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Sightings News
Upcoming Downeast Audubon Programs Call 326-8055 for more details return to sightings |
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Special Event Amphibian “Big Night” Date to be announced via email 8:30 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. Meet at Blue Hill Post Office One of the most spectacular natural events this time of year is when frogs and salamanders come out of hibernation and head towards their traditional breeding grounds. It always happens on the first warm, rainy spring night which could occur anytime from April 20-30. Last year it was April 27. Around 9:00, about a mile of road on Route 15 heading north out of Blue Hill was covered with various amphibians making their way to wetlands. By helping them across the road, we managed to save many from being run over, but so many others fell victim. With more people to help, this year we will be able to save even more. Be prepared for wet weather, wear a reflective vest, have a flashlight and perhaps gloves if you are squeamish about handling slimy things! Call 664-4400 if you would like to be alerted as to when we will be heading out. return to sightings |
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05-10-2008
Field Trip International Migratory Bird Day Saturday, May 10 7:00 a.m- 9:00 a.m. Location: Birdsacre, High Street, Ellsworth Limit: 15 Get out and celebrate the return our feathered friends by attending International Migratory Bird Day, always the second Saturday in May. We will review birding basics before walking the many trails of our treasured Birdsacre. Birds to watch for will be early warblers, Hermit Thrush and even Wood Duck in the wetlands. This is a great warm up to the flurry of birding events which lay ahead. Binoculars and Dunkin’ Donuts will be provided! Place following in gray box? Since 1993, International Migratory Bird Day has been an annual celebration of one of the most important and spectacular events in the life of a migratory bird- its journey between summer and winter homes. IMBD was created to focus public attention on the need for action to conserve birds and their habitats. Today, it is recognized at sites across the Western Hemisphere through bird festivals, bird walks, education programs, and other activities. The 2008 theme is “Tundra to Tropics: Connecting Birds, Habitats, and People.” This year we invite you to explore the habitats of Birdsacre and beyond, identify their importance to birds, and get involved in efforts to protect them. return to sightings |
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05-15-2008
Program Birding by Ear Thursday, May 15 7:00 p.m. social/ 7:30 program Location: Blue Hill Library Speaker: Bob Duchesne Birding by ear is easier than you think! This timely program comes just when the birds are returning and starting to sing. It is an introduction to bird songs designed especially for new birders, but will be a nice refresher for experienced birders as well. Just six simple tips make it easier to identify those bird sounds that mystify most people. The presenter, Bob Duchesne, is president of the Penobscot Valley Chapter of Maine Audubon and founder of the Maine Birding Trail. return to sightings |
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05-23-2008
Birding Field Trips: Friday, May 23 Beginning Birding at Indian Point, Ellsworth 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Newly acquired by Frenchman Bay Conservancy, this park is on the Union River across Card’s Brook from the marina. return to sightings |
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05-24-2008
Saturday, May 24 Advanced Birding at Great Pond Mountain Wildlands, Orland 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Meet at the South Gate on Route 1 across from the junction of Rt. 176. We MUST carpool through this 3,420-acre reserve. We will explore several different habitats ranging from beaver ponds to mountain tops to hemlock-covered streams. The gate is locked behind us, so you must remain with the group the whole time. return to sightings |
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05-31-2008
Saturday, May 31 Intermediate Birding at Leslie’s yard and surrounding land, Blue Hill 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Meet at the Blue Hill Baptist Church on Pleasant St. This 10-acre backyard includes gardens, orchard, fields, wooded areas and wetlands with many feeding stations and backyard habitat ideas. return to sightings |
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06-01-2008
Sunday, June 1 Beginning Birding at Cooper Farm, Route 15, Sedgwick 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Owned and maintained by Blue Hill Heritage Trust, this one-mile loop trail winds around the sloping fields and forests on Caterpillar Hill. Park at the scenic overlook. All birding field trips limited to 15 people- sign up early! Binoculars will be provided but bring your own bug repellant! return to sightings |
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06-19-2008
Program Wildlife of Australia Thursday, June 19 7:00 p.m. social/ 7:30 program Speaker: Judy Markowsky Location: Ellsworth Unitarian Universalist Church Judy Markowsky, director of Fields Pond Audubon Center in Holden, along with her brother Zip Kellogg, recently spent a month on the continent of Australia. They traveled to the rain forest, coastal forest, outback, parks, and more. This program features the wildlife they found- kangaroos, wallabies, parrots, cassowaries, spoonbills, platypus, echidna, dragons, a venomous snake and many other strange and wonderful creatures. Hear all about their exciting adventures “down under” and enjoy the show! return to sightings |
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06-22-2008
Field Trip Birds and Wildflowers of the Orono Bog Sunday, June 22 9:00 a.m. – noon Location: Orono Bog Boardwalk (take I-95 to Stillwater exit, go 1.3 miles N. to Tripp Dr. and watch for signs) Leaders: Sal Rooney and Chip Moseley Hidden within rich wetland forests of Winterberry, Red Maple and Black Ash, a natural treasure awaits your discovery. A wild land of dwarfed spruce and evergreen shrubs, tufted cotton grass, orchids and insect-eating plants is only minutes from the hustle and bustle of suburban life. Join us for a leisurely walk along the 4,200 ft boardwalk and learn some of the 140 species of plants which occur at this outstanding raised peat bog. Lincoln Sparrows and Palm Warblers, along with many other birds breed here so keep watch; you might see them feeding their young! return to sightings |