Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham

Massachusetts · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

CoastalForest

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and forest habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Gadwall among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Brant Canada Goose Gadwall Mallard American Black Duck

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/5/2026Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Harwich Port US-MA 41.67360, -70.080282 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

3/5/2026Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

3/4/2026Muddy Creek Headwaters Preserve1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

3/4/2026Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/4/2026Hopkins Lane Gardens, Orleans1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

3/3/2026Home - Lower Mill Pond, Brewster1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/1/2026Dennis Home1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/1/2026D&F Clapp's House, Brewster US-MA 41.73730, -70.088561 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

2/28/2026Town Cove, Orleans1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

683/5/2026

Canada Goose

263/5/2026

Gadwall

23/5/2026

Mallard

13/5/2026

American Black Duck

303/5/2026

Common Eider

133/5/2026

Bufflehead

63/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

53/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

43/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

43/5/2026

American Herring Gull

123/5/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

23/5/2026

Horned Grebe

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Song Sparrow

33/5/2026

Common Loon

73/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

American Crow

123/5/2026

House Sparrow

53/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/4/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Massachusetts

Mount Auburn Cemetery

Historic Cambridge cemetery renowned as a spring warbler migrant trap.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Massachusetts barrier beach refuge vital for shorebirds and Piping Plovers.

Arnold Arboretum

Harvard's 281-acre living tree museum in Boston with 200+ bird species and outstanding warbler migration.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham for birding?▼

The best months to visit Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham?▼

Notable species at Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham include Brant, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports coastal, forest habitats.

How difficult is birding at Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham?▼

Birding at Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham?▼

Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.