Join Naturalist Journeys for a fresh and fun early summer getaway to Maine! We’ve refreshed our summer Maine trip to spend more time on the coast, to enjoy all the birdlife, scenery, and food (lobster anyone?) Maine’s coastal towns have to offer before heading deep into the Northwoods.

Our journey begins in Portland, where we spend time birding the coastline and exploring local estuaries and marshes. Then, we work our way north to Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island, exploring beloved Acadia National Park and surrounds, as well as embarking on a morning pelagic for seabirds and marine mammals. Finally, we drive deep into the Northwoods where nesting warblers are busy and Moose are the star of the show.

We've timed this late May trip so you can add time on your own at the Acadia Birding Festival if you'd like, which begins May 29.

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Tour Highlights

  • Start the trip off by birding Scarborough Marsh, the largest marsh in the state of Maine
  • Watch for seabirds from Biddeford Pool, a large tidal pool on Saco Bay
  • Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, voted one of the best botanical gardens in the country
  • Enjoy a pelagic on board the Friendship V, a double-hulled catamaran
  • Opt to see sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, long known as the first place to see the sun break over the horizon in the United States
  • Explore both sides of Mount Desert Island
  • Take an evening Moose cruise on Millinocket Lake
  • Bird Baxter State Park for crossbills, woodpeckers, and warblers
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Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Wed., May 21           Arrivals in Portland, Maine

Welcome to Vacationland! Our tour starts in Portland, a peninsula in Casco Bay and the largest city in Maine. For birding today, please plan to arrive no later than 1:00 PM. Upon arrival you are met at the airport by your guide. From there, plan to stop at the hotel, check in, and then head out to explore  some of the many salt marshes and sand beaches southern Maine is known for. If you arrive later, simply take a taxi to the hotel and plan to meet the group for dinner. 

We first head south to Scarborough Marsh, the largest marsh in the state and a rich ecosystem that provides critical habitat for many species of birds and other wildlife. As we walk along the Eastern Trail we look for Glossy Ibis, Snowy and Great Egrets, and five species of heron with ample opportunities for waterfowl and grassland songbirds as well. 

Next we make our way back up the coast towards Portland, taking some time to explore the beaches and rocky coastline and keeping an eye out for foraging shorebirds. In the evening, we get our first taste of Portland’s vibrant food scene for our welcome dinner along with a chance to get to know our fellow travelers. 
Accommodations in Portland (D)

Thurs., May 22         Portland Area South 

Today we visit a few different ecosystems that showcase the diversity of coastal Maine, an exciting preview for tomorrow's journey up the coast! We start with a visit to the grassland ecosystem of Kennebunk Plains, which hosts the largest population of Northern Blazing Star in the world. This spectacular flower paints the prairie purple and attracts many species of pollinators. While we walk the trails, we listen for Grasshopper and Vesper Sparrows as well as Upland Sandpiper. 

From there we head to the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, which makes up over two thousand acres of land and lies partially within the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. Together, these two protected areas and the habitat around them make up fifty to seventy-five percent of known Piping Plover nesting sites in Maine. We spend the rest of our morning exploring this property and the many miles of trails it affords.

Lunch is in downtown Biddeford, and we head out to Biddeford Pool for the afternoon. In addition to nesting songbirds in the forests and meadows, Biddeford Pool is a great spot for observing offshore seabirds. We spend some time here, watching pelagic birds feed, before heading back to Portland. In the late afternoon we have a bit of downtime, with the option to walk around the Old Port before dinner. 
Accommodations in Portland (B,L,D)

Fri., May 23          Travel to Bar Harbor 

Today is an exciting day as we make our way north to Mount Desert Island and gorgeous Acadia National Park. As we work our way along the Maine coast, we have some wonderful stops planned. First up is the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Voted one of the best botanical gardens in the country, this 300-acre garden is truly special. The dahlia garden and native butterfly house are crowd favorites, and true gems. There may even be a giant troll sighting along with the Winter Wren and Gray Catbird found in the gardens. 

