BIRDING LOCATIONS and DIRECTIONS
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(All Directions from Festival Center, unless otherwise specified)
Festival Center consists of two locations, across the street from each other. One is the Fire Station Community Room, where registration takes place, and lunches will be served. Directly across the street is the Acadia Repertory Theater where evening presentations, and other activities take place. Workshops will be in one of these two locations - look for postings to determine which building. Parking may become crowded at times, and some cars may need to be parked on the street. If possible, try to carpool. Directions from Ellsworth: 14.5 miles, 23 minutes Head southeast on ME-3 E/High St for 9.4 miles. After crossing onto Mount Desert Island, stay straight on ME-102 S/ME-198/Main St, when ME-3 curves to the left. Follow ME-102 for 5.1 miles, through Somesville (note 25 MPH speed zone!), to destination - Fire Station on your right, and the Acadia Repertory Theater on your left.
Directions from Bar Harbor: 8.0 miles, 13 minutes
Head west on ME-233 W/Eagle Lake Rd for approximately 6.0 miles. Turn right at ME-198 N/ME-3 E/Sound Dr. and drive 1.4 miles. Turn left at traffic light, onto ME-102 S/Main St. Follow for 0.8 miles, through Somesville (note 25 MPH speed zone!), to destination - Fire Station on your right, and the Acadia Repertory Theater on your left.
Alone Moose Gallery (Located at 78 West Street in Bar Harbor)
Since 1976, owners Sherry and Ivan Rasmussen, have shown their own work as well as fine juried crafts by some of Maine's leading craftspeople.... Pottery, wildlife sculpture in bronze and wood, watercolors, photography, furniture, limited edition block prints, painted silk, and jewelry are among the works shown at the island's oldest Made in Maine Gallery. The Rasmussens feature the finest crafts for you to enjoy and cherish in season on the waterfront or all year at this site. The owners are in the gallery daily to assist with your shopping needs.
Directions: 8.7 miles, 16 minutes
Head north on ME-102 N/Main St for 0.8 miles. At the traffic light, turn right onto ME-198/ME-3 W. Drive 1.4 miles, then turn left onto ME-233 E/Eagle Lake Rd toward Bar Harbor. In 5.8 miles you’ll reach Bar Harbor. Take a sharp left onto Eden St. In 0.3 miles, turn right at West St. The Gallery is 0.4 miles on the right.
Asticou Azalea and Thuya Gardens (Meet at the parking lot of Asticou Azalea Garden)
Modeled after a classic Japanese garden, the Asticou Azalea Garden explodes each spring in every shade of pink, coral, crimson and peach. The Azalea Garden has been visited by 17 species of Wood Warblers including Blackburnian, Wilson's, Northern Waterthrush, Black-throated Blue, Magnolia and numerous Black-throated Green and Yellow-rumped Warblers. American Redstart is a yearly highlight, displaying and calling throughout the early summer. Pine Siskin, Cedar Waxwing, and both White-winged and Red Crossbills are found in Asticou, and along the ridgeline conifer forests of nearby Thuya Garden. The "Asticou Stream Trail" can produce Gray Catbird, Osprey, Great Blue Heron and Belted Kingfisher. Other notable Neotropical migrants are the stunning male Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, and scores of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. The Azalea Garden, created by Boston landscape architect Joseph Henry Curtis, provides a unique variety of habitats for Neotropical migrants. The watersheds flowing through the Gardens make it one of the most beautiful formal gardens in the region and its position at the mouth of Northeast Harbor places it directly in the path of an enormous variety of rare migrating and nesting birds.
Directions: 6.3 miles, 10 minutes
Head north on ME-102 N/Main St for 0.8 miles. At the traffic light, turn right onto ME-198/ME-3 W. Drive 5.5 miles toward Northeast Harbor. Asticou Azalea Gardens is on your left, just before US-3 turns left at the intersection to Seal 2
Harbor. To drive to Thuya Gardens, turn left on US-3 to Seal Harbor. In 0.4 miles, look for a parking area on right side of road. To reach the Gardens, cross over road and take the stone steps up the hill through the woods.
