June 2–6, 2024  

NOTE: SOLD OUT *Waitlist information found below*

Description:

Join Audubon seabird biologists as we visit nesting puffins and their seabird neighbors.

This popular offering provides participants with the opportunity to land at Eastern Egg Rock during the nesting season to observe puffins, black guillemots, eiders, and three tern species: Common, Arctic, and Roseate Terns. Located just eight miles from Hog Island, Eastern Egg Rock is noted for being the world’s first restored seabird community.

Although most Hog Island campers circle Egg Rock by boat, in this session participants come ashore to be among the birds as they incubate and feed their young. Photo opportunities abound with close-up views of puffins and other seabirds from observation blinds. The island experience is enriched by interactions with in-resident young biologists working to protect and monitor the puffins and other species.

In addition to this unique and special field experience, participants will develop a thorough knowledge of seabird ecology via informative talks about species identification, migration, courtship, nesting behavior, and conservation. Instructors will share their decades of experience conducting seabird research and conservation, including Audubon’s pioneering work in Maine as well as conservation success stories from around the world.  A special workshop will be provided about decoys used for social attraction and each participate will be able to paint their own Least Tern Decoy to take home.

Note: Landing on Eastern Egg Rock will only be allowed if camp staff believe that  it doesn't pose a risk of safety to the individual. Bad weather, tides or a person's ability to navigate the landing will be determining factors during the week. Landings are wet, contain slippery rockweed and some light bouldering. If you are not steady on your feet, you will not be allowed to land.

Director:

• Don Lyons, Director of Conservation Science, Audubon Seabird Institute

Instructors:

• Anthony Hill, Bird Bander and Project Puffin Volunteer
• Steve Kress, Founder of Project Puffin

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). Check with your local Audubon chapter or bird club for scholarship opportunities.  

• $1890 – Standard Room: shared room (2 twin beds), shared bathroom
• $2190 – Single room, shared bathroom
• $2190 – Osprey Room, Eider room, or Guillemot room, 2 twin beds, private bathroom (dbl occupancy)
• $2390 – Helm Cabin, 1 queen bed, 1 twin bed, private bathroom (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.