The sky may be gold, but the real treasure is the water, land and legacy of conservation. Located along the northeast coast of Massachusetts, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of more than 4,700 acres of diverse habitats including sandy beach and dune, cranberry bog, maritime forest, freshwater marsh and a large expanse of salt marsh – one of the most productive ecosystems in nature. Parker River provides pristine coastal habitat for over 300 species of resident and migratory birds, as well as a large variety of mammals, insects, fish, reptiles and amphibians. Photo courtesy of Samantha Bugler.

Located along the northeast coast of Massachusetts, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge provides feeding, resting and nesting habitat for a wide variety of migratory birds. The refuge includes more than 4,700 acres of diverse habitats – from sandy beaches and dunes to cranberry bogs, maritime forests and freshwater marshes. The most abundant habitat on the refuge is salt marsh, one of the most productive ecosystems in nature. It’s a great place to see your favorite birds as the fall migrations begin. Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Sunset sparkles off ice and water at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Not far from Boston, Massachusetts, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge covers 4700 acres of salt marsh, shrub land and sandy beach. There are over 300 species of resident and migratory birds to watch, as well as a large variety of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Photo by Sylvia Zarco (www.sharetheexperience.org)

In a major snowy owl irruption, these beautiful Arctic owls have been overwintering at refuges across the lower 48 states, from Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts. This male snowy owl was photographed near Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Illinois on Jan. 27.

Photo: John Schwegman