Next up on our journey north, we stop at the Weskeag Marsh. Weskeag Marsh, in South Thomaston, is one of Maine’s best birding marshes, with a mix of salt, brackish, and freshwater habitats. This marsh, managed by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), is the northernmost site where the breeding ranges of Nelson’s and Saltmarsh Sparrows overlap, though the former is seen more often. Weskeag Marsh’s patchwork of forests, wetlands, fields, and shrubland, provides for fantastic birding opportunities. Along with the sparrows, this can be a great location for Black-bellied Plover and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, as well as Green Heron. 

After Weskeag Marsh, we head into Rockland for lunch and a visit to a very special place—the Project Puffin Visitors Center. A great stop after lunch, Project Puffin launched in 1973 as an effort to restore puffins to historic nesting sites in Maine. Their visitor center is as darling as the Atlantic Puffins they are working so diligently to protect. 

With our time in Rockland over, we continue on to Mount Desert Island for check-in at Bar Harbor. This is our home for the next three nights and our lodging is perfectly situated in downtown Bar Harbor and within walking distance of everything. We set aside a little downtime for relaxing and/or exploring town on your own, before meeting up for dinner at a favorite local restaurant. 
Accommodations at Atlantic Oceanside Hotel (B,L,D)

Sat., May 24          Pelagic | Bar Harbor

Today we board the Friendship V, a double-hulled catamaran built to smoothly maneuver through the Gulf of Maine waters. We travel 20 to 30 miles offshore in search of Arctic and Common Terns, Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill, and Common Murre rounding out the list of alcids that nest along the rocky shores of Maine’s small islands. We hope to encounter Humpback, Finback, and Minke Whales, and possibly encounter White-sided Dolphin, too.

Foraging among the whales, it’s possible to find swarms of Wilson’s and a few Leach's Storm-Petrels, Northern Gannet, Greater and Sooty Shearwaters, Parasitic and Pomarine Jaegers, and other members of the ocean-dwelling tubenose species.

We spend the rest of the evening on Mount Desert Island, home of Acadia National Park. The only national park in Maine, Acadia is surrounded by quaint coastal New England communities with strong ties to the ocean. The largest island in an archipelago of 4,600 islands is home to around 330 species of birds throughout the year. We have an evening stroll around Sieur de Monts Springs and Wild Gardens. After a day on the water, it’s nice to spend an evening with the likes of singing Winter Wren, as well as spend some time looking for Pileated Woodpecker. 
Accommodations at Atlantic Oceanside Hotel (B,L,D)

Sun., May 25          Acadia National Park | Seawall | Bass Harbor 

Today starts out with an optional very early morning outing. For those who want to be among the first to see the sunrise in the US, we are offering an early morning trip up Cadillac Mountain. Cadillac Mountain, and the rest of what we now call Maine, was originally inhabited by the Wabanaki or the “People of the Dawn Land”. Long known as the first place to see the sun break over the horizon in the United States, it's a truly unique and special experience that can only happen on Cadillac Mountain.

After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we gather together for a birding trip around Mount Desert Island, taking in coastal and inland habitats. The first part of the morning, we explore Eastern MDI and go into Acadia National Park. There are many amazing places to explore on MDI from Stone Barn Farm looking for Boblink to Pray’s Brook Marsh searching for the elusive American Bittern.

After another fabulous local lunch, we head over to the “quiet side” of MDI. We check out many places such as the seawall looking for Common Eider, as well as any holdover shorebirds that may still be around. We also have many other options on the west side, such as Bass Harbor Marsh and Seal Cove, which are also all excellent locations for ducks and warblers, and do some tidepooling if tides permit.

Sprinkled in with the birding, we won’t forget to take in the unique sights of Mount Desert Island. Places like Bass Harbor Light Station and the picturesque Southwest Harbor, are quintessential Maine. 
Accommodations at Atlantic Oceanside Hotel (B,L,D)

Mon., May 26          Millinocket | Orono Bog | Moose Cruise 

Today starts our journey deep into the Northwoods of Maine. We spend the next two nights at the New England Outdoor Center (NEOC) in Millinocket. This is the gateway to Baxter State Park and all that the Maine woods has to offer.

