Birding & Wildlife Watching

With its spectacular landscapes of woods and waters, Maine is a paradise for spotting birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.

Venture into the Kennebec Valley, Maine Highlands and beyond on a guided moose safari to spot massive moose in the wilds of Maine. Moose watching tours range from a variety of adventures, from canoeing along mountain lakes to riding ATVs in the backcountry.

Along the coast from mid-May to October, take a whale watching cruise to explore the summer feeding grounds of migrating humpback, finback, minke and blue whales. Along the way, you may also see other marine life, such as dolphins, seals and seabirds. 

Birders will want to bring their binoculars. With its boreal forests, coastal salt marshes, rocky peninsulas and location along the Atlantic migration flyway, Maine boasts incredible birdwatching. Birding hot spots along the Maine Birding Trail include Acadia National Park, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and many more. Hop on a puffin watching tour to see Atlantic puffins at places like Eastern Egg Rock and Machias Seal Island.

Check Out the Different Types of Wildlife You Can Experience

Moose Watching

It’s not every day you see a moose. Unless you’re in Maine and you know exactly when and where to look. Maine is one of the few states in the U.S. with a sizable moose population. State biologists estimate there are roughly 75,000 moose roaming Maine’s rugged landscape—the largest concentration in the country next to Alaska. Since many moose tip the scales at 1,000 pounds or more, with antlers spanning six feet, it’s no wonder making visual contact with a Maine moose is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing experience. Every time it happens.

Whale Watching

Whale watching in Maine is kind of a big deal. Really, is there a bigger thrill than seeing one of earth’s largest creatures majestically break the ocean surface, pause for a moment for wows and camera clicks, then return to the mysteries of the deep? But don’t worry about that last part. They’ll be back up again before you know it. This is family-friendly educational activity at its finest and most massive. And we’re not using the word massive lightly.

Puffins

So what is a puffin? If you do a search for “puffin images” you may, like a lot of folks, imagine puffins are related to penguins. They’re really not. One hard-to-miss difference is that puffins can fly and penguins can’t. But the most important difference is that puffins like to hang out in Maine.

Birdwatching

Maine is a destination for birdwatchers during all four seasons. Maine’s Birding Trail highlights the best spots to watch feathered friends of all types. Watch purple sandpipers and puffins settle onto the rocky coastline or look for black-capped chickadees (the Maine state bird) in the forest.

Wildlife Parks & Refuges

Wildlife watching in Maine presents a world of diversity and endless opportunities for discovery and recreation. While wildlife watching is something visitors can enjoy throughout the state, here are two of Maine’s most beloved wildlife – and human life – destinations.

More on Birding & Wildlife

Greater Portland and Casco Bay Birding Trail

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Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge

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Planning a Maine Staycation

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Birding in Acadia National Park

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The Maine Highlands Birding Trail

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Whale Watching – Eastport

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Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary

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Aroostook County Birding Trail

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Maine Birding Trail

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Maine’s MidCoast & Islands Birding Trail

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Find Places for Birding & Wildlife Viewing

Birding & Wildlife Watching

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