Bird Photography: Insights and Inspiration – with Michael Milicia – Tuesday, May 17th

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Michael Milicia - Atlantic PuffinMichael Milicia is a gifted photographer and teacher.  He will present a selection of bird images along with understandable commentary intended to inform, entertain and inspire. This program will be of interest to both general audiences and photographers of all abilities.  Using example photos, Mike will demonstrate the importance of things like head angle, catch lights, in-camera composition, knowing your subject, and being proactive in the field.  

There will also be a review of a few key camera settings that enable Mike to be more productive and get better results in the field along with a brief discussion of his in-field workflow and his general approach to setting exposure in various situations.  The goal is to provide some insight into the many different components that must come together to create a compelling bird photograph. FMI: www.michaelmiliciaphotography.com

York County Audubon programs are held at 7 p.m. in the Mather Auditorium at the Wells Reserve.  There’s no charge and all are welcome!  No reservations required.

Michael Milicia -Gentoo Penguin Michael Milicia - Piping Plover Chick Michael Milicia - Wood Duck

Global Big Day – Saturday, May 14th

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York County Audubon joins the Global Big Day – And so can you!

For years, YCA has held an annual Birding Challenge in mid-May. It’s been a fund-raiser for our wildlife protection efforts and a day for birders to join together and have fun.  This year, we’re changing things up a bit, by joining with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in a citizen-science project called “The Global Big Day 2016.”  The idea is simple: people all over the world will go birding on May 14, 2016, and record what they see.  Then they’ll enter that data into eBird, where it will give a global image of bird populations and locations. There’s no requirement as to when, where, or how long during that day that one looks for birds.

Eagle and Terns MJ     oystercatcher KJ        Eagle with Common Terns by Marie Jordan                     American Oystercatcher by Ken Janes

YCA is always hoping to increase awareness of the fantastic birding opportunities in York County, so we’re adding an additional focus to our Big Day.  Following suggestions by Louis Bevier and Nathan Hall, we’re going to limit our efforts to York County, and are challenging birders in Cumberland County to discover which county can log the most species that day. On last year’s first Global Big Day, York County recorded 145 species, slightly ahead of Cumberland County’s 139. One more special feature of the YCA count is the participation of the Hard Core Birders, a group of Middle School of the Kennebunks students, organized by Nathan Hall.  We especially hope that many young people will join us on our Big Day.

You are invited to join a team, or to go out on your own; to start before dawn and go all day, or simply spend an hour or two in your backyard.  Whatever suits you suits the Global Big Day.  The count day runs for 24 hours starting at 12:00 a.m. on the 14th.  Birders from all over the world will join in the effort, and you can follow the progress of the Big Day on the Cornell Lab’s Global Big Day 2016 website: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/globalbigday/.   The Cornell Lab website also has great information on how to get started with eBird, how to use it in the field, and how to record your sightings. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it before the Big Day.

Although we encourage everyone to give eBird a try, if you are unable to submit your list for any reason, YCA members will be happy to submit it for you. However, please note where and when you were birding, so that your list can be logged correctly.  More information on this will be available on our website, yorkcountyaudubon.org, and on our Facebook page.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology began the Global Big Day in 2015, when people from over 100 countries participated, logging over 6,000 species of birds! The hope is that this year will be even bigger. Your participation is a real contribution, and birding in York County in mid-May is a pleasure not to be missed. If you’d like to join a team of birders, or for more information, contact us through our website or Facebook page, or call Monica Grabin at 985-3342. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome.

There is no donation requirement to participate, although they are always very welcome.  All donations help us fulfill our mission to educate the public and preserve our irreplaceable natural world.

Warbler Workshop with Doug Hitchcox – Saturday, May 7th

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THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN FULLY BOOKED.  IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO ycas@yorkcountyaudubon.org WITH “WORKSHOP WAITING LIST” AS THE SUBJECT

Just in time for their spring arrival, Maine Audubon’s Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox will hold a workshop to teach you various techniques for identifying the gems of our forest: warblers. We will look at the diversity of the family, keys for identifying each species, and even spend time learning the songs and auditory cues to take your birding tothe next level.  The workshop will be held at the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust on Saturday, May 7th.  We’ll meet at KCT at 6:30 am for an early morning bird walk, followed by the workshop itself.  A second walk will follow after lunch (please bring your lunch).

