While it may still feel like summer for many of us, in the bird world fall migration is underway. Each year Maine is host to many shorebirds as they trek from their summer breeding grounds to their overwintering grounds. They congregate along the beaches of Maine to refuel for their long journey.
On Saturday, August 26th from 8:00am-11:30am we are very excited to welcome guest trip leader, Dan Gardoqui for a morning of shorebirding. Dan has been studying naturalist skills, wildlife tracking, bird language, and mentoring for nearly 30 years. Dan has an M.S. in Natural Resources, is a Certified Wildlife Tracker, Registered Maine Guide, and served as Science Faculty at Granite State College. Dan co-founded and led the nature connection nonprofit White Pine Programs for 20 years. He currently runs Lead with Nature, where he helps leaders find success and meaning through nature-based consulting services & adventures.
We will meet up with Dan at 8am at Drakes Island in Wells where we will do introductions. We will bird Drakes Island beach along the jetty and inlet areas. Next we will move on to Harbor Road, stopping to scan any active salt pannes along the way before birding the marsh. MYBC will have a scope to use, but if you have your own feel free to bring it along. We will end our day at Wells Harbor Community Park (restrooms available here), where we will bird the harbor and park trails.
Our targets for the day will include Sanderlings, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, Greater/Lesser Yellowlegs, Piping Plovers, Sanderlings, Semipalmated Plovers, and any lingering Piping Plovers. We will also keep our eyes open for Red Knots, Black-Bellied Plovers, Dunlins, and any other fun (or rare!) migrating shorebirds we might encounter.
PLEASE NOTE: This trip will require carpooling between sites (15+ minutes). COVID has seen an uptick in many communities and while masks are not required while outside, we encourage masks/face coverings while in the car.
Parking may be very limited at a few of these locations, and we may need to shift the itinerary if parking becomes an issue. This should not impact drop-off/pick-up times or locations, but we will inform parents if this happens.
LOGISTICS: Dress in layers (it can be windy near the shore) and wear walking shoes (our travels will take us across sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, and wooded trails.) Bring the following: a bagged lunch/snack, bug spray, sunblock, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars/scope, camera (optional), and notebook (optional). If you do not have binoculars, MYBC can provide you with a pair.
Parents: please note different meet-up and pick-up locations below!
MEET UP: 8am at the Jetty Lot at Drakes Island Beach. From Rt 1, take Drakes Island Road to the end, and turn right on Island Beach Rd. The Jetty Lot is at the end of Island Beach Rd — it’s a metered lot that charges $4 per hour. (GPS: Foster Ln, Wells, ME or 43.32135, -70.55653).
If it’s a beautiful beach day and the Jetty Lot is full, you can backtrack half a mile to the Gross Lot on Drakes Island Road which is also a metered lot. (GPS: 20 Grasshopper Ln, Wells, ME or 43.32680, -70.55259)
PICK UP: 11:30 am at the parking area at Wells Harbor Park, (GPS: 331 Harbor Rd, Wells, ME (43.31891, -70.56605)
Registration details will be emailed to MYBC members. Not a member yet? Email info@maineyoungbirders.org to find out how to join us on these trips!
