Birds of Maine Islands

A Service Learning Week

All participants must agree to the COVID-19 Camp Guidelines - please read before registering.

September 3–8, 2023

Registration is Open (click this link)

Our registration software server is still experiencing slowness, please do not double-click any buttons while registering. Have patience and let each page load before proceeding. We are aware of the issue. For all other questions or assistance please call our Office Coordinator Lindsy Buckland at 207-360-8353 ext.103.

Scholarships are available, apply here.

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. 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 that Audubon field researchers live on and observe seabirds -- such as puffins, terns, and petrels -- seasonally. Workshops may include painting seabird decoys for colony restoration, habitat management through invasive vegetation removal, marine debris cleanup, 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. All field trips, workshops, and boat cruises are optional, and will include general ecology and earth science lessons as well.

During this program you will learn about seabird identification, bird banding, adaptations, migration, and ecology while participating in active restoration work.

Prices: Below are listed per person prices that include meals, housing, instruction, and all boat trips. Participants must arrange transportation to and from the Audubon dock in Bremen at the start and end of the session (see directions page). Check with your local Audubon chapter or bird club to see if scholarships are available.

$1390 Standard Room: twin bed in a private room, shared bathroom
$1590 Puffin Room in the Crow's Nest, 2 twin beds, private 1/2 bath (dbl occupancy)
$1690 Single room, shared bathroom
$1690 Osprey Room, Eider room, Blackburnian, or Guillemot room, 2 twin beds, private bathroom (dbl occupancy)
$1890 Helm Cabin, 1 queen bed, 1 twin bed, private bathrooms (dbl occupancy)

This program is less expensive than our standard programming due to the service components. In addition, there are scholarships available and open on a first come, first serve basis here.

Questions: For questions regarding the program, registration, lodging or meals, contact the Audubon Camp office at hogisland@audubon.org or (207) 360-7733. Additional information can be found on the lodging and frequently asked questions page.

Please note that there are NO prerequisites for these programs and less experienced/enthusiastic spouses/friends are more than welcome to enroll in all sessions!

Directors
Maggie Dewane, Digital Media Manager, Center for Progressive Reform
Eric Snyder, Todd Wildlife Santuary Facilities Manager, Seabird Institute

2023 Instructors
Don Lyons, Conservation Science Director, Seabird Institute
Susan Schubel, Assistant Seabird Sanctuary Manager and Outreach Instructor, Seabird Institute
Steve Kress, Founder of Project Puffin
Oscar Wilhelmy, Junior Instructor

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.