Hooded Warbler DH crop

An enthusiastic birder, Doug set the Big Year record for Maine birds with 314 species in 2011. In his spare time, he also runs the Maine-birds listserv, serves on the Maine Bird Records Committee and is one of Maine’s eBird reviewers.

Space is limited and advance registration (via this website) is required.  Please register by clicking on the event link in the Calendar column to the right, and then scrolling down to the fields for making a reservation.  Fee of $10 is payable by cash or check at the workshop.

Why do We Need Carnivores Anyway? Tuesday, April 26th

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Geri Vistein is a conservation biologist whose work focuses on Maine carnivores and our relationship with them.  She is a terrific speaker whose informative program will better educate us on the role carnivores play in our ecosystem and help us become more knowledgeable about their ecology.  You will discover connections that will leave you in awe.  We should take away with a better understanding of the value of carnivores in the Maine landscape and gain in our ability to practice coexistence skills.  FMI:  http://www.coyotelivesinmaine.com/coyote/meet-the-scientist/

York County Audubon programs are held at 7 p.m. in the Mather Auditorium at the Wells Reserve.  There’s no charge and all are welcome!  No reservations required.  [Please note: our program meetings are usually on the third Tuesday of the month, but this one is on the fourth Tuesday!]

Coyotes - Pierre Giard

 

New film on Song Birds: “The Messenger” – Friday, March 18th

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York County Audubon is pleased to co-sponsor with the Sierra Club a showing of this important new film.   Su Rynard’s documentary THE MESSENGER explores our deep-seated connection to birds and warns that the uncertain fate of songbirds might mirror our own. Moving from the northern reaches of the Boreal Forest to the base of Mount Ararat in Turkey to the streets of New York, THE MESSENGER brings us face-to-face with a remarkable variety of human-made perils that have devastated thrushes, warblers, orioles, tanagers, grosbeaks and many other airborne music-makers.  You can view the trailer here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjQtRr4CKcc

The event is part of the Sierra Club’s monthly film series at the Unitarian Church in Kennebunk.  Refreshments and social time start at 6:30, with the film starting promptly at 7.  Brief comments and discussion time will follow. Kennebunk’s First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 114 Main St next to the library.  There’s no charge and all are welcome!  No reservations required.

The Messenger

Life Lessons from the Life of John James Audubon – Tuesday, March 15th

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Share an evening with Mark Jones, Sr. V.P. and Director Retail Lending at Saco & Biddeford Savings and lifelong outdoorsman/photographer as he shares his photography of our stunning natural surroundings and offers thoughts on four often overlooked steps to making a bigger impact on what is most important to you.

York County Audubon programs are held at 7 p.m. in the Mather Auditorium at the Wells Reserve.  There’s no charge and all are welcome!  No reservations required.

john j audubon

Saturday morning Summer Bird Walks

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Join us at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm every other Saturday this summer starting June 11th, 2016 for a guided bird walk around the Reserve property.  Beginners are welcome.  Please bring binoculars if you have them; if not, you can borrow some. These walks are free and open to the public.  We meet in the parking lot, and reservations not required.  The additional dates are 6/25, 7/9 and 7/23, 8/6 and 8/20.  Meet at the parking lot at 7:30 a.m.  Walks typically last about 2 hours. The photo below shows a male Eastern Towhee, a bird regularly seen and heard at the Wells Reserve.

Eastern_Towhee_CANT2IJAN272013_227CUT

Gull ID Workshop with Derek Lovitch – Jan 30-31

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Gull in flight. © Marie Jordan

This two-part workshop, on Saturday afternoon, January 30th and Sunday morning, January 31st, will get you started on unraveling the mysteries of gull identification.  Actually, most gulls are not very difficult to tell apart, though adult and juveniles of most species look very different. We’re going to give ourselves confidence with identifying the easier plumage’s of our common species, and then tackle the more challenging intermediate plumage’s and the less-common species.

