A panoramic view of Chateau Frontenac surrounded by greenery in Old Quebec, Canada at sunrise

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

Loading map...

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

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

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

6/1/2026High Head, Pilgrim Heights1 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

26/2/2026

American Black Duck

16/2/2026

Willet

6/2/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

16/2/2026

Laughing Gull

6/2/2026

Least Tern

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

6/2/2026

Snowy Egret

26/2/2026

Great Egret

26/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

6/2/2026

Barn Swallow

6/2/2026

European Starling

6/2/2026

American Robin

6/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

6/2/2026

American Goldfinch

6/2/2026

Song Sparrow

6/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

6/2/2026

Common Grackle

6/2/2026

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.