Here at Hog Island, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and safe space for everyone to enjoy birding and the outdoors.  Come join us for a week of birding at the peak of fall migration on the coast of Maine surrounded by a safe and supportive community of fellow queer birders.  

Throughout the week we will travel to birding hotspots around the mid-coast, explore Muscongus Bay by boat, and relax in the spruce-fir forest of Hog Island. We will go birding together in a variety of habitats like marshes, meadows, forests and rocky coastlines. Through these experiences, we hope to dive deeper into our connection to the natural world and find healing during this time of togetherness. We will discuss best practices for facilitating inclusive birding experience, learn about queerness in the natural world, and explore the use of nature journaling as a tool for deepening our relationship with the outdoors. Most importantly, we will experience moments of joy and levity together. This session puts the ‘camp’ into Hog Island Audubon Camp! We hope you will leave camp feeling empowered to create safe birding spaces in your own community.

Pricing: $1,525

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 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: Birders of all skill levels and enthusiastic partners and friends are welcome! This program is for members of the LGBTQIA++ community. Acceptance of all identities (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic ++) is required. 

Director: Eva Lark

Instructors: TBA

Junior 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:

“Amazing! FOHI, Staff, instructors made it an extraordinary time. I’d never been to camp and was nervous! It felt like family, thank you so much for such a special week!” - 2025 Camper

“In such challenging times, it truly is wonderful to see such kindness and care. It was like a thawing of the heart” - 2025 Camper

“Everyone was so kind, patient, enthusiastic, smart. All the instructors made me feel comfortable and included, even as a newbie!” - 2025 Camper