Shorebirds are incredible athletes, performing EPIC migrations from their summer nesting grounds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic all the way to coastal mudflats, estuaries, and wetlands in the southern US, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, where they spend the non-breeding winter months. Here in Maine, we get to witness part of this immense journey firsthand, as vast numbers of shorebirds make a pit stop to rest, eat, and refuel for the next leg of their trip south.
On Saturday, August 29th from 8:00am-12:00pm we are very excited to welcome special guest trip leader, Alex Lamoreaux, for a morning of shorebirding at Pine Point and Hills Beach. Alex has been an avid birder and naturalist his entire life. He has worked on a variety of research projects, from studying shorebird nesting ecology in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to documenting the migration of Hook-billed Kites in Belize. For over 10 years he has been a full time birding guide and continues to participate in bird research in southern Maine and beyond! Alex is the owner of NemesisBird Tours and a senior guide specializing in North American destinations!
We will meet up with Alex at Pine Point in Scarborough (same location as Stratton Island meeting place) where we will then carpool to various locations to spot and ID shorebirds. Alex and MYBC will have a scope to use, but if you have your own feel free to bring it along. Our targets will include Sanderlings, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, Greater/Lesser Yellowlegs, Sanderlings, Semipalmated Plovers, and any lingering Piping Plovers. We will also keep our eyes open for Red Knots, Black-Bellied Plovers, Dunlins, and any other fun (or rare!) migrating shorebirds we might encounter.
PLEASE NOTE: This trip will require carpooling between sites (15+ minutes). Given the limited parking at some locations, we are hoping to limit our caravan to 3 cars or less. We will make a carpooling plan based on number of attendees a few days before the trip.
LOGISTICS: Dress in layers (it can be windy near the shore) and wear shoes that can get wet (our travels will take us across wet, sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, and wooded trails.) Bring the following: a bagged snack, bug spray, sunblock, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars/scope, camera (optional), and notebook (optional). If you do not have binoculars, please note this is your rsvp and MYBC can provide you with a pair.
MEET UP: 8 AM at Pine Point 96 King St. Scarborough, ME 04074.
PICK UP : Approximately 12 PM at the same location (Pine Point). Please check the MYBC GroupMe for any delays or info during the actual trip. If you need an invite to the GroupMe chat, please email info@maineyoungbirders.org.
Registration details will be emailed to MYBC members. Not a member yet? Email info@maineyoungbirders.org to find out how to join us on these trips!