 |
| Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus ©Cal Vornberger http://www.calvorn.com/index.htm |
 |
 |
|
World BirdingBritish BirdingMiscellany & FunBirdnewsTravelLibraryBird FamiliesOrnithologySight & SoundsEquipment/Supplies |
|
|
 |
 |
birding...
|
For birds and birders alike, Maine provides an abundance of excellent habitat. As the largest and most sparsely populated state in New England, Maine represents a significant portion of the breeding range for many eastern woodland bird species. The state's abundant precipitation (more than 40 inches a year) and glaciated landscape have also created thousands of lakes, ponds, wetlands, and rivers that are ideal habitat for a variety of water birds. And with its deeply indented coastline and uncountable islands, Maine offers attractive habitat for breeding seabirds, migrating shorebirds, and wintering waterfowl. Almost 400 different bird species have been recorded in Maine, of which approximately half are known to have bred here. With a little effort a birder should be able to see 200 species in the state during the course of a year. Perseverance, luck, and a willingness to travel could net the serious birder 250 or more species during the same period. Even if you aren't a lister, Maine's coastal geography, dense forest cover, and vast undeveloped areas ensure that there will be many surprises for birders to discover. Finding Birds Birding by Region Each region has a characteristic mix of breeding bird species, although considerable overlap occurs. During the migration seasons these distinctions blur further, as mixed flocks of shorebirds, passerines, raptors, and waterfowl take advantage of favorable habitat along their routes. During the winter months interior Maine is largely deserted by all but the hardiest species [a number of which are highly sought after] but the coast harbors large numbers of waterfowl, seabirds, and lingering passerines. For region-specific details and recommendations on where to bird, see the Maine Audubon website. Resources |
Judy Walker
Staff Naturalist - Maine Audubon Society
(Falmouth, ME)
jwalker@maineaudubon.orghttp://www.maineaudubon.org/
Number of bird species: 425
A Birder's Guide to Maine
The Definite Handbook for Island & Costal Birding Elizabeth Pierson 400 pages Down East Books 2006 *Out of Print 2011ISBN: 0892723653
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Maine Birds
An Introduction to Familiar Species James Kavanagh Waterford Press 2001ISBN: 1583551506
Buy this book from NHBS.com
State Bird
Black-capped Chickadee Parus atricapillus
Audubon Society in Maine
WebsiteUsual list of local chapters.
Downeast Chapter of Maine
InformationP.O. Box 1212, Ellsworth, ME 04605 - (207) 664-4400 - deaudubon@gmail.com
Fundy Chapter
InformationPO Box 478, East Machias, ME 04630 - Tel: (207) 255-8970 - E-mail: thomas.finlay@gmail.com
Maine Audubon Society
WebsiteSince its inception in 1843 as the Portland Society of Natural History, the Maine Audubon Society has become one of New England`s leading regional organizations for environmental advocacy and education. An independent nonprofit organization supported by 6500 member households, Maine Audubon Society is dedicated to the protection, conservation, and enhancement of Maine`s ecosystems through the promotion of individual understanding and actions.
Merrymeeting Audubon Society
WebsiteThe objective of the Merrymeeting Audubon Society [Wiscasset] is to foster an appreciation of our natural environment, with a focus on birds. The Merrymeeting Audubon Society was established about 1970 as a chapter of the National Audubon Society. In 2000, the chapter shifted its membership to Maine Audubon, which in turn affilliated with National Audubon.
Mid-Coast Audubon Society
WebsiteMid-Coast Audubon Society, with its base in Rockland, Maine, is a chapter of Audubon, and affiliated with Maine Audubon Society. Our mission is to promote long-term, responsible use of natural resources through informed membership, education and community awareness...
Nature Conservancy in Maine
WebsiteWelcome to The Nature Conservancy's Maine Chapter home page. Here you'll find information on the many ways we're working to help preserve the diversity of living things by protecting the habitats they call home. Our foray into cyberspace is just beginning, but we hope we are meeting your most immediate needs for information. As our Web page construction efforts continue, we will bring you much more about our work in Maine. In the coming months, we'll be adding new stories and pictures, and we hope you'll stop by frequently.
Penobscot Valley Audubon
WebsiteThe Penobscot Valley Chapter supports the Audubon mission of conservation and education in the greater Bangor region through localized programs and field trips and through ongoing support and stewardship of Fields Pond Audubon Center in Holden...
