Birds & Birding at Boston Nature Center

The Boston Nature Center hosts a wide variety of birds year-round. In fact, the BNC has over 170 documented species sightings on eBird.  BNC’s unique positioning as a greenspace amongst urban development creates opportunities for city birders to see an abundance of species without traveling far.  

Look for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Warbling Vireos in summer, Fox Sparrows in the winter, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers year-round, in addition to more common Massachusetts species. Check out the Tree Swallow nest boxes along our driveway, which boasts one of the highest densities of nesting tree swallows in the city.  

Join a weekly bird walk, a focused birding program, or venture out on a self-guided birding experience. 

Learn About Local Birds & Birding

Familiarize yourself with common birds and best practices for birding, bird feeders, and more. Learn more

Get Mass Audubon's Bird Checklist

Track the birds you encounter at the Boston Nature Center, and throughout the state, with Mass Audubon's Bird Checklist. Get the free checklist

Share Your Sightings

After your visit, take a few minutes to submit your sightings to Mass Audubon's eBird page, a collaboration with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Submit your sightings