Maine Audubon’s Downeast Outpost
Fields Pond Audubon Center occupies 192 acres on the western shore of Fields Pond in Holden, about 15 minutes from downtown Bangor. It serves as the Downeast chapter headquarters for Maine Audubon and as a community nature center, education facility, and trailhead for a network of easy walking trails through forest, wetland, and pond shoreline habitat.
The property was donated to Maine Audubon in 1969 by Louise Waldron Field, whose family had owned the land for generations. The Waldron farmhouse has been converted into a nature center with wildlife exhibits, a reference library, and a viewing window overlooking the pond where a spotting scope is kept trained on the resident bald eagle nest.
Fields Pond itself is a 162-acre body of water surrounded by forest and wetland. A pair of bald eagles has nested on the pond for years, and their nest tree is visible from the nature center and from viewpoints along the trail. Watching the eagles hunt over the pond, carry fish to the nest, and tend their chicks is the signature experience of this site.
Trails
The trail system covers about 2.5 miles and loops through three distinct habitats: upland forest, pond shoreline, and wetland edge. All trails are easy with minimal elevation gain.
The Shore Trail (0.8 miles): Follows the western shore of Fields Pond through mixed forest with regular openings that provide views across the water. This is the best trail for eagle watching, as the nest tree is visible from several points along the route. Loons, mergansers, and wood ducks are also commonly seen from this trail.
The Forest Loop (1.0 mile): Circles through the upland forest behind the nature center. Mature oaks, maples, and birches provide habitat for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and migrating warblers. The forest floor is rich with wildflowers in spring, particularly trillium and lady slippers.
The Wetland Trail (0.7 miles): Extends along the southern edge of the property through alder thickets and wetland margins. This trail is the most productive for songbirds, with yellowthroats, song sparrows, and swamp sparrows nesting in the dense vegetation.
Birding
Fields Pond is one of the most accessible birding sites in the greater Bangor area. The combination of pond, forest, and wetland habitats in a compact area produces a long species list for a relatively small property. Over 100 species have been recorded, including:
Pond species: Bald eagle, common loon, hooded merganser, wood duck, great blue heron, belted kingfisher, and osprey in summer.
Forest species: Pileated woodpecker, barred owl, hermit thrush, ovenbird, black-throated green warbler, and rose-breasted grosbeak.
Wetland species: Common yellowthroat, swamp sparrow, red-winged blackbird, and Virginia rail.
Maine Audubon runs organized bird walks at Fields Pond throughout the year. These are led by experienced birders and are excellent for beginners. Check the Maine Audubon events calendar for the schedule.
The Nature Center
The nature center is a modest building with big character. Exhibits include mounted specimens of Maine birds and mammals, a nature library, children’s activity tables, and the viewing window overlooking the pond. The staff and volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, and the center runs nature programs for children and adults throughout the year.
The center is also a good place to pick up trail maps, bird checklists, and information about other Maine Audubon properties in the Downeast region.
When to Go
Spring
Eagles on the nest. Warbler migration through the forest. Wildflowers blooming. Loons return to the pond. Organized bird walks.
Summer
Eagle chicks visible at the nest. Loons with young on the pond. Dragonflies over the water. Full nature center programming.
Fall
Fall migration brings warblers and sparrows through. Foliage around the pond. Eagles preparing for winter. Quieter trails.
Winter
Trails open for snowshoeing. Wintering raptors and woodpeckers. Owl walks. Christmas Bird Count. Pond may freeze, attracting coyotes and other track makers.
Practical Notes
The parking area is free and holds about 20 cars. Restrooms are available at the nature center when it is open. There is no fee for trails or programs unless specifically noted.
Dogs are not allowed on the property to protect the wildlife and nesting birds.
The center is located on Fields Pond Road in Holden, well signed from Route 1A. From Bangor, take Route 1A east through Holden and turn left on Fields Pond Road.
Checklist
What to Bring
- Visit the nature center and check the eagle nest through the scope
- Walk the Shore Trail for pond and eagle views
- Bring binoculars for birding along all trails
- Pick up a bird checklist at the nature center
- Check Maine Audubon events for organized bird walks
- Walk the Wetland Trail for songbird habitat
- Camera with telephoto lens for eagle photography
- Allow 1.5-2 hours for trails and the nature center
- Wear waterproof shoes for the wetland trail
- Visit in spring for the best warbler diversity
FAQ
Is there a fee to visit Fields Pond Audubon Center?
No. The trails and nature center are free and open to the public. Some special programs may have a fee.
Can you see bald eagles at Fields Pond?
Yes. A pair of bald eagles nests on Fields Pond and is visible from the nature center and the Shore Trail. The eagles are present year-round but most active at the nest from March through August.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not permitted on the Fields Pond Audubon Center property to protect wildlife.
How long are the trails?
The trail system covers about 2.5 miles total. The Shore Trail is 0.8 miles, the Forest Loop is 1.0 mile, and the Wetland Trail is 0.7 miles. All are easy walking.
Is Fields Pond good for kids?
Yes. The nature center has children's activities and exhibits. The trails are short and easy. Eagle watching is exciting for all ages. Maine Audubon runs family-oriented nature programs here.
