York County Audubon

May 10-11, 2013 marks our 13th annual Birding Challenge fund-raiser. We began very humbly in 2001 by raising a grand total of $262 and peaked in 2007 with a total of $5,038 in donations from individuals and businesses.

Throughout many generous donors have supported us with contributions. Also the Birding Challenge has benefited from the dedication of YCAS members who have reached out to invite the community for its support.

Our purpose in raising funds is to reinvest them in environmental education, conservation, and research projects in York County. The National Audubon’s Seabird Restoration Project on Stratton Island has been a major recipient of our efforts and has helped to bolster populations of Arctic, Roseate, and Common Terns in Southern Maine. The Center for Wildlife in York, which offers educational programs throughout the county, has been another important recipient of our Birding Challenge funds. Other projects funded by the Birding Challenge have included The Nature Conservancy’s restoration of the boardwalk at the Saco Heath, the solar project at Kennebunk Middle School, and many land trusts throughout the county.

We will be carrying on our tradition again this May 10, 5pm – May 11, 5pm, and hope you’ll join us. We need team members, team captains, and fund raisers. The more eyes and ears out there, the better! The more birds we see, the more funds we raise, the more money we will have to disperse to York County conservation efforts. So consider how you can join in this important effort.

Please contact Linda Eastman at 286-9586 for more information.

The field trip to Thornhurst Farm has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Targets: Geese and more

Thornhurst Farm on Route 115 in North Yarmouth is just over the Yarmouth line and known as an annual stopover for hundreds of migrating geese.  Here’s a story on it from the Press Herald:  http://www.pressherald.com/archive/rare-geese-draw-crowds-to-maine_2009-11-03.html

Offered in cooperation with York Land Trust.

Leader: Lyman Page

We will be looking for returning migrants and breeding birds.

Directions: Take the York exit from Turnpike, Go to Rte 1 at the Stonewall Kitchen’s Light. From this light travel ~ 1 mile south on US Rt.1 to the Route 91. Turn right onto Route 91 and travel ~ 3 miles west to reach the Highland Farm Preserve Parking Lot.

Contact: Lyman Page 967-2391

Longtime summer resident Ken Janes retired here a year ago and has now combined his lifelong interest in birding and photography with daily walks in our membership area. Ken has a knack of capturing some stunning images of butterflies, dragonflies, mammals and many birds including a rarity that brought birders from far and wide to Kennebunk.

Held at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm. directions

Please Note: All are welcome to attend the YCAS board meeting, which will begin at 5pm before the member program.

Originally scheduled for March 19; postponed due to weather.

YCAS member, traveler, and birder Marie Jordan will help us vicariously experience Cuba and its birdlife. While her emphasis is on birds, we will also learn about the beautiful locations these unique birds are found, and get fascinating glimpses of the old city, American relic cars and the Cuban countryside.

Held at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm. directions

Please Note: All are welcome to attend the YCAS board meeting, which will begin at 5pm before the member program.

Leader: Bob and Anne Watson
Target: Upland Sandpiper, sparrows.

As described by Bob Duchesne in The Maine Birding Trail, “This remnant is home to breeding grassland species found almost nowhere else in the state, including Grasshopper and Vesper Sparrows, Upland Sandpiper, Prairie Warblers, Eastern Towhees, Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks and Brown Thrashers.”

Meet: Parking area along Route 99
Contact: Bob and Anne 251-1135

Leader: Joe Scott
Target: Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Meet: Store at intersection of Routes 113 and 160
Contact: Doug Hitchcox 671-0185