Shorebirds build in number through May, peaking during its last week. A good morning at one of these sites can tally 22 or more warbler species. Highlighting the spring migration for birders are the warblers: beginning with the first Palms and Pines in late April and finishing with the late-arriving Mournings in late May, the warbler migration is center stage at many of the most popular-and most accessible-birding sites around the state. Blue-headed Vireos, Hermit Thrushes, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and other vocal passerines make their presence known soon thereafter, accompanied by hawks that pour into the state through the month. The songs of mixed sparrow flocks and the distinctive display-flight sounds of American Woodcock in early April are welcome notes to this eagerly awaited season. Spring migration is long, with the hardiest species arriving as the snow begins melting in early March and continuing well into early June with a final northward push of shorebirds. And the Maine Birding Trail has a list of places for a relaxing bird watching outing or locations to find birds you can add to your Life List.īirding in Maine is a year-round activity.

This diversity is reflected in a state list of regularly occurring birds that now numbers over 330 species. Spanning both the forest transition zone from deciduous to coniferous woodlands, and the coastal transition zone from sandy beaches and salt marsh estuaries to rocky shore, Maine provides a wide range of habitats for birds, many of which reach their northern or southern range limit here.

For breeding warblers, boreal specialties, and birds of coastal and offshore waters, Maine offers unmatched opportunities to find some of the country’s most sought-after species. It’s no secret that Maine is one of North America’s top birding destinations.

Maine hawk sounds