Coastal birding habitat

Matinicus Island

Maine · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Matinicus Island is a productive birding destination in Maine, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts American Black Duck, Common Eider, and Black Scoter 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

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

7/18/2026US (43.853, -68.552)2 observed

Common x Arctic Tern (hybrid)

Sterna hirundo x paradisaea

7/17/2026Seal Island NWR (island vicinity ONLY)1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/15/2026315 Island Rd, South Thomaston US-ME 43.99557, -69.118141 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/12/2026Seal Island NWR (island vicinity ONLY)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

447/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

207/19/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

17/19/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

147/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

57/19/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

157/19/2026

Atlantic Puffin

3507/19/2026

Black Guillemot

1247/19/2026

Razorbill

1757/19/2026

Common Murre

407/19/2026

Laughing Gull

157/19/2026

American Herring Gull

207/19/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

407/19/2026

Arctic Tern

2507/19/2026

Common Tern

1507/19/2026

Common Loon

17/19/2026

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

37/19/2026

Leach's Storm-Petrel

7/19/2026

Manx Shearwater

7/19/2026

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 Matinicus Island for birding?
The best months to visit Matinicus Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Matinicus Island?
Notable species at Matinicus Island include American Black Duck, Common Eider, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Black Guillemot. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Matinicus Island?
Birding at Matinicus Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Matinicus Island?
Matinicus Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.