We start the day off with breakfast in Bar Harbor before saying our goodbyes to this truly magical place. On the way to NEOC are the Bangor Forest and Orono Bog, about an hour and a half northwest of Bar Harbor. This three-mile walk meanders through forested wetlands that surround the bog to the peat bog and a one-mile boardwalk, offering opportunities for some northern specialty birds like Lincoln’s Sparrow, Palm Warbler, Northern Harrier, and a host of breeding birds known to frequent the bog ecosystem and the edge habitat. Bogs form “boreal islands” with a high percentage of species of northern affinities and are regarded as relics of former conditions associated with the Wisconsin  glaciation. This prepares us for our Northwoods birding adventure where this habitat is plentiful. There is the possibility of Black Bear, White-tailed Deer, and Moose when we leave the coast and while driving into the northern forest.

We should be in Millinocket for a late lunch followed by check in at the NEOC. This leaves us some downtime for a little shopping and relaxation at the lodge before the evening activities. Tonight is capped by a special evening Moose Cruise on Millinocket Lake. Dusk is one of the best times to see moose and we take full advantage of our time on the cruise looking for them. This lake is also a great place for nesting Common Loon, Common Merganser, and the always entertaining Belted Kingfisher.  
Accommodations at the New England Outdoor Center (B,L,D)

Tues., May 27            Baxter State Park | Golden Road

Baxter State Park was established in 1931 by 28 donations of land, in trust, from park donor Governor Percival P. Baxter between 1931 and 1962, eventually creating a park of over 200,000 acres. The park is home to many species of birds, including Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Bay-breasted Warbler, Canada Jay, and Spruce Grouse. We drive the famous loop road through the park.

We spend our time at Baxter looking for Moose and boreal specialty birds, an abundance of warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, and finches that breed in the northern Maine forest. White-winged and Red Crossbills are a key species we look for while also visiting known hotspots for Black-backed and American Three-toed Woodpeckers. We also have a great chance to witness some of the tougher warblers, too, such as Blackpoll, Tennessee, and Mourning.

Along our way to Baxter State Park we also get to enjoy some sections of the Golden Road. The Golden Road is a privately owned and mostly unpaved road, extending from Millinocket west over 100 miles to the Quebec border. It was established in the 1970s as a transportation conduit for raw wood to feed the hungry Great Northern Paper Company mills in Millinocket and East Millinocket. We travel parts of this road seeking boreal species in the woods and around many lakes and rivers of northern Maine. From Millinocket, the road skirts the southern boundary of Baxter State Park, then crosses Abol Bridge and travels along the south bank of the West Branch of the Penobscot River.
Accommodations at the New England Outdoor Center (B,L,D)

Wed., May 28         Departures from Portland

We say goodbye to Coastal Maine, the North Woods, and newfound friends. Our journey comes to an end today as we travel south to Portland International Airport. It’s a three-hour drive from our lodge to the airport, so please plan flights out after 4:00 PM. This should afford us time to make one last birding stop and enjoy lunch before departing. (B,L)

  • Birding Maine, Bird watching Maine, USA, North America, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Baxter State Park

  • Northern Harrier, Naturalist Journeys, Maine Woods, Maine, Maine Woods Birding and Wildlife, Maine Woods Birding and Nature Tour

    Northern Harrier by Peg Abbott

  • Birding Maine, Bird watching Maine, USA, North America, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Moose in Baxter State Park

  • Spruce Grouse, Naturalist Journeys, Maine Woods, Maine, Maine Woods Birding and Wildlife, Maine Woods Birding and Nature Tour

    Spruce Grouse by Greg Smith

  • American Three-toed Woodpecker; Naturalist Journeys, Maine Woods, Maine, Maine Woods Birding and Wildlife, Maine Woods Birding and Nature Tour

    American Three-toed Woodpecker by Bryan Calk

  • Barred Owl, Naturalist Journeys, Maine Woods, Maine, Maine Woods Birding and Wildlife, Maine Woods Birding and Nature Tour

