The “Portland Maine Birding Tour” begins at Wilson’s private bird sanctuary nestled in the woods of a charming North Deering Neighborhood. Here we will see up to 10 or more species of Maine’s iconic backyard birds that will be buzzing around the feeders, creating unique opportunities to view and photograph interesting behaviors.  We will spend the first hour at the sanctuary birding and hiking around the property which connects to the Portland City Trail System and the Sebago to the Sea Trail System.  For the final two hours of the tour we will head to one of Wilson’s favorite local wildlife hotspots in the Portland area to explore and search for more of Maine’s hidden treasures.  All of our tours are designed to provide optimal film and photographic opportunities for our guests with the wildlife.  This means we often stop and shoot along the way when we find unique species with good lighting conditions.  We do provide binoculars to those without a big lens so they can see and experience the creatures up close and personal for themselves.

• $100 / person for the 3 HR Tour
• 6 guest maximum – 3 guest minimum
• Ages 10 and up

Address / Meeting place 140 Pennell Ave Portland ME 04103 – Last house on the left (Grey house with red doors) at the end of the block –
Parking – Street or Driveway is fine.  We will all meet in the driveway for a briefing before the tour begins.  We kindly ask guests to arrive 15 mins early.

Add ons: $50 Transportation Fee per person – If you need a ride, Wilson will provide round trip transportation within a 15 mile radius of Portland, ME.  Please be ready 30 mins prior to the tour start time for pick up. Drop off will be 30 mins after the tour ends.  Must provide a physical address and must have a cell phone handy to coordinate with Wilson.

No Hunting, No Pets, No Smoking, No Yelling or Screaming, No Drugs or Alcohol, No Littering, No Taking or Collecting of Keepsakes like feathers, rocks, or flowers.  We practice the “Leave No Trace” principles in the wild.

What should I bring?
Your camera, water bottle, good hiking shoes, raincoat if the forecast calls for light showers.  Sunscreen and Bug Spray should be applied prior to arrival.

What will be provided?
Binoculars

After we leave Wilson’s private bird sanctuary and go to the second location do I need to drive myself or can I ride with Wilson?
You can either drive yourself and follow Wilson in his van or pay the $50 transportation fee to ride with him and be dropped back off at your car after the tour is over.

What type of wildlife will we likely see?
Birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Do we have to talk quietly?
Yes we encourage guests to whisper and talk quietly so we don’t scare away the animals

Do I have to sign a waiver?
Yes you will be required to sign a limited liability waiver in case of injury upon completion of your booking

Can I use the Merlin App while on the tour?
Yes we encourage guests to track and identify birds through the Merlin App in order to learn more about Ornithology and to enhance our local database by providing scientific data

What happens if we have bad weather like rain or heavy winds?
Wilson will be monitoring the weather closely 48 hours prior to the tour and notify guests as soon as possible if a tour needs to be cancelled.  Tours will operate in light rain and drizzles but not in heavy downpours.  If your tour is cancelled due to weather you will receive a full refund within 3 business days and are welcome to book a new tour for the following week.

Is there a minimum number of guests required to operate the tour?
Yes the tour will only run if we have 3 guests booked.  On the rare chance you are scheduled for a tour with only two guests, Wilson will notify you 24 hours in advance that we do not have enough guests to run the tour and issue you a full refund within 3 business days.