The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Hills Beach and Basket Island Causeway

Maine · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hills Beach and Basket Island Causeway is a productive birding destination in Maine, with 251 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

SanderlingBrown PelicanOspreyRoyal TernWillet

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Eastern Screech-Owl

Megascops asio

3/6/2026Cape Arundel Golf Course1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

3/6/2026Dyer Point1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

3/6/2026Biddeford - South Street1 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/5/2026Dyer Point1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

3/5/2026Allagash Brewing Co.2 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/4/2026Mill Creek Cove1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

3/3/2026Spurwink Marsh at Sawyer Road1 observed

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

3/3/2026Spurwink River Crossing1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

3/2/2026Parsons Beach2 observed

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.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

More in Maine

Acadia National Park

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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

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

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