Prout's Neck

Prout’s Neck lies opposite Pine Point and overlooks much of the same water. (The journey from Pine Point to Prout’s Neck requires a complete circumnavigation of Scarborough Marsh, so there is no quick way to get closer to birds seen on the distant shore.) The view from Prout’s Neck is accessible from the Ferry Beach boat launch, preferably at high tide. There is a hefty parking fee here in summer but it is free in the off-season. The point is privately owned and inaccessible.

On the west side of Prout’s Neck, Scarborough Beach State Park provides another half moon beach and open ocean. Look for loons and grebes, particularly red-necked grebes. Rarely, king eiders mix with the common eiders in winter. All three scoters are possible. Check for wintering harlequin ducks at the rocky northern point of the beach.

Directions: Prout’s Neck is reached from Route 1 in Scarborough by way of Black’s Point Road (Route 207). Follow to the end, looking for Scarborough State Park on the left and the turn for Ferry Beach on the right. From Cape Elizabeth and the Two Lights/Crescent Beach area, follow Route 77 south until it splits with Route 207.