The Binocular Site
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park covers areas on three islands—Mount Desert Island, Baker Island, and Isle au Haut—and the Schoodic Peninsula. Altogether, the park is comprised of 47,390 acres. It was originally established by President Woodrow Wilson as Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916. In 1919, it became a national park and was renamed Lafayette National Park. It gained its current name on January 19, 1929. Acadia is the only national park in New England, and was the first park established east of the Mississippi River.
Visitors can experience the park via the scenic 45-mile carriage road system built with contributions from and direction by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The trails cover more than 50 miles and accommodate bikes as well as horse-drawn carriages. The park's mountains offer 125 miles of hiking trails, and there are ranger-narrated boat cruises, walks, and hikes available as well.
Several species of amphibians and fish inhabit Acadia National Park, along with 338 species of birds, including 23 species of warblers alone. The park's islands provide seclusive and productive marine environments for sea birds like herons, and shore birds like purple sandpipers. The islands are also a critical nesting habitat for eiders. Acadia park is also home to peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. For these reasons, Acadia is considered one of the premier birdwatching spots in the United States.
Please note: The East Face Trail is currently closed.
The state bird of Maine is the Black-capped Chickadee and you can find a checklist for birding activities in Maine here.
Photo credit to Lee Coursey, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can learn more about Acadia National Park by visting the official website here.
If you've visited Acadia National Park, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Maine birding location below.
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