Norton Point Beach supports a diverse assemblage of nesting birds, including the federally threatened Piping Plover, the State Species of Special Concern least tern, and the American Oystercatcher.  Their nesting success varies from year to year.
 
The tidal flats on the bay side of Norton Point Beach are one of the best places on the island to go looking for migrating shorebirds.  While a spotting scope is helpful, almost any binoculars will be good enough since we can normally get quite close to these birds.

This stretch of sand and dunes links Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick offers important habitats for nesting shorebirds and provides a sporting challenge for anglers.

With a dynamic environment providing important habitat for nesting shorebirds as well as a sporting challenge for surf casters, Norton Point Beach is a blend of raw beauty and sun-drenched recreation.  Visitors enjoy shellfishing, swimming, bird watching, and picnicking in the summer. In the autumn, migrating shorebirds use the extensive Katama Bay sandflats for feeding and resting. During the winter, our winter bird residents such as snowy owls, mergansers, and bufflehead ducks often frequent the beach and adjacent waters.