Pre-registration is required to attend field trips- email deaudubon@gmail.com. Someone will reply with a confirmation soon. No registration is required for programs which are free and open to the public. For more event details and to register for field trips, email deaudubon@gmail.com or call 207-664-4400.
DISCOVER THE OWLS OF NEW ENGLAND
Wednesday, July 17, 7:00 p.m.
Moore Community Center, 125 State St., Ellsworth
Peter Christoff is a well-known wildlife advocate, naturalist, and award-winning bird photographer. In this captivating presentation, he delivers stunning photographs of his favorite owls combined with stories that entertain, educate, and inspire the audience. You’ll learn the secrets Peter uses to find and photograph these same owls in the wild in their natural habitat. The nine species of expected owls in New England include Great Horned, Barred, Eastern Screech, Long-eared, Short-eared, Snowy, Northern Saw-whet and the very elusive Northern Hawk and Great Gray—the toughest of all to find. Why are all these owls so successful at hunting? Peter provides the answer with his beautiful ’ll wrap up this exciting program by discussing his approach to ethical bird photography. Copies of his book "The Art of Bird Photography" will be available for purchase after the talk.
BUTTERFLY WALK
Sunday, July 21, 9:00 a.m.
5 Star Orchard, Brooklin
Did you know? Butterflies use their antennae for more than just smelling; they also aid in balance and detecting wind speed and direction. Butterflies don't have lungs; instead, they breathe through tiny openings called spiracles on their abdomen. Learn about these amazing insects as you walk through the orchard’s native plant gardens with owner Tim Skillin in search of a variety of summer butterflies such as fritillaries, swallowtails and skippers. Bring binoculars!
BIRDING IN FINLAND AND NORWAY
Monday, August 5, 7:00 p.m.
Blue Hill Library
Gordon Russell and Jane Rosinski will present a fascinating travelogue on their birding trip to northern Finland and Norway in late spring of 2023. This virtual tour includes travel from the Gulf of Bothnia east to Kuusomo on the Russian border, and north of the Arctic Circle to the Varanger Peninsula in Norway. Highlights include a wonderful collection of Arctic and boreal birds including multiple species of nesting owls, loons, seabirds, shorebirds, auks, and woodland species all viewed in the magical land of Santa Claus, reindeer, and the midnight sun.
DEAD RIVER PADDLE
Saturday, August 10, 8:00 a.m.
Craig Brook Fish Hatchery landing, Orland
Join leader Sue Shaw for this 3-hour summer paddle that starts on Alamoosook Lake and meanders up the Dead River, a very scenic stretch of water despite the name! Search for loons, eagles, herons, and lots of other species including dragonflies and aquatic plants.
SEARCHING FOR MIGRANTS
Wednesday, September 4, 6:00 a.m.
Scott’s Landing, Deer Isle
This 26-acre preserve can be a birding hotspot, particularly during migration. Join leader Zach Holderby and explore the rich habitat diversity early in the morning as the birds settle down to rest and refuel during their long journey.
CONSERVING MAINE’S RAPTORS
Wednesday, September 4, 7:00 p.m.
Moore Community Center, 125 State St., Ellsworth
MDIFW State Raptor Biologist, Erynn Call, will be discussing , conservation, and the value of community science. She coordinated the Maine River Bird Project, a statewide initiative to monitor river-associated birds such as Bald Eagles and Osprey. The project documented associations between this assemblage of birds, their connections to dam removal, and the importance of diadromous fishes in these riparian systems. Other community science projects focus on Peregrine Falcons, Golden Eagles, American Kestrels, and various owl species. Erynn participates in the Atlantic Flyway Council Raptor Committee, as well as Golden Eagle and American Kestrel Working Groups. She enjoys opportunities to work with various partners including Federal, State, private, and non-profit organizations.
YARDENING FOR BIRDS, BEES AND BUTTERFLIES
Saturday, September 7 8:30 a.m.
Meet @ the Blue Hill Baptist Church
This 2.5-hour workshop with Leslie Clapp will cover the basics of how to make your property more attractive to our winged friends using creative techniques. Her 10-acre oasis in the middle of town has extensive gardens and landscaping with special attention given to native plants. Explore meadows, woodland trails, a pond and stream, annual garden beds, perennial borders, and more while watching for birds and various insects that call the place home.
MAINE AUDUBON’S PELAGIC TRIP
Sunday, September 15, 6:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Bar Harbor
Maine Audubon’s annual pelagic trip out of Bar Harbor has long been a must-do outing for the region’s birders. The trip is so eagerly anticipated because of a great boat, great camaraderie, and great sightings of birds and marine mammals! Members: $165 Register online at www.maineaudubon.org.
Paddle Northeast Creek
Saturday, September 21
Route 3, Bar Harbor
Celebrate the last day of summer with a paddle on this significant wetland in Bar Harbor. Sue Shaw will lead you through twists and turns of the creek which meanders through property partially owned by Downeast Audubon! Provide your own equipment.