Interested in bird-watching in Maine? Join the flock

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 26, 2026

A federal study published in 2024 found that 96 million people in the United States had either traveled one or more miles from home to observe birds, or tried to identify birds around their homes. That’s one in three people over the age of 16. The hobby is becoming more inclusive and diverse. Some high school have a Maine Young Birders Club. In June, a new Maine chapter of the national Feminist Bird Club will host its first event at Owl’s Head State Park. Birders recommended digital tools managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, including the Merlin app, which can help ID birds based on characteristics and sounds. People of all ages still reference printed field guides.The Maine Birding Trail is another suggested resource.