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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/16/2026Race Point Beach, Provincetown1 observed

Common Eider (Northern)

Somateria mollissima

4/16/2026Race Point1 observed

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

4/12/2026Gulf of Maine US (42.2166,-70.2509)1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

4/12/2026Stellwagen Bank--Race Point Waters1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

4/9/2026Race Point1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/9/2026Race Point1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

4/7/2026Race Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

44/16/2026

American Black Duck

164/16/2026

Green-winged Teal

34/16/2026

Greater Scaup

64/16/2026

Bufflehead

24/16/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

34/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/16/2026

American Herring Gull

354/16/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

24/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/16/2026

American Bittern

14/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/16/2026

Northern Harrier

14/16/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/16/2026

Northern Flicker

54/16/2026

American Crow

24/16/2026

Common Raven

14/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

44/16/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/16/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

14/16/2026

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.