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

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Scarborough Marsh--Eastern Trail1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

6/2/2026Biddeford Pool1 observed

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

6/1/2026Hills Beach and Basket Island Causeway1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/31/2026Outer Green Island, Casco Bay1 observed

Atlantic Puffin

Fratercula arctica

5/30/2026Outer Green Island, Casco Bay2 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

5/30/2026Portland Head Light--Fort Williams Park3 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/30/2026Biddeford Pool--Sky Harbor Dr.1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

5/30/2026Dyer Point2 observed

Sooty Shearwater

Ardenna grisea

5/30/2026Dyer Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

26/2/2026

Common Eider

56/2/2026

Mourning Dove

36/2/2026

American Herring Gull

16/2/2026

European Starling

36/2/2026

House Finch

26/2/2026

Common Grackle

126/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

45/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/31/2026

Snowy Egret

15/31/2026

Osprey

25/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

House Sparrow

35/31/2026

Song Sparrow

155/31/2026

Common Tern

25/28/2026

Common Loon

15/28/2026

Bald Eagle

35/28/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/28/2026

American Crow

25/28/2026

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.