August 31 – September 5, 2025

Learn what it's like to be a seabird biologist or "puffineer" in the place that seabird conservation first took flight! During this exciting hands-on week, seabird biologists and conservationists will guide campers through the biology, threats, and conservation of birds on Maine coastal islands. The central focus of this week is service. Campers will have the unique opportunity to directly support seabird research in Maine through various service projects throughout the week. 

Through field trips, workshops, and evening programs, campers will learn about and contribute to conservation efforts. Field trips may include the opportunity to visit seabird islands where our Audubon researchers and nesting seabirds spend the summer. Workshops may include habitat management through invasive vegetation removal, marine debris cleanup, painting seabird decoys, and building blinds or chick shelters for researchers to use on the island colonies. Participants will learn from and work alongside preeminent bird biologists and leaders in the conservation field.  

During this program you will learn about seabird identification, bird banding, adaptations, migration, and ecology while participating in active restoration work. Please note that the probability of seeing terns and puffins at this time of year is very low!  

Director: Maggie DeWane
Instructors: TBA 

Pricing: $1425 

The base registration fee includes meals, housing, instruction, and all field trips. 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 different 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 requirements to attend this program, but we do ask that you have a genuine interest in service work and seabird conservation. Carpentry, painting, and sewing skills are a plus! 

Registration:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (coming soon)

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.