At 11 miles, turn left and continue following Route 209 to the park entrance at 15 miles. Directions: From Bath, proceed south on Route 209 toward Phippsburg. It provides another sheltered spot to scan for Long-tailed Ducks, Buffleheads, and Goldeneyes, and it produces closer tern sightings than the beach area does. Fort Popham is a well-preserved fortress that has guarded the strategically critical entrance to the Kennebec River since the U.S. Before leaving the area, continue on Route 209 to the end. Red and White-winged Crossbills have turned up in the pitch pines. Northern Shrikes occasionally perch on open snags. In cold months, Horned Larks and Snow Buntings may forage on the beach and among the dunes. In migration, a variety of hawks pass the beach. Song and Swamp Sparrows are common, and when a Sharp-tailed Sparrow is encountered, take care to separate Saltmarsh and Nelson’s. Pine Warblers breed among the pitch pines, while Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats are often seen in the open shrubbery. American Bitterns, Green Herons, Black-crowned Night-Herons, and Great Egrets also turn up regularly. The salt marsh behind the beach and along Route 209 is habitat for Great Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets. Under all circumstances, be careful to avoid disturbance of nesting and roosting shorebirds. The most productive beach area is at the tidal flats of the Morse River inlet, so if the plovers and terns are not on the main beach, look for them across the inlet. Least Terns nest near Piping Plovers and their smaller size helps to distinguish them from the Common, Arctic, and Roseate Terns that fish these waters in summer. Piping Plovers sometimes nest on the beach, though they usually breed in a conservation area separated from the park by the Morse River inlet. Low tide exposes a large amount of sand where sandpipers and plovers stop to feed during migration.
Be aware that the incoming tide swallows the sand bar very quickly. Common Loons and Eiders, Horned and Red-necked Grebes, at least two species of scoter, Black Guillemots, Red-breasted Mergansers, Buffleheads, and Long-tailed Ducks are typical sights in colder months. This may be the best spot in Maine to see Red-throated Loons. From this vantage point, it is easier to scan the deep waters for diving ducks. (Reid State Park across the Kennebec River is best at high tide.) At low tide, it is possible to walk across the exposed sand bar to Fox Islands. The steady development of the long eastern spit from Seawall Beach to the west. Popham Beach State Park is remarkable year round, though the park is popular in summer. Significant changes to various sectors of Popham Beach over the past decade.
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