Boreal Van Trip North (Meet behind McDonald’s in Ellsworth)
Black-backed Woodpeckers, Boreal Chickadees, Gray Jays, and Spruce Grouse are rare amid the hardwoods of Acadia National Park. These denizens of the spruce/fir forest prefer the colder boggy areas found only a little farther north and inland. Pine Siskins, Olive-sided Flycatchers and White-winged Crossbills share this habitat, and it’s a better place to look for Bay-breasted, Cape May, and Mourning Warblers. We’ll travel by 15-passenger van, spending the day probing some of the best boreal areas in downeast Maine.
Participants should bring their own picnic lunches and beverages, but we will be stopping at convenience stores, as needed. Bring bug repellent and sunscreen. Long sleeves and hats are especially useful. The trip will feature a considerable amount of driving, broken up by frequent stops. Walks will be short, on level dirt roads and trails. Bring binoculars; the guide will share a spotting scope and guidebooks. Besides the target birds, expect to encounter many other species and this will be a great opportunity to improve birding by ear skills. The van will return to Ellsworth by 4 PM. Directions: 13.9 miles, 25 minutes
Head north on ME-102 N/Main St for about 5 miles. Turn left onto ME-3 W/Bar Harbor Road, and continue off the island, heading towards Ellsworth. In 7.7 miles, turn right onto Myrick Street, and follow 0.4 miles past WalMart on right and The Home Depot on left, then turn left onto US-1 S. In 0.5 miles, you’ll see McDonald’s straight ahead, across the street, adjacent to Friendly’s and the Hannaford shopping complex.
Canoeing Bass Harbor Marsh (Meet at the Tremont School parking lot)
The unique ABF canoe trip is an opportunity to venture into a coastal plateau bog and salt marsh ecosystem where we hope to find Nelson’s Sparrows, marsh birds, ducks, many wood warblers, Alder Flycatcher, Savannah Sparrow, and a beautiful view of the Western Mountains. This amazing paddle on a rising tide takes you through forested wetlands, bogs, and maturing conifer forests, all undisturbed habitat teaming with avian wonders. Merlin can be seen foraging, searching for Semipalmated Sandpipers along the banks. Greater Yellowlegs, American Black Duck, Willow Flycatcher, singing warblers, and Broad-winged Hawk can be found as we paddle along.
Directions: 8.1 miles, 13 minutes
Head south on ME-102 S/Main St through Southwest Harbor and toward Bass Harbor for about 7.8 miles. At the corner gas station, be sure to curve to the right, then continue 0.25 miles to the Tremont School on your right, after you pass over the Bass Harbor Marsh bridge. Please PARK AT THE TREMONT SCHOOL. We will enter the marsh on the southeastern side of the tidal stream. Life vests, paddles and canoes are provided. Bring water and food.
Canoeing Northeast Creek and Fresh Meadow (Meet on Rt. 3 by the Big Yellow Barn)
The Northeast Creek estuary dates back to the melting Wisconsian Glacier 13,000 years ago and is the largest freshwater outflow off the Mount Desert Range flowing north. Known locally as "Fresh Meadow", this tidal bog ecosystem has raised portions and tidal creeks which can be explored at your leisure while paddling these quiet waters. This trip will allow you an opportunity to become familiar with a variety of calls such as Yellow Warbler, and Alder and Great-crested Flycatchers. There is extensive edge habitat throughout the three mile paddle with diverse wetlands offering opportunities to observe American and Least Bittern, Marsh Wrens, and Nelson’s, Song, and Savannah Sparrows. Peregrine Falcon stealthfully forage on migratory birds while Marsh Hawks nesting in the upper reaches can be regularly seen gliding over the sedge marsh meadow seeking tidal mammals. Freshwater and tidal waterfowl utilize the variety of salinities found in this watershed, including Red-breasted and Hooded Merganser, American Black Duck, and Bufflehead. Great Blue Heron, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and Belted Kingfisher all search for feasts of fish and small invertebrates in the creek. For the last 20 years Bald Eagles have nested at the mouth of this great estuary which provides a year round source of prey. 3
Directions: 5.0 miles, 10 minutes
Head north on ME-102/Main St. Continue for 2.9 miles, then bare right onto Knox Road at the Town Hill Market. In 1.5 miles, turn right onto ME-3/Bar Harbor Road. In 0.4 miles, cross over Northeast Creek, and park just beyond the yellow house on the left (big yellow barn). Life vests, paddles and canoes are provided. Bring water and food.
