May 2008                                                                                                                        Return to Top

Warbler Weeks at Evergreen Cemetery

One of the best places in southern Maine to see a wide variety of migrating songbirds— particularly warblers, and often at very close range—is Portland 's Evergreen Cemetery . During the height of the migration season in mid May it's possible to see more than 20 warbler species in a single morning. This is one of the best places to see such hard-to-find species as the Cape May, bay-breasted, mourning, and Tennessee warblers. And every year at least one of the southern “overshoots” (worm-eating, yellow-throated, hooded, or cerulean) turns up here. On each of the dates listed below, Maine Audubon birders will be available to help identify the birds you see. Meet at the back of the cemetery by the ponds with your binoculars and a field guide.

Portland

Mondays-Thursdays, May 5-8, May 12-15, May 19-22

7-9 a.m.

Led by Maine Audubon staff and volunteers

Free

No registration necessary

Capisic Pond Fridays

This unpretentious little Portland park features a surprising assortment of habitats, including an overgrown field, shrubs, a cattail marsh, and a small pond impoundment. Surrounded by suburban development, this park provides a welcome refuge for migrant and nesting birds. The birding here, particularly on May mornings, can be outstanding. Orchard orioles, an uncommon species in Maine , have regularly nested here in recent years. On each of the dates listed below, a representative from Maine Audubon will be available to help identify the birds you see. Meet on the narrow dirt road off Capisic Street .

Portland

Fridays, May 9, 16 and 23

7-9 a.m.

Led by Eric Hynes

Free

No registration necessary

Intervale Marsh Birds

Exploring New Gloucester's beautiful Intervale marshes for some of the reclusive species characteristic of southern Maine 's freshwater wetlands, such as Virginia rail, sora, American bittern, and marsh wren is the subject for this field trip. You'll see plenty of other birds, too, in this wonderful habitat designated as a state Important Bird Area. Wear waterproof boots, as the morning dew in these lowlands can be particularly heavy. Happening on International Migratory Bird Day and cosponsored with the Royal River Conservation Trust. No fee; donations to either organization appreciated.

New Gloucester

Saturday, May 10

6-10 a.m.

Led by Bill Hancock

Free, but donation appreciated

Tower Hill Botanic Garden

With nine distinctively landscaped gardens on its 132-acre site in Bolyston , Massachusetts , Tower Hill is one of the most diverse display gardens in New England . There's a garden devoted to unusual annuals; a collection of pre-twentieth-century apple varieties; the “ Secret Garden ” with fountains, statuary, and a wide variety of grasses; and a wildlife garden with a viewing station (bring your binoculars). The variety and beauty of plants here is overwhelming. Many of the displays have been created with the homeowner in mind, so you will go home with lots of ideas. For a peek, check out the Web site at www.towerhillbg.org . Price includes transportation and admission.

From Falmouth

Wednesday, May 21 (weatherdate; Thursday, May 22)

7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Led by Margi Huber

$45/member, $55/nonmember

Limited to 10 participants

Spring Birding Weekend at Claybrook Mountain Lodge

May is the best month to hone your birding skills, and this weekend retreat in Maine 's western mountains is timed to coincide with peak songbird migration—and a minimum of foliage, allowing for great views. We'll bird the lodge's flowering apple trees and field edges before and after breakfast each day in search of many of the 22 warbler species and five thrushes that have been seen here in the past. Afterwards, we'll visit wetlands, grasslands, mixed mountain forests, and regenerating forestry cuts to see as many species as possible. Search old-growth softwood stands and secluded bogs for elusive boreal species, such as boreal chickadee, spruce grouse, gray jay, and yellow-bellied flycatcher. In the evenings, the group will review slides and recordings to enhance your birding skills. Designed for all levels of birders. Price includes meals and accommodations.

