Mount Desert Island

Maine · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird

Habitat

CoastalDesert

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mount Desert Island is a productive birding destination in Maine, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and desert habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Sanderling Brown Pelican Osprey Royal Tern Willet

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

3/6/2026Leonard Lake, Ellsworth1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

3/6/2026Ellsworth Waterfront Park1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026Barcadia Campground1 observed

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

3/6/202617 Heritage Oaks, Blue Hill, ME 44.412, -68.5961 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/6/202699 S Bay Rd, East Franklin, ME1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/1/2026Leonard Lake, Ellsworth1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/1/2026Acadia Crossing, Ellsworth US-ME 44.52794, -68.397941 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

2/26/2026Acadia NP--Blueberry Hill1 observed

Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus

2/25/2026Knox Road1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Maine

Acadia National Park

Coastal Maine park with boreal breeding birds and pelagic species.

Acadia National Park

Forest birding hotspot in Maine with 240 recorded species.

Acadia National Park - Otter Point

Forest birding hotspot in Maine with 208 recorded species.

Maine Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Maine →

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mount Desert Island for birding?▼

The best months to visit Mount Desert Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Mount Desert Island?▼

Notable species at Mount Desert Island include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal, desert habitats.

How difficult is birding at Mount Desert Island?▼

Birding at Mount Desert Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Mount Desert Island?▼

Mount Desert Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.