Bellamy River Wildlife Sanctuary, Dover NH
There are lots of bird watching opportunities at this 19-acre site on the west bank of the Bellamy River at Clements Point. This is where the river drains into the cove by the Route 4 bridge from Durham to Dover.
The path from the parking area passes a privately owned field, and turns left into the woods. After a stream crossing it meets the junction of two trails. (Trail guides, when available, are found in a mailbox where the path turns into the woods.) The Border Trail, with yellow markers, heads out around the perimeter of the point on a 1.5-mile loop. The Cove Trail, with red markers, goes by the banks of two inlets of the Bellamy River. It then meets up with the Border Trail just before it crosses a stream.
From the trails, there are great views of marshes and flats, where tides flood the river twice each day. At low tide, look for wading and shore birds, including green and blue herons, and greater yellow legs. Black ducks are also common here.
The sanctuary is managed by the Audubon Society.
From Route 4 in Durham, take Back River Road and drive almost a mile before taking a right onto Bayview Road. This turns into a narrow passage leading to a junction at a farmhouse. Go left there and continue past a field to a small parking area on the right.