Well established as a premier birding locale, Biddeford Pool produces rarities and provides opportunities for lengthy study. As always, please respect private property.

East Point Sanctuary

This sanctuary, a 30 acre prominence at the south end of Saco Bay, was donated to Maine Audubon in 1976 by landowners in Biddeford Pool. With its mix of shrub and open field habitat bordered by rocky shores and unobstructed views into the channel toward Wood Island to the northeast and open ocean to the south and east, East Point can provide excellent birding throughout the year.

Warblers, sparrows, and other passerines, including Orange-crowned Warblers in the fall, can be abundant during migration, as can raptors such as Northern Harriers, Merlin, and Peregrine Falcons. In late fall and winter, Rough-legged Hawks, Snowy and Short-eared Owls, Northern Shrike, Horned Lark, Snow Buntings, and Lapland Longspurs can be found here.

East Point is a prime location to find seabirds, particularly from October to April. Sightings have included Northern Gannets, Brant, Great Cormorants, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Black Guillemots, and occasional Dovekies, Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Common and Thick-billed Murres, and even King Eiders.  After storms shearwaters, Wilson’s Storm-petrels and jaegers may be seen.

Directions to East Point Sanctuary:

East Point can be accessed from Route 9 turning onto Route 208 (Bridge Avenue) into Biddeford Pool. At the end of Bridge Avenue, turn left onto Mile Stretch Road and continue to the end. The sanctuary entrance is located on the left just before Ocean Avenue and is open year round, free of charge.  Be sure to park with the flow of traffic on First Street. (You will be ticketed on Ocean Avenue or if parked facing opposite traffic.) There are no facilities and dogs are not allowed.

Great Pond

Directions: Take Route 9 from either Biddeford or Kennebunkport towards Biddeford Pool. Turn off 9 onto Route 208 towards Biddeford Pool. Turn left at the next stop sign onto Mile Stretch which becomes Lester B Orcutt Blvd. Great Pond is on your right almost immediately. Park off the pavement.