Join artist, musician, and photographer Deborah Gordon as she reveals secrets and hidden natural wonders of Newfoundland and Labrador. Learn about the less frequented outposts, national and provincial parks, World Heritage Sites, and the infectious humor and uplifting spirit that comprises the culture and people of Canada’s most eastern province. Newfoundland and Labrador are surprisingly accessible, and you will learn the options and necessary preparations for travel and accommodations, seasonal activities, literature and history resources as Deborah is excited to share her expertise on this region. Her captivating, in-depth slide show of the wildlife, landscape, architecture, and mystery of this … Continue reading →

The National Geographic will publish the newest edition of the Field Guide to the Birds of North America this September. Join artist, co-author and co-illustrator Jonathan Alderfer for an inside look at how this latest edition was conceived and brought to press. Jonathan will also display a selection of his original field guide illustrations and discuss the painting process. Jonathan Alderfer has specialized in painting birds and natural history subjects for more than thirty years. For ten years he was National Geographic’s resident birding expert at their headquarters in Washington, D.C. While there, he authored, edited, or illustrated more than … Continue reading →

University of Maine Postdoctoral Associate Kristine Hoffmann brings us a fun and fascinating night of turtle biology. How long can a Box turtle live? Why do Snapping turtles snap? Why are turtle populations declining, and what can the public do to help? Kris will explain the ecology of these water-loving animals and introduce us to all the turtles of Maine. She will discuss their natural history, behavior, unique values, and conservation, in an engaging presentation sure to be both instructive and entertaining.   This event is free and open to the public. Come early for refreshments and social time. The program will be at 7 p.m. … Continue reading →

Shorebirds are showing the most dramatic declines of any group of birds. Species that undertake hemispheric migrations rely on specific habitats and food sources to survive, but these resources are increasingly under threat from human disturbance, habitat loss and degradation, over-harvesting, increasing predation, and climate change. York County Audubon has notched up its involvement with our shorebirds. We have paid for Piping Plover monitors who help educate the public at our beaches.  Some YCA members are participating in shorebird surveys. We have put on Piping Plover workshops with children in local schools and day camps, have run multiple shorebird focused … Continue reading →

Purple Martins are beloved birds.   They’re known as harbingers of spring, arriving in Maine in mid-April as a most welcome sign of the changing seasons.  They are aerial acrobats known for their great speed and agility in flight, and when approaching their housing, they will dive from the sky at great speeds with their wings tucked.   But their numbers have been dramatically reduced as European Starlings and House Sparrows have successfully competed with them for nesting cavities.  Throughout the Eastern United States, many people have been working to support and strengthen their nesting colonies. In 2013, Purple Martins were discovered … Continue reading →