lighthouse beside body of water

Monhegan Island

Maine · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Ferry ticket required

Hours

Open year-round (ferry schedule varies)

About This Location

Monhegan Island is a productive birding destination in Maine, with 322 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

Loading map...

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-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

6/2/2026Cottage at Spruce Cove, St. George, ME. Knox Cty1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

6/2/2026Bristol, Maine, US (43.84, -69.448)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/2/2026Pemaquid Harbor1 observed

Tufted Puffin

Fratercula cirrhata

6/2/2026Eastern Egg Rock (island vicinity ONLY, please do NOT include mainland starting points)1 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

6/1/2026Monhegan Island1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

6/1/2026Monhegan Island1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/1/2026Monhegan Island1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/31/2026New Harbor-Monhegan Ferry (open waters ONLY, not harbor or island)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/31/2026Monhegan Island1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

5/31/2026Monhegan Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

36/1/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

26/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Sora

16/1/2026

American Herring Gull

226/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

Blue Jay

26/1/2026

American Crow

26/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

26/1/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

16/1/2026

Northern House Wren

16/1/2026

Gray Catbird

16/1/2026

American Robin

56/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

26/1/2026

American Goldfinch

16/1/2026

Song Sparrow

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

66/1/2026

Common Grackle

46/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/1/2026

American Redstart

26/1/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Monhegan Island for birding?
The best months to visit Monhegan Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Monhegan Island?
Notable species at Monhegan Island include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, Common Goldeneye, Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Monhegan Island?
Birding at Monhegan Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Monhegan Island?
The entrance fee at Monhegan Island is Ferry ticket required. Hours: Open year-round (ferry schedule varies).
What amenities are available at Monhegan Island?
Monhegan Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.