Quabbin Reservoir, the largest inland waterbody in Massachusetts, and its protected surrounding habitats—termed Quabbin Reservation—are known for picturesque scenery, abundant wildlife, productive fishing, cultural history, and high-quality drinking water. Quabbin Reservation is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Division of Water Supply Protection (DWSP). It is a popular birding location; its vastness and diverse habitats provide valuable breeding bird habitat as well as important migratory stopover and wintering grounds. National Audubon has identified the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed, where the reservation is situated, as an Important Bird Area (IBA) at the continental scale (National Audubon Society 2024). According to eBird, at least 292 species of birds have been reported in the watershed (eBird 2024).

Figure 1. Map of Quabbin Reservation and Breeding Bird Survey routes.