Down East Bird Watching & Nature Tours — Attraction in Bar Harbor

TL;DR: We had a great time bird watching with Michael from Down East Bird Watching and Nature tours and would highly recommend going birding with them, even if it is your first time.

We went on a lovely, spring morning this May and saw 43 different species. I studied Biology/ecology in college and grad school, but had only taken one course in Ornithology and did not have much experience birding. My husband (a tech kind of guy) was not keen on the idea at all, but since I asked to go as my present for our 10th wedding anniversary, he had to come along :-P I am a huge science and wildlife nerd, so spending my the morning of my wedding anniversary birding, was right up my alley.

Michael was very welcoming and friendly and made sure both of us were able to get a good look at every bird he could get in his scope. He also brought along an iPad to show us close-up images of the birds and would often play back their calls to bring them closer to us. This was so helpful as I now knew what I was looking for and what sounds to pay attention to since we are not experienced at birding.

Michael was also very knowledgeable about the natural history of the island including geography, geology, and wildlife restoration and preservation. He was very accomodating to our personal interests (well... mine, since my husband was just thrilled and content that he was actually able to actually see the birds in the scope and hear their calls. We tried birding before at another location with a different guide and my husband and I weren't able to get a good look at any of the smaller birds the entire time). We learned about the alewife restoration project and took us to see some along with the fish ladder at Somes Mill Pond.

What surprised me the most, was that by the end of the trip, my husband started spotting birds on his own and Michael did a really impressive job making sure he had a good time as well.

A really wonderful and unexpected addition was that Michael had put together and sent us a list of all the species we saw, including individual counts as well as some amazing photos that were taken during our trip.

We fell in love with Acadia many years ago, and each time we visit, we try to see different parts of the island. This trip definitely got us off the beaten path which always makes me love Acadia even more.

I have a feeling that I'll be asking for another birding outing with Down East Bird Watching and Nature Tours for my anniversary...

Four of us retirees from Oregon spent two half-days "birding" in the Bar Harbor area and Acadia National Park with Michael Good, who'd also been our guide for two weeks in Cuba last year. First day it poured all day, which meant we learned a LOT about the geology and history of the area, SO interesting (and also saw some great birds, one of which was a Lifer for us). The next clear sunny day we saw LOTS of great birds and other wildlife, 41 bird species total. Michael is so knowledgeable about the area and its history and natural treasures, but what makes him a great guide is his caring nature. Makes sure everyone gets "a good look" before moving on, keeps the pace age- and mobility-appropriate, makes frequent potty stops, VERY comfortable, enjoyable. Highly...

I can't say enough about Michael Good and his expertise on Mount Desert Island birds. These days, it's not enough to know species. You also need to know locations, food sources, climate variations, geology and migration patterns, and Michael knows all of these and more. He said that a bald eagle would be in the tree...and a bald eagle was in the tree. He said this is where Northern Parula would be, and sure enough, there they were. Michael is just as excellent for beginners as he is for experienced birders. Can't...