The Hills of Acadia, Seen from Sullivan (ME) [1]
Northeastern Maine's Schoodic Scenic Byway travels along the coast of Frenchman Bay, a nationally renowned birding locale. Spots like Acadia National Park and Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge provide protected spaces filled with sought-after birds among stunning locales. Watch for soaring birds of prey among cliffs and mountains or admire local favorites such as the Atlantic Puffins and endangered Roseate Terns.
A Hiker's Perfect Retreat in Acadia National Park, Maine (ME) [2]
Acadia National Park, with freshwater marshes and ponds, dense forests, open ocean and enclosed bays, offers a huge diversity of birds throughout all four seasons. With 273 species to tick off of your list, you'll keep finding reasons to return to the park. Stop in to schedule a trip with a park ranger. Embark on a birdwalk with an expert ranger in late spring to mid-fall or take a Peregrine Falcon and hawk-watching program.
A Quiet Hike Along the Acadia Byway (ME) [3]
Schedule a boat ride to visit some of Maine's most famous residents. The islands just off the coast of Acadia National Park host the multi-colored billed Atlantic Puffins as they ride the ocean waves and plunge below the ocean's surface among whales, porpoises and dolphins. A few other notable locations within the park include Acadia Wild Gardens and the Wonderland and Ship Harbor Nature Trails, home to cute little birds like Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Easter Wood-Pewees, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and a variety of warblers. The Champlain Mountain cliffs host Peregrine Falcon nests and Otter Point provides a perfect spot to see Black Guillemont and various seabirds.
Little Moose Island, Arey Cove, and Schoodic Point (ME) [4]
Schoodic Scenic Byway's other hot birding locales concentrate within and around Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Experience a broad diversity of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds, as well as some year-round locals within the protected borders of the refuge. Springtime brings such favorites as Bald Eagles, Osprey and Merlins to the refuge, along with forest songbirds. In August migration peaks within Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Bring your guidebook and binoculars to identify songbirds like Hermit and Swainson's Thrushes, Blackpoll Warblers. Fall features Sharp-shinned Hawks and waterfowl in Cranberry Flowage on Petit Manan Point, including Black Ducks, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintails, and common Goldeneyes. The refuge includes information regarding the restoration of Maine's seabirds, the history of the Gulf of Maine and the delicate balance necessary for a healthy bird population.
Schoodic Scenic Byway's multiple habitats and stunning coastal scenery brings birders from all over in search of the perfect find. Bring along a guidebook on your next Maine trip and add a few sightings of your own. While there, remember the folks whose dedication and stewardship made this possible while you watch these majestic birds as they soar above or nest below.
