Boothbay Harbor is already a destination for birdwatchers. Its location along Maine’s MidCoast and Islands Birding Trail attracts enthusiasts and experts to Lobster Cove Meadow. The forest of white pine and spruce alongside an extensive marsh draws Green Herons, Least Bitterns, Virginia Rails and 21 species of warbler. There are 1.5 miles of easy hiking trails where people have spotted over 140 species of migratory and nesting birds.
The Boothbay Region Land Trust monitors nest boxes on four preserves. In addition to Lobster Cove Meadow, the Trust saw success at Penny Lake, Oak Point Farm, and the aptly named Singing Meadows. The 2021 breeding season brought 95 new birds to the Boothbay peninsula. The fledglings were from five species: Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, House Wrens, White-Breasted Nuthatches, and Eastern Phoebes.
January 2022 brought even more excitement to the Maine wildlife scene. A Steller’s Sea-Eagle was spotted at Five Islands and has since moved on to Boothbay Harbor. People have been traveling from all over the country for a once in a lifetime chance to see this globally rare bird. Most of the 4,000-6,000 eagles left in the population breed in Russian Siberia and spend the winter in northern Japan. This particular world traveler has gone where no bird has gone before. In fact, as far as scientists know, the closest a Steller’s Sea-Eagle has ever been to Maine was seven recorded sightings in Alaska from 1977 until 2004. This bird is making the most of its Eastern North America tour with stops along the Taunton River in Massachusetts and visits to New Brunswick, Quebec, and Nova Scotia in Canada. Birdwatchers have been “flocking” to Boothbay with some extending their stay to watch for other birds such as cormorants while they are in the area. If you decide to visit, you are sure to make some new birdwatching friends and get some tips on the best places to spot the new visitor.
While we hope the Steller’s Sea-Eagle, and its impressive eight-foot wingspan, sticks around for a long time, we can guarantee that the region has lots of opportunities for other wildlife excursions in the great outdoors of Maine. From mid-May until mid-October there are boat tours that depart from Boothbay Harbor. Cap’n Fish’s offers a variety of cruises with opportunities to spot whales, seals, puffins, and marine birds. You do not have to be an animal expert to enjoy these trips. The tours are narrated by on-board expert naturalists. They can share facts and insights about animal behavior. They know the best places to look for animals and share their enthusiasm for nature and its beauty. Cap’n Fish’s also believes in preserving and protecting the environment, therefore, they use a fleet with emission reductions that surpass current regulations. Depending on the cruise you choose, here are some things you can expect to see:
With 80+ years of experience, Cap’n Fish’s knows the best whale feeding grounds for spotting whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, and seabirds.
Humpback whales are the most famous because of their playfulness, but they are not the only whales that travel north to feed. You may see pilot whales, minke whales, or fin whales on your tour.
Eastern Egg Rock is a seven-acre island in Muscongus Bay. It is home to the world’s first Atlantic Puffin colony. The puffins disappeared from the area in 1885 because of hunting, egging, and human displacement of the birds. Restoration efforts started in 1973. As of 2017, 172 pairs of puffins are nesting on the island.
Sunbathing seals and unique osprey nests are a highlight of Outer island tours.
Animals are not the only reason to take a boat tour. While venturing out to find whales, you will pass scenic lighthouses including Ram Island, Burnt Island, and Pemaquid Point. Be sure to wave at the lobstermen at work; they may be catching your dinner.
Want a more up-close and personal experience with nature? Rent a kayak from Tidal Transit Kayak Company. You never know when a seal may pop up beside you or a bird may dive for a fish in front of you. Kayaks are available for 1 hour up to multi-day rentals. A two-hour round-trip paddle will bring you all the way to Burnt Island Lighthouse. Many kayakers bring lunch and spend a day out on the water. Paddle for a while, relax to watch the sights, then venture a little bit more. The protected waters of the Harbor are also perfect for exploration on a stand-up paddleboard.
Whatever you choose to do, the Maine wildlife is working on picture-perfect poses for your camera and memories.
