National Wildlife Refuge Trips in Massachusetts

Visiting National Wildlife Refuges in Massachusetts can be a life long interest, but certainly not because there are so many of them. In fact, lots of people would expect that National Wildlife Refuges are found chiefly in the West or in large states in the East like Florida. But many Massachusetts residents know that tucked away in their own relatively small Bay State there are some exceptional National Wildlife Refuges that are open for the enjoyment of all.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, A creation of the early 40's the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge continues to stand as a tribute to our willingness to set aside land for the perpetual use of birds and wildlife. According to the Federal Government provided site at http://www.parkerriver.fws.gov the more than 4,000 acres that make up the Parker River National Wild Life Refuge continue today to provide safe haven to both migratory birds and human beings seeking sanctuary.

Visiting Parker River National Wildlife Refuge means driving to a rather remote coastal area near Newburyport , MA close to the New Hampshire border. The refuge itself is set on the better part of Plum Island. It is a rather incredible piece of property with all kinds of habitats sharing the same swatch of land. There is beach and dune area, bogs and swamp land, fresh and salt water marsh and even river settings. Not only is this a pleasure to the roving eye of human beings it is a perfect nesting, resting and residential area for more than 300 species of birds.

If you were to ask a native Massachusetts birder where the best locale might be to view migratory birds and large numbers of bird species, many would tell you it is Plum Island in the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. An excellent way to visit this refuge is to come as part of a MassAudubon tour. In the company of knowledgeable birders and naturalists you can really learn a great deal. Visiting on your own is of course also an option. There is a visitors center at the entrance road to Plum Island that can furnish you with assistance. There is also a small entrance fee.