Reconnect With Nature

Hike Birdsacre’s six miles of interconnected nature trails. Discover simple serenity as you explore the forest streams and fern-lined slopes of the 200-acre sanctuary. Birdsacre preserves vital wildlife habitat, is home to numerous species of native Maine flora and fauna, and serves as a stop over for migrating birds in spring and fall. Trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk.

Meet our Avian Ambassadors

Spend some quiet time with our non-releasable native owls, hawks, and vultures. Get to know their personalities, learn about the important roles they play in Maine’s natural habitats, and discover how you can support birds and other wildlife in Maine and beyond. All of our Ambassadors have found a second home at Birdsacre. Enquire about onsite and traveling educational programs that share the Ambassador’s personal stories and species challenges. On-site tours will resume in late Spring 2026.

As the weather turns colder, the enclosures of residents who normally would migrate south - the vultures and some hawks - are covered to keep them warm (though you may see them peeking through their windows). All of our Ambassadors have heated water dishes and feeding pads, as well as heat lamps as needed during the winter. You still can view Birdsacre’s Barred and Great-Horned owls. These are year-round residents in Maine’s forests, who enjoy our cold winters.

Immerse Yourself in History

Visit the Victorian Homestead of Ellsworth’s own Thoreau and pioneering woman scientist, Cordelia J. Stanwood. Built by her sea-faring father, the Homestead is now a Museum that offers a view to an earlier time, as well as houses Cordelia’s glass-plate photography. Stanwood Homestead is closed for the season and will re-open in late Spring 2026.