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

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

5/29/2026Matinicus Rock1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/29/2026Matinicus Rock2 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/27/2026Seal Island NWR (island vicinity ONLY)1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/22/2026Matinicus Rock10 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

355/30/2026

Black-bellied Plover

15/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

105/30/2026

Atlantic Puffin

4005/30/2026

Black Guillemot

305/30/2026

Razorbill

105/30/2026

Laughing Gull

25/30/2026

American Herring Gull

1755/30/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

205/30/2026

Arctic Tern

8005/30/2026

Common Tern

10005/30/2026

Leach's Storm-Petrel

5/30/2026

Great Cormorant

155/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

205/30/2026

Bald Eagle

15/30/2026

Pine Siskin

15/30/2026

Savannah Sparrow

155/30/2026

Song Sparrow

65/30/2026

American Black Duck

15/29/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

15/29/2026

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.