Hadley Point
The northern tip of MDI acts as a spring migrant trap for Neotropical birds "island hopping" north to their main land breeding grounds. Look for Peregrine Falcon and Merlin hunting for these migratory birds over the water and along the water’s edge. Many warblers, flycatchers, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker are possible. Lingering sea ducks preparing for summer are seen feeding in the nutrient rich sea water where Northeast Creek, on MDI, and the Jordan River, from the mainland, flow into the ocean. During the winter months, Hadley Point is a top birding hotspot for White-winged, Black and Surf Scoter, Common Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck, Bufflehead, Bonaparte’s Gull, Common and Red-throated Loon, Red-necked and Horned Grebe. This shoreline in fall and winter provides habitats for Semipalmated, Western, and Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Whimbrel, and Dunlin.
Directions: 6.6 miles, 14 minutes
Head north on ME-102/Main St. Continue for 2.9 miles, then bare right onto Knox Road at the Town Hill Market. In 1.5 miles, turn right onto ME-3/Bar Harbor Road. Hadley Point Road will be on your left in 1.5 miles. Follow to the end – about 0.7 miles.
Directions from Witch Hole: 8.1 miles, 17 minutes
Head northeast on Duck Brook Rd for 0.7 miles. Turn right toward Park Loop Rd, then in 0.2 miles turn right onto Park Loop Rd. Follow 1.8 miles towards visitor’s center and junction of ME-3. Turn left at ME-3 W/Eden St, and drive 4.6 miles. Turn right at Hadley Point Rd. Follow to the end – about 0.7 miles.
Indian Point Blagdon Preserve (Meet in parking lot just off Indian Point Road at Preserve entrance)
An excellent example of a maturing Red Spruce forest, the Indian Point Blagdon Preserve escaped the Fire of 1947 and is home to many interesting birds. Black-backed Woodpeckers have nested here as well as Blackburnian, Magnolia, Black-and-White Warblers, Golden- and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Blue-headed Vireo, Swainson's and Hermit Thrush, Osprey and Bald Eagle. Where land meets sea, Harbor Seals and Harbor Porpoises rear their young. This Nature Conservancy preserve represents the biodiversity that is the essence of MDI.
Directions: 2.9 miles, 8 minutes
Head north on ME-102 for 0.3 miles, then turn left onto Oak Hill Road. In 2.4 miles, turn left onto Indian Point Road. In 0.2 miles, the entrance to Blagden Preserve (The Nature Conservancy) will be on your right. Enter, then park immediately to your left.
Otter Cliffs (Meet at Fabbri Picnic area parking lot)
This unique peninsula acts as a migrant trap for birds traveling from Neotropical regions. Mourning, Blackburnian, Cape May, Black-throated Green, Yellow-rumped, and Northern Parula Warblers. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hairy and Downy Woodpecker, Blue-headed Vireo, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden and Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin are all found here. Otter Point, located 12 miles out to sea from the mainland, offers diverse coastal and deepwater habitats which attracts a variety of seabirds including Common Eider, Black Guillemot, Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Red-necked and Horned Grebe, Double-crested and Great Cormorant, Northern Gannet, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck and all three Scoter. A special treat is the chance to view nesting Black Guillemot on the high vertical cliffs.
Directions: 13.4 miles, 26 minutes
Head north on ME-102 N/Main St for 0.8 miles. At the traffic light, turn right onto ME-198/ME-3 W. Drive 1.4 miles, then turn left onto ME-233 E/Eagle Lake Rd toward Bar Harbor. In 5.1 miles turn right at Cromwell Harbor Rd (Kebo Valley Golf Course). Stay on Cromwell Harbor Rd for 1.2 miles, then turn right at ME-3 E/Main St. Follow ME-3 for 3.2 miles, then turn left at Otter Cliff Rd. Turn right into Fabbri Picnic area in 1.7 miles. 4
Pelagic Seabird Boat Trip (Meet at the town Pier in Bar Harbor)
This is a dedicated pelagic trip, just for ABF participants, with numerous birding guides to help id the birds! You’ll be aboard the "Friendship V", a large stable jet-powered catamaran offering excellent viewing platforms for pelagic seabirds. Add Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill, Common Murre, Pomarine Jaeger, and Greater Shearwater to your life list. Visit Petit Manan and the largest tern colony in the Gulf of Maine where we’ll view Common, Roseate, and Arctic Terns. A naturalist with the Bar Harbor Whale Watch will also help us spot whales. It is always possible to see the endangered Right Whale, Fin and Humpback Whales, White-sided Dolphin, Harbor Porpoise, and harbor and Gray Seals. Bring your ID! For comfort, dress for winter. If cancelled due to weather, the make-up date will be Monday from 11:40am-4:00pm on the regularly scheduled whale watch trip (if you can’t make this date, we will refund your money).
