Great Meadows Refugewinter wildlife
White-tailed deer rut in November, when deer activity across the refuge is high, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Nov 1–30). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Great Meadows Refuge · September
- Fall waterfowl migration: heavy use of the wetlands across Great Meadows, Assabet River and Oxbow refuges (fall on the bird list: September–November) · Sep–Nov
34days to the next winter wildlife seasonNov 1–30, local timing
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Spring bird migration: tree swallows, black-and-white warblers and ring-necked ducks arrive (spring on the refuge bird list: March–May)Mar–May
- Fall waterfowl migration: heavy use of the wetlands across Great Meadows, Assabet River and Oxbow refuges (fall on the bird list: September–November)NowSep–Nov
- Nov: White-tailed deer rut, NovemberNov
Where to watch
- Concord Unit observation towerA large tower an easy walk from the Monsen Road parking lot in Concord; open sunrise to sunset year round, with an entrance fee at this unit.
- Dike Trail observation pier (Concord Unit)A pier midway along the Dike Trail overlooking the lower pool; the trail runs between the unit's two impoundments to the Concord River.
Great Meadows Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Meadows NWR: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Meadows NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Meadows, Assabet River and Oxbow NWRs bird list (May 2010) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Meadows NWR: Birding (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge?
White-tailed deer rut in November, when deer activity across the refuge is high, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Nov 1–30. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 34 days (Nov 1–30, local timing).
Is there a fee?
Yes, there's an entrance fee at the Concord Unit.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Meadows NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When are the units open?
Both the Concord Unit and the Sudbury Unit (Weir Hill) are open year round, sunrise to sunset.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Meadows NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
No. The refuge asks visitors not to bring pets.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Meadows NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where is the Sudbury Unit, and how is it different?
It's a separate unit at 73 Weir Hill Road in Sudbury, with trails around ponds down toward the Sudbury River, a lookout on each of its two trails, an accessible boardwalk and a canoe and kayak launch. The Weir Hill Trail has an incline with wooden stairs.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Meadows NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I visit in winter?
Yes. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the trails in winter can offer good wildlife viewing. Stay on the designated paths and trails.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Meadows NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge?
Concord Unit observation tower: a large tower an easy walk from the Monsen Road parking lot in Concord; open sunrise to sunset year round, with an entrance fee at this unit.; Dike Trail observation pier (Concord Unit): a pier midway along the Dike Trail overlooking the lower pool; the trail runs between the unit's two impoundments to the Concord River..
What is Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
White-tailed deer rut, November (Nov), Spring bird migration: tree swallows, black-and-white warblers and ring-necked ducks arrive (spring on the refuge bird list: March–May) (Mar–May) and Fall waterfowl migration: heavy use of the wetlands across Great Meadows, Assabet River and Oxbow refuges (fall on the bird list: September–November) (Sep–Nov).