Birds of Maine Islands

September 1–6, 2024

Description:

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.

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

Directors

Maggie Dewane, Communications Director, Defenders of Wildlife
Eric Snyder, Facilities and Operations Manager, Audubon Seabird Institute

Instructors

Don Lyons, Director of Conservation Science, Audubon Seabird Institute
Susan Schubel, Assistant Seabird Sanctuary Manager and Outreach Instructor, Seabird Institute
Steve Kress, Founder of Project Puffin
Keenan Yakola, Seabird Researcher
Zelle Tenorio, Junior Instructor

Pricing:

The prices listed below are per person and 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). This program is less expensive than our standard programming due to the service components. Scholarships are available, please apply here. You could also check with your local Audubon chapter or bird club for additional scholarship opportunities.

$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)

If the program or your preferred housing option is sold out, please add your name to the wait list. There are usually a few cancellations, and the first people on the wait list are almost always able to enroll. For questions regarding the wait list status, program, registration, lodging or meals, please contact the Audubon Camp program manager at hogisland@audubon.org or (207) 360-7733. Also, some questions may have answers on our lodging and frequently asked questions pages.

All participants must agree to the Camper Guidelines - please read before registering.

Registration:

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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.