Bird watching on the Massachusetts North Shore
It is not just Goldfinches. Spring bird migration is just beginning, making it a great time to go bird watching during your stay at Goldfinch Cottage. The North Shore is home to many excellent birding spots, from coastal marshes to quiet forest trails, all just a short drive from the house. The best times for birding are early morning and close to sunset when most birds are more active. Enjoy bird watching on the Massachusetts North Shore.
If you’re new to birding or want a more structured experience, Mass Audubon offers guided bird-watching programs nearby. The closest events are typically held in the Newburyport area or at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which is widely recognized as one of the best birding locations in New England.
Some great places to bird watch
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (7 minutes from Goldfinch Cottage) is not to be missed. It features short boardwalk trails over dunes and marshes, scenic beaches, and raised viewing platforms. The refuge is also a launch point for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards (just across from Lot 1), or you can book a guided paddle tour with Yankee Clipper Tours. For the best experience, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially on weekends when the parking lots fill up and gates may close. In summer, be sure to wear long sleeves and pants to protect against biting flies.
Featured trail: Hellcat Boardwalk Trail – an easy and accessible walk through diverse habitats.
Just 5 minutes away is the Jennie Lagoulis Reservation, also called Devil’s Den. It’s a short (.7-mile) wooded trail—great for a quick outing close to the cottage.
Old Town Hill (6-minute drive) offers a mix of woodlands, wetlands, and sweeping views of salt marshes and the ocean. It’s a good spot for bird watching as well as walking, cross-country skiing, or kayaking.
At just 6 minutes away, Hans Morris Reservation is a short (.6-mile) grassland trail that’s peaceful and rarely crowded—perfect for a relaxed birding stroll.
South Street Woodlots, 11 minutes from the house, has a one-mile trail that winds through dense forest and passes near a reservoir. It includes an elevated walkway section that gives a nice vantage point over the woods.
For a larger park experience, Maudslay State Park (11-minute drive) in Newburyport features riverside trails, open meadows, and formal gardens. The park supports hiking, biking, and skiing, but also offers good habitat for woodland and river-edge birds.
For coastal marsh birds, Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (10-minute drive) in Rowley includes a few short trails (each ¼ to ½ mile long). Just note that the longer trail tends to flood at high tide.
If you’re up for a slightly longer trip, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (20-minute drive) offers scenic walks through fields, forest, and marsh, along with kayak rentals in season.
Accessible bird watching
For guests with accessibility needs, Cedar Pond Wildlife Sanctuary (22-minute drive) in Wenham features the Woodland Loop, Mass Audubon’s only ADA-compliant trail on the North Shore. It includes handrails, benches, braille, and tactile markers, all along a smooth 0.9-mile loop through woods and a small meadow.
Other resources
In addition to these destinations, the Essex County Greenbelt Association manages many other trails in the area. Their website lets you search based on trail features, including wheelchair access and pet policies.
To keep up with what birds are currently passing through the area, the Bird Watcher’s Supply and Gift Shop in Newburyport publishes a free newsletter called Words on Birds. It includes local bird sightings and other useful in-store or online updates.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful solo walk or a family outing, bird watching is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Come bird watching on the Massachusetts North Shore and stay at Goldfinch Cottage in Newbury.