Coastal birding habitat

West Island, Fairhaven

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

West Island, Fairhaven is a productive birding destination in Massachusetts, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Blue Jay, European Starling, and Northern Mockingbird 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 Raven

Corvus corax

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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

7/13/2026Washburn Island Jetty1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

7/13/2026Washburn Island Jetty2 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

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/12/2026Myles Standish SF--Five Mile Pond Road2 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

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

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

7/11/2026Gooseberry Neck3 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Semipalmated Plover

47/13/2026

Piping Plover

97/13/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

227/13/2026

Willet

117/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

47/13/2026

Least Sandpiper

87/13/2026

Least Tern

27/13/2026

Common Tern

357/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/13/2026

Snowy Egret

27/13/2026

Great Egret

17/13/2026

Osprey

27/13/2026

American Goldfinch

17/13/2026

Song Sparrow

37/13/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

57/13/2026

American Oystercatcher

27/9/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/9/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

37/9/2026

American Herring Gull

27/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit West Island, Fairhaven for birding?
The best months to visit West Island, Fairhaven for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at West Island, Fairhaven?
Notable species at West Island, Fairhaven include Blue Jay, European Starling, Northern Mockingbird, House Sparrow, Song Sparrow. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at West Island, Fairhaven?
Birding at West Island, Fairhaven is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at West Island, Fairhaven?
West Island, Fairhaven offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.