Crane Pond WMA--Ash St. Swamp

Tips for Birding

This stretch of Ash Street is one of the few remaining dirt roads left in West Newbury, but because it is used as an access road from MA-113 to I-95, it takes a beating during all seasons. Also, because it runs through a state wildlife area, there is a continual argument as to who is responsible for its upkeep. In its worst condition, Ash Street can be nearly impassable; in its best state, it is a fairly smooth road. Usually, it is a long washboard with potholes. It semi-floods in wet weather and is dusty in dry weather. Occasionally, the town will temporarily close the road in winter rather than plow it. It also is a nice birding place. 
From Bird Observer, Vol. 40, No. 5, 2012, p. 266

Birds of Interest

Virginia Rail, Sora, Swamp Sparrow, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser (scarce), Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Tree Swallow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Red-winged Blackbird, and Common Grackle. Rusty Blackbird (occasional),Yellow-throated Vireo.

About this Location

Ash Street Swamp is a wetland area located within the Crane Pond Wildlife Management Area in Georgetown. It is home to a variety of plants and animals, such as red maple, swamp white oak, skunk cabbage, wood duck, great blue heron, and beaver. 

About Crane Pond Wildlife Management Area

See all hotspots at Crane Pond Wildlife Management Area

Protected headwaters of the Parker River, this huge forest stretches across the towns of West Newbury, Newbury, Groveland, and Georgetown. Many unmarked trails with great variety. Great trails for mountain biking and cross-country skiing. Snowmobiling and ice fishing in winter. Hunting is permitted in Autumn (except on Sundays), so wear orange when entering these woods. Low-rolling pine and mixed hardwoods on hills and uplands. Buttonbush, alder, and leatherleaf dominate Crane Pond and marshlands. A high-tension line provides open shrub habitats. A series of openings in the forested areas have been maintained by forestry operations for biodiversity.

Spring-migrating waterfowl may be found on Crane Pond and Little Crane Pond. Woodcock, ruffed grouse, and wild turkey can be heard during courtship activities in early spring. The entire area holds a wide array of nesting songbirds in both uplands and wetlands. Viewing Information: The wildlife management area occupies Groveland, Newbury, Georgetown, and West Newbury. Unmarked trails and old woods roads. Crane Pond (Groveland) is stocked with trout. 2 other ponds and 2 brooks provide other fishing and bird viewing opportunities. It is also a great place for a wide range of breeding songbirds. Since hunting is allowed on this property, visitors to this area from October through December should wear a blaze orange cap or vest for visibility. Statewide, hunting is prohibited on Sundays.

Multiple parking areas in Groveland (Little Road, Bear Hill Road) Newbury (Moody Street), and Georgetown (Little Road). In West Newbury, parking is available at the end of Georgetown Road near the Groveland town line.

Features

  • Roadside viewing

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Crane Pond Wildlife Management Area Official Website

Last updated January 17, 2024

From Google Maps