Illustration
State guide
When to catch Massachusetts'natural highlights
When is the best time to see nature in Massachusetts?
The peaks we can name in Massachusetts each belong to a place, not the whole state. Migrating birds at Parker River: the latter half of May; Southbound shorebirds at Parker River: August.
Each card below gives the source's own words and where they apply.
Checked Sep 30. Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Parker River bird list ↗ (opens in a new tab)
The peaks through the year
Named places, in their sources' words; not statewide dates
- Migrating birds at Parker River
the latter half of May
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge: the most kinds of birds
“Peak migratory bird diversity occurs during the latter half of May.”
- Southbound shorebirds at Parker River
August
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge: shorebird numbers
“By early July, southbound shorebird migrants begin to arrive with numbers peaking in August.”
On one calendar
Approximate months; the cards above give the timing
- Migrating birds at Parker RiverUsual peak: the latter half of May
- Southbound shorebirds at Parker RiverMost numerous: August
Solid: a usual peak, the best viewing time or when animals are most numerous. Hatched: a broader season, never a peak.
Pick a part of Massachusetts
4 places we follow
North Shore
- Parker River RefugeFall foliage
Greater Boston and MetroWest
- Assabet River RefugeFall foliage
- Fairsted (Olmsted NHS)Fall foliage
- Great Meadows RefugeWinter wildlife
Massachusetts on one map
Every place we follow here; tap one for its events
Browse by season and event
- Fall foliage · 3 places hereIn Massachusetts →Everywhere →
- Winter wildlife · 1 place hereIn Massachusetts →Everywhere →
Park guides and towns to stay in
Towns: straight-line distances on their own pages
Massachusetts in pictures
Illustrative photos, not current conditions
How we know
Every timing above, from these pages
- Sep 30Park ServicePeak migratory bird diversity in the latter half of May; southbound shorebird numbers peak in AugustSource (opens US Fish and Wildlife Service, Parker River bird list in a new tab)