Winter has passed and spring migration is ramping up. There is a lot going on in the natural world of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park, so for the month of May, we will explore the new and the old. Join us on one of our Weekly Birding Tours, offered every Wednesday (except for the 24th) beginning this coming Wednesday the 3rd. Here’s our schedule for the month of May:
03 MAY — SIEUR DE MONTS SPRING
There was major flooding through much of March and April in Great Meadow that spanned from the gazebo over the actual spring, through the Wild Gardens of Acadia, flooding the entire Jesup Trail, and most of the Hemlock Trail. The water is now down and the Barred Owls are back, so we will explore this beloved birding hotspot.
Wednesday, 03 May. 7:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
Meeting details will be provided upon RSVP.
COST: $45 (call 207/266-9461 to sign up and arrange payment)
10 MAY — MDI HIGH SCHOOL
There is no place on planet Earth that has not felt the touch of humans; if not directly, then through our actions. The grounds around MDI High School are no exception. Due to significant PFAS contamination, the State of Maine is requiring the water treatment ponds be capped. I don’t know what the timetable is for completing this action (the third pond has already been drained), but there is still a LOT of birdlife there. So let’s check it out. (Please note: Depending on any scheduled work at the ponds, we may have to change our plans for this day.)
Wednesday, 10 May. 7:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
Meeting details will be provided upon RSVP.
COST: $45 (call 207/266-9461 to sign up and arrange payment)
17 MAY — SCHOODIC AREA
Any time of year is good for visiting the Schoodic Peninsula and vicinity. Schoodic Point is one of the best sea-watches in Maine. There’s always a chance for boreal specialties such as Spruce Grouse. And we might find lingering Purple Sandpiper and Harlequin Duck. We’ll make a slightly longer day of it, exploring a few points outside of Acadia, too.
Wednesday, 17 May. 7:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
Meeting details will be provided upon RSVP.
COST: $75 (call 207/266-9461 to sign up and arrange payment)
31 MAY — QUIET SIDE OF MDI
Names such as Seawall, Wonderland, and Great Heath conjure images of ornithologist James Bond tromping around looking for nesting Palm Warbler. We’ll visit some of these hotspots, and more. Bring your spotting scope if you have one (I’ll have two).
Wednesday, 31 May. 7:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
Meeting details will be provided upon RSVP.
COST: $45 (call 207/266-9461 to sign up and arrange payment)
Space is limited, so please RSVP by calling (207/266-9461), emailing (info@TheNaturalHistoryCenter.com), or messaging (www.facebook.com/TheNaturalHistoryCenter) to sign up (you can do so up to the night before the schedule date).
And, as always, we are also available for private tours.