a white bird in a field

Scarborough Marsh - Eastern Trail

Maine · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Scarborough Marsh - Eastern Trail is a productive birding destination in Maine, with 270 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, and Red-breasted Merganser 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

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

4/22/2026284 Black Point Rd, Scarborough US-ME 43.56239, -70.311632 observed

Willet (Eastern)

Tringa semipalmata

4/22/2026Parsons Beach1 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

4/21/2026Biddeford Pool--Hattie's Restaurant2 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/21/2026ME Alfred Rt 1112 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

4/21/2026Spurwink Marsh at Sawyer Road1 observed

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

4/21/2026Scarborough Marsh--Dunstan Landing1 observed

Red-shouldered x Red-tailed Hawk (hybrid)

Buteo lineatus x jamaicensis

4/20/2026Rachel Carson NWR--Timber Point Trail1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

4/20/2026Kettle Cove3 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/20/2026Scarborough Marsh--Pine Point1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

4/19/2026Madelyn Marx Preserve (KLT) and Bridle Path (south of Route 9)1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/19/20261 Cushing Ct, South Portland US-ME 43.65089, -70.232801 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/21/2026

American Black Duck

44/21/2026

Green-winged Teal

124/21/2026

Common Merganser

14/21/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

84/21/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

54/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

144/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/21/2026

American Herring Gull

54/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

304/21/2026

Glossy Ibis

304/21/2026

Osprey

24/21/2026

American Kestrel

14/21/2026

American Crow

24/21/2026

Savannah Sparrow

34/21/2026

Song Sparrow

24/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/21/2026

Snowy Egret

54/20/2026

Great Egret

24/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  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 Scarborough Marsh - Eastern Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Scarborough Marsh - Eastern Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Scarborough Marsh - Eastern Trail?
Notable species at Scarborough Marsh - Eastern Trail include Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, Greater Scaup, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, American Herring Gull, Bald Eagle. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Scarborough Marsh - Eastern Trail?
Birding at Scarborough Marsh - Eastern Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Scarborough Marsh - Eastern Trail?
There is no entrance fee at Scarborough Marsh - Eastern Trail. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Scarborough Marsh - Eastern Trail?
Scarborough Marsh - Eastern Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.