Coastal birding habitat

Hills Beach and Basket Island Causeway

Maine · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

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

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

5/31/2026Biddeford Pool--Sky Harbor Dr.2 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

Dovekie

Alle alle

5/30/2026Fishermans Cove2 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

Piping Plover

25/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Common Tern

1005/31/2026

Common Loon

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

65/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

House Finch

25/31/2026

American Black Duck

25/28/2026

Black-bellied Plover

65/28/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

95/28/2026

Brant

45/26/2026

Semipalmated Plover

55/26/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

25/26/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

125/26/2026

Red Knot

25/26/2026

Dunlin

35/26/2026

Least Sandpiper

105/26/2026

American Herring Gull

55/26/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

25/26/2026

American Crow

15/26/2026

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 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.