Prouts Neck Audubon Society
InformationStanton Bird Club
WebsiteThe Stanton Bird Club was founded in 1921 by Dr. Jonathan Stanton, a professor at Bates College in Lewiston. Over the years, a number of parcels of land were donated to the club. These donations eventually grew to encompass some 200 acres, known as the Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, in the heart of Lewiston; Maine`s second largest city...
Western Maine Society
InformationBurt Knapp, President - bknapp@beeline-online.net - 207-778-6285
York County Audubon Society
WebsiteThe York County Audubon Society was incorporated in 1971 as a chapter of the National Audubon Society. In January 2000 YCAS became a part of the Maine Audubon family through an affiliation of the Maine Audubon Society and the National Audubon Society. Now YCAS is in the unique position to offer membership benefits of both of these organiztions.
Acadia Birding Festival
http://www.acadiabirdingfestival.comMount Desert Island, Bar Harbor, Maine - Acadia's birding community invites you and your family to celebrate the ecological wonders of the birds of the Gulf of Maine at the Acadia Birding Festival. Explore Mount Desert Island and its birds through numerous events and venues. Greet our warblers on early morning birding walks, visit with puffins and pelagic birds at sea, and observe Peregrine Falcons at an active breeding site in Acadia National Park. Our combination of lectures, walks, and adventures will connect you to Downeast Maine’s many bird species, diverse habitats and local birding experts....
Acadia National Park
WebsiteSatellite View
Welcome to the Acadia National Park Page. This site is dedicated to providing useful information on Acadia National Park. Learn about the park's history and wildlife, discover scenic hiking trails and beautiful campgrounds....
Borestone Mountain Sanctuary
InformationSatellite View
Encompassing more than 1,600 acres in Maine's Hundred-Mile Wilderness region, Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary offers a spectacular array of natural features, including rare older forest, three crystalline ponds, exposed granite crags, and sweeping views...
East Point Sanctuary
InformationSatellite View
The 30-acre East Point Sanctuary is one of the best points in southern Maine for birdwatching; the rocky, coastal headland site features a short, but spectacular, shoreline trail that offers views of marine birds such as red-throated loons, sea ducks, gannets, and terns. Two islands can be seen from the trail which support large bird colonies...
Fields Pond Audubon Center
InformationSatellite View
Located seven miles southeast of Bangor, Fields Pond Audubon Center features a modern visitor center, an 85-acre pond, and a 192-acre sanctuary with trails winding through field, wetland, forest, and lakeshore...
Gilsland Farm Audubon Center
InformationSatellite View
Sited along the Presumpscot River estuary just five minutes from Portland, Maine Audubon’s headquarters features a modern environmental center and a 65-acre sanctuary with more than two miles of trails winding along a pond and through woods, meadow, orchard and salt marsh...
Hog Island Audubon Center
InformationSatellite View
...Its residential programs have educated adults, children, and families about coastal wildlife in Maine and beyond. Sessions based on a 330-acre island in midcoast Maine's beautiful Muscongus Bay have been led by some of the nation's most-respected naturalists and environmental educators...
Machias Seal Island
InformationSatellite View
A visit to Machias Seal Island can be one of nature's great wildlife spectacles: a seabird colony overflowing with graceful and aeronautic terns, impossibly patterned puffins, and those most elegant seabirds, the Razorbills. Unless you have visited other seabird colonies in the North Atlantic, it is also certain to be a trip unlike any you've imagined. Click here to see a list of seabirds of Machias Seal Island and surrounding waters.
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge
InformationSatellite View
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. It is the first in a chain of migratory bird refuges that extends from Maine to Florida. The refuge consists of two units. The Baring Unit covers 17,200 acres and is located off U.S. Route 1 north of Calais, Maine. The 7,200 acre Edmunds Unit borders the tidal waters of Cobscook Bay near Dennysville.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
WebsiteSatellite View
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is located on Rte. 9 in Wells, Maine, just about one mile from Route 1 and just below Kennebunk. The environment of most of the refuge is salt marsh.
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center
InformationSatellite View
Maine Audubon's Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center is a great place to explore the state's largest salt marsh by foot or canoe. The marsh provides critical habitat for a broad array of wildlife, particularly birds including, waterfowl, egrets, herons, ibises, raptors and grassland sparrows. Muskrat, mink, otter, and deer also frequent the marsh...
Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary
InformationSatellite View
The Stanton Bird Club has been actively engaged in conservation work in the Androscoggin County area for almost 80 years. Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary in Lewiston, a 31 acre wildlife preserve, has been the primary focus of that activity through the years. At an elevation of 510 feet, the highest point in the city, this sanctuary sits as a green capstone, a forested oasis surrounded on three sides by urban and suburban development. The Crag, belonging to the family Thorne in the 1800's, is a familiar and well loved landmark in Lewiston. The human use of this land over the decades has been as varied as the habitats and wildlife it has always protected. Uses have included: recreation and scientific research by Bates College, a sheep and dairy farm, tuberculosis sanitorium, homestead for the reclusive Elder Thorne, and facility for Highland Spring Bottled Water Company.
Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve
WebsiteSatellite View;
The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve is a 1600-acre research, education and public recreation facility. Local citizens representing the non-profit organization Laudholm Trust founded it in 1986. Today the Trust continues to lead a campaign to raise community awareness and develop better stewardship of vital coastal resources within the Gulf of Maine by supporting the mission of the Reserve through membership contributions, private and public foundation grants, and other fund raising activities...
This section sponsored by: 
2000 [August] - John Haas
ReportI have just returned from a quick trip to Maine which was a very enjoyable and productive trip. On Saturday 8/19 I visited Lubec flats at low tide where I saw many shore birds and gulls. Greater Black backed gulls were numerous, but Herring gulls were abundant...
2000 [August] - Paul Blakeburn - to Machias Seal Island, New Brunswick
ReportDespite it being a Sunday afternoon, the border crossing at Calais, ME was quick and easy, and in mid-afternoon we headed off to stay overnight at Harbor House - said by the Nortons to be the best place in town - and catch the boat at 7:00 the next morning. Well, it turned out that it was a good thing it was only mid-afternoon because Paul slipped a mental gear and we went to the wrong town...
2000 [August] - Urs Geiser - S & Central New Hampshire, S Maine, NE Massachusetts
ReportBy leaving a day early and returning late on the last day of a conference, I was able to combine a business trip to New London (west-central New Hampshire) with some birding. Most birders target bird in that area is Bicknell's Thrush, which it should be for me as well, but I decided against that for this trip for a variety of reasons...
2000 [May] - Roger and Louise Mcgovern - Rangeley area
ReportWe left Shawinigan on the morning of May 16th and drove for about 6 hours to Rangeley in northwestern Maine where we intended to rent a lakeside cottage in the backwoods and relax for a week or so...
This section sponsored by:
Birding Pal
InformationLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...
Bob Duchesne - Guide
InformationPopular Maine Audubon trip leader, with experience throughout Maine, New Hampshire, New Brunswick, Quebec, and the Florida Everglades. Customized trips for individuals and groups are a specialty. Well equipped, including 15-passenger van for larger groups...
Down East Nature Tours
Tour OperatorPersonalized nature and bird-watching tours for individuals, couples, families and small groups. We help you discover the flora and fauna of Mt. Desert Island and Down East Maine with special emphasis on native and migrating birds (Bald Eagles, Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Shore birds, Warblers) You will discover the exciting world of birds and learn to identify species by listening to their calls and observing their habits. A truly unique and enjoyable learning experience...
Pelagic - New England Seabirds
Tour OperatorTo promote pelagic birding and the conservation of seabirds in New England. Natural history of the seabirds and something about the whales and dolphins. Where to see pelagic birds from land and how to take a pelagic trip. Visiting seabird colonies in Maine, Nova Scotia, eastern Canada and Newfoundland. Hints for taking your first pelagic trip. Reports of birds seen. Not for profit, no sales, no advertising.
1802 House B&B Inn
AccommodationThere also are lovely gardens and grounds surrounding the 1802 House where one may relax in the comfort of the chairs, benches and lounges and enjoy viewing the flowers, birds and the scenery...
Goose Cove Lodge
AccommodationWatch the seasonal migration of many varieties of birds as they pass by the islands en route to winter nesting grounds...
