Bird Watching

Bird watching is particularly rewarding in the Charlotte Coastal Region, and especially on the Grand Manan Archipelago. Over 360 species have been reliably identified, 131 of which have been found breeding here since the early 1900’s. The best times for birdwatchers are the spring migratory periods (early April to early June), followed by the summer nesting season and the fall migratory period. The fall migratory period actually begins in late July when many shore birds return from nesting in the Arctic regions.

Machias Seal Island, the outermost of the Grand Manan group is the southernmost breeding site of the Atlantic Puffin. In addition, razorbills, Arctic and common terns and some land birds breed on the remote rocky island. While the birds arrive in late May, actual breeding and nesting activities usually commence in mid-June. Machias Seal Island is a Canadian Migratory Bird Sanctuary maintained by the Canadian Wildlife Service which restricts the number of visitors. Tours to Machias Island can only be arranged through Sea Watch Tours on Grand Manan.

Kingsbrae Garden is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary [since 2006], sheltering at least 65 species of birds in our eco-friendly grounds. Some reside at Kingsbrae year-round, while others make a yearly stop in their migration, as the St Andrews peninsula is in the major flypath for many species and is a great location for birdwatching in general.

Most other birds can be seen while hiking the coastal and in-land island trails. Taking a whale watching tour is an easy way to see the variety of sea birds found around the island.