Maine
Puffins, Boreal Specialties & Coastal Migration
Maine is a place where ocean, forest, and sky collide in a way that feels both rugged and deeply peaceful. Offshore islands hold the only reliable Atlantic Puffin colonies in the United States, while the spruce–fir forests of the interior shelter boreal specialties. Along the coast, saltmarshes, rocky headlands, and cold Atlantic waters create a rich mosaic of habitats that make every day of birding feel different from the last. From iconic seabirds to whisper‑quiet northern forests, Maine offers birders a rare combination of bucket‑list species, wild landscapes, and seasonal magic.
At this time, our Maine departures are offered as private custom tours only. Stay connected for future updates - join our mailing list to receive news on upcoming offerings and inspiration for your next birding adventure.
Custom Group Tours Available Only
Sample Itinerary:
Maine's Three Major Regions (6-7 days)
Portland → Scarborough Marsh → Midcoast → Monhegan Island → Downeast → Machias Seal Island & Quoddy Head → north to Baxter State Park → Portland
This seven‑day route traces Maine’s most iconic birding zones, from saltmarsh sparrows near Portland to puffin colonies on offshore islands, migrant-rich Monhegan, and the boreal forests of Baxter State Park.
This is a journey that blends seabird spectacle, coastal migration, and high‑elevation specialties into one of the most diverse birding experiences in the Northeast.
Early-to-mid June is the only window where you can combine active puffin/tern colonies (they clear out by early September), full breeding-season song from warblers and boreal species, and Bicknell's Thrush on territory at high elevation. Alternative: early-to-mid September is great for migration volume at Monhegan Island (warbler fallouts, vagrant potential), but you'd have to drop the puffin/Machias Seal Island boats since colonies are empty by then.
Target species: Atlantic Puffin, Common Murre, Razorbill, Common Eider, Black Guillemot, Arctic Tern, warblers in volume (Blackburnian, Bay-breasted, Cape May, Blackpoll), vireos, thrushes, Wilson's Storm Petrel, Common Eider, Bald Eagle, Spruce Grouse, Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Black-backed Woodpecker, American Three-toed Woodpecker, White-winged and Red Crossbills, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, and Bicknell's Thrush.