Highland Plantation

Friday, May 23 at 7 p.m. to Sunday, May 25 at 1 p.m. (may add on Sunday night for $95)

Led by Ron Joseph, Greg Drummond

$255/member, $275/nonmember (no single accommodations)

Limited to 12 participants

Hog Island Clean-up

Taking part in Maine Island Trail Association's (MITA) annual island clean-up is a great way to spend a weekend. Maine Audubon is joining MITA for its Muscongus Bay clean-up, the location of Hog Island Audubon Camp and many other special places, to remove as much human-generated debris as possible. This two-day activity includes an optional overnight on Hog Island for up to 12 volunteers. Food will be potluck and there is no charge for participating. To sign up, email Brian Marcaurelle at stewards@mita.org or call 207-761-8225 x 104. 

Bremen

Saturday morning, May 31 to Sunday afternoon, June 1

Free

June 2008                                                                                       Return to Top

Shorebirds at Seawall Beach

The Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area in Phippsburg includes more than 500 acres of undeveloped coastal wetland and salt marsh behind a long, undeveloped barrier beach. Stroll over Morse Mountain (actually more of a hill, but with a superb view from the summit) and down to the shore, where shorebirds should abound. The trip is designed with the new birder in mind; however, all levels of ability are welcome. Meet at the preserve parking lot off Route 216.

Phippsburg

Wednesday, June 4

7-9 a.m.

Free

No registration necessary

Seabirds of Matinicus Rock

A 32-acre island ledge 25 miles offshore at the mouth of Penobscot Bay , Matinicus Rock is one of Maine 's most important seabird nesting colonies. Here, Atlantic puffins, razorbills, common murres, black guillemots, arctic and common terns, and laughing gulls all gather to breed and nest. Motoring out of New Harbor aboard the Hardy III , we'll cross the mouth of Muscongus Bay, passing close by the seabird colony at Eastern Egg Rock which offers further birding opportunities, including roseate terns. With plenty of open-water habitat along our route, we could see a good array of pelagic species, including Wilson 's storm petrels, northern gannets, common murres, red-necked phalaropes, greater and sooty shearwaters, black-legged kittiwakes, and jaegers. Warm soup, snacks, and beverages are available for purchase on board. Dress warmly, as the late-spring ocean temperatures often keep the air offshore quite cool.

New Harbor

Friday, June 6

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Led by Peter Vickery, Jan Pierson and Lysle Brinker

$50/member, $60/nonmember

Long Pond Stream to Lake Onawa by Canoe

You won't find this canoe trip described in any Maine canoeing guide yet. George and Gary have scouted this flowage into Lake Onawa in the Borestone sanctuary region and found some great habitat, including a secluded stream meandering through low-elevation boreal forest, beaver lodges and birds. It will be an easy paddle with no rapids. You may bring your own PFD and paddle, but canoes and equipment will be provided.

Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary parking lot.

Sunday, June 8

8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Led by George Libby and Gary Roberts

$35/member, $45/nonmember

Limited to 10 participants

Natural History Cruise Aboard the Schooner Mary Day

Late spring is a magical time of year to be sailing along the Maine coast. Between the land and the sea we'll view seals and their pups, rafts of eiders, eagles, and porpoises as we sail silently between hundreds of unspoiled islands famous for their rugged geology. Shore-side island explorations reveal spring warblers and tide pools teaming with life. And the isolated offshore islands swarm with nesting seabirds rarely seen by most visitors. Grab your binoculars and join Maine Audubon naturalists Mike and Margi Shannon aboard the legendary windjammer Mary Day as we spend a week under sail looking for that elusive opportunity to witness pelagic magic under sail.

From Camden

Sunday, June 9 to Saturday, June 14

Led by Mike and Margie Shannon and captain and crew of the Mary Day

$ 900/participant (no single accommodations)

Limited to 26 participants

Presumpscot Estuary Evening Paddle

Thirty years ago the Presumpscot River was so polluted it was considered virtually dead, but thanks to the federal Clean Water Act and the efforts of many Portland-area conservation groups, the river now provides excellent habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. When the dam near the mouth of the river was removed in 2000, it opened a waterway impounded since 1731. Join this late spring-evening canoe trip to paddle downstream from the Riverton Trolley Park (off Route 302) in Westbrook to the boat launch in Walton Park in Falmouth . We will meet at Walton Park and shuttle to Riverton Trolley Park . Canoes, paddles and personal flotation devices included.

