Birding

A juvenile bald eagle with brown plumage sits on a large branch of a tree. It is a sunny afternoon with blue skies.
A juvenile bald eagle.

NPS / Gin Majka

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument provides important and diverse habitat for the documented 171 species of birds documented in the monument. Birding is an activity that can be enjoyed year-round. Common birds that can be seen at the monument are warblers, sparrows, waxwings, bald eagles, owls, and spruce grouse. Many migratory birds leave the monument in the winter, but birds like the spruce grouse, boreal chickadee, and Canada jay remain.

Equipment

The wonderful thing about birdwatching is that you don't need any equipment to enjoy viewing birds! A few extra items can be helpful to enhance your experience.

  • Binoculars, or a spotting scope can help you to identify and observe birds without disturbing their natural activities. Remember to respect wildlife.
    • Tip: First spot a bird with your eyes, and then lift your binoculars to your eyes without moving your head or losing sight of the bird. Practice looking through them before your visit.
  • A bird guidebook specific to the local area, or a birding app will help you identify the different species that you see. You can also download a checklist of bird species in the monument by searching for birds below.
  • A notebook and pen/pencil can be helpful to record your observations (species, date, location, and observers), and any other notes, such as behavior or weather. This will help you identify birds after your trip and remember your experience.

View Responsibly

  • Take care of yourself. Bring water and snacks. Wear long, loose fitting sleeves and pants to protect from the sun and biting insects. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen on any exposed skin.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Don't walk with binoculars over your eyes - you could trip!
  • Take care of your environment. While feeding birds in your back yard is a fun way to see wild birds, remember that feeding any wildlife in national parks is against the law. Avoid approaching or disturbing nesting birds, their eggs, or their nests. If you find juvenile birds out of the nest, leave them alone. Nature knows best, and their parents are nearby. Playing bird calls is not permitted, as it could change natural bird behavior or interfere with their breeding, feeding, or resting activity.

For more information, visit Birding For Beginners.

 

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    Birding In The Monument

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      Last updated: August 27, 2024

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