On Saturday, July 12th, the Maine Young Birders Club has the opportunity to visit the Audubon camp at Hog Island and its mainland headquarters in Bremen, ME. We’re thrilled to be joined on this trip by James Longo and young birders from the newly formed Downeast Audubon young birders club! We hope to partner for more evets in the future.
The Hog Island camp is part of the Todd Audubon Sanctuary, which includes both the 330-acre island and a 30-acre mainland parcel. Operated by the National Audubon Society's Seabird Restoration Program (Project Puffin), the Hog Island camp hosts nature enthusiasts each summer who come to learn about birds, coastal ecology, and conservation. Since the 1930s, Hog Island has been a hub for environmental education, and we’re excited to be part of this long tradition of learning.
We will meet at the headquarters in Bremen, where we’ll join Hog Island instructors for a day of birdwatching, tidepooling, and exploring the island's natural and human history. The day will begin on the mainland where we’ll observe a variety of nesting birds and learn more about Hog Island and what we can expect from our visit. Then, we’ll take a short boat ride to Hog Island, just a quarter-mile offshore in Muscongus Bay. On the island, we’ll have opportunities to see and hear a range of resident birds as well as explore tide pools as the tide allows. We will also learn all about the history and ecology of Hog Island as well as Project Puffin from the camp’s instructors.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is a limit for how many people can attend this trip so the deadline to sign up for this trip will be June 30th. Please RSVP as soon as possible if you would like to attend as spots will be given on a first come, first served basis. If the trip is full, we can place you on a waiting list and contact you if space opens up.
LOGISTICS: Dress in layers as temperatures can be much colder out on the water and wear good, waterproof walking shoes. Bring the following: snacks/bagged lunch, bug spray, sunblock, a hat, binoculars, camera (optional), and notebook (optional). If you do not have binoculars, MYBC can provide you with a pair. Please note this in your registration.
MEET-UP/PICK-UP: We will meet at the Hog Island mainland headquarters (12 Audubon Rd, Bremen, ME 04551) at 8:45 am (our tour will begin at 9). Pick-up will be at the same location at 12 pm.
CARPOOLING: If transportation to and from the event is an issue, please indicate this in your registration email and we will work with you to arrange carpooling.