Downeast Audubon Fall 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.
Bird Anatomy
Wednesday, October 14, 2:00-4:00 PM
Zoology Lab, COA
Tour College of the Atlantic’s extensive collection of study skins and learn about bird anatomy with emphasis on foot and wing structure and coloration from Vertebrate Ecologist Dr. Brittany Slabach. Space is tight…limited to 15! Register soon.
Nature Walk in Surry
Thursday, October 15, 9:00-11:00 AM
Patten Stream Preserve
Join Maine Master Naturalist Merrie Eley on National Mushroom Day with special guest, mycologist David Porter, to explore the beautiful trails of Blue Hill Heritage Trust’s Patten Stream Preserve. We will search for mushrooms and many other natural delights along the 1.5-mile walk. Sturdy walking shoes and hiking poles would be helpful on the uneven ground.
Moss Walk/Workshop
Sunday, November 15, 9:00-11:00 AM
Great Pond Mountain Wildlands, Orland
Learn about mosses and take part in a scavenger hunt to find and identify 10 common species in the Wildlands. Join botanist Cathy Rees on a 0.5-mile easy walk as we search for mosses, learn their names, and create a reference sheet to take home. We will have magnifying loupes for participants and supply materials. If you have a field guide, please bring it along. Meet at the South Gate on Route 1.
Rocks From Space
Tuesday, November 17, 6:00 PM
Moore Community Center, Ellsworth
Discover the wonders of shooting stars, comets, and asteroids. Learn how unraveling the mysteries of cosmic dust reveals Earth's ancient origins. Where is Earth's biggest meteorite? Has anyone been hit by a meteorite? Come ask naturalist Lynn Havsall all your “space rock” questions and find out what to do if you see a fireball!
Holiday Gathering and Film Screening
Friday, December 11, 6:00 PM
Bagaduce Music Performance Hall, 49 South St, Blue Hill
Let’s gather together at this special time of year for some goodies and good cheer! Bring something for a cookie swap. Non-alcoholic drinks will be provided OR BYOB.
After a bit of socializing and nibbling, we’ll settle down to watch The Extraordinary Caterpillar, a beautifully shot 60-minute documentary that reveals the vital- and often overlooked- role caterpillars play in our ecosystems. From blooming meadows to city parks and backyard gardens, this inspiring film celebrates the magic of nature while showing practical ways to make a difference. Learn about The Caterpillar Lab and hear from entomologists David Wagner and Doug Tallamy in the film. Don’t miss it!
Christmas Bird Count
Participate in the 127th Christmas Bird Count and help contribute to the longest-running survey in ornithology. From December 14—January 5, organized groups choose ONE day to count birds seen or heard within a designated 15-mile count circle. Join a team in the field, go solo, or keep a tally of the birds seen around your feeders if you live within the circle. Results are compiled and sent to National Audubon where they are used to assess the health of bird populations and help guide conservation. There are five counts in our area: Mount Desert Island, Blue Hill, Deer Isle, Hog Bay, and Schoodic. Watch for an email in early December with dates and more details on how to take part in this early winter event.