Announcing Upcoming Bird Tours with Schoodic Institute and Partners
We’re excited to share our lineup of 2026 bird tours, offering unforgettable opportunities to explore the birds, landscapes, and seasonal wonders of Acadia National Park and Downeast Maine with Schoodic Institute’s Seth Benz, Holly Merker (author of Ornitherapy and founder of the Mindful Birding Network), and partners like Sabrewing Nature Tours.
The following birding excursions are based out of Schoodic Institute in Winter Harbor, ideally situated just a stone’s throw from Schoodic Point–a migration passage that tallies tens of thousands of birds annually. Lodging is in cozy cabins where you will be awakened by birdsong. Listen for Swainson’s Thrush, Blue-headed Vireo and Northern Parula to serenade your walk to the Schooner Commons, Schoodic Institute’s campus dining hall. Learn more about our featured tours below, or click here.
Spring Birds of Acadia (May 19-22, 2026) One spot left!
Our 2026 season opens with Spring Birds of Acadia, a multi-day tour that focuses on returning songbirds at Acadia’s best land-bird hotspots. Led by Seth Benz, Schoodic Institute’s Senior Bird Engagement Specialist, alongside Holly Merker, author of Ornitherapy and founder of the Mindful Birding Network, this experience blends excellent birding with mindful observation. Join us to be among the first to see and hear colorful wood warblers returning to Acadia National Park, and enjoy a private, chartered boat trip to Petit Manan Island to see an active Atlantic Puffin colony.
We’ll move at a comfortable pace with an emphasis on enhancing your field birding skills and enjoyment of nature. Maine has a way of spoiling birders – and this Spring Birds of Acadia tour is designed to do just that!
Puffins, Loons, and Blueberry Barrens (July 11-14, 2026)
Join Seth Benz and Holly Merker for Puffins, Loons, and Blueberry Barrens, a relaxed and immersive summer birding adventure. This tour is designed to deepen your enjoyment of all birds, especially those that nest in Acadia National Park and its surrounding habitats–from coastal waters to iconic blueberry barrens.
We’ll travel at a leisurely pace while learning about sight identification, as well as bird habitats and behavior. Enjoy field trips including a boat cruise to see Atlantic Puffin, a visit to the east coast’s largest blueberry barrens where Upland Sandpiper, Vesper Sparrow, and Northern Harrier nest, and a visit to the Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary with chances of seeing a Common Loon chicks.
Bird Year-Round with Schoodic Institute
Schoodic Institute’s Bird Ecology programs are offered throughout the year and include both scheduled excursions and custom guided birding trips. With spectacular scenery, affordable lodging and dining, and expert local guidance, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park is the perfect base for your birding adventure.
To plan a custom experience, contact sbenz@schoodicinstitute.org.
Banner image photos by Kyle Lima, Seth Benz, and Michelle Pinkham/Schoodic Institute.