Saving Seabirds: Habitat Restoration in Maine

Work alongside Audubon biologists to create new nesting habitat

Tentative 2021 dates: September 5-10, 2021

Service-learning program offered through Road Scholar

Take an active part in helping to restore Maine seabirds by joining pioneering researcher, Dr. Stephen Kress, and other Project Puffin biologists with National Audubon Society's internationally renowned Seabird Restoration Program. Work alongside Audubon biologists to improve nesting habitat for Leach's Storm-Petrels and Roseate Terns at Eastern Egg Rock. Also help to remove marine debris (such as lobster traps) that entangles seabirds.

This session provides the unique opportunity to land on Eastern Egg Rock, an island off-limits during the seabird breeding season. With the puffins departed for their wintering areas, although you will not see puffins, participants have the unique opportunity to work with Audubon biologists to perform critical habitat improvements to ensure the long-term survival of colonies of both terns and puffins.

During this program you will learn about seabird identification, bird banding, adaptations, migration, and ecology while participating in active restoration work on several seabird nesting islands. In addition, this program is scheduled to coincide with the peak of the fall landbird and hawk migration.

Read the 2011 Fall program recap to get a better idea of what to expect.

When registrations begins, you can register for the program by calling Road Scholar (toll-free) 1-800-454-5768, or register online. This popular program is presented in association with Road Scholar (Elderhostel, Inc.) and is open to adults 21+ years old. Participants should be able to disembark onto small landing boats and walk easily over uneven terrain.

Price: Prices are on the Road Scholar website. Call (207) 360-7733, or email hogisland@audubon.org for availability of the Helm private cabin (2 person occupancy, private bathroom, queen bed, porch, ocean view, $500 surcharge per person), the Puffin room in the Crow's Nest (2 person occupancy, private half-bath, $100 surcharge per person), and the Osprey Room (2 person occupancy, private bath, double bed, ocean view, $300 surcharge per person). To register for the Puffin room, Helm cabin, or Osprey room, first register for shared housing with Road Scholar and then call (207) 360-7733, to arrange payment of surcharge.

Questions: For questions regarding the program, registration, lodging or meals, contact the Audubon Camp program manager 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!

Director
Maggie Dewane, Communications Manager, Environmental Investigation Agency
Eric Snyder, Facilities & Sanctuary Manager, Seabird Restoration Program

2020 Instructors
Jane Dolliver
Adam Dinouvo, Researcher, Audubon Florida
Don Lyons, Science Director, Seabird Restoration Program
Paula Shannon, Project Puffin Sanctuary Manager, Seabird Restoration Program
Susan Schubel, Assistant Sanctuary Manager, Seabird Restoration Program
Barbara Sullivan Watts, Professor at Providence college and Marine Research Scientist, Emerita, at the Graduate School Of Oceanogroahy, University of Rhode Island

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.