Coastal birding habitat

Parsons Beach

Maine · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Parsons Beach is a productive birding destination in Maine, with 246 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

7/19/2026Pine Point Beach--Jetty1 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

Short-billed Dowitcher (hendersoni)

Limnodromus griseus

7/18/2026Wells1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

17/19/2026

Common Eider

107/19/2026

Mourning Dove

27/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Piping Plover

67/19/2026

Willet

37/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/19/2026

American Herring Gull

47/19/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/19/2026

Least Tern

407/19/2026

Common Tern

57/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/19/2026

Great Egret

27/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/19/2026

American Crow

17/19/2026

Bank Swallow

27/19/2026

Tree Swallow

107/19/2026

Purple Martin

37/19/2026

Barn Swallow

307/19/2026

European Starling

407/19/2026

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 Parsons Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Parsons Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Parsons Beach?
Notable species at Parsons Beach include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Common Eider, Surf Scoter. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Parsons Beach?
Birding at Parsons Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Parsons Beach?
Parsons Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.