When submitting eBird observations at Vinalhaven Island, it is most helpful to start a new checklist for each hotspot on the island. Use the general hotspot when you have a checklist that includes multiple locations or if no other hotspot or personal location is appropriate for your sightings.

Vinalhaven is located in Penobscot Bay with 24 square miles of land. Over 3,800 to 5,000 years ago, the island was inhabited by the Red Paint People and later by the Abenaki. Beginning in the 18th century, Europeans arrived on Vinalhaven to quarry the granite. Vinalhaven granite was used in the construction of the Church of St. John the Divine and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. Today, Vinalhaven is distinguished by its thriving lobster industry and busy Main Street, known as Downstreet.

Vinalhaven Island is serviced by the Maine State Ferry Service, which departs from Rockland. The 1-hour-and-15-minute ride arrives at Carver’s Harbor on the south end of the island, just a quarter-mile walk to downtown. Vinalhaven has six round-trip ferry runs each day year-round. During the winter months, however, the last trip to and from the island departs at 3:15 pm rather than 4:30 pm during the summer.