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National Wildlife Refuges in Maine

9 national wildlife refuges in Maine with photography planning data — sunrise and sunset azimuths, golden hour by month, Milky Way windows and estimated sky darkness. Washington County has the most (3). The darkest skies are at Cross Island National Wildlife Refuge (Bortle 1).

Top national wildlife refuges

Rachel Carson National Wildlife RefugeNational Wildlife Refuge
Rachel Carson National Wildlife RefugeYork County
Moosehorn National Wildlife RefugeNational Wildlife Refuge
Moosehorn National Wildlife RefugeWashington County
Aroostook National Wildlife RefugeNational Wildlife Refuge
Aroostook National Wildlife RefugeAroostook County
Franklin Island National Wildlife RefugeNational Wildlife Refuge
Franklin Island National Wildlife RefugeLincoln County
Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife RefugeNational Wildlife Refuge
Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife RefugePenobscot County
Pond Island National Wildlife RefugeNational Wildlife Refuge
Pond Island National Wildlife RefugeSagadahoc County
Petit Manan National Wildlife RefugeNational Wildlife Refuge
Petit Manan National Wildlife RefugeWashington County
Cross Island National Wildlife RefugeNational Wildlife Refuge
Cross Island National Wildlife RefugeWashington County
National Wildlife Refuge
Seal Island National Wildlife RefugeKnox County

National Wildlife Refuges by county

Map

How to photograph national wildlife refuges

Wildlife is most active in the first and last two hours of daylight — exactly when the light is warmest.

  • Use auto-loop roads as mobile blinds; animals often tolerate vehicles more than people on foot.
  • Stay on designated routes and keep a respectful distance — if an animal changes behavior, you are too close.
  • A 400–600 mm lens (or a crop body) is the usual tool for birds.
  • Fast shutter speeds (1/2000 s+) freeze wingbeats; raise ISO rather than lose the shot.
  • Migration peaks bring the largest concentrations — see the birding calendar for this state.

Season: Spring and autumn migration are the highlights; winter brings waterfowl to many southern refuges.