Forest birding habitat

Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Common Eider, and Harlequin 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

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/15/2026Sheriff’s Meadow Sanctuary--Sheriff's Meadow Pond1 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

7/14/2026Norton Point1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

7/13/2026Cedar Tree Neck Brown Trail Loop, West Tisbury, Massachusetts, US (41.433, -70.7)1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/13/2026Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

7/12/2026Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/10/2026116 William St, Vineyard Haven US-MA 41.45722, -70.604401 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/9/2026Gooseberry Neck1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

7/9/2026Gooseberry Neck1 observed

Great Cormorant (North Atlantic)

Phalacrocorax carbo

7/9/2026Gooseberry Neck4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/14/2026

American Herring Gull

107/14/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

27/14/2026

Common Tern

67/14/2026

Great Shearwater

47/14/2026

Manx Shearwater

17/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/14/2026

Northern Harrier

17/14/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/14/2026

Bank Swallow

67/14/2026

Barn Swallow

27/14/2026

European Starling

17/14/2026

Gray Catbird

17/14/2026

American Robin

27/14/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/14/2026

House Sparrow

27/14/2026

House Finch

27/14/2026

American Goldfinch

37/14/2026

Chipping Sparrow

27/14/2026

Song Sparrow

17/14/2026

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 Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard for birding?
The best months to visit Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard?
Notable species at Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard include Canada Goose, Common Eider, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard?
Birding at Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard?
Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.