Programs & Events

 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