Falmouth

Monday, June 9

3-8 p.m.

Led by Elizabeth Ehrenfeld , George Libby

$25/member of Maine Audubon or Portland

Trails, $35/nonmember

Ancient Trees and Historic Parks of Portland

With a history of settlement dating back more than 300 years, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Portland has some very old and large trees, many of which grace the yards of the city's old houses. This tour with city arborist Jeff Tarling will visit some of these giants, many of which have made it into the Maine Register of Big Trees. We'll also visit two of Portland 's historic parks, Baxter Woods and Deering Oaks, to learn about the history and ecology of these urban refuges. Price includes transportation and a copy of the Maine Register of Big Trees.

From Falmouth

Tuesday, June 10

4-7 p.m.

Led by Jeff Tarling

$35/member, $45/nonmember, $10/child under 16

Limited to 10 participants

Grassland Birds of the Kennebunk Plains

In heavily forested Maine , large grasslands are unusual, so the birds for which they provide habitat can be uncommon as well. This morning walk will look for grasshopper sparrow, vesper sparrow, horned lark, upland sandpiper and other specialty species in one of the region's largest sand-plain grasslands.

Kennebunk

Saturday, June 14

7-9 a.m.

Led by Eric Hynes

$15/member, $25/nonmember

Exploring Saco Heath

A special type of peatland known as a “raised coalesced bog,” Saco Heath in York County is home to such characteristically northern plants as tamarack, black spruce, laurels, Labrador tea, and pitcher plant. These plants in turn provide habitat for breeding birds more typical of northern Maine , such as palm warblers and olive-sided flycatchers. Come along on this early morning outing to see the plants and birds of this special place. The trip is designed with the new birder in mind; however, all levels of ability are welcome. Meet at the Saco Heath Preserve parking lot off Route 112.

Tuesday, June 17

7-10 a.m.

Led by Bob Bittenbender

Free

No registration necessary

East Royce Mountain Hike

The forested mountain habitat of this 3100-foot mountain in Evans Notch will provide plenty of natural history for wild edible aficionado and naturalist Gary Roberts to share with you. The slow to moderate pace make it an ideal outing for taking in the view, listening to nesting birds and discovering the floral along the trail. The summit, where we will have our lunch, provides wonderful views in all directions and a good resting spot on this three-mile roundtrip summer hike.

From Stow

Wednesday, June 18

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Led by Gary Roberts

$20/member, $30/nonmember

Limited to 10 participants

Bicknell's and Boreals Weekend at Saddleback

Getting a good view of a Bicknell's thrush in Maine has always required special effort. The Northeast's only endemic bird, this secretive species inhabits stunted mountain spruce forests above 2800 feet and typically only sings for a few hours around dawn and dusk. This year Maine Audubon has arranged to make this effort a little easier. For one morning at dawn, Saddleback Mountain Ski Area will run its chairlift up to the Bicknell's habitat. At the top of the lift we will fortify ourselves with a continental breakfast and then strike out in small groups to search out the thrush. Afterwards we'll bird our way down the mountain (the chairlift cannot take anyone down), looking for other mountain species and enjoying the abundant wildflowers that carpet the ski trails.This full birding weekend in the beautiful Rangeley area also includes van trips to look for the boreal specialties so sought after by birders, including spruce grouse, black-backed woodpecker, gray jay, boreal chickadee, and various warbler species. We'll plan plenty of time to enjoy walks in a variety of habitats, seek out moose, and enjoy some of Maine's finest scenery.The weekend begins Friday evening with a great dinner at the Saddleback Lodge and continues until Sunday afternoon. Included are accommodations for two nights, six meals, chairlift ride up the mountain, and van trips.

