Atlantic Puffin © Steve Nanz


Blackburnian Warbler © David Speiser


Gray Jay © Steve Nanz


Northern Gannet © Steve Nanz


Atlantic White-Sided Dolphin © Steve Nanz

Come along with NYC Audubon and explore mid-coast Maine's "Country of the Pointed Firs": land of lighthouses, quaint villages, lobster ponds, and idyllic inns... all nestled in a setting of primeval pine forests, bogs, salt marshes, and bucolic harbors and islands. Fractured by glaciers, pounded by surf, and sliced by rivers, there is no place on the eastern seaboard that has more wildlife-rich bays, coves, and estuaries. These geologic features contribute to the overall excellence of the birding experience available there.

Home to some of the East's last true wilderness, Maine hosts populations of Atlantic puffin, bear, moose, shorebirds, and dozens of warbler species and other migratory songbirds. The mid-coast region is particularly diverse, as this is where the deciduous forests of the south meet the great boreal forests of the north, and sandy beaches transition to the rocky coast. This land and its wildlife have been an inspiration to artists and naturalists for generations.

We will begin our exploration of Maine's diverse biomes by spending three days on the lovely mainland coast, visiting the salt marshes and beaches to the south near Portland before heading to the beautiful fishing village of Camden. From there we will explore nearby hills, meadows, and marshes in search of elusive rails and Nelson's sparrow, as well as grassland specialties like upland sandpiper and vesper sparrow.

Following our exploration of mainland ecosystems, we will spend four days and three nights on enchanting Monhegan Island, a small island far off the coast of Maine—a birder's paradise and scene of inspiration for artists including Edward Hopper and the Wyeth family. Painters, photographers, and of course birders still flock to this beautiful island, and so do birds: Seeing 25 to 30 warbler species in one day is not uncommon, and many vagrants and rarities appear here. We will stay at the historic Monhegan House Inn, where we will be treated to wonderful meals including a lobster dinner. Finally, we will take a boat trip with Audubon biologists to remote islands where puffins, terns, and other seabirds nest. While on the water, we'll keep our eyes open for whales and porpoises.

Your guide will be Gabriel Willow, a Maine native who began his career leading tours there over a decade ago. Now based in Brooklyn, Gabriel knows and loves his home state, and will take you to some of his favorite secret birding haunts.

Price includes double-occupancy lodging, some meals, and van transportation in Maine (airfare not included). Limited to 12 people. $1,500 ($500 single room supplement).

Read a detailed itinerary of our Maine Tour

Read our list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Call 212-691-7483 or email Tod Winston to register or find out more.