Directions: 8.7 miles, 16 minutes
Head north on ME-102 N/Main St for 0.8 miles. At the traffic light, turn right onto ME-198/ME-3 W. Drive 1.4 miles, then turn left onto ME-233 E/Eagle Lake Rd toward Bar Harbor. In 5.8 miles you’ll reach Bar Harbor. Continue straight onto Mt. Desert St. In 0.5 miles, turn left at Main St., which in 0.3 miles, at the bottom of the hill, you’ll be at the town pier. Parking at the pier is for 2 hours only, so you will need to find parking on the street. West St. is often the best choice.
Peregrine Falcon Viewing (Meet at the Precipice trail Parking lot)
Every day from 9:00 AM to noon, join Acadia National Park rangers to view the nesting Peregrine Falcons. The rangers will have spotting scopes and continuous interpretation to teach you about Peregrine Falcons and other raptors on MDI. Sitting atop the food chain, raptors are known for their power, speed, and special adaptations. Arrive at your leisure anytime during the designated hours.
Directions: 11 miles, 22 minutes
Head north on ME-102 N/Main St for 0.8 miles. At the traffic light, turn right onto ME-198/ME-3 W. Drive 1.4 miles, then turn left onto ME-233 E/Eagle Lake Rd toward Bar Harbor. In 5.1 miles turn right at Cromwell Harbor Rd (Kebo Valley Golf Course). Stay on Cromwell Harbor Rd for 0.5 miles, then take the first right onto Kebo St. In 0.5 miles, turn left at Ocean Dr/Park Loop Rd. Drive 2.8 miles to Precipice Trail Parking lot on right.
Pretty Marsh (Meet at the entrance to the Pretty Marsh picnic area)
Surrounded by a maturing Red Spruce Forest with views of Hardwood and Bartlett Islands, Pretty Marsh is truly an Acadia gem where land meets sea. Blackburnian Warbler, White-winged Crossbill, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-headed Vireo, and Hermit Thrush make this seaside forest their home. Bald Eagle, Osprey, Common Loon, Red-breasted Merganser, non-breeding Long-tailed Ducks and White-winged Scoters as well as Harbor Seals and Porpoises are seen in the saltwater of Blue Hill Bay.
Directions: 4.0 miles, 7 minutes
Head WEST onto ME-102 N/Pretty Marsh Rd (not south). In about 4 miles, you will arrive at the entrance to the Pretty Marsh picnic area on your right.
Directions from Ship Harbor: 10.7 miles, 19 minutes
Turn left out of parking lot. Drive 2.1 miles on ME-102 Alt. Turn left at Flat Iron Rd. In 0.3 miles at stop sign turn left (pretty much straight) onto ME-102 S/Tremont Rd. Follow for 8.2 miles to entrance on left.
Schooner Head (Meet at the parking area for Schooner Head Overlook)
Enjoy the morning air along Maine’s rocky coast, viewing pelagic and coastal birds of Acadia. Cliff Swallows were once common in Anemone Cave where Eastern Phoebes now occasionally nest. Common Eider, Black Guillemot, Common and sometimes Red-throated Loon, and a variety of Gulls may be seen over the water. Many warblers are seen here during spring migration and summer including Magnolia, Black-throated Green, Yellow-rumped, and Northern Parula. Ovenbirds can be heard calling in the second growth forest surrounding this picturesque setting. Even a Ruffed Grouse might be sighted on the forest floor. As we walk along the trails, the ethereal calls of Hermit Thrush or the drumming of Pileated and Hairy Woodpeckers, can be heard. Fog banks off these rocky eastern shores give refuge to pelagic species including Leach’s Storm-Petrel and Northern Gannet seen foraging on the misty edges before darting back into the watery curtain. This walk also ventures away form the shore into the coastal forests burned by the fire of 1947. Successional forests surround a mangrove like shrub wetland community and is summer home to Hermit Thrush, Ovenbird, Nashville Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler, American Redstart, as well as Great-crested, Alder, and Least Flycatchers. If time allows, there is a beautiful view over Sand Beach highlighted by Beaver ponds where migratory Solitary Sandpiper and Pied-billed Grebe find refuge. Common Flicker have routinely nested in the deadwood around this mixed wetland edge habitat. This entire area is a perfect place to study a variety of northern nesting and migratory birds.
