Special Events

Loon Count

Each July, close to 1,000 volunteers head out on Maine's lakes and ponds to record a half-hour "snapshot" of Maine's loon population. The data provides a valuable portrait of the state's loon population and generates attention for the challenges the species faces, such asloss of habitat, poisoning from ingestion of lead fishing sinkers and jigs, and fatal collisions with boats. more

Snowy Egret Day

Experience a full day of family fun including canoe tours, a used- book sale, nature crafts, and bird, wildflower, and edible plant walks. The event features special programs for children as well as displays and information about the Scarborough Marsh ecosystem. more

Art and Fine Crafts Show

The 13th annual Art and Fine Crafts show at Gilsland Farm features creative work from over 60 artists. All admittance fee donations benefit Maine Audubon. Dates TBD. See a slideshow of 2009 artisan's work here.

Apple Day

A family day celebrating the season, Apple Day is open to the public. Festivities include cider pressing, craft demonstrations, storytelling, face painting, live music, contradancing, nature walks, and an apple pie baking contest. more

Audubon Christmas Bird Count

More than 50,000 observers across North America participate each year in Audubon’s all-day census of early winter bird populations. This is a great chance to participate in an important—and fun— citizen science project. Birders of all abilities are encouraged to participate. Apart from its attraction as a social, sporting, and competitive event, the CBC provides data on the winter distributions of various bird species as well as the overall health of the environment. more

Borestone Mountain Art Exhibit & Sale

Celebrating the connection between art and nature, Maine Audubon is delighted to announce an exhibit and sale this spring of artwork inspired by Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary in Monson, Maine. More than two-dozen artists have fully donated their work, meaning that 100-percent of sale proceeds will benefit Maine Audubon's work for wildlife conservation. Exhibit hours at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center in Falmouth are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and 12-4 p.m., Sunday and holidays. An opening reception will be held from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, April 12.

View an online slideshow preview here.

Birdathon

Audubon organizations throughout the US conduct Birdathons in which competitive teams and noncompetitive participants try to identify as many bird species as possible. It's the world's largest competitive bird-watching event timed to coincide with peak bird migration. Birdathon is also a great fundraising event for Maine Audubon, supporting our mission to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat. Birders of all ages and abilities are invited to participate by getting pledges for each bird species they see. Learn more.

Maine Audubon Annual Meeting

Maine Audubon members are invited to join the staff and board at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center in June for our annual meeting during which candidates are elected and renewed to serve on the board of trustees. In addition to presenting awards for outstanding service and commitment to Maine's wildlife, Executive Director Kevin Carley highlights Maine Audubon's achievements during the past year and sets the course for the coming year.

Peony Bloom & Ice Cream Social

Maine Audubon hosts an old-fashioned ice-cream social every June to herald the blooming of its peonies, share the plants’ history and thank the volunteers who help maintain them. more