Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Russell MountBIRD ENTHUSIASTS flocked to the Aroostook State Park, in Presque Isle, last year, spending the day watching and learning about various species. Pictured taking part in last year’s event, from left: Bill Hersey, Park Ranger Alan Cleaves and Bill Sheehan pointing out a bird to an unidentified female participant. This year’s Birding Festival is scheduled for June 13.
“This event is being offered at Maine’s first state park in scenic Aroostook County. The park is a wonderful area to host an event like this. It has good, accessible parking, amenities and exceptional bird habitat,” said Park Director Scott Thompson.
Thompson said over 100 species of birds make the park their home, including waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, gulls, owls, flycatchers, thrushes, warbler and sparrows.
“And especially woodpeckers. You can hear and see them everywhere,” said Thompson. “Hair, downy, pileated, three-toed and black-back woodpeckers have been located in the park.”
The event is open to the public and all advanced birders and anyone else who would like to learn more about birding is welcome.
“We have a number of activities planned. We’ll have scheduled morning bird walks, bird banding demonstrations, live bird displays, bird-calling demonstrations, educational programs and friendly people who will create a wonderful outdoor, wildlife experience,” said Thompson.
Featured guest lecturers include: Bill Sheehan, Jason Johnston, Arthur Howell, Dave Kelso and Linda Alverson.
“Bill is one of the top birders in northern Maine. Jason is assistant professor of wildlife ecology at UMPI and instructs an ornithology course and is federally certified to band birds. Arthur is CEO of the A.E. Howell Wildlife Conservation Center and Spruce Acres Refuge, located in Amity. Dave is a master guide and pro-staffer/researcher and animal behaviorist for Buck Expert Game Calls. Linda is executive director of the Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District and a longtime avid birder,” said Thompson.
The program is designed to attract individuals who may not normally visit the park.
“The whole approach is about coming up with new ideas. The program’s designed to attract people from away to help boost the local economy. It will bring visitors from away to the park, while at the same time helping the local economy. Hotels, motels, restaurants and shops will benefit, not just the park,” said Russell Mount, event organizer.
Mount said folks of all ages and interests are encouraged to take part in the festival.
“Admission is free for participants 4 years and younger and 65 and over. Those 5 to 11 pay $1. And folks 12 to 64 pay $2. Participants are encouraged to ‘BYOB’ — bring your own binoculars. They should also bring their own bird guide books and insect repellent,” said Mount, of Castle Hill.
In addition to the speakers Thompson discussed, Mount said Judith Roe would also be offering an optics demonstration.
Mount said with the slumping economy, state parks are an ideal place for family fun at an affordable price.
“It’s one of the County’s best-kept secrets — 800 acres of fun. There’s so much to do, with something for everyone, whether you’re hiking, swimming or just want to sit and fish,” said Mount.
Thompson said the Presque Isle facility is one of the few sites persons can see such a wide variety of birds in one place — one of the few locations that helps people see birds they may not see elsewhere.
“We’re planning to have a parabolic microphone which will be used to help people identify birds by their songs and spotting scopes to help spot some of the shy birds that will be off in the distance. We also will be providing a few binoculars to those that may not have them, though quantities are limited,” said Thompson.
Participants should be prepared for all types of weather, according to Thompson, as well as personal birding equipment, including spotting scopes and cameras.
The event is scheduled to run from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.parksandland.com, call 768-8341 or e-mail scott.p.thompson@maine.gov.
