Fort Hill, Eastham

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free (Cape Cod National Seashore pass may be required in summer)

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Fort Hill, Eastham is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 303 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

3/6/2026Muddy Creek Headwaters Preserve1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

3/5/2026High Head, Pilgrim Heights1 observed

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

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

Canada Goose

503/5/2026

Mallard

13/5/2026

American Black Duck

13/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

American Herring Gull

63/5/2026

Northern Harrier

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

43/5/2026

Blue Jay

23/5/2026

American Crow

63/5/2026

European Starling

103/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/5/2026

American Robin

153/5/2026

Song Sparrow

63/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/5/2026

Common Grackle

13/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/5/2026

Brant

53/4/2026

Bufflehead

13/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Hill, Eastham for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Hill, Eastham for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fort Hill, Eastham?
Notable species at Fort Hill, Eastham include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Mourning Dove, Eastern Screech-Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Hill, Eastham?
Birding at Fort Hill, Eastham is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Fort Hill, Eastham?
The entrance fee at Fort Hill, Eastham is Free (Cape Cod National Seashore pass may be required in summer). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Fort Hill, Eastham?
Fort Hill, Eastham offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.