Directions: 11.7 miles, 25 minutes
Head north on ME-102 N/Main St for 0.8 miles. At the traffic light, turn right onto ME-198/ME-3 W. Drive 1.4 miles, then turn left onto ME-233 E/Eagle Lake Rd toward Bar Harbor. In 5.1 miles turn right at Cromwell Harbor Rd (Kebo Valley Golf Course). Stay on Cromwell Harbor Rd for 1.2 miles, then turn right at ME-3 E/Main St. Follow ME-3 for 0.7 miles, then turn left on Schooner Head Rd. In 2.5 miles down Schooner Head Rd, turn left at the stop sign, which takes you directly into the Overlook parking area. 5
Directions from Sieur de Monts Spring: 3.2 miles, 8 minutes
Exit the parking lot, an d follow signs for Ocean Dr/Park Loop Rd. Turn right on Park Loop Rd. and drive 2.6 miles. Turn left just before entrance gate (pay station), and follow 0.3 miles to the Overlook parking area.
Seawall (Meet at parking area off Route 102A by the Beaver Pond at Seawall)
This is one of the most consistent places on MDI for seabirds of all types including King and Common Eider, American Black Duck, Black Guillemot, Common Loon, Northern Gannet, and a variety of Scoter. Along the dynamic coastal edge which features natural rock seawalls, you’ll also see a variety of warblers, Alder Flycatcher and raptors searching for food. Described by Roger Tory Peterson as one of the most beautiful places on MDI, it has an exceptional number of bird species, largely due to habitat like the Great Heath, where bogs and brackish water ponds are surrounded by scrub Black and Red Spruce forests. Look for Merlin and Sharp-shinned Hawk roosting on the top branches.
Directions: 9.0 miles, 15 minutes
Head south on ME-102 S/Main St toward Southwest Harbor for 6.2 miles. After passing through Southwest Harbor, turn left on ME-102 Alt/Seawall Rd. Drive 2.8 miles to parking area on right side of road next to the beaver pond.
Directions from Ship Harbor: 1.6 miles, 3 minutes
Turn right (east) out of parking lot and drive 1.6 miles to parking area on left next to beaver pond.
Ship Harbor Nature Trail (Meet at the Ship Harbor parking lot)
This is one of the loveliest spots on MDI, and the bird activity can be outstanding throughout the year. The trail traverses a forest of Red and White Spruce, emerging onto barnacle clad pink granite ledges. The forest is a migrant trap in the spring, and is home to Spruce Grouse, Hermit Thrush, Pileated Woodpecker, a variety of warblers, and American Woodcock. Observe Common Eiders diving for mussels while Black-throated Green Warblers flit amongst the conifers. Shorebirds such as Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Dunlin, and Least and Spotted Sandpipers all frequent this location. Bald Eagles are commonly seen hunting along this diverse southern coastline. Off shore we will be looking for Black Guillemot, Common Eider and Scoters diving for rock eels and mussels.
Directions: 10.5 miles, 18 minutes
Head south on ME-102 S/Main St toward Southwest Harbor for 6.2 miles. After passing through Southwest Harbor, turn left on ME-102 Alt/Seawall Rd. Drive 4.3 miles to parking lot on left side of road. Note: You will pass Wonderland Trail in route, which is also a great location to bird.
