Aquinnah Cliffs, Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard

Massachusetts · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/5/2026Hoft Farm Preserve (TNC)1 observed

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

3/5/2026NEFSC1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/3/2026King Farm (Private)1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/2/2026Norton Point2 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/1/2026King Farm (Private)1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

2/28/202639 Marvin Circle1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

2/25/2026King Farm (Private)1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

2/22/202638 Hamlin Ave, Falmouth US-MA 41.55544, -70.613021 observed

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

2/22/2026Woods Hole--Thickets1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

232/27/2026

Common Eider

102/27/2026

Harlequin Duck

32/27/2026

Surf Scoter

122/27/2026

Black Scoter

82/27/2026

Long-tailed Duck

182/27/2026

Bufflehead

202/27/2026

Common Goldeneye

12/27/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

22/27/2026

Ring-billed Gull

12/27/2026

American Herring Gull

12/27/2026

Common Loon

12/27/2026

Great Cormorant

202/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/27/2026

European Starling

122/27/2026

American Robin

52/27/2026

House Sparrow

12/27/2026

Razorbill

152/27/2026

Horned Grebe

12/27/2026

American Crow

12/27/2026

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.