Coastal birding habitat

Back Cove, Portland

Maine · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

7/21/2026Pine Point Beach--Jetty1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/20/2026Kettle Cove1 observed

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

7/20/2026Gilsland Farm2 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

7/20/2026Biddeford Pool--Sky Harbor Dr.3 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/20/2026Stratton Island2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

37/21/2026

American Black Duck

27/21/2026

Common Eider

27/21/2026

Mourning Dove

27/21/2026

Killdeer

17/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/21/2026

Laughing Gull

17/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/21/2026

American Herring Gull

77/21/2026

Common Tern

17/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/21/2026

Snowy Egret

17/21/2026

Great Egret

47/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

67/21/2026

Osprey

17/21/2026

American Crow

17/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/21/2026

American Robin

17/21/2026

House Sparrow

27/21/2026

House Finch

17/21/2026

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.