Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is a coastal sanctuary on Plum Island featuring sandy beaches, dunes, marshes, and mudflats along the Atlantic Ocean. The landscape combines different habitats that support hundreds of bird species along with mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

This refuge was established in 1942 as a protected space for migratory birds traveling between northern and southern regions along the Atlantic coast. Its creation was part of a broader effort to safeguard crucial rest areas for birds on their long journeys.

Bird populations use this sanctuary as a critical stopover during their annual migrations along the Atlantic coast. The refuge holds meaning for people interested in witnessing natural movements and seasonal rhythms.

The best time to visit is during spring and fall migration seasons when bird sightings are most active and common. The site has several walking trails of varying difficulty, allowing visitors to explore different habitat types at their own pace.

From June through September, sections of the beach remain closed to protect nesting birds and resting seals. This seasonal closure creates a rare undisturbed zone where marine mammals and ground-nesting birds thrive in relative isolation.

Location: Massachusetts

Inception: 1942

Email: parkerriver@fws.gov

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/parker_river

GPS coordinates: 42.74530,-70.80780

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:55