Rangeley

Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22

Led by Eric Hynes , Bob Duchesne , Bill Hancock , Scott Cronenweth,

$425/member; $475/nonmember

Limited to 24 participants

Weekday Boreal Birding

Join Maine Birding Trail creator Bob Duchesne for this two night immersion into the world of boreal birds. We will gather Monday evening at the AMC Mediwisla camps for a quick refresher course on identifying bird song and call. An early morning walk before breakfast will by followed by visiting some special habitats to locate as many birds as possible. Birds such as boreal chickadee, spruce grouse, gray jay and olive-sided flycatcher are distinct possibilities. The van will return to camp in time for a little relaxation before dinner. The evening program will be a slide show of “Birds of the North Woods” and discussion of the day's events. One more early morning bird walk before breakfast will round out your trip.

Meeting Place TBA

Monday evening, June 23 to Wednesday morning, June 25

Led by Bob Duchesne

$250/member, $2 90 /nonmember

Nature and Photography aboard the Schooner Mary Day

Grab your camera and binoculars for this six-day sailing, natural history, and photography adventure. Perfect your skills at capturing the wonder of nature with a camera as we sail through Penobscot Bay , rich with wildlife and textured by dramatic island geology. With guidance from an award-winning photographer you will learn what is possible with a very modest digital camera. Celebrate the longest days of the year exploring island and intertidal ecology ashore and experience great sailing with the crew of the legendary windjammer Mary Day .

From Camden

Sunday, June 23 to Saturday, June 28

Led by Jim Dugan, and captain and crew of the Mary Day

$915/participant (no single accommodations)

Limited to 26 participants

Coastal Maine Botanic Garden

This leisurely day at the Coastal Maine Botanic Garden in Boothbay will be spent discovering the spectacular gardens, native wildflowers, majestic stonework and tranquil water views of this 248-acre waterfront property. We will have a short guided tour with a docent and then be free to walk around the gardens and have lunch in the café until mid- afternoon. Fee includes admission, guided walk and transportation in Maine Audubon's van.

Tuesday, June 24

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Led by Margi Huber

$40/member (either Maine Audubon or the CMBG), $50/nonmember

Limited to 10 people

Birding Scarborough Marsh

More than 3,000 acres in size, Scarborough Marsh provides nesting and feeding habitat for a broad array of wildlife, particularly birds. Join this morning walk to look for waterfowl, herons, ibis, shorebirds, and other marsh birds that inhabit this vast, rich ecosystem. Birders of all levels are welcome. Meet at the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center on Route 9.

Scarborough

Wednesday, June 25

7-9 a.m.

Led by Linda Woodard

Free

No registration necessary

Morning Cruise on Muscongus Bay

On board Hog Island Audubon camp's Osprey we will tour the beautiful chain of islands that trail southwest through Muscongus Bay . Eagles and osprey ply the waters of the spruce-covered islands of the inner bay. Farther out, the weathered open ledges of Eastern Egg Rock provides breeding sanctuary for nesting terns and puffins. On-board naturalists will point out birds and cover the bay's natural history, and Maine Island Trail Association staff will describe efforts to manage recreation and help keep these wild islands accessible for exploration and enjoyment. Jointly sponsored with the Maine Island Trail Association, celebrating twenty years of American's first island trail.

Bremen

Saturday, June 28

9:30 a.m. to 12:30

Led by crew of the Puffin V and MITA staff

$35/MITA and Maine Audubon member; $45/nonmember

Limited to 25 passengers

July 2008                                                                                                Return to Top

Kayak Muscongus Bay with Maine Island Trails Association

Muscongus Bay at the heart of Maine 's Midcoast region is quieter and less traveled than bays to its east and west, making it ideal for exploring and wildlife watching by kayak. We will spend the day paddling the sheltered water among the bay's many islands and choose a nice quiet cove for lunch. Led and outfitted by a Maine Guide and naturalist, this trip will provide a great introduction to sea kayaking, Leave No Trace techniques, and the natural history of one of the state's prettiest places. Jointly sponsored with the Maine Island Trail Association. Fee includes kayaking equipment.