    Barred Owl by Peg Abbott

  • Blue-headed Vireo, Naturalist Journeys, Maine Woods, Maine, Maine Woods Birding and Wildlife, Maine Woods Birding and Nature Tour

    Blue-headed Vireo by Carlos Sanchez

  • Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Naturalist Journeys, Maine Woods, Maine, Maine Woods Birding and Wildlife, Maine Woods Birding and Nature Tour

    Yellow-bellied Flycatcher by MJ Good

  • Hairy Woodpecker, Naturalist Journeys, Maine Woods, Maine, Maine Woods Birding and Wildlife, Maine Woods Birding and Nature Tour

    Hairy Woodpecker by Peg Abbott

  • Northern Goshawk, Naturalist Journeys, Maine Woods, Maine, Maine Woods Birding and Wildlife, Maine Woods Birding and Nature Tour

    Northern Goshawk by Bryan Calk

  • Birding Maine, Bird watching Maine, USA, North America, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Baxter State Park

  • Moose, Naturalist Journeys, Maine Woods, Maine, Maine Woods Birding and Wildlife, Maine Woods Birding and Nature Tour

    Moose by Bryan Calk

  • Common Loon, Naturalist Journeys, Maine Woods, Maine, Maine Woods Birding and Wildlife, Maine Woods Birding and Nature Tour

    Common Loon by Greg Smith

  • Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Naturalist Journeys, Maine Woods, Maine, Maine Woods Birding and Wildlife, Maine Woods Birding and Nature Tour

    Yellow-billed Cuckoo by Carlos Sanchez

Cost of the Journey

Cost of the journey is per person, based on occupancy: $4390 DBL / $5370 SGL, from Portland, Maine. Cost includes six nights’ accommodations, all meals as noted in the itinerary, airport transfers, ground transportation, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. Cost does not include round-trip airfare to and from Portland, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, and gratuities for luggage handling or other services. Guide gratuities are at your discretion.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Portland International Jetport (PWM)

Arrival Details: Please plan to arrive May 21, 2025, no later than 1:00 PM

Departure Details: Please plan to depart May 28, 2025, after 4:00 PM

Travel Tip: You may wish to arrive a day early and rest up from your travels. The easiest option would be to book an extra night at our first night tour hotel, the Hampton Inn Portland Airport. If you’d like to explore a bit, there are many interesting things to do in Portland. Portland Head Light, a historic lighthouse that is the most photographed in America, is a popular and scenic spot to visit that also has a museum. The Victoria Mansion is an Italianate villa known for its architectural significance and well-preserved lavish interior that can be toured. And if you’re into art, The Portland Museum of Art is a fascinating place to visit and has over 18,000 works of art including pieces from Andy Warhol and Claude Monet. All of these attractions are located within 20 minutes of the airport and can be reached via taxi, Uber, or rental car.

Hotel Recommendations:
If you wish to arrive early and prefer to stay downtown, we recommend:

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
(207) 780-0780

AC Hotel Portland Downtown Waterfront
(207) 747-1640

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Maine

Map for Summer in Maine: From Acadia to the Northwoods

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
  • Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. Protective clothing is essential, whether it be from sun, rain, cold, insects, or vegetation. You need closed toe shoes, and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. Hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Most shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.  You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available in most US destinations, although there are some exceptions in remote locations. Wi-Fi is generally provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please pack light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Bangor is a four-seasonclimate with warm summers and cold winters. July and August are the warmest months, with temperatures ranging from the upper 70s to low 80s during the day, and cooling off into the 60s in the evenings and early mornings. The summers also bring a higher level of humidity, and occasional rain storms are a possibility. It is best to come prepared with layers, including a rain jacket that can double as a wind breaker.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation. But if you like to wear them, by all means bring some shorts. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy to wear. Note on clothing colors: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended.

