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Join us for a special spring experience in Mid-coast Maine. Birding highlights will be nesting species on territory and late spring migrants heading to breeding grounds.
The week includes an overnight trip by boat to Monhegan Island, a world-renowned migratory hotspot, beautiful island village, and vibrant artists’ colony. We’ll walk several short trails on the island, enjoying the spectacular scenery while searching for songbirds. Another highlight of the week is an excursion to Eastern Egg Rock, famous for its nesting Atlantic Puffins and three species of terns. Walks on Hog Island and at nearby mainland sites take us to a variety of habitats and, hopefully, a great assortment of birds, which will be in their most brilliant breeding plumage. We’ll visit spruce forests, meadows, rocky coastlines, and perhaps other habitats. Back at camp and on our walks, we’ll discuss details of migration, conservation challenges facing birds, and the fast-growing practice of mindful birding.
Pricing: $2,010
Maine residents are eligible for a $150 in-state discount for this session! After you register, contact hogisland@audubon.org to confirm your residency and the discount will be applied to your account.
The base registration fee includes meals, housing, instruction, and all field trips. This also includes your hotel room, ferry transportation, and most meals on Monhegan (participants will be responsible for purchasing one lunch on the second day of the Monhegan Island trip). Participants will also be responsible for gratuity for cleaning and breakfast at their Monhegan hotels. This price is based on a standard shared room (with 2 twin beds) a shared bathroom. A limited number of upgraded accommodations are available for an additional cost. Two upgrade options are a single room for solo travelers or a room with a private bath for two people traveling together. There are no single rooms with private bathrooms available. Please see our lodging page for more information.
Participants must arrange their own transportation to and from the Audubon dock in Bremen at the start and end of the session. Please see our transportation page for more information.
There are several scholarship opportunities available to help participants attend Hog Island sessions! Please see our scholarships page for more information about Hog Island Scholarships. You should also check with your local Audubon chapter or bird club for additional opportunities.
Requirements: There are no prerequisites for this program! Birders of all skill levels are welcome as are less experienced/enthusiastic partners, friends, or family. Participants must be able to walk over uneven terrain for 2 miles. Monhegan Island has unimproved trails with hills and rocky outcroppings that require the ability to walk uphill and on a single-track trail.
Director: Mark Garland
Mark Garland is a naturalist, writer, leader of nature tours, and monarch butterfly researcher. He has worked as a naturalist for the National Park Service, several Audubon Societies, and private nature tour companies. He writes the "Birders Question Mark" column for Bird Watcher's Digest. He first served as an instructor at Hog Island more than 20 years ago. He lives in West Cape May, New Jersey.
Instructors: Holly Merker, TBA
Holly Merker has been in awe of birds and the wonders of the natural world since childhood. She shares her passion by connecting others to nature in her work as a professional birding guide and nature-based wellness specialist, award-winning author, and public speaker. Combining professional backgrounds in bird identification, art therapy, certification in nature and forest therapy and wellness counseling, and mindfulness practice, she works as a global advocate for Mindful Birding. With dedication to bird conservation, Holly has been the eBird state coordinator/data reviewer for Pennsylvania since 2005 and was a two-term voting member and Chairperson of the Pennsylvania Ornithological Records Committee. She considers herself a migration junkie and lives her life around the seasonal journeys of birds. Holly believes strongly that birding holds a key to wellbeing, co-authoring two books on this subject, and founding the Mindful Birding Network and co-hosting the Mindful Birding Podcast.
Assistant Instructor: TBA
NOTE: Audubon reserves the right to alter itineraries, instructors and particular arrangements, or to substitute similar itineraries or arrangements, at no penalty. If Audubon cancels a session, it will issue full refunds of all deposits or payments to the paid participants.
Testimonials:
“Hog Island and the social atmosphere is beautiful, peaceful, and welcoming, Such a special place!” - 2025 Camper
“All the instructors are eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm.” - 2025 Camper
“The caliber of instruction was exceptional! I felt lucky to have this set of instructors at once.” - 2025 Camper
“All [staff] were wonderful – so knowledgeable, helpful, patient and enthusiastic.” - 2025 Camper
“Everyone was kind, passionate, and enthusiastic. Very easy to connect and learn from these experts.” - 2025 Camper
“The staff were amazing! I truly loved each of our instructors and feel fortuante to have met them. Their collective knowledge and skills absolutely made this week.” - 2025 Camper
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