Downeast Audubon Spring 2026 Calendar of Events
Join us this spring 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.
Thursday, April 23, 7:00 PM
BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF MAINE’S BUTTERFLIES
w/
Phillip deMaynadier wildlife biologist with MDIFW.
As one of Maine’s
more colorful and conspicuous insect groups, butterflies serve an
important ecological role both as pollinators of many wildflowers and as
prey to larger species ranging from dragonflies to migrant
warblers. This talk will introduce the public to the biology and
diversity of Maine’s butterflies, highlight results from a recently
completed statewide butterfly atlas, and offer conservation measures
that can be taken to protect these beautiful and important animals.
Moore Community Center, 125 State St.,Ellsworth.
Saturday, April 25, 9:00 AM
ANNUAL SPRING CLEANUP @ BIRDSACRE
Bring gloves and a rake and help get the grounds of this urban wildlife sanctuary into shipshape! Come one, come all, we need your help! 289 High St, Ellsworth.
Tuesday, May 5, 7:00 PM
MAINE INSECT POLLINATORS: DIVERSITY, ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION (co-sponsor Native Gardens of Blue Hill)
ONLINE ZOOM PROGRAM w/
Ron Butler, Professor Emeritus at UM Farmington.
This presentation will
be an overview of Maine's insect pollinators including bees, wasps,
flies, beetles, moths, butterflies, and other lesser-recognized insect
groups. The talk will also cover pollination networks, the roles of
geography, season, and plant species in determining which insect groups
are the most significant pollinators, and the impact of climate change
on pollinators. Email info@ngbh.org to request the Zoom link. The link will also be emailed to the membership later in April.
Friday, May 8, 7:00 AM
BIRDING SIEUR DE MONTS
Search
for warblers and more along the boardwalk in Acadia National Park.
Perhaps the Barred Owl family will greet you! Leader: Sue Shaw
Saturday, May 9, 7:30 AM
WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY—2 Options!
COOPER FARM—Explore
BHHT’s fields and woodlands at Caterpillar Hill from the road leading
down to the Walker Pond Boat Launch, Sedgwick. Leader: Leslie Clapp
GREEN LAKE NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY—Walk
the hatchery nature trail keeping eyes peeled for warblers and other
migrants as well as the many resident birds. 1 Hatchery Way, Ellsworth.
Leaders: Fred Yost and Sherry Billings
Sunday, May 10, 8:00 AM
MOTHER’S DAY WALK IN TRENTON (new location!)
Look for signs of spring along this 2.5-mile trail as the plants emerge from winter’s dormancy and migrants return. Trenton Community Trail behind the Acadia Gateway Center. Leader: Cathy Rees
MAGICAL DAWN CHORUS
Birds
are most active just after sunrise, making it the best time to hear and
see them. James Longo will share techniques for learning to identify
birdsong—no Merlin needed.
Sunday, May 10, 5:13 AM SCOTTS LANDING, Deer Isle
Sunday, June 7, 4:51 AM MDI HIGH SCHOOL, Bar Harbor
Thursday, May 14, 8:00 AM
DEAD RIVER TRAIL @ THE WILDLANDS
Easy walking, always productive birding! Meet at Craig Pond Fish Hatchery, Orland. Leader: Zachary Holderby
Friday, May 22, 8:00 AM
ALAMOOSOOK LAKE
Paddle with loons, eagles and kingfishers past scenic islands and up the Dead River. Meet at Craig Pond Fish Hatchery landing, Orland. Leader: Sue Shaw
Saturday, May 23, 8:00 AM BIRDING PARTRIDGE COVE TRAIL (new location!)
This new
1.5-mile FBC trail in Lamoine starts as a dirt road with open meadow,
small wetland and wooded areas making for a good mix of habitat. Leader:
Jon Sargent
Saturday, May 30, 7:00 AM
HIKE UP TOGUS MOUNTAIN
This
336-acre BHHT property has so much to offer! Explore the old roads
through blueberry barrens and enjoy the view. Mill Creek Rd,
Penobscot Leader: Steele Hays
Sunday, May 31, 7:00 AM
BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS
Enjoy coffee cake and mimosas (provided) then tour Rockwood, a special coastal property on Parker Point Rd, Blue Hill. Leader: Leslie Clapp
Sunday, June 7, 8:00 AM
BOBOLINK CONSERVATION (co-sponsor BHHT)
Walk the fields of BHHT’s Dianna Emory Preserve and learn about the issues threatening grassland birds. North Sedgwick Rd, Sedgwick. Leaders: Laura Suomi-Lecker and Leslie Clapp
Friday, June 12, 8:00 AM
PADDLE THE NARRAMISSIC
This
scenic, peaceful waterway never disappoints! Birds, plants, insects,
reptiles and more! Upper Falls Rd, Orland. Leader: Sue Shaw
Saturday, June 13 7:00 AM
BIRDING BLUE HILL MOUNTAIN
One of the birding hotspots of the area! We’ll cover the lower elevations at a slow pace. Leader: Leslie Clapp
Wednesday, June 17, 7:00 PM
THE ROLE OF LAND CONSERVATION
w/
Aaron Dority, Executive Director of Frenchman Bay Conservancy.
Discuss
the threats of biodiversity loss, climate change, and the role of land
conservation in addressing these critical challenges. Learn about the
ambitious conservation goals in the Maine Won't Wait
Climate Action Plan, how FBC’s progress compares to these goals, and how
conservation organizations plan and strategize to ensure lasting
positive impact. Blue Hill Library
Thursday, June 18, 7:30 PM
EVENING WALK AT SURRY FOREST
Stroll
the level gravel roads listening for sounds of the coming night which
might include owls, nighthawks, and woodcock, plus frogs and dusk
songbirds. Toddy Pond Rd, Surry. Leader: Tim Skillin
And
don’t forget that BIRDATHON ’26 will take place in late May! Watch your
email for details coming soon. We’ll certainly need YOUR help to make
it another successful event!