Birding Acadia
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Most of Acadia National Park lies within Maine’s Hancock County. This county is where Maine’s coast undergoes a transition. Much of the coast south of here reflects an active tourism industry with many services and amenities. North of here the coast retains large undeveloped areas with pockets of cultural attractions and quaint villages. You’ll find the best of both worlds in and around Acadia National Park.

Hancock County boasts of three peninsulas, two of which make up Acadia National Park. The third peninsula just south of Acadia presents a different experience. From Blue Hill and Castine, south to Deer Isle and Stonington, the tourism industry is confined to small inns and restaurants, as well as art galleries, bookstores, and antique shops. There are so many small islands off Stonington that the picturesque village has become a major hub of sea kayaking. Much of the coastline on this peninsula is privately owned and there are few opportunities for seabird watching. However, there are several sanctuaries that receive light traffic and provide good birding. For practical purposes, this peninsula marks the southern limit of Boreal Chickadees. The middle peninsula extends onto Mount Desert Island where the bulk of Acadia National Park is located. Access to the area from Route 1 goes through the city of Ellsworth, the last major shopping community along the east coast of the United States. The drive along Route 3 toward the world famous town of Bar Harbor is dotted with lobster pounds, mini-golf, ice cream, gift shops, go-carts, outlet stores, and campgrounds.    

Bar Harbor itself bustles with shoppers and sightseers from late April through October. When these opportunities are combined with the spectacular beauty of the park, the Acadia area is justly regarded as an ideal place to bird with families, especially when spouses and children don’t share an equal passion for the sport. Walking the rugged coast, biking the carriage trails, or venturing offshore for whales allows all to experience the beauty and wildlife of Maine in their own ways. While Bar Harbor is notoriously busy in summer, with over 70 cruise ship visits a year adding to the congestion, the other side of the island is locally known as “The Quiet Side.” A gentler pace persists in Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and the nearby villages.    

Some of the habitat on Mount Desert Island is still influenced by a devastating fire that devoured the island in 1947, which took 10 days to bring under control. Dense stands of tall trees are missing from much of the island, replaced by birches, aspens, and White Pines. Schoodic Peninsula lies north across Frenchman’s Bay and exists as a non-contiguous part of Acadia National Park. The loop road runs closer to the water than on Mt. Desert Island, making it easy to view sea ducks. Schoodic Point juts so far out into the ocean that it’s a terrific place to scan for passing jaegers, Northern Gannets, migrating terns, and Black-legged Kittiwakes. The pounding surf must sound inviting to Harlequin Ducks because a few turn up here every winter.

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