Cliff Island

Maine · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Sanderling Brown Pelican Osprey Royal Tern Willet

Live Bird Data

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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/20/2026Stratton Island2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

97/18/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/18/2026

American Herring Gull

27/18/2026

Common Tern

97/18/2026

Common Loon

27/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/18/2026

Cooper's Hawk

27/18/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/18/2026

American Crow

57/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

47/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

27/18/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

27/18/2026

Carolina Wren

27/18/2026

Gray Catbird

77/18/2026

American Robin

27/18/2026

House Finch

47/18/2026

American Goldfinch

67/18/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/18/2026

Song Sparrow

47/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

37/18/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Maine

Acadia National Park

Coastal Maine park with boreal breeding birds and pelagic species.

Acadia National Park

Forest birding hotspot in Maine with 240 recorded species.

Acadia National Park - Otter Point

Forest birding hotspot in Maine with 208 recorded species.

Maine Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Maine →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.