The Seabrook Town Forest and Wellfield (as the hotspot is called in eBird) is a great secret birding spot. As of June 12, 2024, a total of 142 species have been seen there. Aside from birds, there is plenty of other wildlife. Visitors have had sightings of Eastern Coyotes, White-tailed Deer, Long-tailed Weasel, and more. All year long, the Town Forest can provide 25+ species of birds. Warblers sing in the dense forest during summer and large flocks of waterfowl congregate in the pond during winter. When it comes to fall and spring migration, this is not a place you want to miss out on.
Growing up in Seabrook, I would fish in Tri-Town Pond, alongside the trail in the Town Forest. In 2022, I decided I’d trade bluegill for bluebirds and take my talents to the sky. The Town Forest was one of the first places I thought about birding, but I didn’t have enough knowledge of the wildlife it brought. In 2023, after about a year of teaching myself about birds, I decided to take on the challenge of birding at the Town Forest every day in May for spring migration.
By May’s end, I’d seen 101 species. Thirty of them I’d never before seen were added to my life list. Birding all May in the Town Forest brought 20 warbler species, such as Cape May, Bay-breasted, and Canada Warbler. I also observed several nesting species, including Wood Thrush, Northern House Wren, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. You can hear all these nesting birds singing when you visit Seabrook Town Forest during the spring and summer months.
On April 8, 2024, I decided to watch the solar eclipse at the Town Forest and observe how the birds would react. It was an interesting and memorable experience. I started my day there around 6:30 am for my usual walkthrough. Black-capped Chickadees and American Goldfinches sang when I arrived. As I continued on the trail, I stopped to look at the pond. There were Ring-necked Ducks, Canada Geese, a pair of Mallards, and Wood Ducks. Near the Town Forest’s firing range I heard a call I wasn’t as familiar with at this location. Four Red Crossbill swooped down onto the tops of some pine trees. After my exciting encounter with the Red Crossbill, I left to go about my day, then returned to Town Forest around 2 pm, greeted by the sound of spring peepers. A fluttering Mourning Cloak landed on me as I sat and waited for the eclipse.
The eclipse started peaking at around 3:30 and brought unusual events. Two Black-capped Chickadees chased each other while synchronously calling. I have no explanation for this behavior and wonder if it was eclipse-related. A group of 12 vultures soared above me–one was a Black Vulture! Three Mallards swooped to the pond and circled it for about three minutes. While I was watching the Mallards, a Barred Owl called. Not too uncommon to hear in the Town Forest, it was still cool in the middle of the day. To end the eclipse, a Common Raven hovered over the pond, calling—a species uncommonly seen at the Town Forest. Seabrook Town Forest is full of surprises and can bring a new experience every time you go! I highly encourage you to check it out at least once, especially during migration.
Best Places to Bird
Tri-Town Pond
Located along the first half of the trail, Tri-Town Pond can provide a number of species from Ring-necked Ducks to Double-crested Cormorants. Due to rising water levels in the pond, there is only one access area with decent visibility. This access area is located about along the trail on west side. Kayaking is a great way to explore the pond; you can venture toward the pond’s back left to see Green Herons that have nested there for the last two years.
Power line Cut-through
Located about halfway through the trail, the power line cut-through is where you will find most of the warbler, sparrow, and tyrant flycatcher species. At the beginning of May, you will hear warblers from Chestnut-sided to Yellow singing away. In winter, the White-throated Sparrows and American Tree Sparrows take over. On the right side of the power line cut-through, a trail branches off toward Route 107. I haven’t ventured on it many times due to ticks, but if you are willing to take the risk, I know it will be worth it.
Firing Range
Toward the end of the trail there is a firing range that is used for events like hunter trainings. The area surrounding the firing range has brought a number of uncommon species to the Town Forest. Starting September 15, 2023, a migrating Philadelphia Vireo was seen just outside the firing range. Two weeks later, a Yellow-breasted Chat was seen with three Gray Catbirds in the back end of the firing range.
On May 15, 2024, a Lawrence’s Warbler (a Blue-winged/Golden-winged hybrid) was found by Steve Mirick. He informed me there was a Lawrence’s Warbler also found at the Town Forest 21 years ago! A week later, a Hooded Warbler was spotted around the firing range’s outskirts. If the firing range is not occupied during the months of migration, I highly suggest looking out for anything. (Note: the status of the firing range may change as community members seek to reopen it. Be sure to check any notices prior to birding in this area. As with any birding outing use common sense).
Travel Notes
- Bug Spray Recommended: Mosquito and tick repellent is highly recommended as insects get really bad in the warmer months.
- Beware of Ticks! Always do a tick check after walking the trail, especially if you branch off to the trails with high grass.
- Active Hunting Area! Please be cautious of hunters during hunting season, particularly pheasant and deer. Wear orange during these periods.
- People walk their dogs on the trail at all times of day. Dogs are not required to be leashed, but I have never seen an unleashed dog at the Town Forest.
- Check the Weather: If it rained any day prior to your visit, I recommend boots. The trail tends to stay muddy.
How to Get There
Via either I-95 North or South, continue until you reach Seabrook/Kingston Exit 1. Take the exit. If you are coming north, you will reach a set of lights where you will go left. If you are coming south, you will reach a set of lights where you will turn right. This will take you onto Route 107. You will hit another set of lights where you continue straight for about a mile. Shortly after passing The Brook Casino, you will turn left onto New Zealand Road. Continue straight until you reach a gate with a small brick building to the right. Here, you can park around the loop by the building, just do not block the gate. Alternatively, there is also parking off Route 107 by the Seabrook Water Department, though it is a longer walk to the key birding places.
Trail Directions
To start from the end of New Zealand/Old New Boston Road, walk past the gate and continue onto the paved path. The trail isn’t paved the whole way. Continue straight when it becomes dirt. While walking the main trail, you’ll see branched off trails that are available to be explored but are not maintained. Continuing straight, you will reach a point where the trail branches off in many directions. Once you get to this point, you can either go left to the firing range or right to the water department. When branching off to explore, walk back the same way you came from.
The Future
As of spring 2024, efforts are underway to reactivate the firing range. While progress seems to be moving smoothly, the project has unfortunately caused some habitat destruction. Despite this, the Seabrook Town Forest remains a wonderful destination, with plenty of land to explore. Use common sense when exploring the area and stay up to date on any safety notices posted.
