Events & Programs
Browsing event topic: trip
- Peatlands of Maine
Picture: Justin Henry via Flicker
Come explore these unique ecosystems through a two-part program that combines an evening presentation with a hands-on field trip to the magnificent Orono Bog. Learn about the role of peatlands in the biosphere and investigate the Orono Bog from top to bottom (including collecting peat samples from 20 feet under the boardwalk).
Learn more - Grassland Birds of Kennebunk Plains
In heavily forested Maine, large grasslands are uncommon, and so are the birds for which they provide habitat. This ecologically significant area hosts several state endangered species, and provides habitat for some of the rarest breeding birds in Maine. On this morning walk we will look for some of these species, including Upland Sandpiper, Grasshopper Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, Prairie Warbler, and Vesper Sparrow.
Learn more - Paddle on the Little and Presumpscot Rivers
Join naturalists George Libby and Gary Roberts for a flat water paddle on the Little and Presumpscot Rivers. George and Gary will discuss the natural and human history of these rivers and the surrounding land as you enjoy the scenic beauty.
Learn more - Seabirds of Matinicus Rock
A 32-acre island 18 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 nest.
- Paddlebirding 1
Paddlebirding is back! If you missed these programs last summer, you have another chance to improve your birding skills and try the growing sport of Stand-Up Paddleboarding. This year, we’re going to explore Great Pond in Cape Elizabeth. The lake’s flat, calm waters are ideal for beginners to paddleboarding, and the surround habitats offer refuge for birds. We’ll also have the opportunity to jump off the boards and bird from firm land.
Learn more - Tide Pool Exploration
Families of children ages 6 and up are invited to join Cathy Stivers for a close-up look at the amazing life within a tide pool. Trip will include a scavenger hunt and exploration of the tenacious and adaptive creatures that live among the rock crevices and seaweed found in the ever-changing tidal zone.
Learn more - Paddlebirding 2
Paddlebirding is back! If you missed these programs last summer, you have another chance to improve your birding skills and try the growing sport of Stand-Up Paddleboarding. This year, we’re going to explore Great Pond in Cape Elizabeth. The lake’s flat, calm waters are ideal for beginners to paddleboarding, and the surround habitats offer refuge for birds. We’ll also have the opportunity to jump off the boards and bird from firm land. - Birds of Stratton Island I
Not far from the Scarborough shore, Stratton Island is a nesting colony and roosting site for a remarkable diversity of coastal birds.
- Borestone Mountain Naturalist Weekend
Borestone Mountain by Gary Roberts
Join Maine Audubon Naturalist Mike Windsor and Registered Maine Guide Gary Roberts on a trip to Borestone Mountain Sanctuary, located just 20 miles south of Moosehead Lake.
On this weekend retreat we will stay in the sanctuary’s historic Adirondack style lodges, which are accessible only by boat or on foot, lending an extra sense of remoteness and tranquility to this special place.
- Birds of Stratton Island II
Not far from the Scarborough shore, Stratton Island is a nesting colony and roosting site for a remarkable diversity of coastal birds.
- Bird Banding Breakfast (July)
Join biologists from Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) for a bird banding demonstration. We’ll have the opportunity to see birds up close and “in the hand” and learn about the importance of monitoring bird populations. We’ll meet at the River Point Conservation Area in West Falmouth, and have muffins and coffee after the program.
Bird banding is a research tool used by scientists to monitor bird movement, productivity, life span and more. Mist nets are used to capture birds, and a small metal band is placed on the bird’s leg. After a series of measurements are quickly recorded, the birds are released unharmed. For more about BRI’s River Point project, please visit www.briloon.org/riverpoint
Important information about this trip: Bird Banding July 2013 [pdf]
- Sunset Puffin Cruise I
With its colorful, clown-like face and oversized bill, the Atlantic puffin has become one of the Maine coast’s most celebrated icons—a remarkable accomplishment for a species that had nearly disappeared from the state a century ago. Its resurgence is a testament to the dedication of Audubon biologists who led the way in reestablishing Maine’s seabird colonies, including Eastern Egg Rock at the mouth of Muscongus Bay.
Learn more - Birds of Stratton Island III
Not far from the Scarborough shore, Stratton Island is a nesting colony and roosting site for a remarkable diversity of coastal birds.
- A Day to Peaks Island
Bring a bag lunch and join Registered Maine Guides, Gary Roberts and George Libby, for a day trip to Peaks Island. Learn about the island’s history, from the time it was used as a summer gathering place by Maine’s early native peoples, its settlement in the 1600’s, to present day. - Sunset Puffin Cruise II
With its colorful, clown-like face and oversized bill, the Atlantic puffin has become one of the Maine coast’s most celebrated icons—a remarkable accomplishment for a species that had nearly disappeared from the state a century ago. Its resurgence is a testament to dedicated Audubon biologists who led the way in reestablishing Maine’s seabird colonies, including Eastern Egg Rock at the mouth of Muscongus Bay.
This popular evening boat ride sails out of New Harbor to Eastern Egg Rock, where we will circle the island several times for great views of puffins, terns, and other seabirds. The boat returns to the harbor at sunset to combine birding and a lovely summer evening on the Maine coast.
Important information about this trip: Puffin Cruise 3 Aug 2013 [pdf]
- Weekend at Gulf Hagas: The Grand Canyon of Maine
Gulf Hagas © Gary Roberts
Located in the mountains of central Maine, Gulf Hagas is a gorge carved out by the Pleasant River. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East, this area is part of the Appalachian Mountain Trail. Camping, hiking, and great nature with two Maine Registered Guides.
Learn more - Bar Harbor Pelagic Trip
Maine Audubon’s annual fall 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, of course, great sightings of birds and marine mammals!
Learn more - Bald Eagles of Merrymeeting Bay
When Maine Audubon first began running this trip in 1969, sighting one or two eagles was all that could be expected. Since then, the bald eagle population has rebounded from the devastating effects of pesticide poisoning, and during last year’s trip we observed 38 eagles!
Learn more - Moose Rut Weekend
Join fellow moose lovers for a unique weekend of moose stalking in the northern forest. In rut (breeding season) and looking for a female, adult male moose sporting full antlers for their month-long mating season are on the move. Our leaders will use birch-bark horns to imitate the breeding calls of a cow moose to draw in the bulls. With fall bird migration underway, there should be good birding, too.
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