Bird Watching on Martha’s Vineyard

Over 300 species of birds are known to commonly inhabit and frequent Martha’s Vineyard. However, birds from all over the eastern coast can occasionally be found here as they can find themselves blown off course due to hurricane winds. This can lead to some pretty exciting bird sightings. Some of the most exotic and exciting birds, which have been spotted on the Island are the European cuckoo, blackburnian warbler, magnolia warbler, bay-breasted warbler, Canada warbler and the black-throated blue warbler.

Hawks and whimbrel can be spotted by Katama airport on the road to South Beach. Along the edges of Katama Bay and the Herring Creek, you often see kingfishers, egrets and herons. On Chappaquiddick Island, you will find warblers, woodland birds, oystercatchers, plovers, herons and egrets as well as sharp-tailed sparrows. A sharp eye (and ear for catching bird calls) and a pair of field glasses allow people of any age group to become birders. Experience in bird watching, as in any other activity, helps, but young children and adult beginners can catch on quickly with the help of a field guide and a beautiful place like Martha's Vineyard, which is a perfect environment for birds.

Here are a few Good Island Birding Sites:

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown - Vineyard Haven Road, Edgartown (tel. 508/627-4850), is an easy 2-mile bike ride from Edgartown. A Massachusetts Audubon Property, it has a complete visitor center staffed by naturalists who lead daily bird-watching walks, among other activities. Pick up a trail map at the center before heading out. You'll see osprey nests on your right on the way to the center. Several of the trails pass Sengekontacket Pond, and the orange trail leads to Waterfowl Pond, which has an observation blind with bird-sighting information.

While managed by the conservation group Sheriff's Meadow Foundation, the 300-acre Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary (State Rd., follow to Indian Hill Rd., then to Obed Daggett Rd. and follow signs), Tisbury, was acquired with the assistance of Massachusetts Audubon. There are several trails, but you'll eventually arrive out on a picturesque bluff overlooking Vineyard Sound and the Elizabeth Islands. Check out the map posted at the parking lot for an overview of the property. The range of terrain here -- ponds, fields, woods, and bog -- provides diverse opportunities for sightings.

Wasque Reservation on Chappaquiddick, Martha's Vineyard, is a sanctuary owned by the Trustees of Reservations and located on the easternmost reaches of the island. It can be accessed by bike or four-wheel-drive vehicle. The hundreds of untouched acres here draw flocks of nesting shorebirds, including egrets, herons, terns, and plovers.

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