The 372-Acre Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary In Maine Is The Largest Bird Refuge In New England
By Michelle|Published June 28, 2021
×
Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
There’s no shortage of natural areas in Maine to enjoy on a beautiful (or cloudy!) day. Whenever we’re in the mood to get outside we’ve got a seemingly endless list of spots we can’t wait to check out or visit again. There’s no bad place to visit, but we’re always on the lookout for spots we missed and that includes this bird sanctuary. Initially, we thought being a bird-watcher was a must, but turns out this is just a downright pretty place to explore. And if you love learning about the state’s native birds you’ll love it even more!
Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary in Lewiston offers 450 acres of protected area for wildlife, such as birds, to thrive. The size means it endlessly fun to visit, but it also makes it the largest sanctuary of its type in all of New England.
Originally owned by the Thorne family, the land dates back to the 1800s. Today it's overseen by the Stanton Bird Group, who makes sure this area is beautifully cared for and ready for visitors like you and I to enjoy.
The preserve offers a space for groups to meet and learn through events and workshops. Those who have used it in the past include the University of Maine wildlife biologists, Girl Scout troops and schools.
Most of the year offers some great bird watching opportunities. The sanctuary encourages this type of use and there's nothing nice than seeing a busy place like this.
Thorncrag can be visited year round and it's often even more beautiful in the winter when the landscape is likely to be covered in a layer of snow. Just be sure to be careful in these conditions as things can get slippery.
Dogs are motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trials, so plan on enjoying these trails on foot with friends of the human variety.
Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary every day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can learn more about it by visiting their website. You can also check out the trails on Maine Trail Finder or alltrails.com. You can reach the Stanton Bird Club on 888-363-0007.
