By Nick Lund, Maine Audubon
Scarborough Marsh is one of Maine’s premier birding sites, but it’s so massive that it can be a challenge to know where to go and when. Here’s a guide to help you get started.
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center
Halfway down Pine Point Road is Maine Audubon’s Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, a former clam shack that has been converted into an education center and nature store that offers canoe rentals as well. The Center is open from May to September. Water views off the back deck give good looks at marsh birds, with plenty of information to aid in identification.
Eastern Trail
Just south of the Maine Audubon center, the Eastern Trail offers unparalleled access to the heart of the marsh. The trail, accessible but lacking shade or cover, is productive in all seasons. Birders can spot breeding Nelson’s and Sharp-tailed Sparrows in summer, migrating shorebirds in fall, and Snow Buntings and Horned Larks in winter, along with many other species. The marsh section of the trail can best be accessed from the parking lot off Pine Point Road, but birders can also approach from an access trail off Washington Avenue (near the Scarborough Public Works building) where you can park on the side of the road, or from the parking lot farther east, just off Black Point Road.
Dunstan Landing
Park along the circle at the end of Dunstan Landing Road and enjoy a walk down a short path along the pannes. This area is particularly good in summer and fall. Look for herons, egrets, ibis, and migratory shorebirds in the large pools between Dunstan Landing and Pine Point Road.
Gervais Farm
This property offers birders a glimpse at grassland habitat not found elsewhere on the marsh. Located off Manson Libby Road, the area is particularly interesting in winter, when it often hosts Northern Shrike. Take note: an observation tower at the property has been closed. The property is productive in summer and fall for breeding warblers and sparrows, but watch for ticks and wet areas.
Blue Point Preserve
Accessed from Seavey Landing Road, this Scarborough Land Trust property protects 14 acres of woods. An easy 0.8-mile trail leads to a lovely marsh overlook.
Pine Point
The ample parking lot at the end of King Street on Pine Point gives birders access to incredible birding near the mouth of the Nonesuch River. In summer, study the feeding terns to pick out rare Arctic or Roseate terns among the Commons. In spring and fall, muddy areas at the riverside host more than a dozen species of shorebirds. In winter, the public pier gives some of Maine’s best looks at Common Loons in winter plumage, and ducks like Long-tailed Duck and Common Eider.
EVENTS
Earth Day Cleanup
Saturday, April 25, 9 am–12 pm
Join us for this Earth Day tradition to clean up the marsh and beaches. Meet at the nature center. Registration is helpful but not required. Co-sponsored by Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Scarborough Land Trust, and the Scarborough community. Food donations will be accepted for Project GRACE.
Opening Weekend Celebration
May 23–25, 9 am–5:30 pm
Kick off the summer season with canoe and walking tours, arts and crafts activities, exhibits, and more!
Weekly Early-Morning Bird Walks
Wednesdays, starting May 13, 8 am
Join us to search for birds in this unique habitat. We’ll meet at the center but may visit other areas. All levels are welcome. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center
92 Pine Point Road | 207-883-5100
