Maine and New Hampshire

From Bicknell's Thrush to Atlantic Puffin

We'll begin by birding the Kennebunk Plains in the southern part of the state...
We'll begin by birding the Kennebunk Plains in the southern part of the state...
where we can hope to find breeding Prairie Warblers and perhaps some lingering migrants.
where we can hope to find breeding Prairie Warblers and perhaps some lingering migrants.
We'll bird Scarborough Marsh, home of the secretive Saltmarsh Sparrow... (LS)
We'll bird Scarborough Marsh, home of the secretive Saltmarsh Sparrow... (LS)
and take a stroll on a nearby beach, where...
and take a stroll on a nearby beach, where...
...we'll look for adorable Piping Plovers.
...we'll look for adorable Piping Plovers.
We'll scan for Roseate Terns flying along the coast...
We'll scan for Roseate Terns flying along the coast...
...and Common Eiders floating on the waves.
...and Common Eiders floating on the waves.
It won't be long before we get to sample Maine's famous lobster rolls.
It won't be long before we get to sample Maine's famous lobster rolls.
...perhaps while enjoying the coastal scenery.
...perhaps while enjoying the coastal scenery.
From the Portland area we head toward the rugged coastlines of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
From the Portland area we head toward the rugged coastlines of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
On a boat trip from Bar Harbor we'll look for Black Guillemots (and lighthouses, of course).
On a boat trip from Bar Harbor we'll look for Black Guillemots (and lighthouses, of course).
The landscape of Acadia National Park is famously picturesque...
The landscape of Acadia National Park is famously picturesque...
...and can hold a variety of warblers, like Black-throated Green.
...and can hold a variety of warblers, like Black-throated Green.
The view from atop Cadillac Mountain can be amazing.
The view from atop Cadillac Mountain can be amazing.
Heading farther north, we'll look for Upland Sandpiper in open blueberry bogs.
Heading farther north, we'll look for Upland Sandpiper in open blueberry bogs.
In Cutler Harbor we'll board our boat and head offshore... (DL)
In Cutler Harbor we'll board our boat and head offshore... (DL)
...to visit Machias Seal Island, home to impressive seabird colonies.
...to visit Machias Seal Island, home to impressive seabird colonies.
As we approach the island we'll see large numbers of Common Murres...
As we approach the island we'll see large numbers of Common Murres...
...and if the weather cooperates we plan to land on the island and visit the blinds...
...and if the weather cooperates we plan to land on the island and visit the blinds...
...and get up close with the seabirds, including...
...and get up close with the seabirds, including...
...elegant Razorbills...
...elegant Razorbills...
...and comical Atlantic Puffins.
...and comical Atlantic Puffins.
We can also see some marine mammals, such as Harbor Seals.
We can also see some marine mammals, such as Harbor Seals.
Quoddy Head is the easternmost point in the continental USA.
Quoddy Head is the easternmost point in the continental USA.
We'll bird boreal forests, where we'll search for...
We'll bird boreal forests, where we'll search for...
...breeding species like Northern Waterthrush...
...breeding species like Northern Waterthrush...
...Canada Warbler...
...Canada Warbler...
...and Lincoln's Sparrow.
...and Lincoln's Sparrow.
Venturing deeper into the forest...
Venturing deeper into the forest...
...we could be very lucky to spot a Spruce Grouse... (LS)
...we could be very lucky to spot a Spruce Grouse... (LS)
...and we may even come across Moose. (DL)
...and we may even come across Moose. (DL)
On the last leg of our trip we'll bird the alpine habitats of New Hampshire's White Mountains...
On the last leg of our trip we'll bird the alpine habitats of New Hampshire's White Mountains...
...where our top target is Bicknell’s Thrush. (LS)
...where our top target is Bicknell’s Thrush. (LS)
But we'll also find Blackpoll Warblers staking out their territories along the tree line.
But we'll also find Blackpoll Warblers staking out their territories along the tree line.
...and we'll look for Yellow-bellied Flycatchers nearby.
...and we'll look for Yellow-bellied Flycatchers nearby.
It truly is a spectacular setting for birding.
It truly is a spectacular setting for birding.
Photo credit: Scott Olmstead, Luke Seitz (LS), and Derek Lovitch (DL)
2025 Tour Price
$4,790
2025
Single Room Supplement $890
Maximum group size seven with one leader.
Tour balances paid by check/bank transfer may carry a 4% discount

This tour visits one of the most beautiful and sparsely populated areas in North America near the peak of breeding bird activity. Maine and New Hampshire are an avifaunal crossroads, as many species reach their northernmost or southernmost breeding ranges here. We’ll spend time with both of these groups, focusing on the boreal specialties that are mostly found farther north.

Off the coast, tiny rock islands teem with life as thousands of seabirds begin their nesting season. During our visit to Machias Seal Island, we’ll see terns and alcids, including Razorbill and Atlantic Puffins, literally at arm’s length.

In all, we hope to see at least 20 species of warbler, thirteen sparrows, nine flycatchers, seven thrushes including Bicknell’s, five vireos and four alcids. Although the avian spectacle is reason enough to visit New England, the rugged coastline, picturesque lighthouses, quaint fishing towns, classic New England villages, tallest mountains in the Northeast, and excellent cuisine (the lobster doesn’t get any fresher than this!) are a significant part of the tour.

Tour Team
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Tour Notes

Maximum group size seven with one leader.

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