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

Willet (Eastern)

Tringa semipalmata

4/17/2026Horseneck Beach SP--Westport River3 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/16/2026Hoft Farm Preserve (TNC)1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Round Hill Town Beach1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

4/14/2026Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)5 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

4/14/2026Goosewing Beach Preserve & Quicksand Pond4 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/12/2026Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

4/11/2026Caleb Pond, Edgartown US-MA (41.3803,-70.4994)1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/4/2026Orchard1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

4/4/202627 Old Harbor Ln, Oak Bluffs US-MA 41.42989, -70.572061 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

4/4/2026Edgartown Oak Bluffs Rd, Edgartown US-MA (41.4285,-70.5565)2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/4/2026Katama Farm and FARM Institute (TTOR)1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

4/3/2026Brush Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

44/10/2026

Bufflehead

114/10/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

24/10/2026

Killdeer

24/10/2026

American Herring Gull

14/10/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

34/10/2026

Northern Gannet

294/10/2026

Great Cormorant

24/10/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/10/2026

Great Egret

14/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/10/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/10/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/10/2026

European Starling

84/10/2026

American Robin

204/10/2026

House Sparrow

44/10/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/10/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/10/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

34/10/2026

Surf Scoter

24/10/2026

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.