Bremen

Sunday, July 6

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Led by Mark DiGirolamo and Breakwater Kayak

$95/member MITA or Maine Audubon, $110/nonmember

Limited to 8 participants

The Birds of Stratton Island I

Located just a mile and a half off the Scarborough shore, Stratton Island is a nesting colony and roosting site for a remarkable diversity of coastal birds. Owned and protected by National Audubon and a project site of Audubon's internationally recognized Seabird Restoration Program, Stratton is not normally accessible to visitors. On these evening cruises, however, we'll be able to land and see firsthand the island's extraordinary bird colony that includes great blue, little blue, green, and sometimes tricolored herons; snowy and great egrets; glossy ibis; common, roseate, and arctic terns; wood and black ducks; and Maine's only known pair of breeding American oystercatchers. The trip is timed to see the herons return to their island roosts as the sun sets. You'll also learn from researchers who spend their summers on the island collecting data for the Seabird Restoration Program (a portion of the trip fee supports their research.) You'll need to get in and out of boats and inflatable dinghies, so agility is required.

From Scarborough

Wednesday, July 9

4-7 p.m.

Led by Linda Woodard and Eric Hynes

$45/member, $50/nonmember

Limited to 10 participants

Sunset Puffin Cruise on Muscongus Bay I

With its colorful, clown-like face and oversized bill, the Atlantic puffin has become one of the Maine coast's most celebrated icons. This is a remarkable accomplishment for a species that had nearly been extirpated from the state a century ago and is testament to the dedication of Audubon biologists and conservationists who led the way in reestablishing Maine 's seabird colonies. One of these colonies is Eastern Egg Rock at the mouth of Muscongus Bay , the southernmost and most accessible puffin breeding site. This ever-popular evening boat ride sails out of New Harbor to Easter Egg Rock, where we'll circle the island allowing great views of the puffins, terns, and other seabirds that gather there. On the return cruise we'll pass by the lighthouse at Pemaquid Point. The trip is timed with the sunset, making it a perfect opportunity to combine birding and a lovely summer evening on the Maine coast.

From New Harbor

Thursday, July 10

7-9 p.m.

Led by Pete Salmansohn

$28/member, $35/nonmember

Limited to 75 participants

Family Weekend at Borestone Mountain

Elliotsville Plantation

Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13

Led by Susan Gallo

$95/member; $125/nonmember

Limited to 15 participants

Matinicus Rock Trip

A 32-acre island ledge 25 miles offshore at the mouth of Penobscot Bay , Matinicus Rock is one of Maine 's most important seabird nesting colonies. Here, Atlantic puffins, razorbills, common murres, black guillemots, arctic and common terns, and laughing gulls all gather to breed and nest. Motoring out of Bremen aboard the Puffin V , we'll meander through the islands of Muscongus Bay , seeing many osprey and bald eagles along the way. With plenty of open-water habitat along our route, we could also see a nice array of pelagic species, including Wilson 's storm-petrels; northern gannets; red-necked phalaropes; greater, manx, and sooty shearwaters; and jaegers. There is a possibility that the red-billed tropicbird that spent part of the past two summers on the island will return to this island again. On our return to Bremen we will visit the seabird colony at Eastern Egg Rock, hopefully adding roseate tern to our trip list.

Bremen

Saturday, July 12

Weather date, Sunday, July 13

8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Led by Eric Hynes

$45/member, $55/nonmember

Add $60 for optional pre-departure overnight and breakfast on Hog Island

The Birds of Stratton Island II

See July 9 trip description.

From Scarborough

Friday, July 18

4-7 p.m.

Led by Linda Woodard

$40/member, $50/nonmember

Limited to 10 participants

Warren Island: Hidden Treasure in Penobscot Bay

If a weekend “off-the-beaten-path” is what you're yearning for, join us on Warren Island for a quiet, secluded camping excursion. The island's remoteness and difficult accessibility (only via boat) is the main reason that Warren Island State Park is Maine 's least visited state park. After taking the ferry from Lincolnville to Islesboro, your guides will transfer you to the island in their outboard. Field trippers will spend the weekend exploring the 70 acres of shoreline and spruce forest, breathing in the refreshing salt air, and relaxing in the peaceful quietude that the island offers. Evenings will be spent watching the sunset over the Camden Hills and swapping stories by the campfire. George and Gary will be your guides and cooks, while you provide your own camping equipment. Cost includes boat/ferry transportation, camping fees, all meals, and leadership.

