Downeast Audubon Summer 2026 Calendar of Events
Join us this summer for exciting and educational programs and field trips. These events are set up for you...get out, learn, explore, and have fun! You must pre-register for field trips—deaudubon@gmail.com. The number of field trip participants is generally limited, so sign up early! More detailed directions will be provided upon registration. Participants must provide their own equipment for paddles. Binoculars provided.
Sunday, July 12, 5:00 AM
Kilkenny Cove, Hancock
Birds are most active just after sunrise which is often the best time to hear and see
them. The flat trail follows a former railway across the saltwater bay called Old Pond,
making this an excellent birding walk. Leader: James Longo
BIRDING MDI HIGH SCHOOL PONDS
Sunday, July 12, 7:30 AM
Eagle Lake Rd., Bar Harbor
If you can’t make it to James’ early morning bird walk, how about coming to this one?
Explore the area around the high school, especially the wastewater ponds— a local
hotspot which always provides a great birding experience. You never know what’s
going to show up here! Leader: Donna Reis
BIRD RESEARCH AT SCHOODIC INSTITUTE
Thursday, July 16, 7:00 PM
Moore Community Center, Ellsworth
Thursday, July 16, 7:00 PM
Moore Community Center, Ellsworth
Kyle Lima, Forest and Wildlife Ecologist with Schoodic Institute at Acadia National
Park, will give an update of the bird research being led by the Institute and findings
from this research. He will provide a brief overview of five different bird projects with
data ranging from 1880 to modern day, show the importance of historical bird research
in the Acadia region, and discuss needs that managers have for future bird
conservation.
LOW TIDE EXPLORATION ON LITTLE DEER ISLE
Monday, July 20, 9:00 AM
Bridge End Park
Monday, July 20, 9:00 AM
Bridge End Park
You may have been over the Deer Isle Bridge, but have you ever explored below it? We
will head out at low tide to the shores of Eggemoggin Reach. The intertidal zone is full
of fascinating invertebrates and a variety of seaweeds. Come investigate and learn how
these organisms can survive this ever-changing habitat. Leader: Martha Bell
THE BIRDS OF MEXICO’S PACIFIC SLOPE
Wednesday, August 12, 7:00 PM
Moore Community Center, Ellsworth
Wednesday, August 12, 7:00 PM
Moore Community Center, Ellsworth
Ornithologist Michael Good will take us on a 10-day journey through the Jalisco and
Nayarit regions of this fantastic birding country. From the Sierra Madre Mountains to
the Pacific coastline, the team Birders Beyond Borders identified 307 species. Come
along and explore the many habitats including tropical beaches, estuaries, plantations,
and 8,000’ mountains. Maybe even get some ideas for next winter’s travels!
PLANT ID AND NATURAL HISTORY WALK
Sunday, August 16, 9:00 AM
Scott’s Landing Preserve, Deer Isle
Sunday, August 16, 9:00 AM
Scott’s Landing Preserve, Deer Isle
Join us on an easy to moderate hike for some basic plant identification along with fun
and interesting natural history of our common trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. The walk
will include a few seasonal or topical poems and readings as well as some fun tips and
mnemonics to help you remember what you have learned. Leader: Roland “Boot”
Boutwell, freelance naturalist with ties to New England Wild Flower Society and Mass
Audubon.
YARDENING FOR BIRDS, BEES, AND BUTTERFLIES
Saturday, September 12, 8:00 AM
Blue Hill
Saturday, September 12, 8:00 AM
Blue Hill
This 2.5-hour workshop with Leslie Clapp will cover the basics of how to make your
property more attractive to our winged neighbors using creative techniques. Her 10-
acre oasis in the middle of town has extensive gardens and landscaping with special
attention given to native plants. Explore meadows, woodland trails, a pond and stream,
annual garden beds, perennial borders, and more while watching for birds and various
insects that call this place home. Meet at the Blue Hill Baptist Church.
MIRACLE OF MONARCHS
Wednesday, September 16, 7:00 PM
Moore Community Center, Ellsworth
Wednesday, September 16, 7:00 PM
Moore Community Center, Ellsworth
This photographic presentation by Leslie Clapp will follow the Monarch Butterfly as it
begins its life as a tiny egg on a milkweed plant in Maine, develops into a caterpillar,
spends two weeks as a chrysalis, then emerges as a gorgeous adult that migrates all
the way to Mexico for the winter. Experience what it is like to stand in the middle of the
fir forest, surrounded by millions of Monarchs, before they finally make their way back
to the United States where they start the cycle of life once again.
BIRDING IN TREMONT
Saturday, September 19, 8:00 AM
Seal Cove Picnic Area
Let's scan the harbor for seabirds, Osprey and eagles, and then walk along Cape Road
looking for resident birds, migrants, and about-to-be migrants. We may kick up a
shorebird or two, enjoy a variety of gulls, find some warblers, woodpeckers, vireos and
sparrows, crossbills, and who knows what else? Leader: Craig Kesselheim