Coastal birding habitat

Mackworth Island

Maine · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mackworth Island is a productive birding destination in Maine, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/19/2026Kettle Cove1 observed

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

7/19/2026Pine Point Beach--Ave. 51 observed

Tricolored Heron x Snowy Egret (hybrid)

Egretta tricolor x thula

7/18/2026Scarborough Marsh--Eastern Trail1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

7/18/2026Hills Beach and Basket Island Causeway2 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/18/2026Stratton Island2 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

7/18/2026Stratton Island1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Red)

Passerella iliaca

7/17/2026Piper Shores1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Tern

57/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/13/2026

American Crow

17/13/2026

Gray Catbird

17/13/2026

American Goldfinch

27/13/2026

Song Sparrow

17/13/2026

Common Grackle

17/13/2026

American Redstart

17/13/2026

Pine Warbler

17/13/2026

American Herring Gull

27/13/2026

Fish Crow

17/13/2026

American Robin

17/13/2026

Chipping Sparrow

27/13/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/11/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/11/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/11/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

27/11/2026

Carolina Wren

17/11/2026

Eastern Bluebird

27/11/2026

House Finch

17/11/2026

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 Mackworth Island for birding?
The best months to visit Mackworth Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Mackworth Island?
Notable species at Mackworth Island include Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Horned Grebe. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mackworth Island?
Birding at Mackworth Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Mackworth Island?
Mackworth Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.