More than 300 species of birds inhabit and frequent the Island, including Osprey and a wide variety of shorebirds, Herons and Egrets, Terns and Skimmers, Gulls, and songbirds. The Island is also an occasional landing spot for unusual species. The first Red-footed Falcon ever seen in North America was recorded on Martha’s Vineyard in August, 2004 drawing birding enthusiasts from around the world. And one of the most magical birds to spot is the Snowy Owl, which frequents the shoreline of the Island during the winter.
Photo Credit: Steve Allen
Photo Credit: Steve Allen
Photo Credit: Steve Allen
Bird Walks
- Enjoy a truly unique Guided Birding Tour with the Island’s own Bob Shriber of Nature Watch, by emailing bobshriber@gmail.com. ​
- Twice monthly bird walks, led by local birders on Saturday mornings in the off-season (Indigenous People’s Day to Memorial Day); Mondays: Memorial Day to Indigenous People’s Day. Visit Biodiversity Works for more information.
- The private Facebook group, Martha’s Vineyard Bird Alert, is a great resource for birding enthusiasts to connect with others, get information, and post their own sightings.
​
​Mass Audubon’s Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary has four miles of walking trails along habitats such as shoreline, marsh, woodlands, ponds, and meadows which attract a diverse group of bird species. Felix Neck offers several birding programs for experienced birders and beginners alike. Early Birders provides a casual walk around the Sanctuary for more experienced birders to look for summertime and migratory species. For the Birds: Accessible Bird Sit provides an opportunity for a morning of bird watching in place. Benches and chairs will be set up for comfort, and binoculars, resources, and field guides will be available for use at the program. For more information, call 508.627.4850, or visit massaudubon.org/felixneck.
​More than 30% of Martha’s Vineyard is conserved land and most is open to the public. A map of conservation lands can be found at the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank or you can download the free TrailsMV app.
