Whether you're a serious birder or just have a casual interest in watching birds of prey, the annual HawkWatch at Acadia National Park offers a prime opportunity. The event begins on August 19 and runs through mid-October.

Migrating gray whales are a common sight in the nearshore waters of the Pacific Coast, and two of the region’s national parks are whale watching hotspots. Now the timing of the gray whale migrations has shifted perceptibly, fewer whales are passing close to shore, and whale watchers will need to be more flexible.