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Spot Rare Birds & Puffins at the Downeast Spring Birding Festival 2025 | Maine’s Premier Birdwatching Event

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • May 1
  • 4 min read

Map describing the different spotting areas for the Downeast Birding Festival

Spot Rare Birds & Puffins at the Downeast Spring Birding Festival 2025 | Maine’s Premier Birdwatching Event

Explore Maine's Wildest Birding Event – Memorial Day Weekend, May 23–26, 2025

Birding enthusiasts and nature lovers—mark your calendars for the Downeast Spring Birding Festival 2025, taking place May 23rd–26th over Memorial Day Weekend in Washington County, Maine. Held annually since 2003, this immersive birding experience is nationally recognized by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and was named an Editor’s Choice by Yankee Magazine. With over 200 species of birds, guided tours, workshops, and boat trips, this is one of the best spring birding festivals in the country.


🎟️ Festival Overview & Registration

Location: Cobscook Institute, Trescott, Maine

Festival Dates: May 23–26, 2025

Festival Fee: $165 (Sliding scale available for local residents)Register here


The inclusive rate covers:

  • Guided field trips

  • Educational presentations

  • Birding talks

  • Locally roasted Maine coffee & tea


Optional Add-Ons:

  • Breakfast ($10)

  • Bagged Lunches ($18)

  • Welcome Dinner ($30)

  • Celebration Dinner ($20)

  • Specialty boat trips ($100–$250)

  • Canoe & kayak paddles ($40)


All events are self-selected and optional, allowing you to personalize your itinerary based on your interests and energy level.


🛏️ Lodging at Cobscook Institute

Private Rooms (Heartwood Lodge): $150/night (3-night min.)

Camping: $20/night (3-night min.)

RV Parking: $30/night (3-night min.)

All guests have access to the lodge kitchen, bathrooms, showers, dining area, laundry facilities, and library.


For overflow or alternative accommodations, visit the Where to Stay page.


🐦 200+ Potential Bird Species to Discover:

  • Spruce & Ruffed Grouse

  • Eastern Whip-poor-will

  • American Woodcock

  • Razorbill

  • Black Guillemot

  • Atlantic Puffin

  • Bald Eagle

  • Canada Jay

  • Winter Wren

  • Hermit & Swainson’s Thrush

  • Bobolink

  • 20+ Warbler Species

  • Ducks

  • Scoters


These species, among many others, are best observed during Maine’s peak spring migration and breeding season.


🚤 Signature Events & Experiences


🪶 Keynote Presentation:

By a leading area naturalist, hosted Friday night at Cobscook Campus


🦉 Birding by Ear Workshop:

Led by expert Bob Duchesne


🐧 Puffin Boat Trip to Machias Seal Island:

View Maine’s largest puffin colony


🌊 Head Harbor Boat Tour:

Guided by Passamaquoddy cultural expert Minquansis Sapiel


🚶 Warbler Walks & Habitat Hikes:

Multiple easy-to-moderate birding treks across diverse habitats


🌿 Popular Hikes, Tours, and Locations

  • Boot Head Preserve:

    Black Guillemots, vireos, kinglets, warblers

  • Reynolds Brook & Edmunds Moosehorn:

    Grouse, Canada Jays, thrushes

  • Campobello Island:

    International park tour with varied coastal and forest birds

  • Blueberry Barrens:

    Eastern Towhee, Prairie Warbler, and more

  • Petit Manan Boat Trip:

    Puffins, Razorbills, terns, seals

  • Eagle Hill Bog:

    Bog specialists like Lincoln’s Sparrow, Rhodora in bloom

  • Rails, Wrens, & Nighthawks Tour:

    Ducks, snipe, nighthawks, orioles


🛶 Beginner Canoe & Kayak Paddles

Explore fresh and tidal waters with provided canoes, PFDs, and expert guides. Designed for all skill levels—just bring your sense of adventure!


🌎 Why Attend the Downeast Spring Birding Festival?

  • Bird with local guides who know the terrain intimately

  • Spot rare and iconic Maine species

  • Connect with other birders and naturalists

  • Support grassroots conservation and education

  • Explore the stunning natural beauty of Washington County, Maine


📞 Contact & Info

Phone: (207) 733-2233


Fly in, drive up, or paddle your way to Maine’s wildest birding weekend—where puffins, warblers, and once-in-a-lifetime memories await!


What to Do in Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond

Want more information? Check out our Moosehead News for the latest updates on seasonal events, local news, and detailed guides to make the most of your visit to the Moosehead Lake region.

  • ATV/Snowmobile:: Explore thousands of miles of pristine wilderness.

  • Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking: Explore the lake's serene waters.

  • Camping/Swimming: Find the best campsites for a wilderness retreat.

  • Fishing/Hunting: Discover prime fishing spots.

  • Hiking/Biking: Explore the wilderness.

  • Skiing/Sledding/Snowboarding/Snowshoeing: Miles of cross-country ski trails for those seeking a quieter adventure. Ski and snowboard rentals, plus lessons for beginners.

  • Local Attractions/Sightseeing: Learn about must-see sights in the region.


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


Perfect Accommodation for Your Visit

Look no further for the perfect accommodation during your visit to the Monson, Shirley, Greenville, Rockwood, and Jackman areas of Maine. Moose River Lookout offers an idyllic retreat nestled along the serene Moose River at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in Rockwood.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River










Birding enthusiasts and nature lovers—mark your calendars for the Downeast Spring Birding Festival 2025!!

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