Spring 2024 Calendar of Events
Join us this spring for exciting and educational programs and field trips. These events are set up for you...get out, learn, explore, and have fun! You must pre-register for field trips—deaudubon@gmail.com. The number of field trip participants is generally limited, so sign up early! More detailed directions will be provided upon registration. Participants must provide their own equipment for paddles. Binoculars provided.
DAWN CHORUS SERIES
Start
your day with the magical dawn chorus! Birds are most active in the
hours just after sunrise, making it the best time to hear and see them.
James Longo will share techniques for learning to identify birdsong—no
Merlin needed. Bring your coffee and join us at sunrise on Sunday
mornings!
April 27, 5:31 a.m. BLUE HILL MOUNTAIN
May 18, 5:04 a.m. SCOTTS LANDING, Deer Isle
June 22, 4:50 a.m. WITHERLE WOODS, Castine.
AROUND THE GALAPAGOS IN 8 DAYS
Wednesday, April 16, 7:00 PM
Zachary Holderby.
The Galapagos is an ecological treasure trove with 97% of the islands in a national park and 13% of its waters in a marine preserve. Learn about the birds, reptiles, and plants that call the Galapagos their home with some info on speciation, geology, and marine life sprinkled in. Moore Community Center, Ellsworth.
ANNUAL SPRING CLEANUP @ BIRDSACRE
Saturday, April 19, 9:00 AM
Bring gloves and a rake and help get the grounds of this urban wildlife sanctuary into shipshape! Come one, come all! 289 High St, Ellsworth.
CELEBRATE EARTH DAY @ LOOKOUT ROCK
Tuesday, April 22, 5:30 PM
Hike a half-mile across granite outcrops to a splendid panoramic view of Eggemoggin Reach. Bring drinks for cocktail hour, appetizers provided. Herrick Rd, Brooksville. Leader: Leslie Clapp
MAYFLOWER HIKE UP GREAT POND MOUNTAIN
Sunday, April 27, 12:00 PM
Search for blooming Mayflowers and discuss the unique ecology of the rocky summit heath plant community. Bring binoculars for incidental bird sitings and to take in the view as well as a snack to enjoy at the summit. Meet at Craig Brook Fish Hatchery, Orland. Leader: Cathy Rees
PROTECTING THE ROCKWEED FOREST
Tuesday, May 6, 7:00 PM
MONTHLY PROGRAM w/ David Porter. Rockweed is the dominant brown seaweed that drapes the ledges and boulders in the intertidal and at high tide forms a forest of 6-8’ fronds that create an environment providing food and shelter for many marine creatures. This illustrated talk will introduce you to this special habitat, seaweeds’ commercial uses, and the strategies for their conservation. Moore Community Center, Ellsworth.
WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY—2 Options!
Saturday, May 10, 7:30 AM
COOPER FARM—Explore the fields and woodlands at Caterpillar Hill from the roads leading down to the Walker Pond Boat Launch, Sedgwick. Leader: Leslie Clapp
HARRIMAN POINT—Walk the level woods trails and gorgeous beach of this MCHT property. Harriman Point Rd, Brooklin. Leader: Tim Skillin
WITHERLE WOODS PRESERVE
Wednesday, May 14, 7:30 AM
Bird along the former carriage paths that meander through changing forests and past scenic views of Penobscot Bay. Battle Ave, Castine. Leader: Zach Holderby
ALEWIFE AND BIRD MIGRATION
Saturday, May 17, 9:00 AM
Tour three unique fish ladders and enjoy some mid-morning birding too! MDI Historical Society, Somesville. Leader: Billy Helprin
PADDLE THE NARRAMISSIC RIVER
Monday, May 19, 8:00 AM
This scenic, peaceful waterway never disappoints! Upper Falls Rd, Orland. Leader: Sue Shaw
FBC COMMUNITY FOREST
Tuesday, May 20, 7:30 AM
Bird the flat, easy trails and gravel road through forest, field, and wetland. Franklin Rd, Hancock. Leader: Craig Kesselheim
EVENING BIRDING IN BLUE HILL
Friday, May 23, 5:30 PM
Meet at the Blue Hill Post Office for a relaxing woodland and garden stroll. Leader: Leslie Clapp
MEMORIAL DAY AT SIEUR DE MONTS
Monday, May 26, 7:00 AM
Search for warblers and more along the boardwalk in Acadia National Park. Leader: Sue Shaw
SPRING SEAWEEDS OF THE INTERTIDAL
Tuesday, May 27, 4:00 PM
A low tide exploration of the seaweeds found in the intertidal ecosystem of our rocky shores. Meet at the Blue Hill Country Club. Leader: David Porter
BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS
Sunday, June 1, 7:00 AM
Enjoy coffee cake and mimosas (provided) then tour Rockwood, a special coastal property on Parker Point Rd, Blue Hill. Leader: Leslie Clapp
BIRDING HATCH COVE
Friday, June 6, 7:00 AM
Admire Bobolinks, bluebirds and blooming lupine on an easy trail system through coastal fields. Wadsworth Cove Rd, Castine. Leader: Leslie Clapp
BOBOLINK CONSERVATION
Sunday, June 8, 8:00 AM
Walk the fields of the Dianna Emory Preserve and learn about the issues threatening grassland birds. North Sedgwick Rd, Sedgwick. Leaders: Laura Suomi-Lecker and Leslie Clapp
MEET A GYRFALCON!
Tuesday, June 10, 6:00 PM
Alan Parrot
Learn about the ancient history of the art of falconry. White Gyrfalcons have been highly regarded by falconers—in the Middle Ages only a king could hunt with one. Immediately after this fascinating program we will drive to Mudd Creek Rd in Lamoine to watch Alan’s spectacular bird in action. Bring a portable chair. Moore Community Center, Ellsworth.
MDI HIGH SCHOOL PONDS
Sunday, June 15, 7:00 AM
There’s bound to be something special at this birding hotspot! Eagle Lake Rd, Mt Desert. Leader: Donna Reis
PADDLE NORTHEAST CREEK
Saturday, June 21, 8:00 AM
The creek meanders through one of the largest wetlands on MDI and is partially owned by DEA! Expect a leisurely 2-hour outing in search of birds. Route 3, Bar Harbor. Leader: Sue Shaw
BIRDING SEAWALL
Saturday, June 28, 7:00 AM
Can’t beat the view! Meet at the picnic area. Manset, MDI. Leader: Michael Good