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

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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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

6/2/2026Wells Reserve at Laudholm1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

6/2/2026Mount Agamenticus, York2 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

6/2/2026Rachel Carson NWR--Timber Point Trail1 observed

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

6/1/2026Hills Beach and Basket Island Causeway1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

6/1/2026Sanford Lagoons (open Mon. - Fri., 8 am - 3 pm, closed weekends and holidays)1 observed

Dovekie

Alle alle

5/30/2026Fishermans Cove2 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/30/2026Biddeford Pool--Sky Harbor Dr.1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/30/2026Stratton Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

286/2/2026

Common Eider

106/2/2026

Surf Scoter

46/2/2026

White-winged Scoter

16/2/2026

Black Scoter

96/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Piping Plover

36/2/2026

Willet

16/2/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

66/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

76/2/2026

American Herring Gull

106/2/2026

Least Tern

806/2/2026

Common Loon

26/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

446/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

American Crow

16/2/2026

Bank Swallow

16/2/2026

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.