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

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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

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/22/2026Pemaquid Harbor1 observed

Leach's Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates leucorhous

7/21/2026Eastern Egg Rock (island vicinity ONLY, please do NOT include mainland starting points)5 observed

Bridled Tern

Onychoprion anaethetus

7/20/2026Eastern Egg Rock (island vicinity ONLY, please do NOT include mainland starting points)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

57/21/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

27/21/2026

Black Guillemot

17/21/2026

American Herring Gull

127/21/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/21/2026

American Crow

17/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/21/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

17/21/2026

Carolina Wren

17/21/2026

Swainson's Thrush

27/21/2026

American Goldfinch

17/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/21/2026

Common Grackle

17/21/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/21/2026

Laughing Gull

67/20/2026

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

67/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/20/2026

Common Tern

27/19/2026

Barn Swallow

27/19/2026

Mallard

247/19/2026

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.

  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.