Take an Ocean Excursion
Head out to the bays and Gulf of Maine , where playful harbor porpoise pop their heads above the surface . Spot harbor seals sunning on ledges alongside cormorants and gulls . A trip to the outer islands reveals the summer home of the iconic Atlantic puffin .
Explore ocean ecology at the Downeast Institute in Beals or at the Discovery Wharf at the Center for Coastal Fisheries in Stonington to get a hands-on look at the world below the waves .
Spot Birds and Wildlife from Shore and Forest
On shore you ’ ll spot harlequin ducks making their way across harbors , herons swoop over marshes , osprey and bald eagle hunt overhead . As part of the Atlantic Flyway , you ’ ll find myriad birds in Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge or the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge .
WILDLIFE WATCHING
Watch closely as you drive along roads for deer or moose , especially The Airline , Route 9 . The Downeast Lakes Community Forest , Downeast Lakes Water Trail , and Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge offer excellent habitat for wildlife like bobcat , and beaver . Please never feed any wildlife and give them plenty of space to go about their business .
The Future of Our Fishy Friends
Learn about the miraculous life cycle of sea-run Atlantic salmon at the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery in Orland . Grand Lake Stream State Fish Hatchery rears 80,000 landlocked salmon and brook trout annually . Visit The Green Lake National Fish Hatchery in Ellsworth , for a look at a large-scale cold water hatchery in action .
Plan Your Visit Today !
Whale watch , @ Julianne Taylor
TRUE MAINE | 19