Back Cove, Portland

Maine · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Back Cove, Portland is a productive birding destination in Maine, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and Bufflehead among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

3/6/2026Dyer Point1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/5/2026Dyer Point1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

3/5/2026Allagash Brewing Co.2 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/5/2026River Point Conservation Area, Falmouth1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/4/2026Mill Creek Cove1 observed

Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

3/4/2026102 Tuttle Rd Yard, Cumberland1 observed

Eastern Screech-Owl

Megascops asio

3/4/202604050, Long Island US-ME (43.6875,-70.1620)

Merlin

Falco columbarius

3/3/2026Spurwink Marsh at Sawyer Road1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

3/3/2026Spurwink River Crossing1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

63/4/2026

American Black Duck

143/4/2026

Bufflehead

743/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

83/4/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

423/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

423/4/2026

American Herring Gull

33/4/2026

American Crow

23/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/4/2026

House Sparrow

163/4/2026

Mallard

3/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/1/2026

Bald Eagle

12/28/2026

Rock Pigeon

22/26/2026

American Robin

12/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Back Cove, Portland for birding?
The best months to visit Back Cove, Portland for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Back Cove, Portland?
Notable species at Back Cove, Portland include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Back Cove, Portland?
Birding at Back Cove, Portland is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Back Cove, Portland?
Back Cove, Portland offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.