From Lincolnville

Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20

Led by George Libby and Gary Roberts

$175/member, $195/nonmember

Limit: 8 participants

Kayak Muscongus Bay with Maine Island Trails Association

This second kayaking day on Muscongus Bay is offered just in case you weren't able to join us for the previous trip on July 6, or if you want to repeat this special tour of Muscongus Bay . See July 6 description for details. Fee includes kayaking equipment.

From Bremen

Saturday, July 19

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Led by Mark DiGirolamo of Breakwater Kayak

$95/member MITA or Maine Audubon, $110/nonmember

Shorebird Tune-up

July might feel like the height of summer for us but for shorebirds, fall migration is getting underway. Failed breeders and early successful adults should be tracking south by now. If you find shorebirds challenging, catching them still in their breeding plumage and before the juveniles arrive makes it a little easier. Join Eric Hynes as he leads you on a van trip scouring the shores and marshes of York and Cumberland Counties . Please pack a lunch and be prepared for insects, sand, mud and wet feet.

From Falmouth

Saturday, July 19

7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

$35/member, $45/nonmember

Led by Eric Hynes

Limited to 10 participants

Sunset Puffin Cruise on Muscongus Bay II

See July 10 trip description

From New Harbor

Saturday, July 19

7-9 p.m.

Led by Pete Salmansohn

$28/member, $35/nonmember

Limited to 75 participants

Hidden Wildlands

The setting for this special nature walk is a private estate encompassing more than 2000 acres of exceptional wildlife habitat in Cape Elizabeth . The mature mixed forests, fields, orchards, ponds, marshes, beaver impoundments, and coastal shorelines ensure a broad range of both flora and fauna. Discover abundant wildflowers and edible and medicinal plants along the footpaths. Stop at a resident cemetery en route for a historical perspective. This trip involves considerable walking on flat dirt roads and footpaths. Bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, and, if you like, a picnic lunch to eat on a nearby beach following the walk.

Cape Elizabeth

Saturday, July 26

8 a.m.-noon

Led by Gary Roberts, Linda Woodard , Turk Duddy

$15/member, $20/nonmember

Limited to 16 participants

The Birds of Stratton Island III

See July 9 trip description.

From Scarborough

Saturday, July 26

4-7 p.m.

Led by Linda Woodard, Turk Duddy

$40/member, $50/nonmember

Limited to 10 participants

Sunset Puffin Cruise on Muscongus Bay III

See July 10 trip description

From New Harbor

Wednesday, July 30

7-9 p.m.

Led by Pete Salmansohn

$28/member, $35/nonmember

Limited to 75 participants

August 2008                                                                                           Return to Top

Grand Manan: Queen of the Fundy Isles

The Bay of Fundy is extraordinarily rich in bird and marine life, and it is hard to imagine a more pleasant place from which to appreciate it than Grand Manan. Largest of a group of Canadian islands just downeast of Maine , Grand Manan is a quiet island of great natural beauty that has long been a favorite for photographers, birders, naturalists, hikers and artists. Known as the dulce (edible seaweed) capital of the world, the island is home to meadows of wildflowers, lush vegetation, freshwater lakes, long sandy beaches and craggy cliffs. From Grand Manan we will take a whale watching trip where we may see humpback, finback and right whales, plus a number of interesting pelagic birds. We spend our first evening in the quaint town of St. Andrews , New Brunswick , where the distinctive character and appearance has not changed significantly since the 1800's .  The following day we take the ferry to Grand Manan. Price includes lodging, breakfasts, three lunches, one dinner, transportation while on the island, ferry to Grand Manan.

From Black's Harbor, New Brunswick

Thursday, August 7

     to Monday, August 11

Led by Margi Huber and Bob Bittenbender

$695/members, $735/nonmember,

$300 single supplement

Limited to 10 participants