Birdwatching in New Hampshire: Everything you need to know

Your complete guide on birdwatching in New Hampshire—where to bird, how to bird, and when to bird. 

Birds are one of the most taken-for-granted gifts from nature. They’re all around us, and all it takes is leaving the house, stepping into the backyard, or standing on your balcony to encounter them.

In fact, since birdwatching demands a person to leave the house, it stimulates physical exercise and prompts one to have better mental health. Many people are also consciously promoting their children to have more outdoor playtime and share a connection with nature, especially since children are facing what experts call a “nature deficit disorder.”

Birdwatching is a great antidote, and with birds galore (yes, beyond just hummingbirds!), New Hampshire is one of the best places to spot elusive and rare birds. According to the 2020 state of the birds report, the Granite State is home to almost 278 documented bird species, with 193 native species and 85 non-native, or introduced species. Some species include:

• Connecticut Lakes Region: The year-round Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Grey Jay, and Boreal Chickadee, and summer-time Olive-sided, among others.
• Seacoast Region: Winter birds such as the Snowy Owl, Horned (Shore) Lark, Lapland Longspur, and Snow Bunting, as well as fall birds such as the Ragged Neck or Pulpit Rock.
• White Mountain National Forest: Winter finches such as the Pine Grosbeak, both crossbills, Pine Siskin, and Evening Grosbeak.
• Pawtuckaway State Park: The Common Raven, Winter Wren, Blackburnian Warbler, Purple Finch, and Evening Grosbeak.

Birds are all around us, and all it takes is some patience and interest in spotting them. But if you’re out there trying to catch some great bird views, here are a few beginner tips.

Bird watching basics

1. Develop a quick pre-birding routine

Make sure to check the weather, take note of the temperature, and be aware of the insect situation before you leave. A hat might be essential, especially if you’re out in the field on a sunny day. Carry a notebook and pen to record your observations, unless you prefer to type into your phone.

2. Take a camera with you

Even if you snap a blurry photo of a bird, it’s worth making a memory and taking home a gorgeous picture.

3. Carry or download a bird watching guide

Download an easy-to-use birding app to navigate the experience smoothly. The Audubon Bird Guide App is free to download and helps you identify almost 800 species of North American birds. It also has audio clips and calls of several birds, and it helps you find nearby birding hotspots.

If you’re looking to spend a bit more and like physical copies, the Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America is another good option. The app has illustrations, maps, and tables of all North American birds, making the guide very user-friendly.

4. Carry a set of binoculars

While it isn’t necessary to carry birding gear, professional ornithologists and enthusiastic birders prefer to carry a set of binoculars with them while on a birding excursion. Binoculars are bought based on clarity, brightness, color rendition, and eye relief. Here’s a detailed review on how to purchase your first set of binoculars.

5. Don’t bird at night

During the daytime, birds are the most active and are out in search of food. The afternoon becomes slow for most birds, but late afternoon can be another time for activity.

6. Join a birding club

New to birdwatching? It’s always fun to tag along with people already out there immersed in an obsession with birding. Find birdwatching companions here.

The New Hampshire Audubon website also has ongoing project highlights and more ways to get involved in the world of birdwatching, such as bird highlights, book club meetings, and incoming art exhibits.

NH Audubon is a statewide organization that is pretty much the one-stop shop for all things birdwatching. From providing bird education and being a voice on public policy for environmental issues, to organizing nature talks and community programs, this more than 100-year-old organization has got you covered!

Subscribe to its newsletter here, and stay connected.

7. Always maintain distance between yourself and the birds

Don’t approach the birds too closely when you photograph them. Be quiet, and always move slowly toward the birds. Birdwatchers also use a technique called “pishing,” basically just pursing their lips and making a “pish-pish-pish-pish” sound to attract birds.

8. Follow the American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics

It’s real! There is an entire official guide on ethics that all birders are encouraged to follow and promote. Read the full list of bird-friendly practices here.

Where to go birdwatching in New Hampshire

Bird watching doesn’t need to be an elaborate activity; you can just sit with a class of coffee in your backyard over the weekend and keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of New Hampshire’s most colorful, beautiful birds.

However, if you’re looking for a fuller experience, here are the best birdwatching hotspots in New Hampshire:

1. Susan N. McLane Center, Concord

Located on 84 Silk Farm Road, the McLane Center is open from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The land used to be a silk farm until 1835, and remnants of mulberry and apple trees still exist. Key features of the property include the Great Turkey Pond, a 15-acre grassland field, and an extensive trail system.

Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, and American Kestrels are focal species here.

Call (603)224-9909 or email [email protected] for more information.

2. Massabesic Center, Auburn

Located on 26 Audubon Way, the Massabesic Center is open from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The historic 5,000 square foot audubon center is bordered by 130 acres of wetland. Fun fact: Massabesic Lake is the main source of water for all Manchester residents.

You can view bluebirds, loons, ospreys, and other grassland birds here

Here’s the trail guide.

Call (603)224-9909 or email [email protected] for more information.

3. Newfound Center, Hebron

Located on North Shore Road, the Newfound Center has sanctuary trails open all year.

It might be a little late in the season to spot the best birds that the Newfound Center has to offer. The center is, however, open for naturalist programs, hiking, boating, and nature exhibits, especially bird exhibits.

The Hebron Marsh can be a great spot to sight Bald Eagles, Osprey, and Common Loons.

Visit the events calendar to check out a list of upcoming activities.

Call (603) 224-9909 or email [email protected] for more information.

4. Odiorne Point State Park, Rye

Operated by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation, the Odiorne State Park in Rye is located within a 135-acre seaside park.

The state park can be a magnet for migrating birds such as the Great Cormorant and Razorbill.

Read here for more details on fall hours.

5. Great Bay Natural Wildlife Refuge, Newington

Great Bay is a wonderful bird haven, becoming a hotspot for birds such as the Bald Eagle, Ospreys, Spotted Sandpiper, and Peregrine Falcon, among others.

The refuge protects wildlife and birds along the seacoast, spanning an area of almost 1000 acres. This also makes a great spot for hunting, biking, and hiking.

For more information, please contact Parker River National Wildlife Refuge at (978) 465-5753, or send an email to [email protected].