Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway is part of an area that is heavily protected and conserved. The landscape ranges from sparkling lakes and rushing rivers to undulating mountains. Hundreds of different wildlife species make their homes here. Plan to visit the byway during spring or summer, when birding opportunities abound.
Before you begin your birding excursion, be sure you have binoculars and a bird identification book. Pack a lunch too, because your first stop at the Audubon Society's bird sanctuary on Hunter Cove offers picnic tables to visitors. The sanctuary, which is just off the byway, covers 100 acres. Walk its extensive network of hiking trails for close-up views of birds such as Canada Jays and Canada Geese, chickadees, owls, ducks, loons, woodpeckers, and more.
To get great views of waterfowl and shorebirds, take a canoe or kayak out on Kennebago River, Rangeley Lake, or Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Kingfishers and herons live along Kennebago River, and loon sightings are common at the lakes.
For a real treat, travel 15 miles southwest of the byway and visit Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. Home to osprey, ducks, scaup, scoters, Canada Geese, Bald Eagles, Northern Harrier, American Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Gray Jay, Black-backed and Northern Three-toed Woodpecker, and Palm Warblers, the refuge is a birding jackpot. Stay close to Umbagog Lake; the best birding views are near the water.
Drive the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway and spend a day or two bird watching. With over 10,000 acres of preserved land to explore, you won't run out of places to stop. Nearly every bird in the Northeast can be found here, giving you a chance to add hundreds of different bird species to your life list.
The Perfect Snow Day on Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway
The Appalachian Trail
Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway Overview