Sieur de Monts Spring (Meet at Sieur de Monts Spring parking)
This walk encompasses several unique habitat types, including upland marshes and forested wetlands, with a wide variety of bird species possible. A pleasant, woodland walk, the Jessup Path follows the west margin of Great Meadow, one of the few large grassland habitats on Mount Desert Island. This four season birding hotspot offers some of the finest opportunities on MDI for a wide 6
variety of migratory birds. During spring migration and summer breeding season, keep your eyes open for sparrows, thrushes, and Ovenbirds on the ground, and Barred Owls, raptors, Scarlet Tanager, Great-crested Flycatchers and warblers in the trees above. Look for American Bittern and the occasional Sora in the sedge wetland. Around the open edges look for Indigo Bunting, Nashville Warbler, American Redstart, Swamp Sparrow and Cedar Waxwing. Downy, Hairy, and Pileated Woodpecker, as well as Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Northern Flicker are local to this area. Sieur de Monts offers hours of opportunities to study the behavior and life histories of hard to find birds like Long-eared Owls, foraging on American Robins during fall migration and Snowy Owls slowly gliding over the open wintery expanses of Great Meadow. This alluvial mixed forested shrub wetlands has earned it the title of the "best birding hotspot" in Acadia National Park.
Directions: 10.3 miles, 19 minutes
Head north on ME-102 N/Main St for 0.8 miles. At the traffic light, turn right onto ME-198/ME-3 W. Drive 1.4 miles, then turn left onto ME-233 E/Eagle Lake Rd toward Bar Harbor. In 5.1 miles turn right at Cromwell Harbor Rd (Kebo Valley Golf Course). Stay on Cromwell Harbor Rd for 1.2 miles, then turn right at ME-3 E/Main St. Follow ME-3 for 1.6 miles, then turn right, following signs for Sieur de Monts Spring.
Thurston’s Lobster Pound
Join festival staff and fellow participants as we eat like the locals enjoying Lobster, Clams and Corn cooked in the traditional Down East way: A Maine meal you will not want to miss, especially if you like seafood. Take time to enjoy classic Down East scenery, a working harbor, and Maine lobster boats surrounded by a mountain view. This is a good time to relax and visit.
Directions: 9.6 miles, 18 minutes
Head south on ME-102 S/Main St through Southwest Harbor and toward Bass Harbor for 7.8 miles. At the corner gas station, be sure to curve to the right. Drive another 1.1 miles, then turn left onto Bernard Road. Drive 0.6 miles and turn right on Steamboat Wharf Road. Restaurant is on your left in 0.1 miles.
Valley Cove Trail (Meet at the parking area off Fernald Point Road)
Experience one of MDI’s most diverse emerging old growth forests for Neotropical migrants. Tall Red Spruce, White Pines and Cedar are breeding habitat for Blackburnian, Magnolia and Northern Parula Warblers, Blue-headed Vireo, Winter Wren, and Swainson's Thrush. Black-backed Woodpeckers have been found, along with Pileated and Hairy Woodpeckers, and Pine Siskin. During irruption years, White-winged Crossbills can frequent the area, sometimes by the hundreds! The trail takes you to Valley Cove where you can gaze at the cliffs of St. Sauveur Mountain and search for Peregrine Falcon nesting on the cliffs. For those who want a bit more strenuous hike, take a short trail to the top of Flying Mountain to find Common Raven nesting on the western slope, and enjoy fabulous views of Somes Sound and beyond.
Directions: 5.5 miles, 11 minutes
Head south on ME-102 S/Main St toward Southwest Harbor for 4.6 miles. Turn left onto Fernald Point Road. Drive 0.9 miles to parking lot on left side of road, just after you cross the tidal creek. Directions from Seawall: 5.3 miles, 10 minutes
Head north on ME-102 Alt N/Seawall Rd toward Southwest Harbor for 2.8 miles. Turn right at ME-102 N/Main St. Drive 1.6 miles then turn right on Fernald Point Rd. Drive 0.9 miles to parking lot on left side of road, after you cross the tidal creek.
