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

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

7/21/2026Race Point Beach, Provincetown1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/21/2026Race Point Beach, Provincetown1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

7/20/2026Nauset Light Beach, Eastham1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

7/20/2026First Landing Park and Provincetown Causeway1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/20/2026Race Point1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

7/19/2026Nauset Bay East

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/19/2026Off Pamet Harbor8 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

27/17/2026

American Black Duck

27/17/2026

Mourning Dove

37/17/2026

Semipalmated Plover

17/17/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

37/17/2026

American Herring Gull

27/17/2026

Least Tern

37/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/17/2026

Glossy Ibis

17/17/2026

Green Heron

17/17/2026

Blue Jay

17/17/2026

Tree Swallow

757/17/2026

Barn Swallow

17/17/2026

European Starling

387/17/2026

Gray Catbird

17/17/2026

American Robin

27/17/2026

House Finch

37/17/2026

American Goldfinch

17/17/2026

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.