Three Winter Birding Hotspots in Southern Maine

With the coldest time of the year fast approaching, many wildlife enthusiasts may head indoors, intent on hibernating until the spring thaw. In the case of birders however, this would be a big mistake: winter is one of the best times to look for our feathered friends! If you live or are visiting southern Maine, below are three, can’t miss birding spots for the upcoming season:

1) Back Cove, Portland

In addition to providing a great jogging trail with views of the Portland skyline, this 3+ mile loop is perfect for birding. Sea ducks and waterfowl frequent the water body, with easy viewing access from the trail itself.

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Canada Geese land on Back Cove.

2) Biddeford Pool, Biddeford

If you want to see a Snowy Owl, this is the place. They have been known to frequent chimneys, lampposts, and snowy expanses, so schedule some time here to check out the docks near the Yacht Club, Great Pond near the Marie Joseph Spiritual Center, and the beach facing the Atlantic Ocean.

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The beach near Biddeford Pool.

3) Scarborough Marsh, Scarborough

Maine Audubon has a nature center at Scarborough Marsh for a reason. I prefer the short, raised trail that takes visitors through the wetland itself, looking for Bald Eagles, Snowy Owls, waterfowl, sea ducks, and sparrows.

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Exploring Scarborough Marsh

Where do you like to bird during the Maine winters?

Erika Zambello

About Erika Zambello

Erika Zambello is a writer, birder, and photographer, born and raised in Maine. She has a bachelor’s degree in Government and Anthropology from Cornell University, and a master’s degree in Environmental Management from Duke University, specializing in ecosystem science and conservation. Her love of the outdoors was inspired by her childhood in Maine, and she returned for her National Geographic Young Explorer grant in 2015-2016.