Conservation Projects at Felix Neck

At Felix Neck, we do a variety of conservation work, including—but not limited to—osprey monitoring, coastal resilience, and coastal waterbird tracking. 

Vineyard Osprey Monitoring

Ospreys are a signature species for Martha’s Vineyard. Yet in 1969, the island had just two pairs of nesting Osprey. The reasons for their critically low numbers were numerous, but a major threat to the species was DDT, a toxic pesticide that weakened the shells of Osprey eggs to the point of failure.

Now, more than 100 nesting pairs of Osprey are found on the island during spring and summer. Intense efforts by Felix Neck staff, researchers, and volunteers have led to their current success.

While much is known about these birds, research and monitoring efforts continue to be necessary to ascertain population trends; install, maintain, and manage nesting platforms; and learn more about their food resources, predation, and migration patterns.

Watch our Osprey cam

Coastal Waterbird Monitoring

With the help of volunteers, Mass Audubon protects and monitors threatened shorebirds such as Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and American Oystercatchers.  

Learn more about Mass Audubon's Coastal Waterbird Program