Birds & Birding at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary’s diverse habitats include mix woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands that provide birdwatchers productive visits in all seasons with a list approaching 250 species. In winter, visitors can find a diversity of woodland residents including Pileated Woodpecker. In spring, large number of migratory songbirds utilize the sanctuary to rest and refuel on their northbound migration. Summer is a time to look and listed for secretive wetland breeders including Virginia Rail, Sora, and Least Bittern. Each autumn, thousands of waterfowl take refuge in Bunkers Meadow during the evening hours. Join us on an upcoming birding program or go birding on your own. The Visitor Center has binoculars available for loan, as well as a variety of field identification guides for sale.

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 Ipswich River, 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