Lend a hand to seabirds…in the places where seabird restoration first took flight!

During this adventurous hands-on session, participants will have the unique experience of landing on Eastern Egg Rock where Project Puffin began over 50 years ago. Seasonal researchers live and work on seabird nesting islands, including Eastern Egg Rock, from mid-May until mid-August and then depart when puffins and other seabirds migrate to their winter homes. This is when participants in the Saving Seabirds session offer a hand to Project Puffin, the innovative program that successfully brought puffins and terns back to several Maine islands after extirpation. This session includes projects for many ability levels and the opportunity to learn new skills.

This session includes field trips, workshops, and evening programs that offer opportunities to contribute to seabird conservation through service-based learning. Depending upon safe boating conditions, service projects may include invasive plant removal and marine debris cleanup on Eastern Egg Rock. Other projects may include painting seabird decoys and building observation blinds and shelters for seabird chicks.

Back on Hog Island, participants will discover the island’s history, learn about seabird identification, adaptations and migration, and explore Hog Island’s moss-carpeted spruce forests. Throughout the session, participants will learn from and work alongside expert bird biologists, educators, and leaders in seabird conservation. 

Pricing: $695

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:  There are no prerequisites for this program! Landing on a seabird island requires participants to transfer from a tour vessel, to a dory, to the rocky shore in dynamic conditions. There is no dock and participants must be able to navigate boulders, slippery rockweed, and narrow, uneven trails to access the island. A degree of physical mobility is required. This activity can be hazardous and participation is at your own risk. Participants are not required to go ashore and may stay on the boat.

Birders of all skill levels are welcome as are less experienced/enthusiastic partners, friends, or family. 

Director: Maggie Dewane

Instructors: Steve Kress, "Seabird Sue" Schubel, 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.

Landing on Eastern Egg Rock is weather dependent and not guaranteed. Eastern Egg Rock is located approximately six miles offshore and is exposed to marine conditions. Windy weather and the motion of the ocean cannot be controlled. Participant safety is our highest priority and Audubon’s decision on whether to land is final.

If landing is deemed unsafe, participants will still visit Eastern Egg Rock and view seabirds from the vessel which provides a closer view than standard puffin cruises. Further, participants will learn more about the history and geology of Muscongus Bay while visiting other, nearby islands.