* Sites marked with an asterisk are further described
in the ABA Bird Finding Guides to Eastern Massachusetts or the UMASS Cooperative Extension Service’s Bird
Finding Guide to Western Massachusetts.
Central Massachusetts (north to south)
10a. Nashua River Rail Trail: Acton – Just north of Route 2, starting near the train station in Acton, is an 11
mile rail trail that runs north through Pepperill to the NH line, then continues beyond. It travels through forest,
wetlands, and thickets, making for some interesting birding. Accessible portapotties at the start, also a parking
lot with accessible parking, but no indoor facilities or staff on site. For more info call 978-597-8802.
11. Silver Lake: Athol - Located near downtown Athol this glacial kettle hole pond is an excellent place to
watch for summer resident and migrating waterfowl. Mallard ducks are common throughout the summer and
are joined by hooded mergansers, wood ducks, and an occasional specialty. While you’re there look for great
blue and green herons, belted kingfisher, eastern kingbird and eastern phoebe. The area is excellent for car
birding—a paved road circles about 2/3 of the pond.
12. Branch Bridge: Athol and New Salem - The long causeway over the “branch” of the Millers River now
makes up the Lake Rohunta complex. From mid-March through the spring the area is visited by flocks of
waterfowl. Ring-necked ducks can number in the hundreds and are joined by lesser and greater scaup,
common goldeneye, hooded and common mergansers, and green-winged teal. Access from Route 202 via
Fay Road. No benches.
13. Wastewater Treatment Plants: Athol and Orange – Athol’s plant is located off Canal Street in
downtown Athol. During weekdays the gate is open for a drive-thru or stroll along a wetland and the Miller’s
River. This is a great spot for songbirds in migration as well as waterfowl, herons, sparrows, etc. Orange’s
plant is located off Route 2A and features a view of a bend in the Miller’s River – good place to check for
mergansers, flycatchers, etc.
14. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary: Princeton - Another Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary in a
spectacular setting, featuring historic farm buildings on pasture lands surrounded by forest with a panoramic
overlook of a swamp. At the base of Mt. Wachusett, biodiversity abounds. The building and restrooms are
accessible and there is great birding from the parking lot. 978-464-2712.
15. *Barre Falls Dam: Hubbardston - This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site off Route 62 has become
popular as a hawk watching spot during migration. Ravens also are known to nest under a bridge. Accessible
picnic area and toilets, friendly staff, and a mix of field and forest with passing raptors and songbirds awaits
you. 978-928-4712.
16. *Quabbin Park: Belchertown – Main entrance and visitor center off Route 9. Take roadways through
park for interesting views of the reservoir where migrating waterfowl can be seen. Cerulean warblers have
been known to nest near the Visitor Center. In winter eagle watching is popular. Northern rough-winged
swallow, purple finch, red-breasted nuthatch often found, as well as a diverse variety of both year round and
migrating species. 413-323-7221.
17. Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary: Worcester - Located at a
public bus stop at the south end of the city, this Massachusetts Audubon facility is wheelchair accessible and
disability friendly. Features an accessible deck and a short trail to an accessible viewing blind. A short drive
away is a section of accessible trail that follows the brook through open marshland surrounded by forest.
Friendly staff and dynamic nature education programs. 508-753-6087.
18. Riverbend Farm: Uxbridge - Part of Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Riverbend Farm
features a wheelchair accessible visitor center and disability friendly staff. The trail across the canal is
reasonably accessible (slight grades and surface changes) and the mile long towpath parallels the canal at a
level elevation through changing habitat. Great for birding and wildlife viewing. Nature programs on site year
round. 508-278-6486.
For further information on any of these sites, or if you have a site to add, contact DCR’s Universal
Access Program at 413-545-5758.