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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Brewster Wing Island1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

6/1/2026Nauset Light Beach, Eastham2 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/1/2026Red River Beach2 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Pochet Island1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/2026Bell's Neck Conservation Area (HCT)1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach1 observed

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

5/31/2026Nauset Light Beach, Eastham1 observed

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach1 observed

Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach1 observed

Sabine's Gull

Xema sabini

5/31/2026First Encounter Beach2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

65/31/2026

Common Eider

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

American Oystercatcher

35/31/2026

Black-bellied Plover

15/31/2026

Willet

65/31/2026

Laughing Gull

255/31/2026

American Herring Gull

105/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

European Starling

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Gadwall

15/27/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

35/27/2026

Gray Catbird

25/27/2026

American Black Duck

35/25/2026

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.