Piping Plovers: What are they?

While the Piping Plover is labeled as an endangered species in the state of Maine and many other parts of the US, Ogunquit and its surrounding beaches offer an extraordinary chance at taking in the sight of the endangered bird. Marked-off sections of the local beaches protect nesting sites from human foot traffic.
 The birds are recognizable by their round bodies and short thick neck, with a rather stubby bill. Adult plovers have orange legs, with sand colored bodies and a ring around the neck. Also a distinguishing band across the forehead from eye to eye is a tell-tale feature of the plover.
The Piping Plover joined the endangered species list in 1985. Along with the increased development of shore front property, demand for plover feathers for luxury hats has landed the plover on the not so popular list of endangered species.
The overall population of the plovers remains low, but the town of Ogunquit and its neighboring beaches still hold a large population of the birds. During your next visit to the Mariner Resort be sure to pay extra close attention to the birds on the beaches as you pass by. You never know what tiny rare bird you might see at your feet!

Fourth of July in Ogunquit Maine

There's no tradition quite like a Fourth of July fireworks display. Lawnchairs and blankets line the grassy viewing area as spectators wait for spellbinding colors, thrilling explosions and intriguing shapes to paint the sky. The event may be magical—especially for the kids—but of course, its all the product of meticulous chemistry and clever ballistics.  

Modern technology has made it possible to utilize the dark night  sky for multishot displays and captivating grand finales. Over 46,000 fireworks are set off within a 30 minute set, and this is for the average firework display. It has been said that a minutes worth of firework blasts takes up to 2 hours of preparation and organization to make it look as brilliant as it often does.

This sounds like a lot of work, but luckily for us-- all we have to do is sit back and enjoy it. The town of Ogunquit does a great job every year putting on a wonderful display of fireworks. Be sure to plan a stay at the Mariner Resort during the 4th of July festivities. It is just one of the many great celebrations the Town of Ogunquit has to offer.

Fish are tourists too!

It's no coincidence that shortly after we open our doors for the season at The Mariner Resort, the striped bass migration makes its way into our local tidal rivers. After all, is there any other reason to be in Ogunquit if The Mariner isn't open? ;).....okay, maybe there's a few.

If you were to ask a local fisherman, "What brings the stripers to Ogunquit this time of year--every year?" They might respond with some fisherman type jargon--such as "The presence of bait fish", or "Rising water temperatures", but we at the Mariner Resort figured out the "real" reason why stripers are here.

After countless hours of research, sleepless nights, and more pie charts than one man handle the-- staff at The Mariner Resort developed the formula to prove once and for all, Why striped bass come to Ogunquit around this very same time each year...... Our great mid-week specials!! Duh!

With such great prices this time of year, not even the stripers can resist a trip to beautiful Ogunquit. So don't let those fisherman fool you. The real reason why the stripers are here is because the Mariner Resort is open for the season, and we offer such irresistible mid-week specials this time of year. Be sure to set the hook on great deal before they are gone!

Lighthouses, A Maine Sight to See

One of Maine most beautiful sights to visit is our lighthouses, and with about 65 lighthouses in the state it’s no wonder why we are known as the lighthouse state. Maine has more lighthouse than any other state except for Michigan and New York, and more costal lighthouse than anywhere else is the U.S. So, while you are staying here with us at The Mainer Resort here are a few lighthouse that I think are a must see during your stay.


One of my personal favorite to visit is Portland Headlight at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. This is the lighthouse where Longfellow wrote his poem ‘The Lighthouse’. Fort Williams Park is a beautiful place to enjoy a nice sunny day outside with the family, as one of Maine’s most popular attractions it’s no doubt that it’s a beautiful place to see. The keeper’ quarter is now a museum, and there is also a gift shop.

Construction began on Portland Headlight in 1787, it stood 72 feet tall and its light first illuminated in January of 1791. The headlight underwent many changes from 1813 to 1882, from being lowered and heightened to new lenses being upgraded, today when you visit the lighthouse, look for the scars left behind from the several changes.

Another popular lighthouse to see is The Nubble Lighthouse in Cape Neddick. This along with Portland Headlight is one of the most photographed lights in Maine. Built in 1879 this lighthouse has a Victorian style keepers’ house with gingerbread trim. The public is not allowed on the property but there are occasional tours by Friends of Nubble Lighthouse, otherwise it is easily viewed from Sohier Park in York Beach, which is about 200 yards away.

My third recommendation for lighthouses to visit is The Boon Island Lighthouse; built in 1811 this lighthouse is on a tiny island which is about 6 miles off the coast of York. Due to its location this lighthouse has taken many beatings from storms and has been rebuilt several times. This is Maine’s tallest lighthouse as it stands at 137 feet. This lighthouse is also not accessible to the public, but it can be seen from Sohier Park, off of Nubble Road, in York Beach, and by a local lighthouse cruise.

With some many lighthouses in Maine to see those were just a few, and all within less than an hour drive, Portland Headlight, is your best choice if you want to get up close and personal, but the other two are also great choice to bring photos back home to show friends and family. Come stay with us at The Mariner Resort and view these wonderful sights!