PORTLAND BIRDWATCHING
Maine is a beloved destination for boaters because of its natural beauty along the coast, picturesque lighthouses, and of course world-famous lobster. But it is also home to an abundance of diverse wildlife on land, sea – and in the sky. Your next cruise through Casco Bay can serve as a birdwatching tour, grab your binoculars and see what you can see!
When they are not hunting for fish, you can often spot the double-crested cormorant perched and posing with their wings spread wide to dry.
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
While typically found near salt marshes, it is not unheard of to see a heron along the shoreline. Their long legs aid them in catching fish to eat.
Mallards hunt for their food by “dabbling,” or flipping upside down with their heads in the water. Male mallards are identifiable by their colorful green feathers along their heads and necks.
Mallard
Common Loon
Known to pass through the marina on a calm day, you may catch a loon in between dives for fish. Listen carefully for their distinctive call.
With the ability to reach speeds up to 200 miles per hour, peregrine falcons are regarded as one of the fastest species of bird in the world!
Peregrine Falcon
Herring Gulls
Protect your snacks! Gulls are known to eat just about anything as they patrol the coastline and do not shy away from people.
Canada Goose
A common species to see whether they are floating on the water or strolling along the Eastern Promenade.
Common eider
The common eider is the largest species of duck in the Northern Hemisphere and are known for their triangular-shaped bills.
Bald Eagle
Perhaps the most easily identifiable with their white heads and dark brown bodies, the bald eagle perches atop trees or along shorelines.