Part I – Saturday, Jan 30 will be indoors at the Mather Auditorium of the Wells Reserve at 342 Laudholm Farm Road in Wells will be divided into two sections (you need not be present for both):

1:00 pm-2:30 pm – Beginning Gull Identification. Using Powerpoint and book resources, we’ll start with the basics of gull identification, such as feather topography and aging. We’ll then focus on our most common species: Ring-billed, Herring, Great Black-backed, Laughing, and Bonaparte’s Gulls.

3:00 pm-4:30 pm – Advanced Gull Identification. Now comfortable with the basics, we’ll move on to the uncommon species: Lesser Black-backed, Iceland, Glaucous, and Black-legged Kittiwake. Next up will be the rarities: Little, Black-headed, and yes, even Thayer’s. We’ll touch upon “Megas” such as Mew, Slaty-backed, and Sabine’s, and we’ll discuss hybrids. Finally, we’ll apply what we have learned to tackle and understand some identification quandaries, such as the famous “Westbrook Gull” before we finish up with some photo quizzes to test our new-found knowledge.

Part II:  Field Workshop: Sunday, Jan 31 (8:00am – 12:00pm) will meet in Portland.

We’ll meet in Portland (Back Cove parking lot on Preble Street Ext, opposite the Hannaford’s) to carpool around the area to apply what we have learned. We’ll spend some time with our most common species: Herring, Ring-billed, and Great Black-backed, and then seek out Iceland and Glaucous, and perhaps we’ll find something even better!

We hope that you will join Derek for this workshop to foster appreciation for this fascinating group of birds.

York County Audubon is sponsoring this Workshop. We are asking for a $10 fee to participate, payable by cash or check at the Saturday session. Space is limited. Please register by signing up on this website by clicking on the event link in the Calendar column to the right, and then scrolling down to the fields for making a reservation. Weather dates or Workshop updates will be posted on the York County Audubon website and Derek’s Web Page (freeportwildbirdsupply.com/birdingtoursinMaine.asp).

And for a review of our inaugural 2014 workshop, check out Derek’s blog, here:
http://mebirdingfieldnotes.wordpress.com/2014/02/10/gull-identification-workshop-wrap-up/

Christmas Bird Counts Approaching! (2015)

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Harlequins DH 5196837123_369eef562e_z crop

The 116th annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will take place around the world in December and early January.  Since the CBC began over a century ago, it has relied on the dedication and commitment of volunteer citizen scientists. We volunteers have replaced the hunters of old.  We count birds and you’re invited to join us to participate this year in the 116th Christmas Bird Counts (CBC), the longest running Wildlife census on the planet. Two Christmas Bird Counts are held in York County, the York County CBC on Monday, December 14th, 2015 and Biddeford/Kennebunkport CBC on Saturday, January 2nd.

Each count covers the area within a designated 15 mile diameter circle. Teams of birders search sections of the circle area tallying the total number of birds seen within the circle. The York County Count extends from Moody Beach to Fort Foster; last year we found 94 species. The Biddeford/Kennebunk Count extends from Parson’s Beach in Kennebunk to the Cascades in Saco; last year we counted 85 species. You do not have to brave the cold and wind to contribute. You can also participate while staying warm by tracking the activity at your bird feeders.  There is no fee to participate and the annual published report, American Birds, is available on line.

Each circle is led by a Count Compiler. Therefore, if you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher.  In addition, if your home is within the boundaries of a Count Circle, then you can stay home and report the birds that visit your feeders once you have arranged to do so with the Count Compiler.  We have lots of fun in the field during the day followed by a gathering of the team members at the compilation where we tally the species seen in the count circle, swap stories from the day’s hunt, and enjoy our supper.

If you are interested in joining a count please contact a Count Compiler:  Pat Moynahan at 207-284-5487 or pmmoynahan@maine.rr.com for the York County Count, and Marie Jordan at 207-799-1408 or mijord@maine.rr.com for the Biddeford/Kennebunkport Count. You are invited to our Christmas bird party.

