Marginal Way, beginning at Perkins Cove, provides a footpath along the rocky shoreline of Oarweed Cove that offers extensive views of the cove and ocean where ducks and seabirds can be readily observed. This a favored spot for birders from November through March, when crowds are sparse and winter birds are near shore. The shoreline path may be combined with a return trip to Perkins Cove through the residential community to look for passerines and other land birds.
A highlight of the area are the Harlequin Ducks, often seen at close range. This is one of the places along the southern Maine coast where seeing them in winter is expected. Other regularly occurring winter birds include Common and Red-throated Loons, Horned and Red-necked Grebes, Black Guillemots, Common Eiders, Long-tailed Ducks, Buffleheads, Common Goldeneyes, Red-breasted Mergansers, and all three species of scoters. Scanning the horizon might yield Northern Gannet or Black-legged Kittiwake. King Eider are often viewed just to the south of here (from Cliff House) and may occasionally venture north into this area. It is also possible to luck onto a Razorbill, Thick-billed Murre, or Dovekie.
Birding the inland habitat has yielded White-winged Crossbill, Common Redpoll, Cedar Waxwing, and a variety of sparrows and other passerines. In good finch years, other species might also be found here. In January 2013 a Ruffed Grouse was present for at least a matter of days and the York County Rarity Roundup located a Gray Kingbird in 2010 that was viewed for about a week.
The path along Marginal Way is open to the public year round and free.
Directions: From the north: At the intersection of Route 1 and Shore Road in Ogunquit, turn left onto Shore Road and proceed for 0.8 mile to the parking lot. Marginal Way begins at the left edge of the parking lot.
From the South: At the intersection of Route 1 and 1A in Cape Neddick, take Route 1A for 0.9 miles and turn left onto Shore Road. Continue for 4.6 miles, turning right onto Perkins Cove Road. (You will pass the Cliff House on the way.) The parking lot will be on the left in 0.2 miles.