Festivals
​​Rangeley Birding Festival
​
June 5 - 8, 2025
​
We are excited to continue our co-sponsorship of the annual Rangeley Birding Festival!
​
The Rangeley Lakes region is the premier birding destination for rare and sought-after species in New England. Deep in the heart of Maine's lush boreal forest, Rangeley provides a convenient hub to find northern specialties like Black-backed Woodpecker, Spruce Grouse, and Boreal Chickadee, as well as breeding warblers including Cape May, Bay-breasted, and Mourning.
​
​What sets the Rangeley Birding Festival apart from all others is the breeding grounds. While other festivals hope to catch birds as they migrate through, in Rangeley they've reached their destination and are on territory. This means that birds are more reliable and displaying different behaviors than in migration. No other festival in New England provides such convenient access to so many boreal birds.
​
New this year is a trip up Saddleback Mountain by chairlift to reach the breeding habitat of Bicknell's Thrush! The Rangeley Quad provides easy access up and down the mountain, but you are welcome to hike if you like. Among the nine other trips are a walk at Quill Hill for Boreal specialties, a paddle on the Kennebago River, and a Birds on Tapâ„ birding/beer tasting tour with Derek.
​
The Festival features highly skilled guides who are excited to share their knowledge of rich bird life that flourishes at the intersection of northern forest, stunning, clear lakes and the High Peaks of western Maine. For more information about the festival, the guides, and John Bicknell, go to rangeleybirdingfestival.com. A full schedule is posted, including the field trips being led by Derek.
​
​