birding...

Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus ©Cal Vornberger http://www.calvorn.com/index.htm

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

Although Maine has comparatively few parks and little public land (less than 5% of Maine`s lands are owned by the public); access to good birding spots is seldom a problem. Back roads and logging roads invite exploration. A canoe or kayak opens up endless possibilities for birding along thousands of miles of streams, rivers, lakeshores, and coast. And Maine is virtually laced with an informal network of recreation trails used throughout the year by snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, walkers, horseback riders, cyclists, and hunters. Almost all these trails cross private land, but tolerance of public access is the general custom - provided it is matched with common courtesy and respect on the part of the user. With a little local knowledge and a willingness to explore, these trails open up broad possibilities for bird finding.

Birding by Region

From a birding standpoint Maine can be roughly divided into six regions:
Interior & Southern Maine/Red Oak and White Pine Forests
Northern Maine/The Maine Woods
The Western Mountains/Boreal Forest
The Southwest Coast/Salt Marshes & Sand Beaches
Midcoast/Rocky Peninsulas and Spruce-lined Coves
Downeast/The Boreal Coast

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

A copy of the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer is indispensable for birding in Maine. Maine Audubon and its chapters host a number of outings and field trips for anyone from novice to expert birders. Checkout the programs and trips section of the Maine Audubon site for current offerings.