Saw-whet Owls and Veery Migration with Patrick Keenan – Tuesday, Nov 17th

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Saw-whet Owl-2 - Patrick Keenan

Saw-whet Owls and Veery Migration. Understanding the annual cycle and movements of species is critical for implementing effective conservation strategies.   Patrick Keenan, Outreach Program Director at the Biodiversity Research Institute in Portland, will present a program about Saw-whet Owl monitoring at coastal and island sites in Maine, and about some results of using low cost high tech geolocators to study where some of Maine’s Veery population spends the winter, and how that impacts conservation efforts for this beautiful Maine summer resident.

York County Audubon programs are held at 7 p.m. in the Mather Auditorium at the Wells Reserve.  There’s no charge and all are welcome!  No reservations required.

 

An Evening with a Few of Our Friends – Tuesday, October 20th

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chicks          center for wildlife kristen-and-ruby

Over the years, York County Audubon has worked with and sponsored a number of outstanding organizations.  As a special treat, we’ll let these friends share their work with brief presentations in a program at the Wells Reserve at 7 pm on Tuesday, October 20th. This will include:

The Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick focuses on wildlife rehabilitation, treating over 1500 injured animals every year.   In this program, they will share “Hawk Eye,” with a special winged guest.

The Natural Resources Council of Maine has been working to protect Maine’s environment for over 50 years. In this program, Executive Director Lisa Pohlman will discuss the proposed Northern Maine National Park and Recreation Area.

Hog Island Audubon Camp.  Each year, YCA sponsors a local educator to spend a week at this famed camp.  One of the recipients of this year’s June Ficker Hog Island Scholarship will present “Implementing Nature Lessons in Our Schools.”

The Stratton Island Audubon Sanctuary in Saco Bay, is a key nesting refuge for a variety of threatened seabirds, and has the highest diversity of nesting waterbirds of any Maine island. Two hundred and forty species of birds have been seen on and around the island.  We’ll get an update on this summer’s activities there.

This diversity will make for an interesting evening.  The program will be held in the Mather Auditorium at the Wells Reserve, starting at 7 pm.  There’s no charge and all are welcome!

 

 

Sparrow ID Workshop with Louis Bevier – Sunday, Oct 18th

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nelson's IMG_8677 crop     Maine: Somerset Co., Pittsfield

Want to learn more about the many sparrow species that breed in and migrate through Maine? Want to know the difference between a sparrow and a finch? How can one bird be both a bunting and a sparrow? Why are longspurs no longer sparrows? Often skulking, elusive, and confusingly similar, sparrows can make any birder prefer fall wood-warblers. As part of this workshop, you will learn how to find and observe sparrows in their preferred habitat. We will learn through classroom and field time useful foraging behaviors, flight characteristics, and vocalizations helpful for identification and appreciation of Maine’s sparrows. The workshop will feature some of the rare species that have turned up in Maine, and some that might yet so you’ll be prepared! The marsh sparrows, Le Conte’s versus Grasshopper, who was Henslow, and the tricky Spizella are some of the featured sparrows.

This workshop will be led by well known (and well liked!) Maine birder Louis Bevier.  Since the 1960s, birds have drawn him to explore most of North and South America, leading to months at sea off Alaska and California, backcountry surveys in the high Sierra, plant and bird expeditions to several countries, and many other adventures. He has worked as a tour guide for Field Guides, as an editor for The Birds of North America series, as Associate Editor for the journal North American Birds, and is past Chair of the Maine Bird Records Committee.

The workshop will be held on Sunday, October 18th at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm.  We’ll meet at 8 a.m. and take a short walk. Then we’ll move to the Mather Auditorium for a talk on “all things sparrow.” We’ll break for lunch (you’ll need to bring your own), after which we’ll head to Mile Rd. to try for Saltmarsh or Nelson’s Sparrows, or anything else, at high tide, and then continue on to Beach Plum Farm and possibly Ogunquit Beach.   At least that’s the plan!