Hog Island Audubon Camp
Accommodation159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, New York 14850 - Ph: 607-257-7308 x14 - This summer, enjoy world-class ornithology sessions at Audubon’s spectacular Hog Island, located in Maine’s Muscongus Bay. Taught by some of the country’s leading birders, scientists, authors and artists, these dynamic sessions are designed for both beginners and experienced bird enthusiasts....
Bird Watching Rambles
BlogBlog with information and advice on bird watching. Also thoughts on birding and birders…
Birding in Maine
BlogJohn Briggs is a native of Pennsylvania now living in Bath, Maine...
Derek Lovitch
BlogDerek Lovitch is an avid birder and the owner of the Wild Bird Center in Yarmouth. Check in frequently for information about birding in Maine and more.
Field Notes & Photos
Birdlist & InformationPhotonaturalist Steven Scott, based in Punta Gorda, Florida and Harrington, Maine. Landscapes, macro, flora & fauna in the country, suburbs and city. Lots of interesting links about the world of nature…
Northern Maine Birds
BlogI live and bird in Aroostook County in northernmost Maine. Wife, two kids, drive a Ford. Prefer to find my own rather than chase other's birds. My patches are Collins Pond in Caribou, Lake Josephine in Easton, Christina Reservoir in Fort Fairfield and the Nature Conservancy's Woodland Bog Preserve, which is across the street from my house…
Birding Rangeley Lakes
WebsiteThe Rangeley area is a wonderful place to see birds and other wildlife. Because we have such a diverse set of ecosystems within a huge wilderness area, just about any bird that comes to the northeast can be found here, even those that are rare and endangered...
Birds of New England
WebsiteSome excellent photographs... Over 200 species of birds either breed, are resident, or winter in New England. This includes both inland birds and coastal birds. Some of these birds have a small New England range (for example, the Acadian Flycatcher) and other birds are found throughout the region.
Checklist
WebsiteMaine Birding
WebsiteMaineBirding.com has been established to provide those interested in birding in Maine with information to assist them in making their birding time more fun and productive...
Maine Birding Trail
WebsiteResearch for the Maine Birding Trail began in 2003, spanning well over 300 locations across the state. Five years and 36,000 miles later, the trail has launched with the designation of 82 official sites - sites that feature excellent birding, but also excellent parking, paths, facilities, etc. The brochure contains short descriptions and regional maps...
MAINE GUIDE to bird watching and sanctuaries
WebsiteA unique array of bird watching opportunities awaits the visitor to Maine. Watch Atlantic Puffins along the coast of Maine, Loons on many of the state's lakes and ponds, plus many other migrant species of coastal and inland birds! The spring and summer months are the perfect time to observe the many breeding species in the state...
New England Seabirds and Pelagic Birding
WebsiteBirds that breed in the southern hemisphere come north during our summer to feed. These vacationers are seen during most of the summer. Examples are Greater Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, South Polar Skua, and Wilson`s Storm-petrel. Pelagic birding is the only way to count these birds for your North American list.
Puffins & Machias Seal Island
WebsiteIt has been described as a very unique place to visit, and to the avid bird watcher, it is heaven. During the nesting season it becomes home to thousands of pelagic birds.The most noted species is the Atlantic Puffin, but other species such as the Razorbill Auk , and Common and Arctic Terns add to the viewing enjoyment. No matter where you stand on the island, you will see thousands of birds flying by. There are approx. 1000 pairs of puffins, 2500 pairs of arctic terns, 100 pairs of common terns, 150-200 pairs of razorbill auks. Other birds which may be seen on the trip out to the island are Shearwaters ( greater, sooty, manx ); Wilson Storm Petrels, Phalaropes, Jeagers ( pomarine, parasitic ) Northern Gannet, Black Guillemots and Eider Ducks.
Photographer - John McKeith - Earth Imagery
GalleryThe wonderful images of New England from John McKeith... including one or two bird gems. Let the images of Earth speak to all of us. And may we stop long enough tolisten. John McKeith and his wife Steffi own and run the EarthImagery Gallery in Naples, Maine, featuring John's wildlife and landscape photography and work by other area artists. John's work is also regularly published by organizations such as the Sierra Club, the National Audubon Society, The Wilderness Society, The Trust for Public Land, the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Northern Forest Alliance in their campaign and fund raising publications...
back to the top of this page
This site was last updated on Sunday, 29th January 2012.
Feedback/Contact/Advertising Info ::