Explore the "Country of the Pointed Firs" in mid-coast Maine, home to lighthouses, quaint villages, sailboats, lobster ponds, and idyllic inns, primeval pine forests, bogs, salt marshes, craggy coastline, 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 bays, sounds, coves, and estuaries. These geologic features contribute to the overall excellence of the birding experiences available there.

Maine has some of the last true wilderness in the east, attracting populations of Atlantic puffins, bears, moose, shorebirds, 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 spend the first three days on the mainland, visiting the salt marshes and beaches to the south near Portland before heading to Camden. From this beautiful coastal fishing village 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.

Then 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 like 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 species of warbler 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 might also see whales.

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, most meals, and van transportation in Maine (airfare not included). Limited to 12 people. $1,500 ($350 single room supplement).

View the full itinerary for this trip by clicking here.
Please see our answers to Frequently Asked Questions about this trip.

To learn more about ecotourism with NYC Audubon, click here.
Call 212-691-7483 or email Erik Karff to register or find out more about upcoming NYC Audubon national and international trips.