This workshop is proudly sponsored by York County Audubon.  The cost is $10/person, payable by check or cash at the workshop.  But space is limited and advance reservations are required via this website!  Please register by going to the “event” page, which you can reach by clicking on the link for this event in the Calendar box on the right side of this page. Please bring lunch and snacks.  Hope you can join us.

 

Hawk ID Workshop – Sept 22nd on Mt. A! (rain date: Sept 29th)

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Late September is the time to be looking for migrating hawks!   YCA is collaborating with the Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region to present a workshop on Tuesday, September 22nd (with a rain date of Tuesday, September 29th) in the Learning Lodge atop beautiful Mount Agamenticus, an excellent spot to see the Fall raptor migration. The workshop will run from 10:00 a.m. till noon.  Then we’ll eat our bag lunches and step outside and see what the winds bring in and if the Broad-wings are kettling. It should be an exciting day.

The workshop leader is Katrina Felton, a biologist and naturalist who has worked as a counter for raptor migration projects in Maine and New Hampshire.  She will teach us about hawk migration and identification, as well as current ebird and hawk data.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. There is a $10 registration fee, payable at the door. Please register by going to the “event” page, which you can reach by clicking on the link for this event in the Calendar box on the right side of this page. Please bring lunch and snacks.

 

kettle - broad winged and swainsons   Hawk ID Northeast

Eyes Like a Hawk, a collaborative event with Mount Agamenticus Conservation Program (Mount A), Center for Wildlife (CFW) & York County Audubon (YCA) – Sunday, Sept 27th

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Join CFW, YCA, and Mount A for our popular raptor program to learn about different raptor species, their long migrations and why Mount A is a popular Hawk Watch site. Outdoor guided flyway viewing follows.

Program 10-11am in the Learning Lodge: CFW’s Emily Calhoun will present live raptor ambassadors and will have hands-on displays to provide helpful tips for spotting migrating birds this season and advice for how to keep them safe.

Emily Calhoun is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Center for Wildlife. She is a certified ProjectWILD Growing Up Wild educator, and in 2014 attended Audubon’s Environmental Educator training at the famed Hog Island. Emily also serves as a member of the “Gateway to Maine: Outside” Coalition, Friends of Mount Agamenticus Advisory Group, and is a Speaking for Wildlife volunteer with the UNH Cooperative Extension.

Outdoor flyway viewing 11am-1pm: Katrina Felton, sponsored by York County Audubon will be on hand to help spot any migrating raptors, offer tips for identification, and will have extra binoculars and spotting scopes to share.

Katrina Felton is a seasonal biologist/interpretive naturalist based out of northern New England. She has worked as the official counter for three raptor migration projects, covering spring migration in Maine and fall migration in New Hampshire. Katrina has also been trip leader for various birding groups, a naturalist on a Windjammer, and is a coordinator for New Hampshire’s young birder’s club, The Harriers.  YCA is sponsoring Katrina.

Open to all ages w/$7 suggested donation. Space is limited for the indoor portion and advance registration is required. FMI or to register, visit: www.yorkcenterforwildlife.org/news.htm.

A Trip through Time with the Birds of Lake Umbagog – September 15th

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A Trip through Time with the Birds of Lake Umbagog by biologist Bob Quinn of Merlin Enterprises Eco-tours.    See the dramatic scenery of this remote area as Bob discusses some fascinating changes in Umbagog’s bird life over the last 140 years.  William Brewster, the paragon of 19th century field ornithologists, description of Umbagog  “…like many a precious stone, has beauty and charm due to the effectiveness of its perfect setting ….” is still fitting.  The program will include information on the Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge and efforts to protect this dazzling northern lake and the surrounding forests.  This program is perfect for the wildlife enthusiast, birders, and anyone wanting to explore a little known corner of New England.  The program will be held in the Mather Auditorium at the Wells Reserve at 7 p.m.  Pictured below:  Black-backed woodpecker, Gray Jay and Lake Umbagog.

Umbagog Black backed - Copy   Umbagog gray jay - Copy

Umbagog image004       Umbagog image002 - Copy