Where: On the Massachusetts coast, about 35 miles north of Boston.

Habitat: Much of the refuge's 4,662 acres cover Plum Island, which has trails, observation points, and boardwalks among sand beaches and dunes, salt marshes, woodlands, tidal creeks, and estuary.

Wildlife: The threatened piping plover and least tern nest on the 6.3-mile ocean beach (closed in nesting season). Owls, including snowy owls, can be seen. Highlights include displaying woodcocks in March, migrating neotropical songbirds in May, and southbound shorebirds in August.

Activities: Birdwatching, hiking, saltwater fishing, shellfishing.

Contact: 978-465-5753; http://parkerriver.fws.gov/