Coastal birding habitat

Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge (island vicinity ONLY)

Maine · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge (island vicinity ONLY) is a productive birding destination in Maine, with 263 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts American Black Duck, Common Eider, and Harlequin 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

Common x Arctic Tern (hybrid)

Sterna hirundo x paradisaea

7/15/2026Seal Island NWR (island vicinity ONLY)1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/12/2026Seal Island NWR (island vicinity ONLY)1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

7/11/2026Roberts and Little Roberts Islands1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

7/11/2026Seal Island NWR (island vicinity ONLY)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

247/15/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

37/15/2026

Atlantic Puffin

5007/15/2026

Black Guillemot

157/15/2026

Laughing Gull

57/15/2026

American Herring Gull

157/15/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

507/15/2026

Arctic Tern

2507/15/2026

Common Tern

2507/15/2026

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

27/15/2026

Great Cormorant

757/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

257/15/2026

Peregrine Falcon

17/15/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

97/15/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

77/15/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

17/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/15/2026

Least Sandpiper

207/15/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

37/15/2026

Razorbill

57/15/2026

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 Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge (island vicinity ONLY) for birding?
The best months to visit Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge (island vicinity ONLY) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge (island vicinity ONLY)?
Notable species at Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge (island vicinity ONLY) include American Black Duck, Common Eider, Harlequin Duck, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge (island vicinity ONLY)?
Birding at Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge (island vicinity ONLY) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge (island vicinity ONLY)?
Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge (island vicinity ONLY) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.