Join the Martha’s Vineyard Bird Club for an early September walk in Aquinnah, where dramatic cliffs, open fields, and coastal waters create one of the Island’s premier locations for fall migration. Early September is an exciting time, with songbirds, raptors, and coastal species all on the move.
Birds we might see include migrating warblers such as blackpoll, yellow-rumped, and common yellowthroat, along with red-eyed vireo, Northern flicker, and Eastern phoebe passing through scrub and woodland edges. Open areas may host Eastern bluebird, savannah sparrow, and American goldfinch, while the skies above the cliffs are excellent for osprey, peregrine falcon, sharp-shinned hawk, and merlins riding coastal winds. Offshore scanning may turn up common tern, northern gannet, and early scoters or other sea ducks.
This walk is suitable for birders of all experience levels and offers a chance to experience the drama of fall migration against Aquinnah’s spectacular coastal backdrop. Bring binoculars (and a scope if you have one), layers for changing conditions, and be ready for surprises—September birding in Aquinnah is full of possibilities.