Maine Coastal Islands NWR Visitor Center

Located at 9 Water Street, Rockland, Maine

The Maine Coastal Islands Visitor Center and Headquarters in Rockland is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays, and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (June through October).  The Nature Store is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bird Images – Beyond Audubon

Thursday, January 4th at 1pm

On Thursday January 4 at 1:00 pm, join Dr. Kay Etheridge to learn about bird artists and naturalists from the 1500’s through the last century. Etheridge will show and discuss natural history images that combine art and science in ways that have furthered our knowledge and appreciation of birds.

Those attending the live presentation at the Maine Coastal Island Wildlife Refuge Center at 9 Water Street in Rockland will be eligible to win a beautiful natural history print. Can’t make it in person? Join us live via Zoom at the same time! Register for the Zoom call HERE.

Lower Rio Grande Valley Birding Trip Adventures!

February 8-17, 2024 OR April 13-19, 2024

The Friends of Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge (FOMCI) is excited to offer not one but two birding trips to south Texas in 2024!  Both trips will be offered in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, which offers some of the best bird watching in the entire country.  All you have to do is decide what trip works best for you.  The 10-day February trip will focus on wintering birds and local resident birds versus the 7-day April trip that targets spring migrants from South America and local resident birds.  Either way, expect to see tons of birds and enjoy the nice warm weather as we visit some of the best birding hotspots that Texas has to offer.

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Proceeds raised by these sponsored trips will be used to support the refuge’s seabird work, which includes hiring seasonal island technicians to protect seabirds during the nesting season, education & community outreach, visitor center greeting, and running the gift store.

Holiday Open House

Saturday, December 9th, 1:30pm to 3:30pm

On Saturday, December 9, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. come to the annual open house at the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 9 Water Street, Rockland. Bring home a fun, kid friendly craft book. Explore the center to learn more about some of Maine’s most fascinating birds. Visit the art gallery filled with beautiful art from local artists and the Maine Jr Duck Stamp Contest. Enjoy some treats while you shop at our Nature Store, which has nature-based gifts for the holidays.  For more information, call 594-0600, ext. 5114.