Coastal birding habitat

Cliff Island

Maine · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cliff Island is a productive birding destination in Maine, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/27/2026Smiling Hill Farm1 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

5/27/2026Bowdoin Sand Plain1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/27/2026Stratton Island1 observed

Common Yellowthroat (trichas Group)

Geothlypis trichas

5/27/2026River Point Conservation Area, Falmouth3 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/26/2026Outer Green Island, Casco Bay1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

5/26/2026102 Tuttle Rd Yard, Cumberland1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/25/2026Stratton Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/23/2026

Mallard

35/23/2026

Common Eider

15/23/2026

Mourning Dove

55/23/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

15/23/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

35/23/2026

Virginia Rail

15/23/2026

Black-bellied Plover

25/23/2026

Killdeer

15/23/2026

Semipalmated Plover

35/23/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/23/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

15/23/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

25/23/2026

Least Sandpiper

15/23/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

25/23/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

45/23/2026

Laughing Gull

65/23/2026

Ring-billed Gull

45/23/2026

American Herring Gull

65/23/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

45/23/2026

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 Cliff Island for birding?
The best months to visit Cliff Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cliff Island?
Notable species at Cliff Island include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cliff Island?
Birding at Cliff Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Cliff Island?
Cliff Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.