Clothing & Gear

  • Lightweight long pants, 2 pair
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirts – 2 or 3
  • Shorts (optional)
  • T-shirts or equivalent (1 per every other day recommended – remember you may buy some there!)
  • Personal underclothing
  • Socks – lightweight and easy to wash and dry
  • Comfortable walking/hiking shoes such as tennis shoes
  • Lightweight hiking boots. Please note that forest trails will be on uneven terrain and may be muddy – good tread and support are essential!
  • Rain-friendly footwear (rubber bottom)
  • Lightweight raincoat or poncho
  • Lightweight jacket, fleece fabric is ideal
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes or a skirt, sundress, etc.)
  • Bathing suit, optional
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Bandana (optional, great for cooling off when you are hot and sweaty, can be purchases with a gel inside for several hours of cooling)
  • Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • E-ticket verification
  • Photo ID
  • Small daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear
  • Umbrella – compact and not brightly colored
  • Walking stick – we find that many travelers appreciate a walking stick on trails, sporting goods stores carry collapsible models that pack easily in your suitcase (optional) Small flashlight with fresh batteries.
  • Alarm clock, or use your cell phone
  • Sunscreen/lip balm with SPF
  • Sunglasses with neck strap Insect repellent (something containing DEET)
  • Toiletry articles
  • Binoculars
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional)
  • Camera and extra batteries, memory cards, lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual (optional)
  • Water bottle (or plan to refill one bought on location)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional) Field guides (optional)
  • Laundry soap if you plan to do hand washing
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)

 

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing - your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Personal medications (and copy of vital prescriptions)
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, etc.
  • Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments
  • Copy of eyeglass prescription, vaccination records, and any medical alerts
  • Insurance information
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
  • Band-aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Antibacterial gel

 

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for Maine; the following are a few that we Read more

There are many titles of interest for Maine; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

Top Picks

Field Guide to the Birds of North America

Merlin App. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. You can download it here.

Field Guides

Sibley Guide to Birds

Warblers of Eastern North America

A Field Guide to Warblers of North America

 The Birder’s Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds

The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America
Birds of Maine Field Guide

Kaufman Field Guide to Butterflies of North America

Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East

A Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians of Eastern & Central North America 

Natural History

Maine’s Favorite Birds

Birdwatching in Maine: A Site Guide

The Birder’s Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds

The Complete Birder: A Guide to Better Birding

Migration

Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds

The Migration of Birds: Seasons on the Wing

Gatherings of Angels: Migrating Birds and Their Ecology

History & Culture

The Lobster Coast: Rebels, Rusticators, and the Struggle for a Forgotten Frontier

Katahdin: An Historic Journey – Legends, Exploration, and Preservation of Main’s Highest Peak

Twelve Thousand Years: American Indians in Maine

Frommer’s Maine Coast

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Visit Maine

Bangor, Maine

Mount Desert Island

Explore Bar Harbor

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Birding Maine - Audubon

Maine Illustrated Birding Checklist - eBird

Wildlife Species Information – Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

Incredible Wildlife Diversity of Acadia National Park

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Bangor City Forest

Orono Bog Boardwalk

Acadia National Park

New England Outdoor Center

Baxter State Park

Katahdin Woods and Water National Monument

Geology & Geography

Gulf of Maine

Bedrock Geologic History of Maine

The Geologic Society of Maine

Geography of Maine

History & Culture

History of Maine

History, Arts & Culture in Bangor, Maine

Modern History of Maine (see pulldown header “Time Periods” for a variety of timelines)

First Peoples of Maine

“Indigenous Story of Southern Maine” – Article, Brickstoremuseum.org

The Historical Marker Database: The Golden Road

“The Golden Road Brought ‘Tectonic Change’ to the Maine Woods” – Article, Downeast.com

Helpful Travel Websites

Bangor International Airport (BGR)

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

ATM Locator

Date & Time – Bangor, Maine


Photo credits: Banner: Mount Katahdin (NJ Stock), Canada Jay (NJ Stock), Atlantic White-sided Dolphins (NJ Stock), Spruce Grouse (NJ Stock), Reflected Lake (RootsLilla of Wikimedia Commons), Northern Harrier (NJ Stock) Primary Thumbnail Gallery: Mount Katahdin, Booth Harbor, Canada Jay, Cormorants in Harbor, Red Crossbills, Spruce Grouse, Moose, Booth Bay Harbor

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