Forest birding habitat

High Head, Pilgrim Heights

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

High Head, Pilgrim Heights is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 290 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, 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

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

6/2/2026Cape Cod National Seashore--Hatches Harbor Fire Road1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

6/2/2026Cape Cod National Seashore--Hatches Harbor Fire Road1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

6/1/2026Nauset Light Beach, Eastham2 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

6/1/2026High Head, Pilgrim Heights1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

5/31/2026Gulf of Maine (42.2892,-70.1763)1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

5/31/2026Gulf of Maine (42.2892,-70.1763)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-breasted Merganser

16/2/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

16/2/2026

Laughing Gull

36/2/2026

American Herring Gull

26/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

46/2/2026

Green Heron

36/2/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/2/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/2/2026

Alder Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Least Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

American Crow

46/2/2026

Fish Crow

16/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

36/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/2/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit High Head, Pilgrim Heights for birding?
The best months to visit High Head, Pilgrim Heights for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at High Head, Pilgrim Heights?
Notable species at High Head, Pilgrim Heights include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at High Head, Pilgrim Heights?
Birding at High Head, Pilgrim Heights is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at High Head, Pilgrim Heights?
High Head, Pilgrim Heights offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.