Mount Desert Island

Maine · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

CoastalDesert

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mount Desert Island is a productive birding destination in Maine, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and desert 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

Sanderling Brown Pelican Osprey Royal Tern Willet

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/20/2026Bar Harbor Airport, Trenton1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

7/16/2026Ellsworth Shopping Center, Ellsworth US-ME 44.53578, -68.412741 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

47/20/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/20/2026

American Crow

27/20/2026

American Goldfinch

27/20/2026

Mallard

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

27/20/2026

Common Tern

27/20/2026

Osprey

17/20/2026

Northern Flicker

17/20/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/20/2026

Blue Jay

37/20/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/20/2026

Gray Catbird

17/20/2026

Eastern Bluebird

27/20/2026

American Robin

27/20/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/20/2026

White-throated Sparrow

17/20/2026

Song Sparrow

17/20/2026

Canada Goose

27/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Maine

Acadia National Park

Coastal Maine park with boreal breeding birds and pelagic species.

Acadia National Park

Forest birding hotspot in Maine with 240 recorded species.

Acadia National Park - Otter Point

Forest birding hotspot in Maine with 208 recorded species.

Maine Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Maine →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mount Desert Island for birding?▼

The best months to visit Mount Desert Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Mount Desert Island?▼

Notable species at Mount Desert Island include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal, desert habitats.

How difficult is birding at Mount Desert Island?▼

Birding at Mount Desert Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Mount Desert Island?▼

Mount Desert Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.