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

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

6/1/2026Penikese Island15 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Sheriff’s Meadow Sanctuary--Sheriff's Meadow Pond1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

5/31/2026Hoft Farm Preserve (TNC)1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

5/30/2026Hoft Farm Preserve (TNC)10 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/30/2026Gooseberry Neck1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/29/2026Star of the Sea Reserve (DNRT)1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/29/2026Allens Pond WS--Allens Neck (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/28/2026Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)8 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/28/2026Lucy Vincent Beach1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/27/2026Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/27/2026Menemsha Hills Reservation (TTOR)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/27/2026Gooseberry Neck1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Double-crested Cormorant

195/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

American Robin

25/31/2026

House Finch

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

Common Eider

15/26/2026

White-winged Scoter

25/26/2026

Killdeer

15/26/2026

American Herring Gull

15/26/2026

Common Loon

15/26/2026

Blue Jay

15/26/2026

Bank Swallow

25/26/2026

Barn Swallow

25/26/2026

European Starling

15/26/2026

Cedar Waxwing

15/26/2026

House Sparrow

15/26/2026

American Goldfinch

15/26/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/26/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/26/2026

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.