Forest Beach and Conservation Lands, Chatham

Massachusetts · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

CoastalForest

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/16/2026Pogorelc Sanctuary1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/15/2026Monomy HS, Harwich1 observed

Northern House Wren (Northern)

Troglodytes aedon

4/14/2026Cold Brook Preserve1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/14/2026Cold Brook Preserve1 observed

Ring-necked Duck x scaup sp. (hybrid)

Aythya collaris x marila/affinis

4/12/2026Bell's Neck Conservation Area (HCT)1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

4/10/2026Home - Lower Mill Pond, Brewster1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/10/2026Cold Brook Preserve1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/7/2026Thompson's Field--North of Cape Cod Rail Trail1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

4/6/2026D&F Clapp's House, Brewster US-MA 41.73730, -70.088561 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

4/6/2026Brackett Rd area, Eastham1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Black Duck

184/15/2026

Common Eider

24/15/2026

American Oystercatcher

74/15/2026

Piping Plover

24/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/15/2026

Laughing Gull

54/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

4/15/2026

American Herring Gull

4/15/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

4/15/2026

Common Loon

34/15/2026

Snowy Egret

24/15/2026

Great Egret

14/15/2026

Osprey

44/15/2026

American Crow

34/15/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/15/2026

Song Sparrow

94/15/2026

Canada Goose

24/12/2026

Bufflehead

74/12/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

24/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

654/12/2026

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.

Massachusetts Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Massachusetts →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

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.