In late summer and early fall they often flock, and large numbers pursue flying insects; they also feed on wild berries, which they deftly pluck while on the wing.

  • Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

    Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

  • Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

    Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

  • Great Cormorant

    Great Cormorant

    The Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is the most widely distributed of all the cormorants, breeding in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. In North America, however, it is restricted to just the Atlantic Coast, breeding in only a few colonies from Maine to Greenland.

  • Great Cormorant

    Great Cormorant

    The Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is the most widely distributed of all the cormorants, breeding in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. In North America, however, it is restricted to just the Atlantic Coast, breeding in only a few colonies from Maine to Greenland.

  • Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

    Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

  • Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

    Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

  • Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

    Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

  • Willet

    Willet

    Willet (Tringa semipalmata) - Piercing calls and distinctive wing markings make the otherwise subdued Willet one of our most conspicuous large shorebirds. Whether in mottled brown breeding plumage or gray winter colors, Willets in flight reveal a bold white and black stripe running the length of each wing. These long-legged, straight-billed shorebirds feed along beaches, mudflats, and rocky shores.

  • Willet

    Willet

    Willet (Tringa semipalmata) - Piercing calls and distinctive wing markings make the otherwise subdued Willet one of our most conspicuous large shorebirds. Whether in mottled brown breeding plumage or gray winter colors, Willets in flight reveal a bold white and black stripe running the length of each wing. These long-legged, straight-billed shorebirds feed along beaches, mudflats, and rocky shores.

  • Snowy Egret

    Snowy Egret

    The Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) is a small, delicate white heron with a slender black bill, black legs, and yellow feet. It is found in small ponds as well as along the ocean shore.

  • Snowy Egret

    Snowy Egret

    The Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) is a small, delicate white heron with a slender black bill, black legs, and yellow feet. It is found in small ponds as well as along the ocean shore.

  • Mute Swan

    Mute Swan

    Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) - Adults are all white with an orange bill that has a black knob at the base. Young birds are similar but dingy gray-brown, becoming whiter with age. The Mute Swan holds its neck in a graceful curve; native swans hold their necks straight up. The Mute Swan was introduced from Europe into northeastern United States and is resident and most common in southern New England, southeastern New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. It is also established locally in Michigan. With its wings arched over its back and its neck in a graceful S-curve, the male is extremely handsome on the water. Breeding pairs are highly aggressive and will defend the nest and young against all comers, using their powerful wings and strong bills to drive away other waterfowl and even humans.

  • Mute Swan

    Mute Swan

    Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) - Adults are all white with an orange bill that has a black knob at the base. Young birds are similar but dingy gray-brown, becoming whiter with age. The Mute Swan holds its neck in a graceful curve; native swans hold their necks straight up. The Mute Swan was introduced from Europe into northeastern United States and is resident and most common in southern New England, southeastern New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. It is also established locally in Michigan. With its wings arched over its back and its neck in a graceful S-curve, the male is extremely handsome on the water. Breeding pairs are highly aggressive and will defend the nest and young against all comers, using their powerful wings and strong bills to drive away other waterfowl and even humans.

  • Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

    Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

  • Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

    Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

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