Van Trip – Coastal East and South (Meet at Festival Center)
Birding the rocky coast of Maine in and around Acadia National Park is always a rewarding experience. This van trip will take you to several locations as we search for ocean and inland birds. Late spring/early summer birding on the eastern coast of Mount Desert Island can include looks at White-winged, Black and Surf Scoters, Common Eiders, Black Guillemots, Common Loons, Long-tailed Ducks, and hopefully some Northern Gannets as they exhibit their plunge diving along the coastal archipelago. On shore, we will look for White-winged Crossbills and warblers as they forage in the spruce/fir conifer edge. This tour also gives us an opportunity to see wetland and forest birds, with stops in an emerging old growth Red Spruce forest where nesting Blackburnian Warbler, Golden-crowned Kinglets and Red-breasted Nuthatch are found in the 110 foot canopy. At Hunter’s Brook, where the water flows through glacially deposited till, 7
we’ll search for Winter Wren foraging along the stream or in the substantial blow-down at the coastal edge. Various stops along the way may also provide good viewing of White-throated Sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Peregrine Falcon, and Merlin. Be it land or sea, we’ll find plenty of good habitat to attract the birds!
Van Trip - Coastal North and West (Meet at Festival Center)
The northern coastline of MDI offers a completely different avian experience. Here glacially formed shrub wetlands, hardwood bogs, tidal creeks, and heath and beaver ponds dot the landscape of the northern shores. This trip visits the nutrient rich waters of Eastern Bay from Eddie Brook and the "Tombolo" to Indian Point on Western Bay. Bald Eagles are regularly seen foraging along the coast, looking for Double-crested Cormorants, Spotted Sandpipers, Common Eider and American Eel, a staple sea-run fish during spring and summer. Lingering Surf and White-winged Scoter can be seen from Hadley Point. We’ll visit seldom explored areas of Acadia National Park, as well as private land, and heath habitat in search of Sedge Wren, a plethora of warblers, Alder Flycatcher, Barred Owl and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Many of these out-of-the-way places are specialty spots of your local guide.
Van Trip - Hot Spots "Birding Blitz" (Meet at Festival Center)
This Van Tour will venture into wilderness areas and special habitats to pick up difficult-to-find species. Nelson’s Sparrow, Blackburnian, Bay-Breasted, Pine, and Palm Warblers, Winter Wren, Yellow-bellied, Willow, and Alder Flycatcher, and Swainson’s and Hermit Thrush will be among the birds being sought in unique Black Spruce bogs, heath and hard to get to wetlands, and interesting maritime forest habitats. This trip focuses on the western side of MDI seeking Boreal Chickadee, White-winged Crossbill, and Pine Siskin. This is the one place on MDI where a Moose is possible! It’s a great way to get out and see some off-the-beaten-track areas you might not otherwise see, and hopefully add some new birds to your list.
Wendell Gilley Museum (Southwest Harbor – just north of town center at the corner of Herrick Rd)
Exploring the natural world through art and action is fun at the Gilley Museum. Stop in, there is
always so much to see and do. The Wendell Gilley Museum is a community center that celebrates the life and work of Wendell Gilley, a pioneer in the field of decorative bird carving. It teaches the art of bird carving and presents art exhibitions and educational programs with a special focus on people, nature and art. The Museum endeavors to inspire appreciation of the visual arts, engagement in artistic creativity, and respect and care for the natural world. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM.
Directions: 5.2 miles, 10 minutes
Head south on ME-102 S/Main St toward Southwest Harbor for 5.2 miles. Turn left on Herrick Road. The Museum is immediately on your right.
Witch Hole (Meet at Duck Brook Bridge entrance)
This walk starts at Duck Brook Bridge, which is strategically located to offer amazing views of Frenchman Bay to the north and excellent views of the Mount Desert range to the south. From there we wander down the Rockefeller carriage roads for an easy walk through a mixed forest burned by the Fire of 1947. This forest is home to Black-throated Blue and Magnolia Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Alder and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, and Ruffed Grouse. Multiple wetlands provide habitat for American Bittern, Common Mergansers and Pied-billed Grebe, as well as sandpipers and waders. Some lingering Ducks in the spring make this an excellent place to bird during the Acadia Birding Festival.
Directions: 7.1 miles, 13 minutes
Head north on ME-102 N/Main St for 0.8 miles. At the traffic light, turn right onto ME-198/ME-3 W. Drive 1.4 miles, then turn left onto ME-233 E/Eagle Lake Rd toward Bar Harbor. In 3.8 miles, turn left at Duck Brook Rd. Go 1.1 miles down Duck Brook Rd to parking area. Meet at the Duck Brook Bridge.
